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Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc.

gfed · NASDAQ Financial Services
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Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 51-200
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FY2016 Annual Report · Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc.
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Annual 
Report
and Proxy 

2016

Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc.
2016 Annual Report

Investor Information

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS:  
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 6:00 p.m., 
local time, at the Guaranty Bank Operations Center, 1414 W. Elfindale St., Springfield, Missouri.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K:  
Copies of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the financial statements, filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission are available without charge upon written request to:  

Vicki Lindsay, Secretary
Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc., 
1341 W. Battlefield Rd., Springfield, MO  65807-4181

TRANSFER AGENT:  
Computershare Investor Services
PO Box 43078
Providence, RI 02940-3078

STOCK TRADING INFORMATION:  
Symbol: GFED

SPECIAL LEGAL COUNSEL:  
Husch Blackwell LLP
901 St. Louis St., Suite 1900
Springfield, MO  65806

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED 
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM:  
BKD, LLP
910 St. Louis St.
PO Box 1190
Springfield, MO  65801-1190

STOCKHOLDER AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Carter Peters, 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
417-520-4333

Company Overview

Branch Map

• Established in 1913, headquartered

in Springfield, Missouri

• 4th largest deposit market share in MSA

• 9 full-service branches

in the Springfield, Missouri MSA

• 24,000+ MoneyPass & TransFund ATMs

• Mortgage Loan Production Offices
in Marshfield and Joplin, Missouri

• Commercial Loan Production Office

in Joplin, Missouri

• New HQ and “Branch of the Future” 

planned in Springfield, Missouri (Q4/2017) 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS: 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

Balance Sheet (dollars in thousands)

Total Assets    

Total Loans    

Total Deposits    

Total Equity  

Profitability

Return on Average Assets  

Return on Average Equity  

Net Interest Margin    

Efficiency Ratio    

$ 687,980

540,457

505,363

69,974

0.83%

8.00%

3.35%

65.56%

IOWA

ILLINOIS

Kansas City

St. Louis

MISSOURI

KANSAS

Joplin

Springfield

OKLAHOMA

Branson

ARKANSAS

BRANCH LOCATIONS

1905 W. Kearney

2109 N. Glenstone

Springfield

1341 W. Battlefield

1510 E. Sunshine

2155 W. Republic

4343 S. National

1701 W. State   Hwy J

Hwy CC & Main

Nixa

Ozark

709 W. Mount   Vernon

Asset Quality

Nonperforming Assets/Total Assets   

1.64%

Joplin

2639 East 32nd Street
Suite R

Capital

Tangible Common Equity Ratio   

10.17%

Branch Locations (9)          Major Cities

Tangible Book Value per Common Share         $16.09 

The President’s Letter

DEAR  FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS:

Guaranty is dedicated to improving the financial well-being of those we serve. By combining deep expertise with a personal 
touch, we help our customers realize their goals by delivering advice, ideas and services that match their needs throughout 
their life’s journey. By continuously putting our customers first, we help families flourish, businesses become stronger, and 
communities prosper.

The banking industry continues to be intensely competitive and faces overcapacity in traditional branch distribution, rapidly 
changing customer expectations, new technologies and new non-bank competitors. Yet, we believe that what continues to 
make Guaranty successful is its community banking philosophy.  For decades, Guaranty’s customers have greatly valued their 
relationships with their local Guaranty contacts. Simply put, to the customer, there is no substitute for the “personal touch,” 
and we intend to be the bank that delivers it. To complement our high-touch philosophy we continue to implement technology 
enhancements to meet changing demands and broaden our customer base. In 2016 we expanded our merchant services 
offerings,  updated  our  bill  pay  and  mobile  banking  platforms,  and  rolled-out Apple,  Samsung  and Android  electronic  pay 
solutions. To protect against the increasing cyber-crime threat, we transitioned all debit cards to EMV chip-enabled technology 
and started providing real-time fraud watch on all accounts. 

Our approach is working as we achieved another consistent year in 2016. We will provide a few highlights here, but we invite 
you to review our detailed information in this Annual Report and our 2016 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission.  Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $5.59 million, or $1.27 per diluted common share. Return 
on average assets was .83%, net interest margin was 3.35%, and return on average common equity was 8.00%. The 
Company ended the year with assets of $687.98 million, up 5.4% from the previous year end. Capital continued to be strong 
with stockholder’s equity of $69.97 million, or 10.17% of assets, equivalent to a book value of $16.09 per common share.

In  2016,  the  U.S.  economy  showed  steady  growth  with  low  interest  rates,  increasing  consumer  confidence  and  lower 
unemployment rates. Hopes were raised with the November election for corporate tax reform and relief from overregulation 
that created a positive environment for financial markets. These developments combined with our stable financial performance 
for 2016 resulted in extraordinary returns for our shareholders as we realized a one-year total return of 41.68% on our common 
stock. This compared favorably to the industry as the total return for the SNL U.S. Bank Index was 26.35%.    

We believe that steady economic expansion, overall higher interest rates and more thoughtful regulation will create a strong 
operating environment for banks in 2017.  In 2016, as part of our strategic focus on growth, we expanded our footprint with 
the June opening of a new loan production office in Joplin, Missouri. We also broke ground on our 10th banking facility in 
Springfield, and we launched a new look for our 103 year-old brand. Our new logo features a more modern eagle image that is 
bright blue in color and the tag line “Your Life. Your Money. Your Bank.” which signifies our customer-centric focus. 

While economic, competitive and regulatory landscapes change over time, Guaranty’s goal of helping clients achieve financial 
success  remains  unchanged. The  capability  to  offer  a full  range  of  products  and  services,  while  also  providing  exceptional 
“know-how”, continues to make our bank unique. As such, we are confident in our ability to further deliver exceptional service 
to clients and profitable growth to you, our shareholders, in 2017 and beyond.

Sincerely,

Shaun A. Burke
President & Chief Executive Officer 
Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc.

OUR COMMUNITY 
BANK CULTURE

Choice Employer
• Value employee 
  contribution and 
  perspective

• Provide development 
  to reach full potential

Authentic Culture 
and Values

• Foster communication, 
  collaboration, 
  accountability, trust 
  and respect

• Moments of Magic 
  world-class customer 
  service

Shared Vision

• Simple, powerful strategic 
  blueprint for success

Relationship 
Banking Focus

• Thriving communities 
  need community banks

TOTAL ASSETS ($M)

  700.0

  680.0

  660.0

  640.0

  620.0

  600.0

  580.0

2013Y

2014Y 2015Y 2016Y

NET INCOME AVAILABLE 
TO COMMON 
SHAREHOLDERS ($M)

5.7

5.6

5.4

2014Y

2015Y

2016Y

TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE 
(TBV) PER SHARE

TBV ($)
  16.00

TBV / Share ($)

TBV (%)
  200.00

  15.50

  15.00

  14.50

  14.00

  13.50

  13.00

  12.50

  12.00

  11.50

Price / TBV (%)

132

100

93

78

2013Y

2014Y 2015Y 2016Y

  180.00

  160.00

  140.00

  120.00

  100.00

  80.00

  60.00

  40.00

  20.00

0.00

TOTAL 1-YEAR 
SHAREHOLDER RETURN

GFED (+41.68%)

SNL U.S. Bank (+26.35%)

  40.00

  30.00

%
  20.00
N
R
U
T
E
R
  10.00
L
A
T
O
T

0.00

  (10.00)

  (20.00)

12/31/15

3/31/16

6/30/16

9/30/16 12/31/16

SNL U.S. Bank: Includes all Major Exchange 
(NYSE, NYSE MKT, NASDAQ) Banks in 
SNL’s coverage universe.

TOTAL 3-YEAR 
SHAREHOLDER RETURN

GFED (+101.88%)

SNL U.S. Bank (+43.65%)

  120.00

  100.00

%
  80.00
N
R
U
T
E
R
  60.00
L
A
T
O
T
  40.00

  20.00

0.00

2013Y

2014Y

2015Y

2016Y

SNL U.S. Bank: Includes all Major Exchange 
(NYSE, NYSE MKT, NASDAQ) Banks in 
SNL’s coverage universe.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 

FORM 10-K 

[ X ]     ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the fiscal year ended                                                December 31, 2016                                                       

- or - 

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

For the transition period from                                                             to ______________________________ 

Commission File Number:     0-23325  

GUARANTY FEDERAL BANCSHARES, INC. 
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) 

Delaware 
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation 
or Organization) 

1341 West Battlefield, Springfield, Missouri 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) 

43-1792717 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 

65807 
(Zip Code) 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (417) 520-4333 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of Class 
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share 

Exchange on which Registered 
NASDAQ Global Market 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:        None 

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 Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and 
(2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   X      No        

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive 
Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes   X   No        

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of 
the Exchange Act. (Check one):  

Large accelerated file ___ 
Smaller reporting company   X    

Accelerated filer ___ 

Non-accelerated filer ___ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ____ No   X   
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the average 
bid and asked prices of the registrant's Common Stock as quoted on the Global Market of The NASDAQ Stock Market on June 30, 2016 
(the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter) was $63.3 million. As of March 15, 2017 there were 
4,421,275 shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding. 

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”) to be held on May 24, 2017 (Part III). 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

FORM 10-K 
 
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
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FORM 10-KGUARANTY FEDERAL BANCSHARES, INC. 

Form 10-K 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PART I 

   Page 

Item 

    1 

Business ...................................................................................................................................................    4 

    1A 

Risk Factors .............................................................................................................................................    29 

    1B 

Unresolved Staff Comments ....................................................................................................................    38 

    2 

    3 

    4 

5 

    6 

    7 

Properties .................................................................................................................................................    38 

Legal Proceedings ....................................................................................................................................    39 

Mine Safety Disclosures ..........................................................................................................................    39 

PART II 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 
Securities ................................................................................................................................................. 

40 

Selected Financial Data ...........................................................................................................................    43 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ...................    44 

    7A 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk .................................................................    55 

    8 

    9 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ........................................................................................    57 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ..................    99 

    9A 

Controls and Procedures ..........................................................................................................................    99 

    9B 

Other Information ....................................................................................................................................    100 

PART III 

    10 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance .......................................................................    101 

    11 

Executive Compensation .........................................................................................................................    101 

    12 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder  
Matters ..................................................................................................................................................... 

101 

    13 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence .........................................    102 

    14 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services ..................................................................................................    102 

    15 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules ...........................................................................................    102 

Signatures     

PART IV 

FORM 10-K 
 
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
      
   
   
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FORM 10-KItem 1.    Business 

Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. 

PART I 

Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) is a Delaware-
chartered corporation that was formed in September 1997. The Company became a unitary savings and loan holding company 
for Guaranty Federal Savings Bank, a federal savings bank (the "Bank") on December 30, 1997, in connection with a plan of 
conversion  and  reorganization  involving  the  Bank  and  its  then  existing  mutual  holding  company.  The  mutual  holding 
company structure had been created in April 1995 at which time more than a majority of the shares of the Bank were issued 
to the mutual holding company and the remaining shares were sold in a public offering. In connection with the conversion 
and reorganization on December 30, 1997, the shares of the Bank held by the mutual holding company were extinguished 
along with the mutual holding company, and the shares of the Bank held by the public were exchanged for shares of the 
Company. All of the shares of the Bank which remained outstanding after the conversion are owned by the Company.  

On June 27, 2003, the Bank converted from a federal savings bank to a state-chartered trust company with banking 
powers in Missouri, and the Company became a bank holding company. On this date, the name of the Bank was changed 
from Guaranty Federal Savings Bank to Guaranty Bank. The primary activity of the Company is to oversee its investment in 
the  Bank.  The  Company  engages  in  few  other  activities.  For  this  reason,  unless  otherwise  specified,  references  to  the 
Company include operations of the Bank. Further, information in a chart or table based on Bank only data is identical to or 
immaterially different from information that would be provided on a consolidated basis. In addition to the Bank, the Company 
owns Guaranty Statutory Trust I and Guaranty Statutory Trust II, both Delaware statutory trusts. 

At December 31, 2016, the Company’s consolidated assets  were $688.0 million, net loans were $540.5 million, 
deposits were $505.4 million and total stockholders’ equity was $70.0 million. See Item 6 “Selected Financial Data” for 
further details regarding the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the previous five fiscal years.  

Guaranty Bank 

The Bank's principal business has been, and continues to be, attracting retail deposits from the general public and 
investing  those  deposits,  together  with  funds  generated  from  operations,  in  commercial  real  estate  loans,  multi-family 
residential mortgage loans, construction loans, permanent one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, business, consumer 
and other loans. The Bank also invests in mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Government and federal agency securities and 
other marketable securities. The Bank's revenues are derived principally from interest on its loans and other investments and 
fees charged for services provided, and gains generated from sales of loans and investment securities, and the Bank’s results 
of operations are primarily dependent on net interest margin, which is the difference between interest income on interest-
earning  assets  and  interest  expense  on  interest-bearing  liabilities.  The  Bank's  primary  sources  of  funds  are:  deposits; 
borrowings; amortization and prepayments of loan principal; and amortizations, prepayments and maturities of investment 
securities. 

The Bank is regulated by the Missouri Division of Finance (“MDF”) and its deposits are insured by the Deposit 
Insurance  Fund  of  the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation  (the  "FDIC").  See  discussion  under  section  captioned 
“Supervision and Regulation” in this Item 1. The Bank is a member of the FHLB of Des Moines, which is one of 11 regional 
Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLB”).  

Internet Website 

The Company’s internet website address is www.gbankmo.com. The information contained on that website is not 
included as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company makes available 
through its website its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and 
any  amendments  to  these  reports  as  soon  as  reasonably  practicable  after  they  are  electronically  filed  or  furnished  to  the 
Securities and Exchange Commission. These materials are also available free of charge (other than a user's regular internet 
access charges) on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov.      

4 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
 
Market Area 

The  Bank's  primary  market  areas  are  Greene  and  Christian  Counties,  which  are  in  the  southwestern  corner  of 
Missouri and includes the cities of Springfield, Nixa and Ozark, Missouri (our “Market Area”). The major components of the 
local economy are service industries, education, retail, light manufacturing and health care. There is a significant regional 
health care presence with two large regional hospitals. There also are four accredited colleges and one major university. Part 
of the area’s growth can be attributed to its proximity to Branson, Missouri, which has developed a strong tourism industry 
related to country music and entertainment. Branson is located 30 miles south of Springfield, and attracts between five and 
six  million  tourists  each  year,  many  of whom  pass  through  Springfield.  The  Bank  also  has a  Loan  Production  Office  in 
Webster County, Missouri and Jasper County, Missouri.  

Lending Activities 

Like  many  commercial  banks  in  our  market,  our  loan  portfolio  is  comprised  of  different  types  of  industries. 
However, real estate lending is a significant portion of our business and accounted for more than 82% of our loan portfolio 
by value as of December 31, 2016. Set forth below is selected data relating to the composition of the Bank’s loan portfolio 
at the dates indicated:  

2016 

2015 

As of December 31, 
2014 

2013 

2012 

$  

     %          

 $ 

     %          

$  

     %          

$  

     %          

$  

     %     

(Dollars in Thousands) 

Mortgage loans 
(includes loans 
held for sale):  
One to four  
family  ...............   $  108,594       
48,483       
40,912       

Multi-family  .......     
Construction  .......     
Commercial real 
estate  .................      249,581       

Total mortgage 

loans  ...................      447,570       
 Commercial 

business loans  ...     
Consumer loans  ..     

75,405       
23,606       

Total consumer and 

20%   $  100,160       
41,604       
9%     
45,463       
7%     

20%   $  99,116      
33,786      
8%     
36,785      
9%     

20%   $  94,422      
46,188      
7%     
43,266      
7%     

20%   $  102,225      
46,405      
10%     
48,917      
9%     

21% 
10% 
10% 

46%      208,824       

42%      215,605      

44%      179,079      

38%      167,761      

35% 

82%      396,051       

79%      385,292      

78%      362,955      

77%      365,308      

77% 

14%     
4%     

81,007       
21,992       

16%     
4%     

92,114      
17,246      

19%     
3%     

92,722      
17,303      

20%     
4%     

95,227      
16,717      

20% 
4% 

99,011       

other loans  ..........     

23% 
Total loans  ............      546,581        100%      499,050        100%      494,652       100%      472,980       100%      477,252       100% 
Less:  
Deferred loan 

21%      109,360      

23%      111,944      

18%      102,999       

22%      110,025      

fees/costs, net  ...     

382   

Allowance for loan 

losses  ................     

5,742   

333   

5,812   

262  

6,589  

175  

7,802  

136  

8,740  

Total Loans, net  ....   $  540,457       

      $  492,905       

      $  487,801      

      $  465,003      

      $  468,376      

5 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
     
     
  
  
    
  
  
  
      
        
         
        
         
        
         
        
         
        
  
      
        
         
        
         
        
         
        
         
        
  
    
   
    
    
   
    
    
   
    
    
   
    
    
   
    
   
    
    
   
    
    
   
    
    
   
    
    
   
   
  
  
 
 
The following table sets forth the maturity of the Bank's loan portfolio as of December 31, 2016. The table shows 
loans  that  have  adjustable  rates  as  due  in  the  period  during  which  they  contractually  mature.  The  table  does  not  include 
prepayments or scheduled principal amortization.   

Loan Maturities  

   Due in One 
Year or Less  

Due After 
One Through 
Five Years  

     Due After 
Five Years  

(Dollars in thousands) 

One to four family  ...............................................   $ 
Multi-family  ........................................................     
Construction  ........................................................     
Commercial real estate  ........................................     
Commercial loans  ................................................     
Consumer loans  ...................................................     
Total loans (1)  ..................................................   $ 

Less:  
Deferred loan fees/costs  ......................................     
Allowance for loan losses  ...................................     
Loans receivable net  ............................................     

(1) Includes mortgage loans held for sale of $2,183  

14,336    $ 
4,979      
23,480      
23,141      
26,243      
9,719      
101,898    $ 

48,589     $ 
28,172       
12,484       
118,557       
32,208       
6,801       
246,811     $ 

45,669     $ 
15,332       
4,948       
107,883       
16,954       
7,086       
197,872     $ 

     $ 

Total  

108,594   
48,483   
40,912   
249,581   
75,405   
23,606   
546,581   

382   
5,742   
540,457   

The following table sets forth the dollar amount, before deductions for unearned discounts, deferred loan fees/costs 
and allowance for loan losses, as of December 31, 2016 of all loans due after December 2017, which have pre-determined 
interest rates and which have adjustable interest rates. 

Fixed Rates  

Adjustable 
Rates  
Total  
(Dollars in Thousands) 

% 
Adjustable  

One to four family ........................................................   $ 
Multi-family .................................................................     
Construction .................................................................     
Commercial real estate .................................................     
Commercial loans .........................................................     
Consumer loans ............................................................     
Total loans (1) ..............................................................   $ 

57,934     $ 
24,068       
12,165       
140,276      
16,504       
2,090       
253,037    $ 

36,324     $ 
19,436       
5,267       
86,164       
32,658       
11,797       
191,646     $ 

94,258       
43,504       
17,432       
226,440       
49,162       
13,887       
444,683       

39% 
45% 
30% 
38% 
66% 
85% 
43% 

(1) Before deductions for unearned discounts, deferred loan fees/costs and allowances for loan losses. 

Commercial Real Estate Loans. As of December 31, 2016, the Bank had commercial real estate loans totaling 
$250.0 million or 46% of the Bank's total loan portfolio. Commercial real estate loans are generally originated in amounts up 
to 80% of the appraised value of the mortgaged property. The majority of the Bank’s commercial real estate loans have been 
originated with adjustable rates of interest, the majority of which are quoted at a spread to the Wall Street Prime rate for the 
initial fixed rate period with subsequent adjustments at a spread to the Wall Street Prime rate. The Bank's commercial real 
estate loans are generally permanent loans secured by improved property such as office buildings, retail stores, small shopping 
centers, medical offices, motels, churches and other non-residential buildings.  

To originate commercial real estate loans, the Bank generally requires a mortgage and security interest in the subject 
real estate, personal guarantees of the principals, a security interest in the related personal property, and a standby assignment 
of rents and leases. The Bank has established its loan-to-one borrower limitation, which was $22.7 million as of December 
31, 2016, as its maximum commercial real estate loan amount.  

6 

FORM 10-K 
  
    
    
  
  
  
  
      
        
        
        
  
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
  
  
  
  
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
Loans secured by commercial real estate are generally larger and involve a greater degree of risk than residential 
mortgage loans. Because payments on loans secured by commercial real estate are often dependent on successful operation 
or management of the properties, repayment of such loans may be subject, to a greater extent, to adverse conditions in the 
real  estate  market  or  the  economy.  The  Bank  seeks  to  minimize  these  risks  by  careful  underwriting,  requiring  personal 
guarantees, lending only to established customers and borrowers otherwise known by the Bank, and generally restricting such 
loans to its primary Market Area. 

As of December 31, 2016, the Bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio included approximately $7.5 million, or 
1.4%  in  loans  to  develop  land  into  residential  lots.  The  Bank  utilizes  its  knowledge  of  the  local  market  conditions  and 
appraisals to evaluate the development cost and estimate projected lot prices and absorption rates to assess loans on residential 
subdivisions. The Bank typically loans up to 75% of the appraised value over terms up to two years. Development loans 
generally involve a greater degree of risk than residential mortgage loans because (1) the funds are advanced upon the security 
of the land which has a materially lower value prior to completion of the infrastructure required of a subdivision, (2) the cash 
flow available for debt repayment is a function of the sale of the individual lots, and (3) the amount of interest required to 
service the debt is a function of the time required to complete the development and sell the lots. 

Commercial Business Loans. As of December 31, 2016, the Bank had commercial business loans totaling $75.4 
million or 14% of the Bank's total loan portfolio. Commercial business loans are generally secured by business assets, such 
as accounts receivable, equipment and inventory. Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis 
of the borrower's ability to make repayment from his or her employment and other income and which are secured by real 
property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial business loans are of higher risk and typically are 
made on the basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower's business. As a result, the 
availability of funds for the repayment of commercial business loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the 
business  itself.  Further,  the  collateral  securing  the  loans may  depreciate  over  time,  may  be difficult  to  appraise  and  may 
fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. The Bank expects to continue to expand its commercial business 
lending as opportunities present themselves. 

One- to Four-Family Mortgage Loans. The Bank offers fixed- and adjustable-rate (“ARM”) first mortgage loans 
secured by one- to four-family residences in the Bank's primary lending area. Typically, such residences are single family 
homes that serve as the primary residence of the owner. However, there are a number of loans originated by the Bank which 
are secured by non-owner occupied properties. Loan originations are generally obtained from existing or past customers, 
members of the local community, attorney referrals, established builders and realtors within our Market Area. Originated 
mortgage loans in the Bank's portfolio include due-on-sale clauses which provide the Bank with the contractual right to deem 
the loan immediately due and payable in the event that the borrower transfers ownership of the property without the Bank's 
consent. 

As of December 31, 2016, $108.6 million or 20% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio consisted of one- to four-family 
residential loans. The Bank currently offers ARM and balloon loans that have fixed interest rate periods of one to seven years. 
Generally, ARM loans provide for limits on the maximum interest rate adjustment ("caps") that can be made at the end of 
each applicable period and throughout the duration of the loan. ARM loans are originated for a term of up to 30 years on 
owner-occupied  properties  and  generally  up  to  25  years  on  non-owner  occupied  properties.  Typically,  interest  rate 
adjustments are calculated based on U.S. treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year (CMT), plus a 2.50% 
to 2.75% margin. Interest rates charged on fixed-rate loans are competitively priced based on market conditions and the cost 
of funds existing at the time the loan is committed. The Bank's fixed-rate mortgage loans are made for terms of 15 to 30 years 
which are currently being sold on the secondary market.  

Generally, ARM loans pose credit risks different from the risks inherent in fixed-rate loans, primarily because as 
interest rates rise, the underlying payments of the borrower rise, thereby increasing the potential for default. At the same time, 
the marketability of the underlying property may be adversely affected by higher interest rates. The Bank does not originate 
ARM loans that provide for negative amortization. 

The  Bank  generally  originates  both  owner  occupied  and  non-owner  occupied  one-  to  four-family  residential 
mortgage loans in amounts up to 80% of the appraised value or the selling price of the mortgaged property, whichever is 
lower. The Bank on occasion may make loans up to 95% of appraised value or the selling price of the mortgage property, 
whichever is lower. However, the Bank typically requires private mortgage insurance for the excess amount over 80% for 
mortgage loans with loan to value percentages greater than 80%.  

7 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Multi-Family Mortgage Loans. The Bank originates multi-family mortgage loans in its primary lending area. As 
of December 31, 2016, $48.5 million or 9% of the Bank's total loan portfolio consisted of multi-family residential real estate 
loans. With regard to multi-family mortgage loans, the Bank generally requires personal guarantees of the principals as well 
as a security interest in the real estate. Multi-family mortgage loans are generally originated in amounts of up to 80% of the 
appraised value of the property. A portion of the Bank’s multi-family mortgage loans have been originated with adjustable 
rates  of  interest  which  are quoted  at  a  spread  to  the  FHLB  advance rate for  the  initial  fixed rate  period  with  subsequent 
adjustments based on the Wall Street prime rate. The loan-to-one-borrower limitation, $22.7 million as of December 31, 
2016, is the maximum the Bank will lend on a multi-family residential real estate loan.  

Loans secured by multi-family residential real estate generally involve a greater degree of credit risk than one- to 
four-family residential mortgage loans and carry larger loan balances. This increased credit risk is a result of several factors, 
including  the  concentration  of  principal  in  a  limited  number  of  loans  and  borrowers,  the  effects  of  general  economic 
conditions on income producing properties, and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these types of loans. 
Furthermore, the repayment of loans secured by multi-family residential real estate is typically dependent upon the successful 
operation of the related real estate property. If the cash flow from the project is reduced, the borrower's ability to repay the 
loan may be impaired. 

Construction Loans. As of December 31, 2016, construction loans totaled $41.0 million or 7% of the Bank's total 
loan  portfolio.  Construction  loans  originated  by  the  Bank  are  generally  secured  by  permanent  mortgage  loans  for  the 
construction of owner-occupied residential real estate or to finance speculative construction secured by residential real estate 
or owner-operated commercial real estate. This portion of the Bank’s loan portfolio consists of speculative loans, i.e., loans 
to builders who are speculating that they will be able to locate a purchaser for the underlying property prior to or shortly after 
the time construction has been completed.  

Construction loans are made to contractors who have sufficient financial strength and a proven track record, for the 
purpose of resale, as well as on a "pre-sold" basis. Construction loans made for the purpose of resale generally provide for 
interest only payments at floating rates and have terms of six months to fifteen months. Construction loans for speculative 
purposes, models, and commercial properties typically have loan to value ratios of up to 80%. Loan proceeds are disbursed 
in increments as construction progresses and as inspections warrant.  

Construction lending by its nature entails significant additional risks as compared with one-to four-family mortgage 
lending, attributable primarily to the fact that funds are advanced upon the security of the project under construction prior to 
its  completion.  As  a  result,  construction  lending  often  involves  the  disbursement  of  substantial  funds  with  repayment 
dependent on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay the loan. Because of 
these factors, the analysis of the prospective construction loan projects requires an expertise that is different in significant 
respects from that which is required for residential mortgage lending. The Bank attempts to address these risks through its 
underwriting and construction monitoring procedures. 

Consumer  and  Other  Loans.  The  Bank  also  offers  consumer  loans,  primarily  consisting  of  loans  secured  by 
certificates of deposit, automobiles, boats and home equity loans. As of December 31, 2016, the Bank has such loans totaling 
$23.6 million or 4% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio. The Bank expects to continue to expand its consumer lending as 
opportunities present themselves. 

Director and Insider loans. Management believes that loans to Directors and Officers are prudent and within the 
normal course of business. These loans reflect normal credit terms and represent no more collection risk than any other loan 
in the portfolio.  

Delinquencies, Non-Performing and Problem Assets. 

Delinquent Loans. As of December 31, 2016, the Bank has ten loans 90 days or more past due with a principal 
balance of $733,562 and two loans between 30 and 89 days past due with an aggregate principal balance of $862,718. The 
Bank generally does not accrue interest on loans past due more than 90 days. 

8 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
The following table sets forth the Bank's loans that were accounted for on a non-accrual basis or 90 days or more 

delinquent at the dates indicated.  

Delinquency Summary  

Loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis 
or contractually past due 90 days or more  

Mortgage Loans:  

One to four family  .........................................   $ 
Multi-family  ..................................................     
Construction  ..................................................     
Commercial real estate  ..................................     

Non-mortgage loans:  

Commercial loans  ..........................................     
Consumer and other loans  .............................     

Total non-accrual loans  ..............................     

Accruing loans which are contractually past 
maturity or past due 90 days or more:  

Mortgage Loans:  

One to four family  .........................................     
Multi-family  ..................................................     
Construction  ..................................................     
Commercial real estate  ..................................     

Non-mortgage loans:  

Commercial loans  ..........................................     
Consumer and other loans  .............................     

Total past maturity or past due accruing 

loans  .......................................................     

Total accounted for on a non-accrual basis or 

contractually past maturity or 90 days or more 
past due  ...........................................................   $ 

Total accounted for on a non-accrual basis or 

contractually past maturity or 90 days or more 
past due as a percentage of net loans  ..............     

Total accounted for on a non-accrual basis or 

contractually past maturity or 90 days or more 
past due as a percentage of total assets  ...........     

2016  

As of 
December 31, 
2014  
(Dollars in Thousands) 

2015  

2013  

2012  

2,060    $ 
-      
5,447      
162      
7,669      

925      
38      
963      
8,632      

2,272     $ 
-      
8,080       
1,241       
11,593       

2,149       
13       
2,162       
13,755       

911     $ 
-      
2,893       
460       
4,264       

1,027       
-      
1,027       
5,291       

816    $ 
-      
4,530      
3,663      
9,009      

6,776      
63      
6,839      
15,848      

2,281   
-  
6,274   
3,664   
12,219   

2,793   
319   
3,112   
15,331   

-      
-      
-      
-      
-      

-      
-      
-      

-      

-      
-      
-      
-      
-      

-      
-      
-      

-      

-      
-      
-      
-      
-      

-      
-      
-      

-      

-      
-      
-      
-      
-      

-      
-      
-      

-      

-  
-  
-  
-  
-  

-  
-  
-  

-  

8,632    $ 

13,755     $ 

5,291     $ 

15,848    $ 

15,331   

1.60%    

2.79%    

1.08%    

3.41%    

3.27% 

1.25%    

2.11%    

0.84%    

2.56%    

2.32% 

Non-Performing Assets. Loans are reviewed on a regular basis and are placed on non-accrual status when, in the 
opinion of management, the collection of all interest at contractual rates becomes doubtful. As part of such review, mortgage 
loans are placed on non-accrual status generally when either principal or interest is more than 90 days past due, or when other 
circumstances indicate the collection of principal or interest is in doubt. Interest accrued and unpaid at the time a loan is 
placed on non-accrual status is charged against interest income. 

Real estate acquired by the Bank as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is deemed a foreclosed 
asset held for sale until such time as it is sold. When a foreclosed asset held for sale is acquired it is recorded at its estimated 
fair value, less estimated selling expenses. Valuations of such foreclosed assets are periodically performed by management, 
and any subsequent decline in estimated fair value is charged to operations. 

9 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
      
        
        
        
        
  
      
        
        
        
        
  
  
    
      
        
        
        
        
  
  
    
      
        
        
        
        
  
      
        
        
        
        
  
  
    
      
        
        
        
        
  
  
    
  
  
    
The following table shows the principal amount of non-performing assets (i.e. loans that are not performing under 
regulatory guidelines) and all foreclosed assets, including assets acquired in settlement of loans and the resulting impact on 
interest income for the periods then ended.   

Non-Performing Assets  

Non-accrual loans:  
Mortgage loans:  

2016 

2015 

As of 
December 31, 
2014  
(Dollars in Thousands) 

2013  

2012  

One to four family  ........................................    $ 
Multi-family  .................................................      
Construction  .................................................      
Commercial real estate  .................................      

Non-mortgage loans:  

Commercial loans  .........................................      
Consumer and other loans  ............................      

Total non-accrual loans  .............................     

Real estate and other assets acquired in 

2,060     $ 
-       
5,447       
162       
7,669       

925       
38       
963       
8,632       

2,272      $ 
-       
8,080        
1,241        
11,593        

2,149        
13        
2,162        
13,755        

911      $ 
-       
2,893        
460        
4,264        

1,027        
-       
1,027        
5,291        

816     $ 
-       
4,530       
3,663       
9,009       

6,776       
63       
6,839       
15,848       

2,281   
-  
6,274   
3,664   
12,219   

2,793   
319   
3,112   
15,331   

settlement of loans  ........................................      
Total non-performing assets  .............................    $ 

2,682       
11,314     $ 

2,392        
16,147      $ 

3,165        
8,456      $ 

3,822       
19,670     $ 

4,530   
19,861   

Total non-accrual loans as a percentage of net 

loans  ..............................................................      

1.60%     

2.79%     

1.08%     

3.41%     

3.27% 

Total non-performing assets as a percentage of 

total assets  .....................................................      

1.64%     

2.47%     

1.35%     

3.17%     

3.01% 

Impact on interest income for the period:  
Interest income that would have been recorded 

on non-accruing loans  ...................................    $ 

90     $ 

573      $ 

337      $ 

572     $ 

484   

Problem  Assets.  Federal  regulations  require  that  the  Bank  review  and  classify  its  assets  on  a  regular  basis  to 
determine those assets considered to be of lesser quality. In addition, in connection with examinations of insured institutions, 
bank examiners have authority to identify problem assets and, if appropriate, require them to be classified. There are three 
classifications  for  problem  assets:  substandard,  doubtful,  and  loss.  "Substandard  assets"  must  have  one  or  more  defined 
weaknesses  and  are  characterized  by  the  distinct  possibility  that  the  insured  institution  will  sustain  some  loss  if  the 
deficiencies are not corrected. "Doubtful assets" have the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic 
that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values highly 
questionable, and improbable. An asset classified "loss" is considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance 
as an asset of the institution is not warranted. The regulations have also created a “special mention” category, described as 
assets  which  do  not  currently  expose  an  insured  institution  to  a  sufficient  degree  of  risk  to  warrant  classification  but  do 
possess credit deficiencies or potential weaknesses deserving management's close attention. Federal regulations require the 
Bank to establish general allowances for loan losses from assets classified as substandard or doubtful. If an asset or portion 
thereof is classified as loss, the insured institution must either establish specific allowances for loan losses in the amount of 
100% of the portion of the asset classified loss or charge off such amount. A portion of general loss allowances established 
to cover possible losses related to assets classified substandard or doubtful may be included in determining an institution's 
regulatory capital. 

For management purposes, the Bank also designates certain loans for additional attention. Such loans are called 
“Special Mention” and have identified weaknesses, that if the situation deteriorates, the loans would merit a substandard 
classification. 

10 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
     
     
  
  
  
      
         
         
         
         
  
  
    
      
         
         
         
         
  
  
    
  
      
         
         
         
         
  
      
         
         
         
         
  
  
  
  
 
 
The following table shows the aggregate amounts of the Bank's classified assets as of December 31, 2016.   

   Special Mention 
   Number      Amount       Number      Amount       Number      Amount       Number      Amount    
(Dollars in Thousands) 

Substandard 

Doubtful 

Total 

Loans:  

One to four family .............     
Multi-family ......................     
Construction ......................     
Commercial real estate ......     
Commercial .......................     
Consumer and Other ..........     
Total loans .............................     
Foreclosed assets held-for-

sale:  
One to four family .............     
Land and other assets .........     
Total foreclosed assets ..........     
Total  ..................................     

2     $  2,591       
-      
-      
-      
-      
5,922       
4       
4,503       
2       
-      
-      
8        13,016       

-       
5       
8       
12       
6       

32     $  3,453       
-      
5,447       
1,459       
1,225       
226       
63        11,810       

-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
8     $  13,016       

1,078       
4       
1,604       
6       
10       
2,682       
73     $  14,492       

-    $ 
-      
-      
-      
3       
-      
3       

-      
-      
-      
3     $ 

-      
-      
-      
-      
584       
-      
584       

-      
-      
-      
584       

34     $  6,044   
-  
-      
5,447   
5       
7,381   
12      
6,312   
17       
226   
6       
74        25,410   

1,078   
4       
1,604   
6       
10       
2,682   
84     $  28,092   

Allowance for Loan Losses and Provision for Loan Losses 

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses based on management's evaluation 
of the risk inherent in its loan portfolio and the general economy. Such evaluation, which includes a review of all loans on 
which  full  collectability  may  not  be  reasonably  assured,  considers  among  other  matters,  the  estimated  fair  value  of  the 
underlying  collateral,  economic  conditions,  historical  loan  loss  experience,  and  other  factors  that  warrant  recognition  in 
providing for an adequate loan loss allowance. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination 
process,  periodically  review  the  Bank's  allowance  for  loan  losses  and  valuation  of  foreclosed  assets  held  for  sale.  Such 
agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available 
to them at the time of their examination. 

As  of  December  31,  2016,  the  Bank's  total  allowance  for  loan  losses  was  $5.7  million  or  1.06%  of  gross  loans 
outstanding (excluding mortgage loans held for sale), a decrease of $69,491 from December 31, 2015. The Bank experienced 
loan charge offs in excess of recoveries as management charged off specific loans that had been previously identified and 
classified as impaired. This allowance reflects not only management's determination to maintain an allowance for loan losses 
consistent with regulatory expectations for non-performing or problem assets, but also reflects the regional economy and the 
Bank's policy of evaluating the risks inherent in its loan portfolio.  

Management records a provision for loan losses to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a level considered 
adequate based on the Bank’s internal analysis and methodology. During 2016, the Bank recorded a provision for loan loss 
expense, as shown in the table below. Management anticipates the need to continue adding to the allowance through charges 
to provision for loan losses as growth in the loan portfolio or other circumstances warrant. 

11 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
  
      
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
  
      
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
The following tables set forth certain information concerning the Bank's allowance for loan losses for the periods 

indicated. 

Allowance for Loan Losses  

2016 

2015 

Beginning balance  .........................................   $ 
Gross loan charge offs  
Mortgage Loans:  

One to four family  .......................................     
Multi-family  ................................................     
Construction  ................................................     
Commercial real estate  ................................     

Non-mortgage loans:  

Commercial loans  ........................................     
Consumer and other loans  ...........................     

Total charge offs  ......................................     

Recoveries  
Mortgage Loans:  

One to four family  .......................................     
Multi-family  ................................................     
Construction  ................................................     
Commercial real estate  ................................     

Non-mortgage loans:  

Commercial loans  ........................................     
Consumer and other loans  ...........................     

Total recoveries  ........................................     
Net loan charge-offs  ......................................     
Provision charged to expense  ..........................     
Ending balance  ..............................................   $ 

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average 

5,812     $ 

(47)      
-       
(1,222)      
(69)      
(1,338)      

(171)      
(190)      
(361)      
(1,699)      

34       
-       
91       
32       
157       

8       
89       
97       
254       
(1,445)      
1,375       
5,742     $ 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2014 
(Dollars in Thousands) 
7,802      $ 

6,589      $ 

2013  

2012  

8,740      $ 

10,613   

(99)      
-       
(1,233)      
-       
(1,332)      

-       
(119)      
(119)      
(1,451)      

20        
-       
10        
-       
30        

4        
40        
44        
74        
(1,377)      
600        
5,812      $ 

(127)      
-       
(411)      
(9)      
(547)      

(2,018)      
(150)      
(2,168)      
(2,715)      

9        
-       
5        
99        
113        

65        
49        
114        
227        
(2,488)      
1,275        
6,589      $ 

(139)      
-       
(879)      
(277)      
(1,295)      

(1,268)      
(164)      
(1,432)      
(2,727)      

23        
-       
50        
-       
73        

110        
56        
166        
239        
(2,488)      
1,550        
7,802      $ 

(265) 
-  
(1,335) 
(985) 
(2,585) 

(5,547) 
(73) 
(5,620) 
(8,205) 

25   
-  
28   
94   
147   

198   
37   
235   
382   
(7,823) 
5,950   
8,740   

loans, net  ......................................................     

0.28%     

0.27%     

0.53%     

0.53%     

1.68% 

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of 

average loans, net  ........................................     

1.12%     

1.16%     

1.41%     

1.67%     

1.88% 

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of 

total non-performing loans  ..........................     

67%     

42%     

125%     

49%     

57% 

12 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
     
     
  
  
  
  
      
         
         
         
         
  
      
         
         
         
         
  
  
    
      
         
         
         
         
  
  
    
      
         
         
         
         
  
      
         
         
         
         
  
  
    
      
         
         
         
         
  
  
    
  
      
         
         
         
         
  
   
  
  
 
 
Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses 

The following table shows the amount of the allowance allocated to the mortgage and non-mortgage loan categories 

and the respective percent of that loan category to total loans.  

As of  
December 31, 
2014 
  Amount      %        Amount      %        Amount      %        Amount      %        Amount      %     
(Dollars in thousands) 

2012 

2015 

2016 

2013 

Mortgage Loans ............    $  4,126       
Non-Mortgage Loans ....       1,616       

76% 
24% 
Total  ..........................    $  5,742        100%   $  5,812        100%   $  6,589        100%   $  7,802        100%   $  8,740        100% 

66%   $  5,652       
34%      2,150       

72%   $  6,642       
28%      2,098       

65%   $  4,349       
35%      2,240       

72%   $  3,770       
28%      2,042       

Investment Activities 

The investment policy of the Company, which is established by the Company’s Board of Directors and reviewed by 
the Asset/Liability Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, is designed primarily to provide and maintain liquidity, 
to generate a favorable return on investments, to help mitigate interest rate and credit risk, and to complement the Bank's 
lending activities. The policy currently provides for held-to-maturity and available-for-sale investment security portfolios. 
The Company does not currently engage in trading investment securities and does not anticipate doing so in the future. As of 
December 31, 2016, the Company has investment securities with an amortized cost of $94.5 million and an estimated fair 
value of $92.4 million. See Note 1 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for description of the accounting 
policy for investments. Based on the carrying value of these securities, $92.4 million, or 99.9%, of the Company’s investment 
securities portfolio are available-for-sale.  

From time to time, the Company will sell a security to change its interest rate risk profile or restructure the portfolio 

and its cash flows. In 2016, the Company sold $76.5 million in securities and recognized $192,537 of gains.  

The  Company  has  the  authority  to  invest  in  various  types  of  liquid  assets,  including  United  States  Treasury 
obligations, securities of various federal agencies, corporate securities, trust preferred securities, certain certificates of deposit 
of insured banks and savings institutions, certain bankers' acceptances, repurchase agreements, and sale of federal funds. 

13 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
     
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
Composition of Investment Securities Portfolio 

The  following  tables  set  forth  the  amortized  cost  and  approximate  fair  market  values  of  the  available-for-sale 

securities and held-to-maturity securities.  

   Amortized 

Cost  

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gains  

Gross 
Unrealized 
(Losses)  

    Approximate 
Fair Value  

As of December 31, 2016  
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES:  
Debt Securities:  

Corporates  ........................................................................   $  7,003,986    $ 
Municipals  .......................................................................      39,357,506      
Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities and 

(4,514 )   $  7,053,522   
54,050     $ 
65,673        (1,085,654 )      38,337,525   

SBA loan pools  ............................................................      48,115,793      

19,432        (1,127,037 )      47,008,188   

HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES:  

Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities  ........     

27,528       
  $  94,504,813    $ 

625       

28,153   
139,780     $  (2,217,205 )   $  92,427,388   

-       

   Amortized 

Cost  

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gains  

Gross 
Unrealized 
(Losses)  

    Approximate 
Fair Value  

As of December 31, 2015  
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES:  
Equity Securities  .................................................................   $ 
Debt Securities:  

102,212    $ 

10,081     $ 

(12,776 )   $ 

99,517   

U. S. government agencies  ..............................................      8,533,885      
Corporates  ........................................................................      3,965,719      
Municipals  .......................................................................      31,132,635      
Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities and 

-      
-      
302,335       

(137,101 )      8,396,784   
(152,019 )      3,813,700   
(85,808 )      31,349,162   

SBA loan pools  ............................................................      54,643,681      

13,764        (1,024,121 )      53,633,324   

836       

43,935   
327,016     $  (1,411,825 )   $  97,336,422   

-       

HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES:  

Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities  ........     

43,099       
  $  98,421,231    $ 

14 

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   Amortized 

Cost  

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gains  

Gross 
Unrealized 
(Losses)  

    Approximate 
Fair Value  

As of December 31, 2014  
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES:  
Equity Securities  .................................................................   $ 
Debt Securities:  

102,212    $ 

16,121     $ 

(13,310 )   $ 

105,023   

U. S. government agencies  ..............................................      10,528,055      
Municipals  .......................................................................      15,474,316      
Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities and 

-      
185,747       

(271,282 )      10,256,773   
(70,173 )      15,589,890   

SBA loan pools  ............................................................      61,075,181      

235,977       

(794,859 )      60,516,299   

HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES:  

Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities  ........     

60,993       
  $  87,240,757    $ 

1,626       

62,619   
439,471     $  (1,149,624 )   $  86,530,604   

-       

The following tables set forth certain information regarding the weighted average yields and maturities of the Bank's 

investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2016.  

Investment Portfolio Maturities and Average Weighted Yields  
Due in one to five years .....................................................................     
Due in five to ten years  .....................................................................     
Due after ten years  ............................................................................     
Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities and SBA loan 

Cost  
1,297,373       
11,327,059       
33,737,060       

   Amortized 

Weighted 
Average 
Yield  

1.43%    
2.50%    
3.66%    

Approximate 
Fair 
Value  
1,299,297  
11,187,770  
32,903,980  

pools not due on a single maturity date  .........................................     
  $

48,143,321       
94,504,813       

2.74%    
2.95%  $ 

47,036,341  
92,427,388  

After One 
Through 
Five 
Years  

After Five 
Through 
Ten 
Years  

After Ten 
Years  

Securities 
Not Due on 
a Single 
Maturity 
Date  

Total  

As of December 31, 2016  
Debt Securities:  

Corporates  ........................................................   $ 
-    $  2,997,422     $  4,056,100     $
Municipals  .......................................................      1,299,297       8,190,348       28,847,880      
Government sponsored mortgage-backed 

-    $  7,053,522   
-      38,337,525  

securities and SBA loan pools  ......................     

-      47,036,341      47,036,341  
  $  1,299,297    $ 11,187,770    $ 32,903,980    $47,036,341    $ 92,427,388  

-      

-      

15 

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Sources of Funds 

General. The Company's primary sources of funds are retail and commercial deposits, borrowings, amortization 

and prepayments of loans and amortization, prepayments and maturities of investment securities. 

Deposits. The Bank offers a variety of deposit accounts having a range of interest rates and terms. The Bank has 
concentrated on a diverse deposit mix, such that transaction accounts make a greater percent of funding than in the past. The 
Bank offers various checking accounts, money markets, savings, fixed-term certificates of deposit and individual retirement 
accounts.  

The  flow  of  deposits  is  influenced  significantly  by  general  economic  conditions,  changes  in  money  market  and 
prevailing interest rates, local competition, and competition from non-bank financial service providers. The Company closely 
manages its deposit position and mix to manage interest rate risk and improve its net interest margin. The Bank's deposits are 
typically obtained from the areas in which its offices are located. The Bank relies primarily on customer service and long-
standing relationships with customers to attract and retain these deposits. 

The  Bank  seeks  to  maintain  a  high  level  of  stable  core  deposits  by  providing  high  quality  service  through  its 

employees and its convenient office and banking center locations.  

Deposit Account Types 

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  distribution  of  the  Bank's  deposit  accounts  at  the  dates  indicated  (dollars  in 

thousands).  

As of December 31, 
2016 

As of December 31, 
2015 

As of December 31, 
2014 

     Percent   
  Average        
  Interest        
    of Total   
   Rate         Amount      Deposits      Rate         Amount      Deposits      Rate         Amount      Deposits   

     Percent      Average        
    of Total      Interest        

     Percent      Average        
    of Total      Interest        

NOW  ...................      
Savings  ................      
Money Market  .....      
Non-interest 

0.30%  $ 129,138       
0.20%     28,095       
0.45%    155,530       

26%    
6%    
31%    

0.31%  $137,473      
0.20%     25,865       
0.42%    170,603      

27%    
5%    
33%    

0.34%  $111,561       
0.20%     23,619       
0.43%    171,948       

bearing demand ...     
Total  ..............     

0.00%     80,911       
        393,674       

15%    
78%    

0.00%     67,897       
        401,838      

13%    
78%    

0.00%     51,708       
        358,836       

Certificates of 

Deposit: (fixed-
rate, fixed-term)  
1-11 months  .......     
12-23 months  .....     
24-35 months  .....     
36-47 months  .....     
48-59 months  .....     
60-71 months  .....     
72-95 months  .....     
Total  ..............       
Total Deposits ......      

0.75%     65,802       
0.89%     22,328       
1.24%     12,882       
5,106       
1.40%    
3,655       
1.47%    
1,874       
1.37%    
42       
1.34%    
       111,689       
      $ 505,363       

13%    
4%    
3%    
1%    
1%    
0%    
0%    
22%      
100%    

0.54%     45,517       
0.82%     43,523       
1.02%     12,654       
6,895       
1.35%    
4,671       
1.44%    
2,274       
1.47%    
14       
1.34%    
       115,548      
      $517,386      

9%    
8%    
3%    
1%    
1%    
0%    
0%    
22%      
100%    

0.55%     56,369       
0.81%     27,938       
1.10%     21,925       
6,709       
1.28%    
4,528       
1.41%    
3,315       
1.50%    
198       
1.43%    
       120,982       
      $479,818       

23%
5%
36%

11%
75%

11%
6%
5%
1%
1%
1%
0%
25%
100%

16 

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Maturities of Certificates of Deposit of $100,000 or More 

In 2016, management continued to place emphasis on reducing the dependence on jumbo deposits ($100,000 or 
more). The following table indicates the approximate amount of the Bank's certificate of deposit accounts of $100,000 or 
more by time remaining until maturity as of December 31, 2016.   

Three months or less .....................................................................................................................   $ 
Over three through six months ......................................................................................................     
Over six through twelve months ...................................................................................................     
Over twelve months ......................................................................................................................     
Total ..............................................................................................................................................   $ 

(Dollars in thousands) 
  As of December 31, 2016   
18,383   
24,530   
16,002   
4,782   
63,697   

Borrowings 

The Company’s borrowings consist primarily of FHLB advances, Federal Reserve advances, issuances of junior 

subordinated debentures and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. 

Deposits  are  the  primary  source  of  funds  for  the  Bank's  lending  activities  and  other  general  business  purposes. 
However, during periods when the supply of lendable funds cannot meet the demand for such loans, the FHLB System, of 
which  the  Bank  is  a  member,  makes  available,  subject  to  compliance  with  eligibility  standards,  a  portion  of  the  funds 
necessary  through  loans  (advances)  to  its  members.  Use of  FHLB  advances  is  a common practice,  allowing  the  Bank  to 
provide funding to its customers at a time when significant liquidity is not present, or at a rate advantageous relative to current 
market deposit rates. FHLB advances, due to their structure, allow the Bank to better manage its interest rate and liquidity 
risk. The following table presents certain data for FHLB advances as of the dates indicated.  

Remaining maturity:  
Less than one year  ...................................................................  $ 
One to two years  ......................................................................    
Two to three years  ...................................................................    
Three to four years  ..................................................................    
Four to five years  ....................................................................    
Over five years  ........................................................................    
Total  ........................................................................................  $ 

2016 

As of December 31, 
2015 
(Dollars in Thousands) 

2014 

43,600      $ 
50,000        
2,100        
-       
-       
-       
95,700      $ 

-      $ 
-        
-        
50,000        
2,100        
-        
52,100      $ 

8,250   
-  
-  
-  
50,000   
2,100   
60,350   

Weighted average rate at end of period  ...................................    

1.72%     

2.25 %     

2.00% 

For the period:  

Average outstanding balance  ...............................................  $ 
Weighted average interest rate  .............................................    

71,200      $ 
1.79%     

52,592      $ 
2.24 %     

54,588   

2.18% 

Maximum outstanding as of any month end  ...........................  $ 

95,700      $ 

56,500      $ 

66,700   

17 

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Junior Subordinated Debentures:  

On December 15, 2005, the Company completed an offering of $15 million of “Trust Preferred Securities” (defined 
hereinafter).  The  Company  formed  two  wholly-owned  subsidiaries,  Guaranty  Statutory  Trust  I  (“Trust  I”)  and  Guaranty 
Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”) each a Delaware statutory trust (each a “Trust”, and collectively, the “Trusts”), for the purpose 
of issuing the $15 million of Trust Preferred Securities. The proceeds of the sale of Trust Preferred Securities, together with 
the proceeds of the Trusts’ sale of their common securities to the Company, were used by each Trust to purchase certain 
debentures from the Company. The Company issued 30-year junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures to the Trusts 
in the principal amount of $5,155,000 (“Trust I Debentures”) and $10,310,000 (“Trust II Debentures”, and together with the 
Trust I Debentures, the “Debentures”) pursuant to the terms of Indentures dated December 15, 2005 by and between the 
Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee. The Trust I Debentures bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.92%, payable 
quarterly. The Trust II Debentures bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.47% for 5 years, payable quarterly, after issuance and 
thereafter at a floating rate equal to the three month LIBOR plus 1.45%. The interest payments by the Company to the Trusts 
will be used to pay the dividends payable by the Trusts to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities.  

The  Debentures  mature  on  February  23,  2036.  Subject  to  prior  approval  by  the  Federal  Reserve  Board,  the 
Debentures and the Trust Preferred Securities are each callable by the Company or the Trusts, respectively and as applicable, 
at  its  option  after  five  years  from  issuance, and  sooner  in the  case of  a  special  redemption  at a  special  redemption price 
ranging up to 103.2% of the principal amount thereof, and upon the occurrence of certain events, such as a change in the 
regulatory  capital  treatment  of  the  Trust  Preferred  Securities,  either  Trust  being  deemed  an  investment  company  or  the 
occurrence of certain adverse tax events. In addition, the Company and the Trusts may defer interest and dividend payments, 
respectively, for up to five consecutive years without resulting in a default. An event of default may occur if the Company 
declares bankruptcy, fails to make the required payments within 30 days or breaches certain covenants within the Debentures. 
The Debentures are subordinated to the prior payment of any other indebtedness of the Company.  

Pursuant to two guarantee agreements by and between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, the Company 
issued  a  limited,  irrevocable guarantee  of  the obligations of  each Trust under  the Trust  Preferred  Securities  whereby  the 
Company has guaranteed any and all payment obligations of the Trusts related to the Trust Preferred Securities including 
distributions on, and the liquidation or redemption price of, the Trust Preferred Securities to the extent each Trust does not 
have funds available. 

The following table sets forth certain information as to the Company's subordinated debentures issued to the Trusts 

at the dates indicated.   

2016 

As of December 31, 
2015 
(Dollars in Thousands) 

2014 

Subordinated debentures  .........................................................    $ 

15,465      $ 

15,465      $ 

15,465   

Weighted average interest rate of subordinated debentures  ....      

3.75%     

3.48%     

3.45% 

Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings 

During 2008, the Bank established a borrowing line with Federal Reserve Bank. The Bank had the ability to borrow 
$25.2 million as of December 31, 2016. The Federal Reserve Bank requires the Bank to maintain collateral in relation to 
borrowings outstanding. The Bank had no borrowings on this line as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.  

18 

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Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase 

In January 2008, the Company borrowed $30.0 million under three structured repurchase agreements. Interest was 
based  on  a  fixed  weighted  average  rate  of  2.65%  until  maturity  in  January  2018.  Beginning  in  February  2010,  the 
counterparty, Barclay’s Capital, Inc., had the option to terminate the agreements on a quarterly basis until maturity.  

Prior to the stated maturity date, the Company paid off one of these agreements in the amount $15.0 million in May 

2013 and another agreement in the amount of $5.0 million in November 2011.  

In June 2015, the Company executed a structured transaction in order to pay off the remaining $10.0 million, prior 

to its stated maturity date, incurring a prepayment penalty of $463,992.  

Subsidiary Activity and Segment Information 

The Company has three wholly-owned subsidiaries: (i) the Bank, the Company’s principal subsidiary and a state-
chartered bank with trust powers in Missouri; (ii) Trust I; and (iii) Trust II. As discussed in more detail above, Trust I and 
Trust  II  were  formed  in  December  2005  for  the  exclusive  purpose  of  issuing  trust  preferred  securities  to  acquire  junior 
subordinated debentures issued by the Company. Those debentures are the sole assets of the Trusts. The interest payments 
by the Company on the debentures are the sole revenues of the Trusts and are used by the Trusts to pay the dividends to the 
holders of the trust preferred securities. The Company has guaranteed any and all payment obligations of the Trusts related 
to the trust preferred securities. Under generally accepted accounting principles, the Trusts are not consolidated with the 
Company. 

The  Bank  has  one  service  corporation  subsidiary,  Guaranty  Financial  Services  of  Springfield,  Inc.,  a  Missouri 
corporation.  This  service  corporation,  which  has  been  inactive  since  February  1,  2003,  had  agreements  with  third  party 
providers for the sale of securities and casualty insurance products. 

The  Company’s  banking operation  conducted  through  its principal subsidiary,  the  Bank,  is  the  Company’s only 
reportable segment. Other information about the Company’s business segment is contained in the section captioned “Segment 
Information” in Note 1 to the Notes of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report. 

Return on Equity and Assets 

The following table sets forth certain dividend, equity and asset ratios of the Company for the periods indicated.   

Year ended  

Year ended  

Year ended  

   December 31,  

   December 31,  

   December 31,  

2016  

2015  

2014  

Common Dividend Payout Ratio  .............................     

Return on Average Assets  ........................................     

Return on Average Equity  ........................................     

27%     

0.83%     

8.00%     

18%     

0.88%     

8.81%     

Stockholders' Equity to Assets  .................................     

10.17%     

10.17%     

EPS Diluted  ..............................................................   $ 
Dividends on Common Shares  .................................   $ 

1.27   
0.34   

  $ 
  $ 

1.30   
0.23   

  $ 
  $ 

11% 

0.92% 

9.67% 

9.78% 

1.33  
0.15  

19 

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Employees 

As of December 31, 2016, the Bank had 146 full-time employees and 26 part-time employees. As of December 31, 

2016, the Company had no employees. None of the Bank's employees are represented by a collective bargaining group.  

Competition 

The Bank experiences substantial competition both in attracting and retaining deposit accounts and in the origination 
of loans. The Bank's primary competitors are the financial institutions near each of the Bank's offices. In the Springfield 
metropolitan area, where the Bank's main office and branch offices are located, primary competition consists of commercial 
banks, credit unions, and savings institutions.  

Direct competition for deposit accounts comes from other commercial banks, credit unions, regional bank and thrift 
holding companies, and savings institutions located in the remainder of our Market Area. Significant competition for the 
Bank's other deposit products and services come from money market mutual funds, brokerage firms, insurance companies, 
and  retail  stores.  Recently,  online  firms  have  offered  attractive  financial  service  products  to  consumers,  irrespective  of 
location. The primary factors in competing for loans are interest rates and loan origination fees and the range of services 
offered by various financial institutions. Our larger competitors have a greater ability to finance wide-ranging advertising 
campaigns  through  their  greater  capital  resources.  Our  marketing  efforts  depend  heavily  upon  referrals  from  officers, 
directors and shareholders, selective advertising in local media and direct mail solicitations. The Bank believes it is able to 
compete effectively in its primary Market Area by offering competitive interest rates and loan fees, and a variety of deposit 
products, and by emphasizing personal customer service. 

Supervision and Regulation 

General  

The  Company  and  the  Bank  are  subject  to  an  extensive  regulatory  framework  under  federal  and  state  law. 
Consequently, the Company’s growth and earnings performance may be affected by the requirements of federal and state 
statutes and by regulations and policies of various bank regulatory authorities, including the:  

●  Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”);  

●  Missouri Division of Finance;  

●  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; and  

●  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”).  

Additionally, the Company’s business may be impacted by assorted laws and rules, including:  

● 

anti-money laundering laws enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury); 

● 

taxation laws administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state taxing authorities;  

● 

accounting rules developed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB); and  

● 

securities laws administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and state securities authorities.  

20 

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Regulatory agencies often have significant discretion regarding their supervisory and enforcement activities. This 
comprehensive  supervisory  and  regulatory  framework  significantly  impacts  the  Company’s  operations  and  results. 
Additionally, new legislation is introduced from time to time that could impact the Company and the Bank in substantial 
ways and the nature, extent, or impact of new statutes or regulations on the Company’s or the Bank’s operations or financial 
conditions cannot be predicted with any certainty.  

Set forth below is a brief summary of certain material laws and regulations applicable to the Company and the Bank. 
These laws and regulations are primarily intended for the protection of the Bank’s customers and depositors and not for the 
benefit of the stockholders or creditors of the Company. The following description does not purport to be complete and is 
qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the statutes and regulations described below. 

Dodd-Frank Act 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (“Dodd-Frank Act” or “Dodd-Frank”) 
significantly  changed  the  regulatory  framework  for  financial  institutions  and  their  holding  companies.  Among  other 
provisions, the Dodd-Frank Act:  

● 

● 

created the CFPB, which is responsible for implementing, supervising, and enforcing compliance with consumer
financial protection laws;  

increased the deposit insurance coverage limit and changed the assessment base for calculating a bank’s deposit 
insurance assessments;  

● 

repealed the prohibition on payment of interest on demand deposits;  

●  provided  for  new  disclosures  related  to  executive  compensation  and  corporate  governance  and  prohibited
compensation arrangements that encourage inappropriate risks or that could provide excessive compensation;  

● 

imposed new capital requirements on banking institutions (see “New Capital Rules” below);  

● 

enhanced the authority of the Federal Reserve Board to examine the Company and its non-bank subsidiaries; and  

● 

imposed new requirements and restrictions on consumer mortgage banking.  

The Dodd-Frank Act contains numerous provisions scheduled to be implemented through rulemakings by various 
federal regulatory agencies over a period of several years. Many, but not all, of the regulations have been issued and full 
implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act is still not complete. This law will continue to significantly influence the regulatory 
environment in which the Bank and the Company operate. As a result, the Company cannot predict the Dodd-Frank Act’s 
ultimate impact on the Company or the Bank at this time. Certain rules proposed or adopted under the Dodd-Frank Act are 
discussed throughout this section. 

Minimum Capital Requirements 

In July 2013, the U.S. federal banking agencies approved a final rule to comprehensively revise the regulatory capital 
framework for the U.S. banking sector, implementing many aspects of the framework agreed to by the International Basel 
Committee  on  Bank Supervision  and  incorporating  changes  required by  the  Dodd-Frank Act  (the  “Basel  III  Rule”).  The 
capital requirements apply to all banks and savings associations, bank holding companies with more than $1 billion in assets 
and  savings  and  loan  holding  companies  (other  than  certain  savings  and  loan  holding  companies  engaged  in  insurance 
underwriting  and  grandfathered  diversified  holding  companies).  The  Basel  III  Rule  establishes  new  higher  capital  ratio 
requirements,  tightens  the  definition  of  “capital,”  imposes  new  operating  restrictions  on  banking  organizations  with 
insufficient  capital  buffers,  and  increases  the  risk-weighting  of  certain  assets.  Cumulatively,  these  changes  result  in 
substantially more demanding capital standards for U.S. banking organizations.  

21 

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The Basel III Rule distinguishes between banking organizations subject to the “advanced approaches” method of 
computing risk-based regulatory capital, which are those with $250 billion or more in total consolidated assets or $10 billion 
or more in foreign exposures, and other banking organizations that successfully opt-in (“Advanced Banks”) and other banking 
organizations, such as the Company and the Bank, which operate under the “standardized approach” (“Standardized Banks”). 
The new rules became effective for the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015, with certain requirements to be phased-
in between January 2016 and January 2019.  

The Basel III Rule, among other features:  

● 

Introduces a new capital measure, Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1” or “Tier 1 Common”), which is defined
as  common  stock  instruments,  related  surplus  (net  of  Treasury  stock),  and  retained  earnings,  subject  to
certain regulatory adjustments; and 

●  Requires banking institutions to maintain:  

o 

o 

o 

a new minimum ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5% (plus a capital conservation
buffer);  

a  minimum  amount  of  Tier  1  capital  (the  sum  of  CET1  and  Additional  Tier  1  capital)  to  risk-
weighted assets of at least 6%, which is an increase from 4% (plus a capital conservation buffer); 

a total capital (the sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital) ratio of at least 8% of risk-weighted assets (plus 
a capital conservation buffer); and  

o 

a minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital of 4%.  

In  addition,  the  Basel  III  Rule  requires  that  banking  organizations  maintain  a  “capital  conservation  buffer” 
comprised of CET1 in order to avoid restrictions on the ability to make capital distributions (including dividends and stock 
purchases)  and  pay discretionary  bonuses  to  executive officers.  The  capital  conservation buffer  is  equal  to 2.5% of risk-
weighted assets, in addition to the minimum CET1, Tier 1, and total capital ratios. The capital conservation buffer will be 
phased-in  beginning  at  0.625%  of  risk-weighted  assets  on  January  1,  2016,  and  increasing  each  subsequent  year  by  an 
additional 0.625%, to reach the final level of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets on January, 1 2019. Accordingly, factoring in the 
capital conservation buffer, the minimum ratios noted above increase to 7% for CET1, 8.5% for Tier 1 capital, and 10.5% 
for total capital.  

Furthermore, the Basel III Rule includes more restrictive definitions for the components of capital. For example, 
cumulative  perpetual  preferred  stock  and  trust  preferred  securities  have  been  phased-out  of  Tier  1  capital.  However,  for 
smaller entities with less than $15 billion in assets as of December 31, 2009, such as the Bank, the final rule permanently 
grandfathers as Tier 1 capital trust preferred securities and similar instruments issued by such entities prior to May 19, 2010. 
The final Basel III Rule provides entities such as the Company and the Bank with a one time “opt-out” right to continue 
excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) from CET1 capital. This opt-out was required to be made in 
the first quarter of 2015 and the Company and Bank made this election. Accordingly, the Bank and the Company need not 
include AOCI in CET1 capital going forward. The rule also requires that goodwill and certain other intangible assets, other 
than mortgage servicing assets, net of associated deferred tax liabilities, be deducted from CET1 capital. Additionally, certain 
deferred  tax  assets  and  mortgage  servicing  assets  must  be  deducted  from  CET1  capital  if  such  assets  exceed  a  certain 
percentage of an institution’s CET1 capital. Generally, greater deductions from CET1 reduce an institution’s capital base.  

Moreover, the Basel III Rule changes the risk-weightings for certain assets that are used to calculate capital ratios. 
All else being equal, a higher risk weight results in a higher risk-weighted asset amount which, in turn, gives rise to a lower 
risk-based capital ratio. The final rule assigns a higher risk-weighting of 150% (up from 100%) for exposures that are more 
than 90 days past due and assigns a higher risk-weighting of 150% (up from 100%) for high-volatility commercial real estate 
loans, which are credit facilities that, prior to conversion to permanent financing, finance or have financed the acquisition, 
development, or construction of real property, subject to certain exclusions. Although initially contemplated, there was no 
change to the risk-weighting treatment of residential mortgage loans in the final Basel III Rule.  

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Although the Basel III Rule is more stringent than previous capital rules, the Basel III Rule has had minimal impact 
on the Company and the Bank, to date. The Company and the Bank have a strong capital base and currently maintain adequate 
capital to meet the new standards.  

Nonetheless, federal banking guidelines provide that financial institutions experiencing significant growth could be 
expected  to  maintain  capital  levels  above  the  minimum  requirements  without  significant  reliance  on  intangible  assets. 
Additionally, higher capital levels could be required under certain circumstances, such as situations involving interest rate 
risk, risk from concentrations of credit, or nontraditional activities. Accordingly, the Company and the Bank could be required 
to maintain higher capital levels in the future.  

Regulation of the Bank 

General. The Bank, as a Missouri-chartered non-member depository trust company, is primarily regulated by the 
MDF and FDIC. The Bank is subject to extensive federal and state regulatory oversight in all areas of banking operations, 
including, but not limited to, lending activities, investments, loans, deposits, interest rates payable on deposits, establishment 
of  branches,  corporate  restructuring,  and  capital  adequacy.  The  Bank  is  also  subject  to  certain  reserve  requirements 
promulgated by the FRB.  

The MDF, in conjunction with the FDIC, regularly examines the Bank and reports to the Bank's Board of Directors 
on any deficiencies that are found in the Bank's operations. The Bank must also file reports with the MDF and the FDIC 
concerning its activities and financial condition, in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain 
transactions such as mergers with or acquisitions of other banks or savings institutions. These regulatory authorities have 
extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies. Regulation by 
these agencies is designed to protect the Bank’s depositors and not the Company’s shareholders.  

Insurance of Deposit Accounts and Assessments. The deposit accounts held by the Bank are insured by the DIF. 
The Dodd-Frank Act permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions, and 
credit  unions  to  $250,000  per  insured  depositor,  retroactive  to  January  1,  2009.  The  Dodd-Frank  Act  also  increased  the 
minimum ratio of net worth to insured deposits of the DIF from 1.15% to 1.35%.  

A bank's insurance assessment is determined quarterly by multiplying its assessment rate by its assessment base. 
Per FDIC rules, a bank’s assessment base is the institution’s average consolidated total assets minus its average tangible 
equity. The FDIC has adopted a risk-based system for assessment rates. For banks with less than $10 billion in assets, such 
as the Bank, the risk classification is based on the Bank’s capital levels and level of supervisory risk. Assessment rates are 
subject  to  adjustment  and  (1)  decrease  for  issuance  of  long-term  unsecured  debt  (including  senior  unsecured  debt  and 
subordinated debt); (2) increase for holdings of long-term unsecured or subordinated debt issued by other insured banks; and 
(3) for banks that are not well-rated or not well-capitalized, increase for significant holdings of brokered deposits.  

The FDIC may terminate a bank’s deposit insurance if it finds that the institution has engaged in unsafe and unsound 
practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, 
order or condition imposed by the FDIC. 

Regulatory  Capital  Requirements  and  Prompt  Corrective  Action.  The  FDIC  is  required  to  take  prompt 
corrective action if an insured depository institution, such as the Bank, does not meet its minimum capital requirements. The 
FDIC  has  established  five  capital  tiers:  “well-capitalized”,  “adequately  capitalized”,  “undercapitalized”,  “significantly 
undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized”. A depository institution’s capital tier depends upon its capital levels in 
relation to various relevant capital measures, which, among others, include a Tier 1 and total risk-based capital measure and 
a leverage ratio capital measure. The Prompt Corrective Action rules were amended effective January 1, 2015 to incorporate 
changes under the Basel III Rule, including the CET1 requirements, and to raise capital requirements for certain categories. 
An insured financial institution is considered: 

● 

“Well-capitalized” if it has a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5% or greater, a CET1 to risk-based capital ratio of 
6.5% or greater, a Tier 1 to risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% 
or greater and is not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or prompt corrective action
directive;  

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● 

● 

● 

“Adequately capitalized” if it has it has a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4% or greater, a CET1 to risk-based capital 
ratio of 4.5% or greater, a Tier 1 to risk-based capital ratio of 6% or greater, and a total risk-based capital 
ratio of 8% or greater;  

“Undercapitalized” if it has a Tier 1 leverage ratio of less than 4%, a CET1 to risk-based capital ratio of less 
than 4.5%, a Tier 1 to risk-based capital ratio of less than 6% and a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 
8%; 

“Significantly undercapitalized” if it has a Tier 1 leverage ratio of less than 3%, a CET1 to risk-based capital 
ratio of less than 3%, a Tier 1 to risk-based capital ratio of less than 4%, and a total risk-based capital ratio 
of less than 6%; and  

● 

“Critically undercapitalized” if it has a tangible equity capital to total assets ratio equal to or less than 2%.  

The  FDIC  may,  under  certain  circumstances,  reclassify  a  well-capitalized  insured  depository  institution  as 
adequately capitalized. It is also permitted to require an adequately capitalized or undercapitalized institution to comply with 
supervisory provisions  as  if  the  institution were  in  the next  lower  category (but not  treat  a  significantly  undercapitalized 
institution as critically undercapitalized) based on supervisory information other than the capital levels of the institution. An 
institution may be reclassified if the FDIC determines (after notice and opportunity for hearing) that the institution is in an 
unsafe or unsound condition or deems the institution to be engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice.  

Federal  banking  agencies  are  required  to  take prompt  corrective  action to  resolve  capital  deficiencies  at  insured 
depository  institutions.  Failure  to  meet  the  capital  guidelines  could  subject  a  bank  to  a  variety  of  enforcement  actions, 
including the issuance of a capital directive, prohibition on paying dividends or management fees, prohibition on accepting 
brokered  deposits,  and  restrictions  on  paying  bonuses  or  increasing  compensation  for  executive  officers.  For  critically 
undercapitalized institutions, a receiver may be appointed.  

The Bank met its minimum capital adequacy guidelines, and the Bank was categorized as “well-capitalized”, as of 
December 31, 2016. Applicable capital and ratio information is contained under the section titled “Regulatory Matters” in 
Note 1 to the “Notes of the Consolidated Financial Statements” in this report. 

Safety and Soundness Standards. The federal bank regulators have adopted guidelines to promote the safety and 
soundness of federally insured depository institutions. The guidelines set forth standards for internal controls, information 
systems and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest-rate-risk exposure, asset growth, asset 
quality, earnings, stock valuation and compensation, fees and benefits and other operational and managerial standards. The 
guidelines provide standards in each area and an institution must establish its own procedures to achieve such goals.  

If  an  institution  fails  to  meet  a  standard,  a  regulator  may  require  the  institution  to  submit  an  acceptable  plan  to 
achieve compliance with the standard. If an institution fails to submit an acceptable plan or fails to implement an accepted 
plan, an agency must, by order, require the institution to correct the deficiency. The agency may, and in some cases must, 
take other supervisory actions until the deficiency has been corrected.  

Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank is a member of the FHLB of Des Moines, which is one of 11 regional 
FHLBs. The FHLB system’s primary purpose is to provide stable funding to member institutions that such institutions in turn 
use  to  make  loans  to  families,  farms  and  businesses.  The  FHLBs  are  overseen  by  the  Federal  Housing  Finance  Agency 
(“FHFA”). As a member, the Bank is required to purchase and maintain a minimum investment in the stock of the FHLB. 
As of December 31, 2016, the Bank was in compliance with this requirement. 

Dividend Limitations. The amount of dividends that the Bank may pay is subject to various regulatory limitations. 
Under federal law, an FDIC-insured institution may not pay dividends if it is undercapitalized or if payment would cause it 
to be undercapitalized. If the FDIC believes that a bank is engaged in, or about to engage in, an unsafe or unsound practice, 
the FDIC may require, after notice and hearing, that the bank cease and desist from that practice. In addition, under Missouri 
law, the Bank may pay dividends to the Company only from a portion of its undivided profits and may not pay dividends if 
its capital is impaired. Additionally, under Missouri statute, dividends paid by the Bank are restricted by a statutory formula, 
which provides for the maintenance of a surplus fund and prohibits the payment of dividends which would impair the surplus 
fund. 

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Anti-Money  Laundering  and  Anti-Terrorism  Regulation.  The  Bank  Secrecy  Act  (“BSA”)  establishes  the 
framework for anti-money laundering (“AML”) obligations imposed on U.S. financial institutions. The purpose of the BSA 
is to prevent banks and other financial services providers from being used as intermediaries for, or to hide the transfer or 
deposit  of  money  derived  from,  drug  trafficking,  money  laundering,  and  other  crimes.  The  Uniting  and  Strengthening 
America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (“USA Patriot Act”) 
amended  the  BSA  and  imposes  a  number  of  obligations  on  banks,  including  the  requirement  to  implement  policies, 
procedures and controls reasonably designed to detect and report instances of money laundering and terrorism financing. The 
USA Patriot Act also requires financial institutions to develop written customer identification programs. In addition, the U.S. 
Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Controls (“OFAC”) administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions 
based on U.S. foreign policy and national security against entities such as targeted foreign countries and terrorists.  

Consumer Protection Laws. In connection with its banking activities, the Bank is subject to a number of federal 
and state laws designed to protect consumers in their transactions with banks. These laws include, but are not limited to, the 
Equal Credit Opportunity Act (“ECOA”), Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 
2003  (“FACTA”),  Gramm-Leach-Bliley  Act  (“GLBA”),  Electronic  Funds  Transfer  Act  (“EFTA”),  Home  Mortgage 
Disclosure Act (“HMDA”), Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”), and Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”), and 
their  various  state  counterparts.  In  addition,  the  Dodd-Frank  Act  prohibits  unfair,  deceptive,  or  abusive  acts  or  practices 
(“UDAAP”). Moreover, several federal laws, including GLBA, FCRA, and FACTA, regulate consumer financial privacy 
and restrict the sharing of consumer financial information. 

Transactions  with  Affiliates  and  Insiders.  Federal  law  imposes  certain  limitations  on  the  ability  of  a  bank  to 
engage in “covered transactions” with affiliates. The Company is an affiliate of the Bank for purposes of these restrictions. 
The definition of “covered transactions,” which was expanded under the Dodd-Frank Act, includes extensions of credit to 
affiliates, investments in stock or other securities of affiliates, and acceptance of the stock or other securities of an affiliate 
as collateral for loans. Additionally, federal law prohibits institutions from engaging in certain transactions with affiliates 
unless the transactions are on terms substantially the same as, or at least as favorable to the Bank as, those prevailing at the 
time for comparable transactions with non-affiliated companies. Federal law also restricts the Bank’s ability to extend credit 
to its executive officers, directors, principal shareholders, and their related interests, including that such credit extensions 
must  be  made  on  substantially  the  same  terms,  including  interest  rate  and  collateral,  as  those  prevailing  at  the  time  for 
comparable transactions with unrelated third parties, and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other 
unfavorable features.  

Transaction  Account  Reserve  Requirements.  The  FRB  requires  insured  depository  institutions  to  maintain 
reserves  against  specified  deposit  liabilities.  Reservable  liabilities  consist  of  net  transaction  accounts,  non-personal  time 
deposits, and Eurocurrency liabilities. For 2016, the first $15.2 million of otherwise reservable balances are exempt from the 
reserve requirements; the reserve requirement is 3% for net transaction accounts between $15.5 million and $110.2 million; 
and the reserve requirement is 10% for net transaction accounts in excess of $110.2 million. These reserve requirements are 
subject to annual adjustment.  

Commercial Real Estate Lending. The Bank may be subject to greater scrutiny from federal banking regulators 
based  on  its  concentration  of  commercial  real  estate  (“CRE”)  loans.  Federal  regulators  have  issued  guidance  to  address 
concerns about CRE concentrations and to provide expectations for managing a concentrated portfolio. The guidance includes 
development and construction loans for which repayment is dependent upon the sale of the property, as well as properties for 
which repayment is dependent upon rental income.  

Per the guidance, institutions that may have significant CRE concentration risk are those that have experienced rapid 
growth  in  CRE  lending,  have  notable  exposures  to  a  specific  type  of  CRE,  or  are  approaching  or  exceed  the  following 
supervisory  criteria:  (i)  total  loans  for  construction,  land  development,  and  other  land  represent  100%  or  more  of  the 
institution’s total capital; or (ii) total CRE loans represent 300% or more of the institution’s total capital, and the outstanding 
balance of the institution’s CRE loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the prior 36 months. If a bank’s portfolio 
goes outside of these general guidelines, the bank must engage in heightened risk management practices.  

Residential Real Estate Lending. The CFPB has issued new rules implementing several Dodd-Frank requirements 
regarding residential mortgage lending. Lenders must assess a borrower’s ability to repay the mortgage-related obligation 
and must consider certain underwriting factors. Lenders also receive certain protections from liability if they make “qualified 
mortgages.”  Additionally,  new  rules  prohibit  certain  loan  features,  such  as  negative  amortization,  interest-only  payment, 
balloon payments, and restrict points and fees paid by a borrower and prepayment penalties.”  

25 

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Volcker Rule.  The Volcker Rule, issued by the federal banking and securities regulators pursuant to the Dodd-
Frank Act, generally prohibits insured depository institutions and their affiliated companies from: (i) short-term proprietary 
trading in securities and other financial instruments; and (ii) sponsoring or acquiring or retaining an ownership interest in 
private equity and hedge funds, subject to certain exceptions. 

Community  Reinvestment  Act.  Under  the  Community  Reinvestment  Act  of  1977  (“CRA”),  the  Bank  has  a 
continuing  and  affirmative  obligation,  consistent  with  safe  and  sound  operation,  to  help  meet  the  credit  needs  of  its 
communities,  including  low-  and  moderate-income  neighborhoods.  As  part  of  its  examinations,  the  FDIC  evaluates  the 
Bank’s record in meeting these obligations. CRA ratings are also taken into account by regulators in evaluating applications 
for mergers, acquisitions, or to open a new branch or facility. Based on its most recent CRA compliance examinations, the 
Bank has received a “Satisfactory” CRA rating. 

Regulation of the Company 

General. The Company is a registered bank holding company subject to regulation and supervision by the FRB 
under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (“BHCA”). The Company is required to file periodic reports of its operations 
with  the  FRB.  Additionally,  the  Company  is  legally  obligated  to  act  as  a  source  of  strength  to  the  Bank  and  to  commit 
resources to support the Bank.  

Restrictions on Dividends and Stock Repurchases. The Company’s source of funds (including cash flow to pay 
dividends  to  stockholders)  is  dividends  paid  to  it  by  the  Bank.  The  right  of  the  Company  to  receive  dividends  or  other 
distributions  from  the  Bank  is  subject  to  the  prior  claims  of  creditors  of  the  Bank,  including  depositors,  and  applicable 
regulatory restrictions, including prior approval in certain situations. 

The  amount  of  dividends  that  the  Company  may  pay  is  subject  to  various  regulatory  limitations,  including  the 
requirement to maintain adequate capital. Financial institutions are generally prohibited from paying dividends if, following 
payment  of  dividends,  the  institution  would  be  considered  undercapitalized.  Additionally,  under  the  Basel  III  Rule, 
institutions  seeking  to  pay  dividends  must  maintain  the  required  capital  conservation  buffer.  Also,  the  FRB  strongly 
encourages financial institutions to consult with the agency prior to paying dividends. The FRB has indicated that a board of 
directors should “eliminate, defer, or severely limit” dividends if:  

● 

● 

● 

the bank holding company’s net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends paid
during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends;  

the bank holding company’s rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with capital needs and overall macroeconomic
outlook; or  

the bank holding company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy
ratios.  

Banking regulators also have the authority to prohibit banks and bank holding companies from paying a dividend if 

such payment would be an unsafe or unsound practice.  

Generally,  a  bank holding  company  must  notify  the  FRB  prior  to  the purchase or redemption of  its outstanding 
equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when aggregated with the net consideration paid 
for  all  such  purchases  during  the  preceding  twelve  months  is  equal  to  10%  or  more  of  the  bank  holding  company’s 
consolidated net worth. Prior approval may not be required if the bank holding company, among other things, will meet or 
exceed “well capitalized” thresholds both before and after the repurchase, is considered “well managed,” and is not subject 
to any unresolved supervisory issues. Additionally, bank holding companies are expected to consult with the FRB before 
redeeming or repurchasing stock if:  

● 

the bank holding company is at “significant risk” of developing a financial weakness;  

● 

the bank holding company is considering expansion (either acquisition or new activities); and  

● 

if such redemption or repurchase will cause a net reduction in capital from the beginning of the quarter in which the
redemption or repurchase occurs.  

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The  FRB  may  disapprove  of  the  purchase or redemption  if  it  determines,  among  other  things,  that  the  proposal 

would constitute an unsafe or unsound business practice. 

Support of  Banking Subsidiaries. Under  FRB policy,  the  Company  is  expected  to act  as  a source  of financial 
strength to the Bank and, where required, to commit resources to support the Bank. Financial support from the Company may 
be required even when the Company might not otherwise be inclined to provide it. Moreover, if the Bank should become 
undercapitalized, the Company would be required to guarantee the Bank's compliance  with its capital restoration plan in 
order for such plan to be accepted by the FDIC. 

Acquisitions, Activities, and Changes in Control. Under the BHCA, the Company must obtain the prior approval 
of the FRB before the Company may: (i) acquire substantially all the assets of a bank; (ii) acquire direct or indirect ownership 
or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any bank; or (iii) or merge or consolidate with any other bank holding 
company. The BHCA also restricts the Company’s ability to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of 5% or more 
of any class of voting shares of any nonbanking corporation. The FRB is required to consider the financial and managerial 
resources and future prospects of the bank holding companies and banks concerned and the convenience and needs of the 
community  to  be  served.  Consideration  of  financial  resources  generally  focuses  on  capital  adequacy.  Consideration  of 
convenience  and  needs  includes  the  involved  institutions’  performance  under  the  CRA.  The  FRB  may  not  approve  a 
transaction if it would result in or tend to create a monopoly, substantially lessen competition, or otherwise function as a 
restraint of trade, unless the anti-competitive effects are clearly outweighed by the public interest in meeting the needs and 
convenience of the community to be served.  

Additionally,  FRB  approval  is  required  prior  to  any  person  or  company  acquiring  “control”  of  a  bank  holding 
company. “Control” is conclusively presumed to exist if a person or company acquires 25% or more of the outstanding voting 
shares of a bank holding company. There is a rebuttable presumption of control if a person or company acquires more than 
10% but less than 25% of any class of voting securities. 

Moreover,  bank  holding  companies  are  generally  prohibited  from  engaging  in  any  business  other  than  that  of 
banking,  managing,  and  controlling  banks  or  furnishing  services  to  banks  and  their  subsidiaries,  although  bank  holding 
companies are permitted to engage in activities that are determined to be “closely related to banking” and “a proper incident 
thereto.”  

Transactions with Affiliates. As discussed above, federal regulations restrict the extent to which the Company and 
its  officers  and  directors  may  engage  in  certain  “covered  transactions”  with  the  Bank,  including  borrowing  or  otherwise 
obtaining credit from or selling assets or securities to the Bank. Additionally, any transactions that are “covered transactions” 
with the Bank must be on nonpreferential terms.  

Federal Securities Regulation and Corporate Governance. The Company’s stock is registered with the SEC and, 
therefore, the Company is subject to SEC restrictions and requirements, including rules regarding information sharing, proxy 
solicitation, and insider trading.  

The  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of  2002  (“SOX”)  addresses,  among  other  issues,  corporate  governance,  auditing  and 
accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information. Per SOX, the Company’s 
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) are required to certify that the quarterly and annual reports 
do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. The SEC’s rules regarding CEO and CFO certifications require these 
officers  to  certify,  among  others,  that:  (i)  they  are  responsible  for  establishing,  maintaining  and  regularly  evaluating  the 
effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting; (ii) they have made certain disclosures to auditors and the audit 
committee  of  the  board  of  directors;  and  (iii)  they  have  included  information  in  quarterly  and  annual  reports  about  their 
evaluation and whether there have been changes in internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors that could 
materially affect internal control over financial reporting.  

The  Dodd-Frank  Act  provides  other  investor  protections,  corporate  governance,  and  executive  compensation 
requirements  that  affect  U.S.  publicly  traded  companies.  For  example,  the  Dodd-Frank  Act  requires  companies  to  give 
shareholders a non-binding vote approving executive compensation and “golden parachute” payments. Pursuant to the Dodd 
Frank Act, in July 2015, the SEC proposed a rule that companies whose securities are listed on national securities exchanges 
and associations (including the Company whose securities are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market) would be required to 
develop and enforce recovery policies that, in the event of an accounting restatement, would “claw back” from current and 
former executive officers incentive-based compensation they should not have received based on the restatement.  Recovery 
would be required without regard to fault and without regard to whether any misconduct occurred in connection with or an 

27 

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executive officer’s responsibility for the erroneous misstatement.  The proposed rules would also require disclosure of listed 
companies’ recovery policies, and their actions under those policies.  The proposed rules are not yet final. 

Executive Officers of the Registrant 

Set forth below is information concerning the executive officers of the Company. Each executive officer is annually 

elected to a one-year term by the Board of Directors of the Company. 

Shaun  A.  Burke  joined  the  Bank  in  March  2004  as  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  was  appointed 
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on February 28, 2005.  He has over 30 years of banking experience. 
Mr. Burke received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Missouri State University and is a graduate of the Graduate 
School  of  Banking  of  Colorado.    Mr.  Burke  currently  serves  on  the  board  of  the  Missouri  Bankers  Association  as  Vice 
Chairman of the Legislative Affairs Committee and was previously Chairman of the Audit Committee.  In 2014, he began a 
three-year term on the Community Bankers Council of the American Bankers Association.  In March 2016 he was appointed 
to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council.  From 2012 to 2014, he was 
a Board Member of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce serving as Vice Chairman of Economic Development in 
2014.  From 2009 through 2014, he was a Board Member of the Springfield Business Development Corporation, the economic 
development  subsidiary  of  the  Springfield  Area  Chamber  of  Commerce  serving  as  President  in  2012.    He  is  also  a  past 
Member  of  the  United  Way  Allocations  and  Agency  Relations  Executive  Committee,  Salvation  Army  Board,  and  Big 
Brothers Big Sisters Board. 

Carter Peters is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank and the Company.  Mr. Peters 
has over 24 years of experience in the financial services and public accounting industries.  Prior to joining the Company in 
August 2005, Mr. Peters served as the Chief Financial Officer of Southern Missouri Bank for approximately two years and 
was employed by BKD, LLP, a certified public accounting and advisory firm, for eleven years.  He is a Certified Public 
Accountant  with  a  Bachelor  of  Science  Degree  in  Accounting  from  Missouri  State  University.    He  is  a  member  of  the 
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants.  Mr. Peters has 
been  recognized  by  the  Springfield  Business  Journal  as  a  “40  Under  40”  honoree.  He  has  served  several  not-for-profit 
organizations,  including  past  Chairman  of  the  Southwest  Missouri  Regional  Board  of  the  Make-A-Wish  Foundation  of 
Missouri. 

H. Charley Puls is Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of the Bank. He joined the Bank and the 
Company in June 2016. Mr. Puls has over 24 years of experience in the banking industry. Prior to joining the Company Mr. 
Puls served as Senior Vice President, Market President in Southeast Missouri for Regions Bank. Before that, he was Senior 
Vice President, Relationship Manager for Regions Bank, Union Planters Bank, and Capital Bank & Trust in the St. Louis 
market. He is a board member and active volunteer for the American Red Cross and is a graduate of the University of Missouri 
– St. Louis. 

Sheri Biser is Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Bank. She joined the Bank in February 
2009. Ms. Biser has 30 years of banking experience. Prior to joining the Bank, Ms. Biser served as Chief Credit Officer of 
Metropolitan National Bank for nearly eight years and worked in credit administration for fourteen years at another financial 
institution. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Fort Hays State University. 

Robin E. Robeson is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank. She joined the Bank in 
July  2012.  Ms.  Robeson  has  over  25  years  of  experience  in  the  financial  services  industry  and  3  years  of  executive 
management experience in the technology industry. She has a Bachelor of Art Degree in Communication from the University 
of Missouri-Columbia and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Drury University. In addition, Ms. Robeson 
was  awarded  the  Certified  Trust  &  Financial  Advisor  (CTFA)  professional  designation  from  the  Institute  of  Certified 
Bankers. She currently serves on the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is a member of the 
Executive Advisory Council for the Missouri State University College of Business. She previously served as board Vice 
Chairman for City Utilities of Springfield, as Past President of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Ozarks and Rotary Club 
of Springfield boards and as a member of the Ozarks Transportation Organization board. She is a graduate of Leadership 
Springfield  Class  XIII,  and  has  been  recognized  by  the  Springfield  Business  Journal  as  one  of  the  “20  Most  Influential 
Women in Business” and been named a “40 Under 40” honoree. 

As of December 31, 2016, the age of these individuals was 53 for Mr. Burke, 47 for Mr. Peters, 57 for Mr. Puls, 53 

for Ms. Biser and 50 for Ms. Robeson. 

28 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors  

Our business and operations are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, certain risks and uncertainties. An 
investment in our common stock is subject to risks inherent in our business. Before making an investment decision, you 
should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information included and 
incorporated by reference in this report. In addition to the risks and uncertainties described below, other risks and uncertainties 
not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, 
financial condition and results of operations. The value or market price of our common stock could decline due to any of 
these identified or other risks, and you could lose all or part of your investment. 

Our  business  is  concentrated  in  and  largely  dependent  upon  the  continued  growth  and  welfare  of  the  general 
geographical markets in which we operate.  

Our operations are heavily concentrated in Greene County and Christian County, which are in the southwestern 
corner of Missouri, including the cities of Springfield, Nixa and Ozark, Missouri (our “Market Area”). Our success depends 
to a significant extent upon the business activity, population, income levels, deposits and real estate activity in these markets. 
Although  our  customers'  business  and  financial  interests  may  extend  well  beyond  these  market  areas,  adverse  economic 
conditions that affect these market areas could reduce our growth rate, affect the ability of our customers to repay their loans 
to us, affect the value of collateral underlying loans and generally affect our financial condition and results of operations. 
Because of our geographic concentration, we are less able than other regional or national financial institutions to diversify 
our credit risks across multiple markets.  

Our loan/lease portfolio possesses increased risk due to our relatively high concentration of real estate loans, which 
involve risks specific to real estate values.  

Real estate lending comprises a significant portion of our lending business. Real estate loans were $448.0 million, 
or approximately 82% of our total loan/lease portfolio, as of December 31, 2016. The market value of real estate securing 
our real estate loans can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time as a result of market conditions in our Market Area 
which is where most of the real estate on which our real estate loans are made is located. Adverse developments affecting 
real estate values in our Market Area 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 our control or that of our borrowers could negatively impact the future cash flow and 
market values of the affected properties impairing the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans which could materially 
and  adversely  affect  the  Bank’s  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  depending  on  the  severity  of  the  economic 
downturn or the nature of the regulatory changes.  

Deterioration in asset quality could have an adverse impact on our business. 

A  significant  source  of  risk  for  us  arises  from  the  possibility  that  losses  will  be  sustained  because  borrowers, 
guarantors and related parties may fail to perform in accordance with the terms of their loans. With respect to secured loans, 
the collateral securing the repayment of these loans includes a wide variety of diverse real and personal property that may be 
affected by changes in prevailing economic, environmental and other conditions, including declines in the value of real estate, 
changes in interest rates, changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government, environmental contamination (as 
discussed in more detail below) and other external events. In addition, decreases in real estate values due to the nature of the 
Bank’s loan portfolio (discussed above) could affect the ability of customers to repay their loans. The Bank’s loan policies 
and  procedures  may  not  prevent  unexpected  losses  that  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  financial 
condition, results of operation or liquidity. 

29 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with real estate collateral securing our loans.  

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real property. Under certain circumstances, we may take 
title  to  the  real  property  collateral  through  foreclosure  or  other  means.  As  the  titleholder  of  the  property,  we  may  be 
responsible for environmental risks, such as hazardous materials, which attach to the property. For these reasons, prior to 
extending credit, we conduct an environmental review to identify any known environmental risks associated with the real 
property that will secure our loans. In addition, we routinely inspect properties prior to foreclosing. If environmental risks 
are  found,  environmental  laws  and  regulations  may  prescribe  our  approach  to  remediation.  As  a  result,  while  we  have 
ownership  of  a  property,  we  may  incur  substantial  expense  and  bear  potential  liability  for  any  damages  caused.  The 
environmental risks may also materially reduce the property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the property. We also 
cannot guarantee that our environmental review will detect all environmental issues relating to a property, which could subject 
us to additional liability. 

Our loan portfolio possesses increased risk due to the percentage of commercial real estate loans and commercial 
business loans. 

Our loan portfolio includes a significant amount of commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans. 
The credit risk related to these types of loans is considered to be greater than the risk related to owner-occupied residential 
real estate loans or consumer loans because commercial loans often have larger balances, and repayment usually depends on 
the  borrowers’  successful  business  operations.  The  underlying  commercial  real  estate  values,  customer  cash  flow  and 
payment expectations on such loans can be more easily influenced by adverse conditions in the related industries, the real 
estate market or in the economy in general. Any significant deterioration in the credit quality of the commercial loan portfolio 
or underlying collateral values would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation. 

Our future success is dependent on our ability to compete effectively in the highly competitive banking industry. 

We  face  competition  in  attracting  and  retaining  deposits,  making  loans,  and  providing  other  financial  services 
throughout  our  market  area.  Our  competitors  include  other  community  banks,  regional  and  super-regional  banking 
institutions, national banking institutions, and a wide range of other financial institutions such as credit unions, government-
sponsored enterprises, mutual fund companies, insurance companies, brokerage companies, and other non-bank businesses. 
Many of these competitors have substantially greater resources than we do and some are not subject to the same regulatory 
restrictions as we are. Many of our competitors compete across geographic boundaries and are able to provide customers 
with a feasible alternative to traditional banking services.  

As we try to meet our competitors’ terms and pricing, increased competition in our markets may result in: 

● 
● 
● 
● 

interest rate changes to various types of accounts;  
a decrease in the amounts of our loans and deposits; 
reduced spreads between loan rates and deposit rates; or 
loan terms that are more favorable to the borrower and less favorable to the Bank. 

Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on our ability to grow and remain profitable. If increased 
competition causes us to significantly discount the interest rates we offer on loans or increase the amount we pay on deposits, 
our net interest income could be adversely impacted. 

Our operations are concentrated in one subsidiary bank; an event or a  series of events having a material adverse 
impact on the financial condition and results of operations of the Bank would have a material adverse impact on our 
financial condition and results of operation and, accordingly, on your investment in us.  

As  a  holding  company  with  only  one  subsidiary  bank,  our  investment  risk  is  concentrated  in  just  one  primary 
operating asset in a relatively small geographic location. A substantial portion of our cash flow comes from dividends paid 
directly to us by the Bank. If and to the extent our Bank is not successful or an event were to occur that prevents it or hinders 
it from operating effectively, our financial condition and results of operation could be materially and adversely impacted. 
Larger bank holding companies with more subsidiary banks or bank facilities and which are more geographically dispersed 
are not as susceptible to the concentrated risks we are if one of their subsidiary banks or facilities was not able to operate 
effectively. 

30 

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Cybersecurity  threats and privacy  breaches  could subject us to  increased  operating  costs as  well  as  litigation  and 
other liabilities.   

Our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect our computer equipment not only against damage from 
physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or a similar catastrophic event, but also from security breaches, 
denial of service attacks, viruses, worms and other disruptive problems caused by hackers. Any damage or failure that causes 
an interruption in our operations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. 
Our communication and information systems may present security risks due to susceptibility of digitally stored information 
to hacking or identity theft. We may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures 
or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures, and we may be subject to litigation and financial losses 
that are not fully covered through any insurance maintained by us. This could also result in damage to our reputation or a loss 
of confidence in the security of our systems and products.  

Our information security risks have increased recently in part because of new technologies, the use of the internet 
and telecommunication technologies (including mobile devices) to conduct financial and other business transactions and the 
increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, perpetrators of fraud, hackers, terrorists, and others. While we 
have established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the impact of systems failures and interruptions, there can be no 
assurance that such events will not occur or that they will be adequately addressed if they do. In addition, with the help of 
third-party service providers, we intend to continue to implement security technology and establish operational procedures 
to prevent such damage. Nevertheless, we may not be able to anticipate or implement effective preventative measures against 
all  security  breaches  of  these  types,  especially  because  the  techniques  used  change  frequently  and  because  attacks  can 
originate from a wide variety of sources. In addition, our security measures may not be able to detect all cyber threats and 
therefore there is a risk that data breaches may go undetected for extended periods of time.  

The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business.  

We are dependent upon outside third parties for processing and handling of our records and data. 

We rely on third party vendors for a substantial portion of our communications, record retention, operations and 
financial control systems technology. While we place a high priority on reliability and competency in our selection of third 
party vendors, we do not control their actions. Any problems caused by these third parties, including as a result of their not 
providing us their services for any reason or their performing their services poorly, could materially and adversely affect our 
ability  to  deliver  products  and  services  to  our  customers  or  otherwise  conduct  our  business  efficiently  and  effectively. 
Replacing these third party vendors could also entail significant delay and expense.  

In addition to issues with the services provided by third parties, the vendors we use are also subject to the same 
cybersecurity risks discussed above. Although we conduct a review of third party vendors prior to contracting with them, we 
cannot control the security of their systems. Therefore, in addition to cybersecurity threats against us, we are also at risk if 
our  third  parties vendors  are  unable  to  adequately protect our  information. If our  data was  accessed through  information 
provided to a third party vendor, we could face significant legal and financial exposure and damage to our reputation. 

We  continually  encounter  technological  change,  and  we  cannot  predict  how  changes  in  technology  will  affect  our 
business. 

The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of 
new  technology-driven  products  and  services.  The  effective  use  of  technology  increases  efficiency  and  enables  financial 
institutions to better serve customers and reduce costs. Our future success will depend, in part, upon 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 than we do. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-
driven  products  and  services  or  be  successful  in  marketing  these  products  and  services  to  our  customers.  Failure  to 
successfully  keep  pace  with  technological  change  affecting  the  financial  services  industry  could  have  a  material  adverse 
effect on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations. 

31 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
Rapidly changing interest rate environments could reduce our net interest margin and otherwise negatively impact 
our results of operations. 

Interest and fees on loans and securities, net of interest paid on deposits and borrowings, are a large part of our net 
income. Interest rates are the key drivers of our net interest margin and are subject to many factors beyond the control of 
management. As interest rates change, our net interest income is affected. Rapid increases in interest rates in the future could 
result in our interest expense increasing faster than interest income because of mismatches in the maturities of our assets and 
liabilities. Furthermore, substantially higher rates generally reduce loan demand and may result in slower loan growth for us. 
Decreases or increases in interest rates could have a negative effect on the spreads between our interest rates earned on assets 
and  our  rates  of  interest  paid  on  liabilities,  and  therefore  decrease  our  net  interest  income,  which  would  have  a  material 
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.  

Interest rate changes may affect borrowers’ repayment schedules, negatively impacting our financial condition. 

Interest rate increases often result in larger payment requirements for our borrowers, which increase the potential 
for default. At the same time, the marketability of underlying collateral may be adversely affected by any reduced demand 
resulting from higher interest rates. In a declining interest rate environment, there may be an increase in prepayments on 
certain of our loans as borrowers refinance at lower rates. Fluctuation in interest rates may therefore change borrowers’ timing 
of repayment of, or ability to repay loans, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition. 

Changes in interest rates could negatively impact our nonperforming assets, decreasing net interest income. 

Changes in interest rates also can affect the value of loans. An increase in interest rates that adversely affects the 
ability  of  borrowers  to  pay  the  principal  or  interest  on  loans  may  lead  to  an  increase  in  our  nonperforming  assets  and  a 
reduction of income recognized, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. 
Further, when we place a loan on nonaccrual status, we reverse any accrued but unpaid interest receivable, which decreases 
interest income. Subsequently, we continue to have a cost to fund the loan, which is reflected as interest expense, without 
any  interest  income  to  offset  the  associated  funding  expense.  Thus,  an  increase  in  the  amount  of  nonperforming  assets 
resulting from changes in interest rates would have an adverse impact on net interest income, which could have a material 
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.  

The financial condition of the Bank’s customers and borrowers could adversely affect the Bank’s liquidity. 

Two of the Bank’s primary sources of funds are loan repayments and customer deposits. Though scheduled loan 
repayments are a relatively stable source of liquidity, they are subject to the borrowers’ ability to repay their loans. The ability 
of the borrowers to repay their loans can be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in the economic 
conditions, adverse trends or events affecting the business environment, natural disasters and various other factors. Customer 
deposit levels may also be affected by a number of factors, including the competitive interest rate environment in both the 
national market and our Market Area, local and national economic conditions, natural disasters and other various events. The 
inability  of  borrowers  to  repay  their  loans  or  a  decline  in  customer  deposits  would,  depending  on  the  extent  of  the  loan 
defaults or decline in customer deposits, materially and adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.  

Liquidity needs could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.  

Adequate liquidity is critical in our ability to meet the needs of our customers. An inability to access funding through 
customer  deposits,  available  borrowings,  sales  of  loans  or  investments  could  have  an  adverse  effect  on  our  liquidity. 
Furthermore, regional and community banks, including the Bank, generally have less access to the capital markets, than do 
the national and super-regional banks because of their smaller size and limited analyst coverage. Any significant decline in 
available funding could adversely impact our ability in the future to originate loans, invest in securities, meet our expenses, 
pay  dividends  to  our  stockholders,  or  fulfill  obligations  such  as  repaying  our  borrowings  or  meeting  deposit  withdrawal 
demands, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity, business, results of operations and financial 
condition.  

32 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
A decrease in cash flows from our investment portfolio may adversely affect our liquidity. 

Another primary source of liquidity for the Bank is cash flows from investment securities. Cash flows from the 
investment portfolio may be affected by changes in interest rates, resulting in excessive levels of cash flow during periods of 
declining interest rates and lower levels of cash flow during periods of rising interest rates. These changes may be beyond 
our control and could significantly influence our available cash.  

If we are required to rely on secondary sources of liquidity, those sources may not be immediately available. 

We may be required from time to time to rely on secondary sources of liquidity to meet withdrawal demands or 
otherwise fund operations. Such sources include the FHLB advances, brokered deposits and federal funds lines of credit from 
correspondent banks. Our ability to borrow could be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as severe disruption 
of the financial markets or negative publicity about the financial services industry as a whole. We may also be required to 
pledge investments as collateral to borrow money from third parties. In certain cases, we may be required to sell investment 
instruments for sizable losses to meet liquidity needs, thereby reducing interest income and resultantly net income. While we 
believe that we are currently sufficiently liquid, there can be no assurance we will not in the future be required to turn to these 
secondary sources of liquidity which may not be available or only at costs that could materially and adversely affect our 
financial condition and results of operation. 

Inability to hire or retain certain key professionals, management and staff could adversely affect our revenues, net 
income and growth plans. 

Our performance is largely dependent on the talents and  efforts of highly skilled individuals and their ability to 
attract and retain customer relationships in a community bank environment. We rely on key personnel to manage and operate 
our business, including major revenue generating functions such as our loan and deposit portfolios. None of our employees, 
including those who comprise our key management team, are subject to employment contracts with us. Such employees are 
at-will and thus are not restricted from terminating their employment. The lack of employment contracts with key employees 
could have a material adverse impact on our ability to retain such employees. The loss of key management or our key loan 
officers with their contacts in the business communities within our Market Area may adversely affect our ability to maintain 
and manage these portfolios effectively, which could negatively affect our revenues. 

If we do struggle with employee retention, our success may also be impacted if we are unable to recruit replacement 
management and key employees in a reasonable amount of time. There is intense competition in the financial services industry 
for qualified employees. In addition, loss of key personnel could result in increased recruiting, hiring, and training expenses, 
resulting in lower net income.  

We are subject to certain operational risks, including, but not limited to, customer or employee fraud.  

Employee errors and employee and customer misconduct could subject us to financial losses, regulatory sanctions, 
lawsuits and seriously harm our reputation. 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. We maintain 
a system of internal controls and insurance coverage to mitigate against operational risks. However, if our internal controls 
fail to prevent or detect an occurrence, or if any resulting loss is not insured or exceeds applicable insurance limits, such 
failures could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 

We are subject to extensive regulation that may significantly affect our operations or earnings.  

We are subject to significant federal and state regulation and supervision, as discussed in more detail below, which 
is primarily for the benefit and protection of the Bank’s customers and not for the benefit of investors. As a result, various 
statutory provisions restrict the amount of dividends our Bank subsidiary can pay to us without regulatory approval. Our 
regulatory  compliance  is  costly.  We  are  subject  to  examination,  supervision,  and  comprehensive  regulation  by  various 
agencies, including the FRB, the MDF and FDIC. These regulators have broad discretion in their supervisory and enforcement 
activities. We are also subject to capitalization guidelines established by our regulators, as discussed below, which require 
that we and the Bank maintain adequate capital to support our growth and the Bank’s growth. To the extent our activities 
and/or the Bank’s activities are restricted or limited by regulation or regulators’ supervisory authority, our future profitability 
may be adversely affected. 

33 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
Changes in federal or state regulation may increase our costs.  

The laws, regulations, policies, and interpretations that govern our industry are constantly evolving and may change 
significantly  over  time.  The  Dodd-Frank  Act  reshaped  regulation  of  banking  institutions  and  the  numerous  requirements 
stemming  from  the  Dodd-Frank  Act  have  resulted  in  increased  compliance  costs  for  institutions  both  large  and  small, 
including us and the Bank. As these regulations continue to be implemented, interpreted, and enforced, our compliance must 
evolve as well. The CFPB has shown that it is a proactive agency and we anticipate that the CFPB will continue to expand 
its supervisory and enforcement authority into new areas and to issue new rules and guidance.  

We cannot predict the nature or effect of current or proposed legislative or regulatory changes on us or the Bank 
with  any  certainty.  Changes in  laws or  regulations  could impact  our business practices  and  profitability.  We  also  cannot 
predict the cost of new compliance that may be required to keep pace with industry regulatory changes. 

Decreases in capital and changes to the formulas for calculating adequate capital may negatively impact us or result 
in increased regulatory supervision.  

Federal rules require banking institutions to maintain an adequate level of regulatory capital (net assets available to 
absorb losses). Due to the risks associated with the industry, banking institutions are generally required to hold more capital 
than other businesses. Revised minimum capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III Rule became effective for us and 
the Bank on January 1, 2015, with additional requirements, such as the capital conservation buffer (discussed below), to be 
phased in over the next few years. The new requirements change the definition of capital, increase minimum required risk-
based capital ratios, and increase the risk-weights for certain assets. Cumulatively, the Basel III Rule is more stringent than 
prior requirements and requires financial institutions to hold more and better capital against their assets, decreasing the size 
of their balance sheets. Although the impact on us has been minimal to date, we cannot guarantee that will continue.  

Financial  institutions  must  maintain  a  2.5%  capital  conservation  buffer  comprised  of  CET1  Capital  above  the 
minimum risk-based capital requirements. The buffer must be maintained in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions 
and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. If we or the Bank dip below the capital conservation buffer, we or 
the Bank could be subject to increasingly strict limitations on capital distributions and bonus payments. 

Federal law provides regulators with broad powers to take "prompt corrective action" to resolve capital deficiencies 
at  insured  depository  institutions  that  do  not  meet  minimum  capital  requirements.  There  are  five  capital  tiers:  "well 
capitalized," 
"critically 
undercapitalized."  As  an  institution’s  capital  levels  deteriorates  and  it  falls  below  the  “well  capitalized”  threshold,  such 
institution faces increasing penalties. Regulator’s corrective powers include, but are not limited to:  

"undercapitalized," 

undercapitalized" 

"significantly 

capitalized," 

"adequately 

and 

requiring a waiver to accept brokered deposits;  
requiring submission of a capital plan;  
limiting growth or restricting activities;  
requiring the issuance of additional capital stock;  
restricting transactions with affiliates;  

● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
●  prohibiting executive bonuses or raises;  
●  prohibiting the payment of subordinated debt; and  
● 

appointing a receiver.  

Accordingly, we and the Bank could be subject to regulatory penalties and restrictions if capital falls below certain 

minimum thresholds. 

Management’s  analysis of the  necessary funding  for the allowance for  loan  loss account  may be  incorrect  or  may 
suddenly change resulting in lower earnings. 

The funding  of  the  allowance  for  loan  loss  account  is  the  most  significant  estimate  made by  management  in  its 
financial reporting to stockholders and regulators. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses 
involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, 
all of which are subject to material changes.  

34 

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Although management believes that the allowance for loan/lease losses as of December 31, 2016 was adequate to 
absorb losses on any existing loans/leases that may become uncollectible, we cannot predict loan losses with certainty, and 
we  cannot  assure  you  that  our  allowance  for  loan  losses  will  prove  sufficient  to  cover  actual  loan  losses  in  the  future, 
particularly  if  economic  conditions  are  more  difficult  than  management  currently  expects.  If  negative  changes  to  the 
performance of our loan portfolio were to occur, management may find it necessary to or be required to fund the allowance 
for loan loss account through additional charges to our provision for loan loss expense. These changes may occur suddenly 
and be dramatic in nature. Additional provisions to the allowance for loan losses and loan losses in excess of said allowance 
may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.  

Monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve could adversely affect our business, financial condition and 
results of operations.  

In  addition  to being affected by general  economic  conditions,  including  economic  conditions  specifically  in our 
Market  Area,  our  earnings  and  growth  are  affected  by  the  policies  of  the  Federal  Reserve.  An  important  function  of  the 
Federal Reserve is to regulate the money supply and credit conditions. Among the instruments used by the Federal Reserve 
to implement these objectives are open market operations in U.S. government securities, adjustments of the discount rate and 
changes  in  reserve  requirements  against  bank  deposits.  These  instruments  are  used  in  varying  combinations  to  influence 
overall economic growth and the distribution of credit, bank loans, investments and deposits. Their use also affects interest 
rates charged on loans or paid on deposits.  

The effects of the monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve upon our business, financial condition 
and  results  of  operations  in  the  future  cannot  be  predicted,  but  have  had  a  significant  effect  on  the  operating  results  of 
commercial banks, including our Bank, in the past.   

Anti-takeover provisions could negatively impact our stockholders. 

Provisions in our governing documents, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) and 
federal regulations could delay or prevent a third party from acquiring us, despite the possible benefit to our stockholders. 
These provisions include, but are not limited to:  

● 

● 

a  prohibition  on  voting  shares  of  common  stock  beneficially  owned  in  excess  of  10%  of  total  shares
outstanding without prior Board approval;  

supermajority voting requirements for certain business combinations with any person who beneficially owns 
10% or more of our outstanding common stock;  

● 

the election of directors to staggered terms of three years;  

● 

advance notice requirements for director nominations and for proposing matters that stockholders may act
on at stockholder meetings;  

● 

a requirement that only directors may fill a vacancy in our Board of Directors; and  

● 

supermajority voting requirements to remove any of our directors.  

In addition, because we are a bank holding company, purchasers of 10% or more of our common stock may be 
required to obtain approvals under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended, or the Bank Holding Company Act 
of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”), and in certain cases such approvals may be required at a lesser percentage of ownership.  

These provisions may discourage potential takeover attempts, discourage bids for our common stock at a premium 
over market price or adversely affect the market price of, and the voting and other rights of the holders of, our common stock. 
These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for holders of our common stock to elect 
directors other than the candidates nominated by our Board of Directors. 

35 

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There are restrictions on our ability to pay dividends on and repurchase our common stock. 

Holders  of  our  common  stock  are  entitled  to  receive  dividends  only  when,  as  and  if  declared  by  our  Board  of 
Directors. Our ability to pay dividends is limited by Delaware law, as well as regulatory restrictions and the need to maintain 
sufficient consolidated capital. The ability of the Bank to pay dividends to us is limited by its obligation to maintain sufficient 
capital and liquidity and by other general restrictions on dividends that are applicable to the Bank. If current or any future 
regulatory requirements are not met, the Bank will not be able to pay dividends to us, and we may be unable to pay dividends 
on our common stock. 

The DGCL provides that dividends by a Delaware corporation may be paid only from: (1) “surplus” determined in 
the manner described in the DGCL, or (2) in case there is no “surplus,” net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is 
declared  and/or  the  preceding  fiscal  year.  Dividends  paid  from  the  second  source  may  not  be  paid  unless  the  capital 
represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets at current 
market value is intact. 

Moreover, as a bank holding company, our ability to declare and pay dividends is subject to the guidelines of the 
Federal Reserve regarding capital adequacy and dividends. The Federal Reserve guidelines generally require us to review the 
effects of the cash payment of dividends on common stock and other Tier 1 capital instruments (i.e., perpetual preferred stock 
and trust preferred debt) in light of our earnings, capital adequacy and financial condition. As a general matter, the Federal 
Reserve indicates that the Board of Directors of a bank holding company should eliminate, defer or significantly reduce the 
dividends if:  

● 

● 

the company’s net income available to stockholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously
paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends; 

the  prospective  rate  of  earnings  retention  is  inconsistent  with  the  company’s  capital  needs  and  overall
current and prospective financial condition; or  

● 

the company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios. 

In the future, if we default on certain of our outstanding debts, we will be prohibited from making dividend payments 

on our common stock until such payments have been brought current.  

Failure to pay interest on our debt may adversely impact our ability to pay common stock dividends.  

As  of  December  31, 2016, we  had $15.5  million  of junior  subordinated debentures held  by  two  Trusts.  Interest 
payments on the Company’s existing debentures, which totaled $579,000 for 2016, must be paid before the Company can 
pay dividends on its capital stock, including its common stock. The Company has the right to defer interest payments on the 
debentures for up to 20 consecutive quarters. However, if it elects to defer interest payments, all deferred interest must be 
paid before the Company can pay dividends on its capital stock. 

Although the Company expects to be able to pay all required interest on the junior subordinated debentures, there is 

no guarantee that it will be able to do so.  

There is a limited trading market for our common stock, and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above 
the price you paid for them.  

Although our common stock is listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Market, it has a low average daily trading 
volume relative to many other stocks whose shares are also quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market. A public trading market 
having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the market of willing buyers 
and sellers of our common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general 
economic and market conditions over which we have no control. We cannot assure you that the volume of trading in our 
common stock will increase in the future.  

36 

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Additionally, general market forces may have a negative effect on our stock price, independent of factors affecting 
our stock specifically. Factors beyond our control, including price and trading fluctuation, can significantly influence the fair 
value  of  securities  in  our  portfolio  and  can  cause  potential  adverse  changes  to  the  fair  value  of  these  securities.  These 
conditions may result in (i) volatility in the level of, and fluctuations in, the market prices of stocks generally and, in turn, 
our  common  stock  and  (ii)  sales  of  substantial  amounts  of  our  common  stock  in  the  market,  in  each  case  that  could  be 
unrelated or disproportionate to changes in our operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect 
the market value of our common stock. 

The soundness of other financial institutions could negatively affect our business.  

Our  ability  to  engage  in  routine  funding  and  other  transactions  could  be  negatively  affected  by  the  actions  and 
commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions, including the Bank, are interrelated as a 
result of trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. Defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more 
financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and 
losses of depositor, creditor and counterparty confidence and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. 
We could experience increases in deposits and assets as a result of the difficulties or failures of other banks, which would 
increase the capital we need to support our growth. There can be no assurance that we could raise the necessary capital to 
support our growth or on terms satisfactory to us. 

We face legal risks, both from regulatory investigations and proceedings and from private actions brought against us. 

We could in the future become subject to lawsuits or regulatory proceedings challenging the legality of our lending 
or business practices. Future actions against us may result in judgments, settlements, fines, penalties or other results adverse 
to  us,  which  could  materially  adversely  affect  our  business,  financial  condition  or  results  of  operations,  or  cause  serious 
reputational harm to us. As a participant in the financial services industry, we are exposed to a high level of potential litigation 
related to our businesses and operations. Although we maintain insurance, the scope of this coverage may not provide us with 
full, or even partial, coverage in any particular case.  

Our businesses and operations are also subject to increasing regulatory oversight and scrutiny, which may lead to 
additional regulatory investigations or enforcement actions. These and other initiatives from federal and state officials may 
subject us to further judgments, settlements, fines or penalties, or cause us to be required to restructure our operations and 
activities, all of which could lead to reputational issues, or higher operational costs, thereby reducing our revenue. 

Our reputation could be damaged by negative publicity.  

Reputational risk, or the risk to us from negative publicity, is inherent in our business. Negative publicity can result 
from actual or alleged conduct in a number of areas, including legal and regulatory compliance, lending practices, corporate 
governance, litigation, inadequate protection of customer data, ethical behavior of our employees, and from actions taken by 
regulators, ratings agencies and others as a result of that conduct. Damage to our reputation could impact our ability to attract 
new or maintain existing loan and deposit customers, employees and business relationships.  

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments, which are 
subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty and which may differ from actual results.  

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and 
general reporting practices within the U.S. financial services industry, which require us to make estimates and judgments that 
affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets,  liabilities,  revenues  and  expenses  and  related  disclosure  of  contingent  assets  and 
liabilities. Some accounting policies, such as those pertaining to our allowance for loan losses, require the application of 
significant judgment by management in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. By their 
nature, these estimates and judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty and actual results may differ from these 
estimates and judgments under different assumptions or conditions. If actual results vary significantly, there may be a material 
adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations in subsequent periods. 

37 

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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 

Not applicable. 

Item 2.    Properties 

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the Bank’s facilities as of December 31, 2016. All 
buildings owned are free of encumbrances or mortgages. The Bank’s facilities are well maintained and considered adequate 
for the foreseeable future.   

Location 

Main Office 

Year  
Opened 

    Owned or      
Leased 

Lease  
Expiration 
(Including any 
renewal options) 

1341 W Battlefield Road ...................  Springfield, Missouri 65807 

1995 

Owned 

N/A 

Operations Center 

1414 W Elfindale ..............................  Springfield, Missouri 65807 

2009 

Owned 

N/A 

Banking Center Offices 

1510 E Sunshine ................................  Springfield, Missouri 65804 

1979 

Owned 

2109 N Glenstone ..............................  Springfield, Missouri 65803 

1987 

Owned 

4343 S National .................................  Springfield, Missouri 65810 

2000 

Owned 

1905 W Kearney ...............................  Springfield, Missouri 65803 

2004 

Leased* 

2155 W Republic Road .....................  Springfield, Missouri 65807 

2006 

Leased* 

709 W Mt. Vernon ............................  Nixa, Missouri 65714 

291 East Hwy CC ..............................  Nixa, Missouri 65714 

1701 W State Hwy J ..........................  Ozark, Missouri 65721 

2005 

2008 

2008 

Leased* 

Leased* 

Owned 

Loan Production Offices 

1100 Spur Dr. ....................................  Marshfield, Missouri 65706 

2007 

Leased 

2639 E 32nd St, Suite R ....................  Joplin, Missouri 65804 

2016 

Leased 

* Building owned with land leased. 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

2044 

2046 

2044 

2038 

N/A 

2017 

2017 

38 

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Item 3.    Legal Proceedings  

(a)       Material Legal Proceedings 

The Company and the Bank, from time to time, may be parties to ordinary routine litigation, which arises in the 
normal course of business, such as claims to enforce liens, and condemnation proceedings, on properties in which the Bank 
holds security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans, and other issues incident to the 
business  of  the  Company  and  the  Bank. While  the ultimate  outcome  of such  legal proceedings  cannot  be predicted with 
certainty, after reviewing pending and threatened litigation with legal counsel, management believes at this time that the 
outcome of any such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or 
results of operations.  

(b)       Proceedings Terminated During the Last Quarter of the Fiscal Year Covered by This Report 

Not applicable. 

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not applicable. 

39 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
PART II 

Item 5.       Market  for Registrant's Common  Equity,  Related Stockholder  Matters and  Issuer  Purchases of  Equity 
Securities 

Market Information 

The common stock of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) is listed for trading on the NASDAQ 

Global Market under the symbol “GFED”.  

Shareholders 

As of March 15, 2017, there were approximately 1,406 holders of shares of the Company’s common stock. At that 

date the Company had 6,875,503 shares of common stock issued and 4,421,275 shares of common stock outstanding. 

Dividends and Common Stock Prices 

The  table  below  sets  forth  the  cash  dividends  per  share  on  the  Company’s  common  stock  for  the  years  ended 

December 31, 2016 and 2015.           

Year ended 
December 31, 2016 

Year ended 
December 31, 2015 

Declared 

Paid 

Dividend Per 
Share 

Declared 

Paid 

Dividend Per 
Share 

Quarter ended: 

3/24/2016 
March 31 .......... 
6/23/2016 
June 30 ............. 
September 30 ... 
9/29/2016 
December 31 ....  12/22/2016 

4/14/2016 
7/5/2016 
10/20/2016 
1/13/2017 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

0.08  
0.08  
0.08  
0.10  

3/26/2015 
6/25/2015 
9/24/2015 
12/23/2015 

4/16/2015 
7/16/2015 
10/15/2015 
1/15/2016 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

0.05   
0.05   
0.05   
0.08   

Any future dividends will be at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and will depend on, among other 
things, the Company’s results of operations, cash requirements and surplus, financial condition, regulatory limitations and 
other factors that the Company’s Board of Directors may consider relevant.  

The table below reflects the range of common stock high and low sale prices per the NASDAQ Global Market by 

quarter for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.  

Year ended 
December 31, 2016 

Year ended 
December 31, 2015 

High 

Low 

High 

Low 

Quarter ended: 

March 31 ...................................................   $ 
June 30 ......................................................     
September 30 ............................................     
December 31 .............................................     

15.57    $ 
16.18      
16.90      
21.20      

14.80     $ 
14.98       
16.00       
16.30       

15.25     $ 
15.20       
15.20       
15.25       

13.02   
14.30  
14.15   
14.30   

40 

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Financial Performance 

Set forth below is a stock performance graph comparing the cumulative total shareholder return on the Common 
Stock with (a) the cumulative total stockholder return on stocks included in The Nasdaq – Total U.S. Index (b) the cumulative 
total stockholder return on stocks included in The NASDAQ Bank Index and (c) the cumulative total stockholder return on 
stocks included in the SNL U.S. Bank NASDAQ. All three investment comparisons assume the investment of $100 as of the 
close of business on December 31, 2011 and the hypothetical value of that investment as of the Company’s fiscal years ended 
December 31, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, assuming that all dividends were reinvested. The graph reflects the historical 
performance of the Common Stock, and, as a result, may not be indicative of possible future performance of the Common 
Stock. The data used to compile this graph was obtained from NASDAQ.  

Index 
Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. ...    
NASDAQ - Total US .......................    
NASDAQ Bank Index ......................    
SNL U.S. Bank NASDAQ ...............    

12/31/11     
100.00      
100.00      
100.00      
100.00      

12/31/12    
120.88      
117.45      
118.69      
119.19      

12/31/13    
192.96      
164.57      
168.21      
171.31      

12/31/14    

233.80      
188.84      
176.48      
177.42      

12/31/15    
274.96      
201.98      
192.08      
191.53      

12/31/16  
389.55  
219.89  
265.02  
265.56  

Period Ending 

As a result of a change in the total return data made available to us through our vendor provider, our performance 
graphs  going  forward  will  be  using  an  index  provided  by  NASDAQ  OMX  Global  Indexes  which  is  comparable  to  the 
NASDAQ Bank Stock Index. Please note, information for the NASDAQ Bank Stock Index is provided only from December 
31, 2011 through December 31, 2016, the last day this data was available by our third-party provider. 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans 

With respect to the equity compensation plan information required by this item, see “Item 12. Security Ownership 

of Certain Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” in this report. 

41 

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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities  

The following table summarizes the repurchase activity of the Company’s Common Stock during the Company’s 

fourth quarter ended December 31, 2016.  

Period 

  (a) Total Number 
of Shares 
Purchased  

    (b) Average Price 
Paid per Share  

    (c) Total Number 
of Shares 
Purchased as 
Part of Publicly 
Announced Plans 
or Programs (1)  

(d) Maximum 
Number of 
Shares that May 
Yet Be 
Purchased Under 
the Plans or 
Programs  

October 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016 
November 1, 2016 to November 30, 2016 
December 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 
Total 

-       
22,000       
-       
22,000     $ 

-      
16.89       
-      
16.89       

-      
22,000      
-      
22,000      

174,548   
152,548   
152,548   

(1)  The  Company  has  a  repurchase  plan  which  was  announced  on  August  20,  2007.  This  plan  authorizes  the
purchase by the Company of up to 350,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. There is no expiration date
for this plan. There are no other repurchase plans in effect at this time.  

42 

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Item 6.    Selected Financial Data 

The  following  tables  include  certain  information  concerning  the  financial  position  and  results  of  operations  of 
Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. (including consolidated data from operations of Guaranty Bank) as of the dates indicated. 
Dollar amounts are expressed in thousands except per share.  

Summary Balance Sheets  

2016 

2015 

As of December 31,  
2014 

2013 

ASSETS  
Cash and cash equivalents  ...................................   $
Investments and interest-bearing deposits  ...........     
Loans receivable, net  ...........................................     
Accrued interest receivable  .................................     
Prepaids and other assets  .....................................     
Foreclosed assets  .................................................     
Premises and equipment, net  ...............................     
Bank owned life insurance  ..................................     
  $

LIABILITIES  
Deposits  ...............................................................   $
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve 

Bank advances  .................................................     
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase  ..     
Subordinated debentures  .....................................     
Other liabilities  ....................................................     

9,088    $ 
18,774     $
92,427      
97,336       
540,457      
492,905       
1,947      
1,987       
11,234      
10,121       
2,682      
2,392       
10,871      
10,540       
18,780       
19,273      
687,979    $  652,835     $

12,494     $
86,529       
487,801       
2,030       
11,421       
3,165       
10,603       
14,417       
628,460     $

12,303     $
97,772       
465,003       
1,853       
14,204       
3,822       
10,887       
14,044       
619,888     $

2012 

41,663   
102,162   
468,376   
2,055   
16,703   
4,530   
11,286   
13,657   
660,432   

505,363    $  517,386     $

479,818     $

487,319     $

500,015   

95,700      
-      
15,465      
1,477      
618,005      

52,100       
-      
15,465       
1,462       
586,413       

60,350       
10,000       
15,465       
1,350       
566,983       

55,350       
10,000       
15,465       
1,399       
569,533       

68,050   
25,000   
15,465   
1,034   
609,564   

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  .............................     
  $

69,974      
66,422       
687,979    $  652,835     $

61,477       
628,460     $

50,355       
619,888     $

50,868   
660,432   

Supplemental Data  

2016 

2015 

As of December 31,  
2014 

2013 

Number of full-service offices  ............................     
Cash dividends per common share  ......................   $

9      
0.34    $ 

9       
0.23     $

9       
0.15     $

2012 

9       
-    $

9   
-  

Summary Statements of Income  

2016 

Years ended December 31,  
2014 

2013 

2015 

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 income taxes  ................................     
Provision for income taxes  ..................................     

25,389    $ 
4,177      
21,212      
1,375      

19,837      
4,870      
17,100      
7,607      
2,013      

25,190     $
4,280      
20,910       
600       

20,310       
4,478       
16,610       
8,178       
2,461       

25,014     $
4,329       
20,685       
1,275       

19,410       
3,350       
14,865       
7,895       
2,113       

25,855     $
5,097       
20,758       
1,550       

19,208       
5,319       
16,771       
7,756       
2,516       

2012 

27,606   
6,858   
20,748   
5,950   

14,798   
3,256   
15,355   
2,699   
755   

Net income  ..........................................................   $
Preferred stock dividends and discount  

accretion  ..........................................................     
Net income available to common shareholders  ...   $

5,594    $ 

5,717     $

5,782     $

5,240     $

1,944   

-      
5,594    $ 

-      
5,717     $

357       
5,425     $

795       
4,445     $

1,077   
867   

Basic income per common share  .........................   $
Diluted income per common share  ......................   $

1.28    $ 
1.27    $ 

1.32     $
1.30     $

1.35     $
1.33     $

1.63     $
1.58     $

0.32   
0.30   

43 

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

GENERAL 

Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation organized on December 30, 1997 
that operates as a one-bank holding company. Guaranty Bank (the “Bank”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.  

The primary activity of the Company is to oversee its investment in the Bank. The Company engages in few other 
activities, and the Company has no significant assets other than its investment in the Bank. For this reason, unless otherwise 
specified,  references  to  the  Company  include  the  operations  of  the  Bank.  The  Company’s  principal  business  consists  of 
attracting deposits from the general public and using such deposits to originate multi-family, construction and commercial 
real estate loans, mortgage loans secured by one- to four-family residences, and consumer and business loans. The Company 
also uses these funds to purchase government sponsored mortgage-backed securities, US government and agency obligations, 
and other permissible securities. When cash outflows exceed inflows, the Company uses borrowings and brokered deposits 
as additional financing sources. 

The Company derives revenues principally from interest earned on loans and investments and, to a lesser extent, 
from fees charged for services. General economic conditions and policies of the financial institution regulatory agencies, 
including the MDF and the FDIC, significantly influence the Company’s operations. Interest rates on competing investments 
and general market interest rates influence the Company’s cost of funds. Lending activities are affected by the interest rates 
at which such financing may be offered. The Company intends to focus on commercial, one- to four-family residential and 
consumer lending throughout southwestern Missouri. 

The Company has two active wholly-owned subsidiaries other than the Bank, its principal subsidiary: (i) Guaranty 
Statutory Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust; and (ii) Guaranty Statutory Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust and a third inactive 
subsidiary. These Trusts were formed in December 2005 for the exclusive purpose of issuing trust preferred securities to 
acquire junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company. The Company’s banking operation conducted through the 
Bank  is  the  Company’s  only  reportable  segment.  See  also  the  discussion  contained  in  the  section  captioned  “Segment 
Information” in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this report. The third subsidiary is a service 
corporation which has been inactive since February 1, 2003. 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

The  Company  may  from  time  to  time  make  written  or  oral  "forward-looking  statements",  including  statements 
contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including this Annual Report on Form 10-
K and the exhibits thereto), in its reports to stockholders and in other communications by the Company, which are made in 
good faith by the Company pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 
When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, words such as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “expects,” and similar 
expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such 
statements. 

These  forward-looking  statements  involve  risks  and  uncertainties,  such  as  statements  of  the  Company's  plans, 
objectives,  expectations,  estimates  and  intentions  that  are  subject  to  change  based  on  various  important  factors  (some  of 
which  are  beyond  the  Company's  control).  The  following  factors,  among  others,  could  cause  the  Company's  financial 
performance to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-
looking statements: the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the real estate values and the 
local economies in which the Company conducts operations; the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies 
and laws, changes in interest rates; the timely development of and acceptance of new products and services of the company 
and the perceived overall value of these products and services by users, including the features, pricing and quality compared 
to  competitors'  products  and  services;  the  impact  of  changes  in  financial  services'  laws  and  regulations  (including  laws 
concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance); asset quality deterioration; environmental liability associated with real 
estate collateral; technological changes and cybersecurity risks; acquisitions; employee retention; the success of the Company 
at managing the risks resulting from these factors; and other factors set forth in reports and other documents filed by the 
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. For further information about these and other 
risks, uncertainties and factors, please review the disclosure included in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K. 

44 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
 
The Company cautions that the listed factors are not exclusive. The Company does not undertake to update any 

forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company. 

FINANCIAL CONDITION 

From  December  31,  2015  to  December  31,  2016,  the  Company’s  total  assets  increased  $35,144,747  (5%)  to 
$687,979,819, liabilities increased $31,592,832 (5%) to $618,005,439, and stockholders' equity increased $3,551,915 (5%) 
to $69,974,380. The ratio of stockholders’ equity to total assets was 10.2% at the end of both fiscal years.  

From December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016, available-for-sale securities decreased $4,893,252 (5%), primarily 
due to purchases of $82,423,495 offset by sales, maturities and principal payments received of $85,915,813. The Company 
had net unrealized losses of $2,078,050 at December 31, 2016 compared to $1,085,645 at December 31, 2015.  

From  December  31,  2015  to  December  31,  2016,  net  loans  receivable  increased  by  $47,271,733  (10%)  to 
$538,273,640.  Permanent  loans  secured  by  commercial  real  estate,  primarily  secured  by  owner  occupied  retail  and  low-
income  housing  projects,  increased  $40,756,300  (20%)  which  was  due  to  two  larger  construction  projects  moving  to 
permanent financing and overall increased loan demand. Construction loans decreased $4,550,558 (10%) due primarily to 
the two larger credits discussed above moving to permanent financing. Permanent multi-family loans increased $6,879,853 
(17%) due to three significant new credits offset by loan payoffs on existing credits. Commercial loans decreased $5,602,165 
(7%) which was primarily due to anticipated payoffs. Loans secured by both owner and non-owner occupied one-to-four 
family residences increased $8,153,141 (8%) due to increased loan demand. The Company continues to focus its lending 
efforts in the commercial and owner occupied real estate loan categories. 

As of December 31, 2016, management identified loans totaling $8,699,000 as impaired with a related allowance 
for loan losses of $602,000. Impaired loans decreased by $6,031,000 during 2016, compared to the balance of $14,730,000 
at December 31, 2015.  

From December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016, the allowance for loan losses decreased $69,491 to $5,742,449. In 
addition to the provision for loan losses of $1,375,000 recorded by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2016, 
loan charge-offs of specific loans (previously classified as nonperforming) exceeded recoveries by $1,444,491 for the year 
ended  December  31,  2016.  The  Company’s  increase  in  overall  loan  balances  during  2016  has  increased  the  general 
component of the allowance for loan loss reserve requirements. However, the overall reserve decreased as a result of charge-
offs of specific reserves established on nonperforming loans.  The allowance for loan losses, as a percentage of gross loans 
outstanding (excluding  mortgage  loans held  for  sale),  as of December 31,  2016  and December  31, 2015  was  1.06%  and 
1.17%, respectively. The allowance for loan losses, as a percentage of nonperforming loans outstanding, as of December 31, 
2016 and December 31, 2015 was 66.5% and 109.9%, respectively. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is at 
a level to be sufficient in providing for potential loan losses in the Bank’s existing loan portfolio. 

From December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016, deposits decreased $12,022,945 (2%) to $505,362,750. During 
this  period,  checking  and  savings  transaction  balances  decreased  by  $8,163,633  and  certificates  of  deposit  decreased 
$3,859,312. For the majority of 2016, the Company experienced strong growth in checking and savings accounts due to its 
continued efforts to increase core transaction deposits, including retail, commercial and public funds. This had allowed the 
Company to reduce higher priced certificates of deposit. However, during the fourth quarter of 2016, various public fund 
customers  and  one  commercial  business  customer  utilized  significant  deposit  dollars  for  large  projects  that  produced  an 
overall decline in deposits for 2016.  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased $43,600,000 (84%) from $52,100,000 as of December 31, 2015 to 

$95,700,000 as of December 31, 2016 in order to fund the Company’s growth in net loans receivable of $47,271,733.  

From  December  31,  2015  to  December  31,  2016,  stockholders’  equity  (including  unrealized  depreciation  on 
available-for-sale securities, net of tax) increased $3,551,915 (5%) to $69,974,380. Net income for the year ended December 
31, 2016 exceeded dividends paid or declared by $4,089,156. The equity portion of the Company’s unrealized losses on 
available-for-sale securities declined by $625,285 during 2016. On a per common share basis, stockholders’ equity increased 
from $15.27 as of December 31, 2015 to $16.09 as of December 31, 2016. 

45 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
 
AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST AND AVERAGE YIELDS 

The following table shows the balances as of December 31, 2016 of various categories of interest-earning assets and 
interest-bearing liabilities and the corresponding yields and costs, and, for the periods indicated: (1) the average balances of 
various categories of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, (2) the total interest earned or paid thereon, and 
(3) the resulting weighted average yields and costs. In addition, the table shows the Company’s rate spreads and net yields. 
Average  balances  are  based  on  daily  balances.  Tax-free  income  is  not  material;  accordingly,  interest  income  and  related 
average yields have not been calculated on a tax equivalent basis. Average loan balances include non-accrual loans. Dollar 
amounts are expressed in thousands.  

As of 
  December 31, 2016      

Year Ended 
December 31, 2016 

Year Ended 
December 31, 2015 

Year Ended 
December 31, 2014 

Yield 
/ 
Cost 

      Average 
Balance  

Yield 
/ 
Cost 

      Average 
Balance  

Interest  

Yield 
/ 
Cost 

      Average 
Balance  

Yield 
/ 
Cost 

Interest  

Interest  

Balance  

ASSETS  
Interest-earning:  
Loans  .................................   $  546,200         4.81%   $  513,995      $  23,315       4.54%   $  501,194      $  23,565        4.70%   $  465,874      $  23,255        4.99% 
1,627        1.63% 
Investment securities  .........     
Other assets  ........................     
132        0.56% 
Total interest-earning  ........      648,618         4.33%      632,981         25,389       4.01%      614,994         25,190        4.10%      589,248         25,014        4.25% 
Noninterest-earning  ...........     

92,427         1.95%      101,081        
17,905        

1,484        1.64%     
141        0.60%     

1,895       1.87%     
179       1.00%     

99,887        
23,487        

90,248        
23,552        

9,991         0.31%     

39,362        
  $  687,980        

40,632        
      $  673,613        

36,103        
      $  651,097        

36,036        
      $  625,284        

LIABILITIES AND 

STOCKHOLDERS' 
EQUITY  
Interest-bearing:  
Savings accounts  ...............   $  28,095         0.20%   $  27,489      $ 
Transaction accounts  .........      284,668         0.40%      320,352        
Certificates of deposit  ........      111,689         0.89%      111,220        
73,833        
FHLB advances  .................     
15,465        
Subordinated debentures  ...     
Repurchase agreements  .....     
-        
Total interest-bearing  ........      535,617         0.80%      548,359        
55,344        
Noninterest-bearing  ...........     
82,388        
         603,703        
Total liabilities  ...................      618,005        
69,910        
69,975        
Stockholders' equity  ..........     
      $  673,613        
  $  687,980        
Net earning balance  ...........   $  113,001        
      $  84,622        
Earning yield less costing 

95,700         1.59%     
15,465         3.53%     
-        0.00%     

1,314       1.78%     
579       3.74%     
-       0.00%     

55       0.20%   $  24,841      $ 
1,235       0.39%      305,849        
994       0.89%      119,793        
53,970        
15,465        
4,575        
4,177       0.76%      524,493        
61,686        
         586,179        
64,918        
      $  651,097        
      $  90,501        

49        0.20%   $  24,366      $ 
1,277        0.42%      289,175        
1,098        0.92%      121,344        
53,865        
1,196        2.22%     
15,465        
539        3.49%     
10,000        
121        2.64%     
4,280        0.82%      514,215        
51,277        
         565,492        
59,792        
      $  625,284        
      $  75,033        

49        0.20% 
1,242        0.43% 
1,038        0.86% 
1,202        2.23% 
533        3.45% 
265        2.65% 
4,329        0.84% 

rate  ................................. 

     3.53% 

     3.25% 

     3.28% 

     3.40% 

Net interest income, and 
net yield spread on 
interest-earning assets  ... 

Ratio of interest-earning 

assets to interest-bearing 
liabilities  ........................     

  $  21,212       3.35% 

  $  20,910        3.40% 

  $  20,685        3.51% 

121% 

115 % 

117 % 

115% 

46 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
     
     
     
  
  
     
     
  
  
      
         
         
         
        
         
         
        
         
         
        
  
  
  
     
     
    
     
    
     
    
  
      
         
         
         
        
         
         
        
         
         
        
  
      
         
         
         
        
         
         
        
         
         
        
  
        
       
        
       
        
       
   
  
       
       
       
   
  
      
         
         
         
        
         
         
        
         
         
        
  
      
         
         
         
        
         
         
        
         
         
        
  
      
         
         
         
        
         
         
        
         
         
        
  
        
       
        
       
        
       
   
       
       
       
   
        
       
        
       
        
       
   
  
       
       
       
   
       
       
       
   
    
   
    
         
   
    
         
   
    
        
   
    
        
        
    
    
    
    
   
    
   
    
    
       
   
    
    
       
   
    
    
       
   
  
  
 
 
The following table sets forth information regarding changes in interest income and interest expense for the periods 
indicated resulting from changes in average balances and average rates shown in the previous table. For each category of 
interest-earning  assets  and  interest-bearing  liabilities  information  is  provided  with  respect  to  changes  attributable  to:  (i) 
changes in balance (change in balance multiplied by the old rate), (ii) changes in interest rates (change in rate multiplied by 
the old balance); and (iii) the combined effect of changes in balance and interest rates (change in balance multiplied by change 
in rate). Dollar amounts are expressed in thousands. 

Year ended  

Year ended  

  December 31, 2016 versus December 31, 2015     December 31, 2015 versus December 31, 2014   

Average  
Balance  

Interest 
Rate  

Rate &  
Balance  

Total  

Average 
Balance  

Interest 
Rate  

Rate &  
Balance  

Total  

Interest income:  
Loans  ............................   $ 
Investment securities  ....     
Other assets  ..................     
Net change in interest 

602    $
178      
(34)     

(830)   $ 
208       
94       

(21)   $
25      
(23)     

(249)   $  1,763     $ (1,351)   $ 
16       
(157)     
411       
9       
-      
37       

(102 )   $ 
(2 )     
-       

310   
(143) 
9   

income  .......................     

746      

(528)     

(19)     

199       

1,606       

(1,326)     

(104 )     

176   

Interest expense:  
Savings accounts  ..........     
Transaction accounts  ....     
Certificates of deposit ...     
FHLB advances  ............     
Subordinated  

debentures  ..................     

Repurchase  

5      
61      
(79)     
440      

1       
(98)     
(27)     
(236)     

-      
(4)     
2      
(87)     

6       
(41)     
(104)     
117       

1       
72       
(13)     
2       

-      

40       

-      

40       

-      

agreements  .................     

(121)     

(121)     

121      

(121)     

(144)     

Net change in interest 

(1)     
(35)     
74       
(8)     

6       

-      

-       
(2 )     
(1 )     
-       

-       

-  
35   
60   
(6) 

6   

-       

(144) 

expense  ......................     

306      

(441)     

32      

(103)     

(82)     

36       

(3 )     

(49) 

Change in net interest 

income  .......................   $ 

440    $

(87)   $ 

(51)   $

302     $  1,688     $ (1,362)   $ 

(101 )   $ 

225   

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - COMPARISON OF YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND DECEMBER 31, 
2015  

Interest Rates 

Average for the Year Shown 
Ten-Year  
Treasury  

One-Year  
Treasury  

Prime  

December 31, 2016 ....................................................     
December 31, 2015 ....................................................     
Change in rates ...........................................................     

3.51%     
3.26%     
0.25%     

1.84%     
2.14%     
-0.30%     

0.61% 
0.32% 
0.29% 

The Bank charges borrowers and pays depositors interest rates that are largely a function of the general level of 
interest rates. The above table sets forth the weekly average interest rates for the 52 weeks ending December 31, 2016 and 
December 31, 2015 as reported by the Federal Reserve. The Bank typically indexes its adjustable rate commercial loans to 
prime and its adjustable rate mortgage loans to the one-year Treasury Rate. The ten-year Treasury Rate is a proxy for 30-year 
fixed rate home mortgage loans. 

Rates trended upward by the end of 2016 as the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) increased the 
discount rate by 25 basis points in December 2016. As of December 31, 2016, the prime rate was 3.75% which is a 25 basis 
point increase from December 31, 2015. 

47 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
      
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
  
  
      
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
  
      
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Interest  Income.  Total  interest  income  increased  $199,692  (1%).  The  average  balance  of  interest-earning  assets 

increased $17,987,000 (3%), while the yield on average interest earning assets decreased 9 basis points to 4.01%. 

Interest income on investment securities increased $411,623 (28%). The average balance of investment securities 

increased $10,833,000 (12%) while the average yield improved 23 basis points to 1.87%.  

Offsetting the increase in interest income on investments was the decline in interest income on loans which decreased 
$249,990 (1%). The average loan receivable balance increased $12,801,000 (3%) while the average yield decreased 16 basis 
points to 4.54%. The Company experienced strong loan activity during 2016. However, pricing on loans is challenging due 
to significant competition on new and renewing credits. The pricing pressure has impacted the ability to maintain loan yield 
compared to 2015. 

Interest  Expense.  Total  interest  expense  decreased  $102,870  (2%)  as  the  average  balance  of  interest-bearing 
liabilities increased $23,866,000 (5%), while the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 6 basis points to 0.76%.  

Interest  expense  on  deposits  decreased  $139,889  (6%)  during  2016  as  the  average  balance  of  interest  bearing 
deposits increased $8,578,000 (2%), however, the average interest rate paid to depositors decreased 4 basis points to 0.50%. 
The expansion of lower-cost, core deposit relationships and reductions in higher priced retail products and utilization of cost 
effective wholesale funding continue to improve the Company’s overall cost of funds. Also improving cost of funds over the 
prior year was the prepayment of the Company’s $10 million repurchase agreement during the second quarter of 2015, which 
had a rate of 2.61%.  

Net Interest Income. The Company’s net interest income increased $302,562 (1%) primarily due to the increase in 
overall  average  balances  of  interest-earning  assets  and  interest-bearing  liabilities.  Refer  to  the  tables  in  the  “Average 
Balances, Interest and Average Yields” section (pages 47 and 48) for additional information on components of net interest 
income.  

Provision for Loan Losses. Provisions for loan losses are charged or credited to earnings to bring the total allowance 
for  loan  losses  to  a  level  considered  adequate  by  the  Company  to  provide  for  potential  loan  losses  in  the  existing  loan 
portfolio.  When  making  its  assessment,  the  Company  considers  prior  loss  experience,  volume  and  type  of  lending,  local 
banking trends and impaired and past due loans in the Company’s loan portfolio. In addition, the Company considers general 
economic conditions and other factors related to collectability of the Company’s loan portfolio. 

Based on its internal analysis and methodology, management recorded a provision for loan losses of $1,375,000 and 
$600,000  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016  and  2015,  respectively.  The  Company’s  increase  in  the  provision  was 
primarily  due  to  the  increased  loan  balances  and  maintaining general  portfolio reserves  at a  level  deemed  appropriate  in 
accordance with its methodology. The Bank will continue to monitor its allowance for loan losses and make future additions 
based  on  economic  and  regulatory  conditions.  Management  may  need  to  increase  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  through 
charges to the provision for loan losses if anticipated growth in the Bank’s loan portfolio increases or other circumstances 
warrant. See further discussions of the allowance for loan losses under “Financial Condition” above.  

Although the Bank maintains its allowance for loan losses at a level which it considers to be sufficient to provide 
for potential loan losses in its existing loan portfolio, there can be no assurance that future loan losses will not exceed internal 
estimates.  In addition, the amount of the allowance for loan losses is subject to review by regulatory agencies which can 
order the establishment of additional loan loss provisions. 

48 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income increased $392,135 (9%). This was primarily due to increased gains on 
sale of mortgage loans held for sale of $312,120 (22%). A stronger real estate market and the Company’s increased activity 
in Federal Housing Administration lending increased mortgage volume compared to 2015. Originations of mortgage loans 
held for sale were $63,974,589 during 2016 compared to $56,515,986 in 2015.  

Non-Interest  Expense.  Non-interest  expense  increased  $491,018  (3%). Salaries  and  employee  benefits  increased 
$881,227  (7%)  which  was  partially  offset  by  the  prepayment  penalty  of  $463,992  (100%)  paid  during  2015  as  part  of  a 
structured transaction to prepay a $10,000,000 repurchase agreement. The increase in salaries and employee benefits is due 
to the addition of commercial and mortgage staff for the new loan production office in Joplin and the addition of other key 
positions in technology, commercial and retail production. The Company is continuing to position itself for future growth 
and  expansion.  Also  impacting  compensation  were  mortgage commissions  which  increased  due  to  the  mortgage  volume 
noted above under “Non-Interest Income” above.  

Income  Taxes.  The  provision  for  income  taxes  decreased  $448,565  (18%)  over  2015  as  a  direct  result  of  the 

Company’s decrease in taxable income primarily through the increased utilization of tax-exempt revenue sources.  

Cash Dividends Paid. The Company paid dividends of $0.08 per share on April 14, 2016 to stockholders of record 
as of April 4, 2016, and $0.08 per share on July 15, 2016, to stockholders of record as of July 5, 2016, and $.08 per share on 
October 20, 2016, to stockholders of record as of October 10, 2016 and also declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share on 
December 22, 2016, which was paid on January 13, 2017, to stockholders of record on January 3, 2017. During 2015, the 
Company paid $1,008,332 in dividends on common stock. During 2014, the Company also paid $648,280 in dividends on 
common stock and $413,000 dividends on its preferred stock. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - COMPARISON OF YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND DECEMBER 31, 
2014  

Interest Rates 

Average for the Year Shown 
Ten-Year 
Treasury  

One-Year  
Treasury  

Prime  

December 31, 2015 ....................................................     
December 31, 2014 ....................................................     
Change in rates ...........................................................     

3.26%     
3.25%     
0.01%     

2.14%     
2.54%     
-0.40%     

0.32% 
0.12% 
0.20% 

The Bank charges borrowers and pays depositors interest rates that are largely a function of the general level of 
interest rates. The above table sets forth the weekly average interest rates for the 52 weeks ending December 31, 2015 and 
December 31, 2014 as reported by the Federal Reserve. The Bank typically indexes its adjustable rate commercial loans to 
prime and its adjustable rate mortgage loans to the one-year Treasury Rate. The ten-year Treasury Rate is a proxy for 30-year 
fixed rate home mortgage loans. 

Rates trended upward by the end of 2015 as the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) increased the 
discount rate by 25 basis points in December 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the prime rate was 3.50% which is a 25 basis 
point increase from December 31, 2014. 

Interest  Income.  Total  interest  income  increased  $175,320  (1%).  The  average  balance  of  interest-earning  assets 

increased $25,746,000 (4%), while the yield on average interest earning assets decreased 15 basis points to 4.10%. 

49 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Interest  on  loans  increased  $309,903 (1%) and  the  average  loan receivable  balance  increased $35,320,000 (8%) 
while the average yield decreased 29 basis points to 4.70%. Strong competition is causing a reduction in rates for new credits 
and to maintain existing credit relationships.  

Interest Expense. Total interest expense decreased $49,423 (1%) as the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities 

increased $10,278,000 (2%), while the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 2 basis points to 0.82%.  

Interest expense on deposits increased $94,781 (4%) during 2015 as the average balance of interest bearing deposits 
increased $15,598,000 (3%) and the average interest rate paid to depositors remained the same at 0.54%. The Company has 
made significant efforts over the last several years to grow lower cost core deposit relationships. The Company has been 
successful in these efforts, which allowed for reductions in wholesale funding, thereby reducing the Company’s cost of funds.  

Net Interest Income. The Company’s net interest income increased $224,743 (1%). During the year ended December 
31,  2015,  the  average  balance  of  interest-earning  assets  exceeded  the  average  balance  of  interest-bearing  liabilities  by 
$90,501,000,  resulting  in  an  increase  in  the  average  net  interest  earning  balance  of  $15,468,000  (21%).  In  addition,  the 
Company’s spread between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities 
decreased by 12 basis points from 3.40% to 3.28%.  

Provision for Loan Losses. Provisions for loan losses are charged or credited to earnings to bring the total allowance 
for  loan  losses  to  a  level  considered  adequate  by  the  Company  to  provide  for  potential  loan  losses  in  the  existing  loan 
portfolio.  When  making  its  assessment,  the  Company  considers  prior  loss  experience,  volume  and  type  of  lending,  local 
banking trends and impaired and past due loans in the Company’s loan portfolio. In addition, the Company considers general 
economic conditions and other factors related to collectability of the Company’s loan portfolio. 

Based on its internal analysis and methodology, management recorded a provision for loan losses of $600,000 and 

$1,275,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  

Generally, the overall decrease in the provision for loan losses for the year presented has resulted primarily from 
declining historic loss rates, which are used to calculate the reserve for the homogenous pool of loans. The Company has also 
experienced lower reserve requirements on newly classified nonperforming credits during the year. The Bank will continue 
to monitor its allowance for loan losses and make future additions based on economic and regulatory conditions. Management 
may need to increase the allowance for loan losses through charges to the provision for loan losses if anticipated growth in 
the Bank’s loan portfolio increases or other circumstances warrant. See further discussions of the allowance for loan losses 
under “Financial Condition” above.  

Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income increased $1,234,247 (36%) which was primarily due to two factors.  

First,  the  Company  executed  a  structured  transaction  selling  approximately  $4,000,000  of  Small  Business 
Administration guaranteed loans and approximately $5,800,000 of investment securities for a combined gain of $488,000. 
With those proceeds, the Company prepaid a $10,000,000 repurchase agreement (bearing annual interest of 2.61%) incurring 
a prepayment penalty of $463,992. This prepayment has allowed the Company to significantly reduce higher cost, non-core 
funding liabilities on its balance sheet and eliminate future annual interest expense of $261,000. This transaction has improved 
the Company’s cost of funds as well as enhanced other liquidity and capital performance measurements.  

Secondly, gains on sales of loans held for sale increased $589,394 (60%). This was primarily due to a stronger real 
estate  market  and  the  Company’s  increased  activity  in  Federal  Housing  Administration  lending  compared  to  2014. 
Originations of mortgage loans held for sale were $56,515,986 during 2015 compared to $34,694,993 in 2014.  

50 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense increased $1,851,098 (12%). This increase was primarily due to a few 

factors.  

First, the Company paid a $463,992 prepayment penalty incurred on the prepayment of a repurchase agreement 

(further discussed above).       

Secondly,  salaries  and  employee  benefits  increased $909,984  (10%) which was  primarily  due  to  the addition of 
several  key  officers  during  2015.  The  Company  continues  to  strengthen  its  depth  in  the  areas  of  technology,  marketing, 
commercial and retail production in order to position itself for future growth and expansion. Also impacting compensation 
were mortgage commissions, which have increased due to the mortgage loan volume improvement noted above.  

Other expenses that experienced increases were occupancy expense which increased $207,696 (12%) primarily due 
to depreciation expense recognized on new equipment purchases in late fourth quarter 2014 and into 2015. Also, the Company 
has increased its marketing efforts in 2015 and advertising expense increased $99,996 (24%).  

Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes increased $348,821 (17%) over 2014 as a direct result of an increase 
in taxable income and the Company’s increased utilization of state tax credits in 2014. Furthermore, effective during the first 
quarter  of  2015,  the  Company  adopted  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”)  issued  Accounting  Standards 
Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-01 (see the section captioned “New Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 14 to the Notes to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements in the report).  

Cash Dividends Paid. The Company paid dividends of $0.05 per share on April 16, 2015 to stockholders of record 
as of April 6, 2015, and $0.05 per share on July 16, 2015, to stockholders of record as of July 6, 2015, and $.05 per share on 
October 15, 2015, to stockholders of record as of October 5, 2015 and also declared a cash dividend of $0.08 per share on 
December 23, 2015, which was paid on January 16, 2016, to stockholders of record on January 5, 2016. During 2014, the 
Company also paid $648,280 in dividends on common stock and $413,000 dividends on its preferred stock. During 2013, the 
Company paid $600,000 in dividends on its then outstanding preferred stock.  

LIQUIDITY  

Liquidity refers to the ability to manage future cash flows to meet the needs of depositors and borrowers and fund 
operations. Maintaining appropriate levels of liquidity allows the Company to have sufficient funds available for customer 
demand for loans, withdrawal of deposit balances and maturities of deposits and other liabilities. The Company’s primary 
sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents, available-for-sale securities, customer deposits and FHLB borrowings. 
The Company also has established borrowing lines available from the Federal Reserve Bank which is considered a secondary 
source of funds. 

51 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
The  Company’s  most  liquid  assets  are  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  which  are  cash  on  hand,  amounts  due  from 
financial institutions, and certificates of deposit with other financial institutions that have an original maturity of three months 
or less. The levels of such assets are dependent on the Bank’s operating, financing, and investment activities at any given 
time. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $9,088,441 as of December 31, 2016 and $18,774,419 as of December 
31, 2015, representing a decrease of $9,685,978. The variations in levels of cash and cash equivalents are influenced by 
deposit flows and  anticipated future deposit  flows,  which  are  subject  to,  and  influenced by,  many  factors.  The  Bank has 
$71,182,536  in  certificates  of  deposit  that  are  scheduled  to  mature  in  one  year  or  less.  Management  anticipates  that  the 
majority of these certificates will renew in the normal course of operations. Based on existing collateral as well as the FHLB’s 
limitation of advances to 35% of assets, the Bank has the ability to borrow an additional $59,766,000 from the FHLB, as of 
December 31, 2016. Based on existing collateral, the Bank has the ability to borrow $25,164,000 from the Federal Reserve 
Bank as of December 31, 2016. The Bank plans to maintain its FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank borrowings to a level that 
will provide a borrowing capacity sufficient to provide for contingencies. Management has many policies and controls in 
place to attempt to manage the appropriate level of liquidity. 

CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS 

The  Company  meets  the  eligibility  criteria  of  a  small  bank  holding  company  in  accordance  with  the  Federal 
Reserve's  Small  Bank Holding  Company Policy  Statement  issued  in February 2015,  and  is no  longer obligated  to report 
consolidated regulatory capital. The Bank continues to be subject to various capital requirements administered by banking 
agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can trigger certain mandatory and discretionary actions by regulators 
that could have a direct material effect on the Company's financial statements. The Bank's capital amounts and classifications 
are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. 

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve issued a final rule that revised its risk-based and leverage capital requirements for 
banking organizations to align them with the Basel III regulatory capital framework and meet certain requirements of the 
Dodd-Frank Act (“Basel III Rule”). The Basel III Rule implemented a revised definition of regulatory capital, a new common 
equity tier 1 (“CET1”) minimum capital requirement, and a higher minimum tier1 capital requirement. The final rules also 
made  changes  to  the  prompt  corrective  action  framework  for  depository  institutions  by  incorporating  the  new  minimum 
capital ratios into the framework, introducing the CET1 capital measure, and aligning the definition of tangible equity for 
purposes of the critically undercapitalized prompt corrective action category with the definition of tier 1 capital. Under the 
Basel III Rule, the following three components comprise a banking organization’s “regulatory capital”: (i) “CET1 capital,” 
which is predominantly comprised of retained earnings and common stock instruments that meet certain criteria and related 
surplus (net of any treasury stock), AOCI (for organizations that do not make opt-out elections), and CET1 minority interest, 
which are subject to certain restrictions; (ii) “Additional Tier 1 Capital,” which consists of non-cumulative perpetual preferred 
stock and similar instruments meeting specified eligibility criteria and related surplus, Tier 1 minority interests not included 
in CET1 capital, and “TARP” preferred stock and other instruments issued under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act 
of 2008; and (iii) “Tier 2 Capital,” which includes instruments such as subordinated debt that has a minimum original maturity 
of at least five years and is subordinated to the claims of depositors and general creditors, total capital minority interest not 
included in Tier 1 capital and limited amounts of a banking organization’s allowance for loan and lease losses (ALLL), less 
applicable regulatory adjustments and deductions.  

52 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Effective January 1, 2015, the final rule requires the Bank to comply with the following minimum capital ratios: (i) 
a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% of risk-weighted assets; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.0% of risk-weighted 
assets (increased from the prior requirement of 4.0%); (iii) a total capital ratio of 8.0% of risk-weighted assets (unchanged 
from the prior requirement); and (iv) a leverage ratio of 4.0% of total assets (unchanged from the prior requirement).  When 
fully phased in on January 1, 2019, the Basel III Rule will require the  Bank to maintain (i) a minimum ratio of common 
equity Tier 1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, plus a 2.5% "capital conservation buffer" effectively resulting in a 
minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 7.0% upon full implementation); (ii) a minimum 
ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.0%, plus the 2.5% capital conservation buffer effectively resulting 
in a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5% upon full implementation); (iii) a minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted 
assets of at least 8.0%, plus the 2.5% capital conservation buffer effectively resulting in a minimum total capital ratio of 
10.5% upon full implementation); and (iv) a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%, calculated as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to 
average assets. 

Beginning January 1, 2016, the capital conservation buffer requirement was phased in at 0.625% of risk-weighted 
assets, increasing by the same amount each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. The capital conservation 
buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a ratio of common equity 
Tier 1 to risk-weighted assets above the minimum but below the conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends, equity 
repurchases, and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall. 

The Bank is classified as “well capitalized” under current regulatory guidelines. See also additional information 

provided under the caption “Regulatory Matters” in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS 

Various commitments and contingent liabilities arise in the normal course of business, which are not required to be 
recorded on the balance sheet. The most significant of these are loan commitments, lines of credit and standby letters of 
credit. 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. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Bank had outstanding commitments to originate loans of 
approximately $6,152,000 and $4,218,000, respectively. Lines of credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there 
is no violation of any condition established in the contract. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, unused lines of credit to 
borrowers aggregated approximately $89,103,000 and $68,066,000, respectively, for commercial lines and $15,960,000 and 
$14,461,000, respectively, for open-end consumer lines. Since a portion of the loan commitment and line of credit may expire 
without being drawn upon, the total unused commitments and lines do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  

Standby letters of credit are irrevocable conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance 
of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as  that 
involved in extending loans to customers. The Bank had total outstanding standby letters of credit amounting to $11,596,000 
and $12,135,000 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The commitments extend over varying periods of time.  

In  connection  with  the  Company’s  issuance  of  the  Trust  Preferred  Securities  and  pursuant  to  two  guarantee 
agreements  by  and  between  the  Company  and  Wilmington  Trust  Company,  the  Company  issued  a  limited,  irrevocable 
guarantee of the obligations of each Trust under the Trust Preferred Securities whereby the Company has guaranteed any and 
all payment obligations of the Trusts related to the Trust Preferred Securities including distributions on, and the liquidation 
or redemption price of, the Trust Preferred Securities to the extent each Trust does not have funds available. 

53 

FORM 10-K 
    
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
 
 
AGGREGATE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS 

The following table summarizes the Company’s fixed and determinable contractual obligations by payment date as 

of December 31, 2016. Dollar amounts are expressed in thousands. 

Contractual Obligations  

Total  

or less  

     One Year       One to  

     More than    
    Three Years      Five Years       Five Years    

     Three to 

Deposits without stated maturity ..........................   $
Time and brokered certificates of deposit ............     
Other borrowings .................................................     
FHLB and Federal Reserve advances ..................     
Subordinated debentures ......................................     
Operating leases ...................................................     
Purchase obligations .............................................     
Other long term obligations ..................................     
Total ..................................................................   $

393,674    $  393,674     $
71,182       
111,689      
-      
-      
43,600       
95,700      
-      
15,465      
158       
430      
285       
285      
440       
440      
617,683    $  509,339     $

-    $
30,295       
-      
52,100       
-      
186       
-      
-      
82,581     $

-    $
8,791       
-      
-      
-      
86       
-      
-      
8,877     $

-  
1,421   
-  
-  
15,465   
-  
-  
-  
16,886   

IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES 

The Company prepared the consolidated financial statements and related data presented herein in accordance with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which require the measurement of financial position 
and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money 
over time due to inflation. 

Unlike most companies, the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are primarily monetary in nature. As a 
result, interest rates have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than the effects of general levels 
of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the price of goods and 
services,  since  such  prices  are  affected  by  inflation.  In  the  current  interest  rate  environment,  liquidity  and  the  maturity 
structure of the Bank’s assets and liabilities are critical to the maintenance of acceptable performance levels. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations  is  based  upon  the 
Company’s consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting 
principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of  America.  The  preparation  of  these  financial  statements  requires 
management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of 
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses 
during the reported periods. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments. 

Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed 
to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values 
of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. There can be no assurance that actual results will not 
differ  from  those  estimates.  If  actual  results  are  different  than  management’s  judgments  and  estimates,  the  Company’s 
financial results could change, and such change could be material to the Company.  

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination 
of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of 
loans and fair values. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of foreclosed 
assets held for sale, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties. 

54 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
      
        
        
        
        
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
The  Company  has  identified  the  accounting  policies  for  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  and  related  significant 
estimates and judgments as critical to its business operations and the understanding of its results of operations. For a detailed 
discussion on the application of these significant estimates and judgments and our accounting policies, also see Note 1 of the 
“Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in this report. 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

ASSET / LIABILITY MANAGEMENT 

The responsibility of managing and executing the Bank’s Asset Liability Policy falls to the Bank’s Asset/ Liability 
Committee (ALCO.) ALCO seeks to manage interest rate risk so as to capture the highest net interest income, and to stabilize 
that net interest income, through changing interest rate environments. Management attempts to position the Bank’s instrument 
repricing characteristics in line with probable rate movements in order to minimize the impact of changing interest rates on 
the Bank’s net interest income. Since the relative spread between financial assets and liabilities is constantly changing, the 
Bank’s current net interest income may not be an indication of future net interest income. 

The Bank has continued to emphasize the origination of commercial business and real estate, home equity, consumer 
and adjustable-rate, one- to four-family residential loans while originating fixed-rate, one- to four-family residential loans 
primarily for immediate resale in the secondary market. Management continually monitors the loan portfolio for the purpose 
of product diversification and over concentration. 

The Bank constantly monitors its deposits in an effort to prohibit them from adversely impacting the Bank’s interest 
rate  sensitivity.  Rates  of  interest  paid  on  deposits  at  the  Bank  are  priced  competitively  in  order  to  meet  the  Bank’s 
asset/liability  management  objectives  and  spread  requirements.  As  of  December  31,  2016  and  2015,  the  Bank’s  savings 
accounts,  checking  accounts,  and  money  market  deposit  accounts  totaled  $393,673,761  or  78%  of  its  total  deposits  and 
$401,837,394 or 78% of total deposits, respectively. The weighted average rate paid on these accounts decreased 1 basis 
point from 0.30% on December 31, 2015 to 0.29% on December 31, 2016 primarily due to the Bank’s efforts to reprice its 
retail and business accounts during 2016.  

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS 

The following tables set forth as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, management’s estimates of the projected changes 
in Economic Value of Equity (“EVE”) in the event of instantaneous and permanent increases and decreases in market interest 
rates. Dollar amounts are expressed in thousands. 

12/31/2016 

BP Change 
in Rates  

$ Amount  

Estimated Net Portfolio Value  
$ Change  

      % Change  

NPV as % of PV of Assets  
Change  

NPV Ratio  

+200 ................       $ 
+100 ................         
NC ...................         
-100 .................         
-200 .................         

92,319       $ 
96,547         
100,710         
95,335         
86,491         

(8,391)       
(4,163)       
-        
(5,375)       
(14,219)       

-8%     
-4%     
0%     
-5%     
-14%     

13.95 %     
14.31 %     
14.63 %     
13.70 %     
12.25 %     

-0.69 %
-0.32 %
0.00 %
-0.93 %
-2.38 %

55 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
        
         
         
         
          
    
  
           
           
           
           
           
  
     
     
  
     
     
     
     
  
  
  
 
 
12/31/2015 

BP Change 
in Rates  

+200 ................       $ 
+100 ................         
NC ...................         
-100 .................         
-200 .................         

$ Amount  

Estimated Net Portfolio Value  
$ Change  

      % Change  

NPV as % of PV of Assets  
Change  

NPV Ratio  

67,444       $ 
71,312         
77,285         
75,723         
83,783         

(9,841 )      
(5,973 )      
-         
(1,562 )      
6,498         

-13%     
-8%     
0%     
-2%     
8%     

10.61 %     
11.03 %     
11.72 %     
11.36 %     
12.38 %     

-1.10 %
-0.68 %
0.00 %
-0.35 %
0.66 %

Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on an internally generated model 
using actual maturity and repricing schedules for the Bank’s loans and deposits, and are based on numerous assumptions, 
including relative levels of market interest rates, loan repayments and deposit run-offs, and should not be relied upon as 
indicative of actual results. Further, the computations do not contemplate any actions the Bank may undertake in response to 
changes in interest rates. All EVE and earnings projections are based on a point in time static balance sheet. 

Management cannot predict future interest rates or their effect on the Bank’s EVE in the future. Certain shortcomings 
are  inherent  in  the  method  of  analysis  presented  in  the  computation  of  EVE.  For  example,  although  certain  assets  and 
liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in differing degrees to changes in market interest 
rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as floating-rate loans, which represent the Bank’s primary loan product, have an initial 
fixed rate period typically from one to five years and over the remaining life of the asset changes in the interest rate are 
restricted. In addition, the proportion of adjustable-rate loans in the Bank’s loan portfolio could decrease in future periods 
due to refinancing activity if market interest rates remain constant or decrease in the future. Further, in the event of a change 
in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels could deviate significantly from those assumed in the table. Finally, 
the ability of many borrowers to service their adjustable-rate debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase. 

The  Bank’s  Board  of  Directors  is  responsible  for  reviewing  the  Bank’s  asset  and  liability  policies.  The  Bank’s 
management is responsible for administering the policies and determinations of the Board of Directors with respect to the 
Bank’s asset and liability goals and strategies. Management expects that the Bank’s asset and liability policies and strategies 
will continue as described above so long as competitive and regulatory conditions in the financial institution industry and 
market interest rates continue as they have in recent years. 

56 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc.  
Consolidated Balance Sheets  
December 31, 2016 and 2015  

   December 31,       December 31,    

2016 

2015 

ASSETS 
Cash and due from banks  ................................................................................................   $
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions  ...................................................     
Cash and cash equivalents  ...........................................................................................     
Available-for-sale securities  ............................................................................................     
Held-to-maturity securities  ..............................................................................................     
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank, at cost  .....................................................................     
Mortgage loans held for sale  ...........................................................................................     
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2016 and 2015 - 

3,769,478     $
5,318,963       
9,088,441       
92,399,235       
27,528       
4,611,000       
2,183,633       

3,561,272   
15,213,147   
18,774,419   
97,292,487   
43,099   
2,837,500   
1,902,933   

Accrued interest receivable  .............................................................................................     
Prepaid expenses and other assets  ...................................................................................     
Foreclosed assets held for sale  ........................................................................................     
Premises and equipment, net  ...........................................................................................     
Bank owned life insurance  ..............................................................................................     
Deferred and receivable income taxes  .............................................................................     

$5,742,449 and $5,811,940, respectively  ....................................................................      538,273,640        491,001,907   
1,986,692   
3,525,032   
2,391,727   
10,540,428   
18,779,915   
3,758,933   
  $ 687,979,819     $ 652,835,072   

1,947,063       
2,961,336       
2,682,353       
10,871,039       
19,272,893       
3,661,658       

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 

LIABILITIES  
Deposits  ...........................................................................................................................   $ 505,362,750     $ 517,385,695   
52,100,000   
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  ................................................................................     
15,465,000   
Subordinated debentures  .................................................................................................     
190,853   
Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance  .........................................................     
1,074,957   
Accrued expenses and other liabilities  ............................................................................     
196,102   
Accrued interest payable  .................................................................................................     
     618,005,439        586,412,607   

95,700,000       
15,465,000       
192,460       
1,077,396       
207,833       

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  ............................................................     

-       

-  

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  
Capital Stock:  
Common stock, $0.10 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued December 31, 

2016 and 2015 - 6,875,503 and 6,859,003 shares, respectively  ...................................     
Additional paid-in capital  ................................................................................................     
Retained earnings, substantially restricted  ......................................................................     
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  

687,550       
50,552,077       
57,347,282       

685,900   
50,441,464   
53,258,126   

Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes; December 31, 
2016 and 2015 - ($768,879) and ($401,688), respectively  ..........................................     

(1,309,241 )     

(683,956) 
     107,277,668        103,701,534   

Treasury stock, at cost; December 31, 2016 and 2015 - 2,465,476 and 2,466,462 
shares, respectively  .........................................................................................................     

(37,303,288 )     
69,974,380       

(37,279,069) 
66,422,465   
  $ 687,979,819     $ 652,835,072   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  

57 

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Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc.  
Consolidated Statements of Income  
Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014  

Interest Income  

Loans  .............................................................................................   $ 
Investment securities  .....................................................................     
Other  ..............................................................................................     

Interest Expense  

Deposits  .........................................................................................     
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  ..............................................     
Subordinated debentures  ................................................................     
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase  ............................     

Net Interest Income  .........................................................................     
Provision for Loan Losses  ...............................................................     
Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses  ..................     
Noninterest Income  

Service charges  ..............................................................................     
Gain on sale of investment securities  ............................................     
Gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale  .................................     
Gain on sale of Small Busines Administration loans  .....................     
Net gain (loss) on foreclosed assets  ...............................................     
Other income  .................................................................................     

Noninterest Expense  

Salaries and employee benefits  ......................................................     
Occupancy  .....................................................................................     
FDIC deposit insurance premiums  ................................................     
Prepayment penalty on repurchase agreements  .............................     
Data processing ..............................................................................     
Advertising  ....................................................................................     
Other expense  ................................................................................     

Income Before Income Taxes  .........................................................     
Provision for Income Taxes  ............................................................     
Net Income  .......................................................................................   $ 
Preferred Stock Dividends and Discount Accretion  .....................     
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders  ..........................   $ 

2016 

2015 

2014 

23,314,776     $
1,895,395       
179,155       
25,389,326       

23,564,766     $
1,483,772       
141,096       
25,189,634       

23,254,863   
1,627,460   
131,991   
25,014,314   

2,283,982       
1,313,620       
579,410       
-      
4,177,012       
21,212,314       
1,375,000       
19,837,314       

1,134,664       
192,537       
1,708,478       
297,462       
1,270       
1,535,796       
4,870,207       

10,686,564       
1,827,209       
350,475       
-      
889,575       
525,000       
2,821,923       
17,100,746       
7,606,775       
2,012,764       
5,594,011     $
-      
5,594,011     $

2,423,871       
1,196,393       
538,785       
120,833       
4,279,882       
20,909,752       
600,000       
20,309,752       

1,214,880       
187,090       
1,396,358       
344,818       
(164,663 )     
1,499,589       
4,478,072       

9,805,337       
1,904,886       
447,044       
463,992       
790,928       
525,000       
2,672,541       
16,609,728       
8,178,096       
2,461,329       
5,716,767     $
-       
5,716,767     $

2,329,090   
1,202,383   
533,207   
264,625   
4,329,305   
20,685,009   
1,275,000   
19,410,009   

1,264,027   
34,163   
913,258   
-   
(213,239 ) 
1,351,910   
3,350,119   

8,895,353   
1,697,190   
448,675   
-   
685,028   
425,004   
2,713,674   
14,864,924   
7,895,204   
2,112,508   
5,782,696   
357,210   
5,425,486   

Basic Income Per Common Share  .................................................   $ 
Diluted Income Per Common Share  ..............................................   $ 

1.28     $
1.27     $

1.32     $
1.30     $

1.35   
1.33   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  

58 

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Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

NET INCOME  .................................................................................   $ 
OTHER ITEMS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):  

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities 

2016 
5,594,011     $

2015 
5,716,767     $

2014 
5,782,696   

available-for-sale, before income taxes  .......................................     

(799,869)     

(186,775 )     

3,300,555   

Less: Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on 

investment securities included in net income, before income 
taxes  ............................................................................................     
Total other items in comprehensive income (loss)  ........................     
Income tax expense (credit) related to other items of 

(192,537)     
(992,406)     

(187,090 )     
(373,865 )     

(34,163 ) 
3,266,392   

comprehensive income  ................................................................     
Other comprehensive income (loss)  ..............................................     
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME  ......................................   $ 

(367,121)     
(625,285)     
4,968,726     $

(138,330 )     
(235,535 )     
5,481,232     $

1,208,565   
2,057,827   
7,840,523   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  

59 

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Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc.  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES  
Net income  ........................................................................................   $ 
Items not requiring (providing) cash:  

Deferred income taxes  ...................................................................     
Depreciation  ..................................................................................     
Provision for loan losses  ................................................................     
Gain on sale of Small Business Administration loans  ...................     
Gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale and investment 

securities  ......................................................................................     
Loss (gain) on sale of foreclosed assets  .........................................     
Amortization of deferred income, premiums and discounts, net  ...     
Stock award plans  ..........................................................................     
Origination of loans held for sale  ..................................................     
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale .......................................     
Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance  .....     

Changes in:  

2016 

2015 

2014 

5,594,011     $

5,716,767     $

5,782,696   

123,091       
845,221       
1,375,000       
(297,462)     

320,738       
918,441       
600,000       
(344,818 )     

657,573   
755,937   
1,275,000   
-   

(1,901,015)     
(112,576)     
665,361       
373,782       
(63,974,589)     
65,402,367       
(492,978)     

(1,758,087 )     
104,670       
704,985       
285,589       
(56,515,986 )     
57,398,682       
(362,695 )     

(1,015,766 ) 
131,840   
825,906   
242,189   
(34,694,993 ) 
35,085,396   
(373,523 ) 

Accrued interest receivable  ............................................................     
Prepaid expenses and other assets  .................................................     
Accrued expenses and other liabilities  ...........................................     
Income taxes receivable/payable  ...................................................     
Net cash provided by operating activities  ..................................     

39,629       
563,696       
(75,505)     
341,305       
8,469,338       

43,366       
1,005,159       
(69,305 )     
(208,412 )     
7,839,094       

(177,417 ) 
1,006,688   
(185,259 ) 
183,722   
9,499,989   

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES  
Net change in loans  ...........................................................................     
Principal payments on held-to-maturity securities  ............................     
Principal payments on available-for-sale securities  ..........................     
Purchase of available-for-sale securities  ...........................................     
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities  ..........................     
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities  ..................     
Purchase of premises and equipment  ................................................     
Purchase of bank owned life insurance  .............................................     
(Purchase) redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock  ...............     
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets held for sale  ........................     
Net cash used in investing activities  ..............................................     

(51,498,165)     
15,571       
8,884,281       
(82,423,495)     
76,480,961       
535,000       
(1,175,832)     
-      
(1,773,500)     
2,922,119       
(48,033,060)     

(4,870,934 )     
17,894       
10,445,669       
(55,150,017 )     
33,059,741       
-       
(856,106 )     
(4,000,000 )     
319,400       
797,876       
(20,236,477 )     

(23,700,987 ) 
18,169   
9,698,931   
(40,823,180 ) 
41,759,062   
3,151,000   
(471,980 ) 
-   
(271,800 ) 
657,431   
(9,983,354 ) 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  

60 

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Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc.  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014  

2016 

2015 

2014 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES  
Net increase (decrease) in demand deposits,  

(8,163,633)   $
NOW accounts and savings accounts  ............................................   $ 
(3,859,312)     
Net decrease in certificates of deposit  ...............................................     
Repayment of securities sold under agreements to repurchase  .........     
-      
Proceeds from FHLB and Federal Reserve advances  .......................      223,099,999       
Repayments of FHLB and Federal Reserve advances  .......................      (179,499,999)     
Proceeds from issuance of common stock  .........................................     
-      
1,607       
Advances from (repayments to) borrowers for taxes and insurance ..     
Redemption of preferred stock  ..........................................................     
-      
85,800       
Proceeds from Stock options exercised  .............................................     
(1,415,180)     
Common and preferred cash dividends paid  .....................................     
(371,538)     
Treasury stock purchased  ..................................................................     
29,877,744       
Net cash provided by financing activities  ......................................     

43,000,898     $
(5,433,485 )     
(10,000,000 )     
-       
(8,250,000 )     
-       
46,869       
-       
187,129       
(873,499 )     
-       
18,677,912       

(4,908,937 ) 
(2,591,720 ) 
-   
8,000,000   
(3,000,000 ) 
15,814,312   
(5,684 ) 
(12,000,000 ) 
210,870   
(844,786 ) 
-   
674,055   

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH  AND CASH 

EQUIVALENTS  ...........................................................................     

(9,685,978)     

6,280,529       

190,690   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF  

YEAR  .............................................................................................     

18,774,419       

12,493,890       

12,303,200   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR  ...............   $ 

9,088,441     $

18,774,419     $

12,493,890   

Supplemental Cash Flows Information  

Real estate acquired in settlement of loans  ....................................   $ 

3,228,589     $

190,026     $

371,971   

Interest paid  ...................................................................................   $ 

4,165,281     $

4,325,925     $

4,337,521   

Income taxes paid, net of (refunds)  ...............................................   $ 

724,000     $

1,445,000     $

360,000   

Sale and financing of foreclosed assets held for sale  .....................   $ 

149,920     $

61,200     $

239,229   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  

61 

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Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc.  
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity  
Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014  

Preferred 
Stock  

Common 
Stock  

Additional 
Paid-In 
Capital  

Treasury 
Stock  

Retained 
Earnings  

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)  

Total  

Balance, January 1, 2014 ...........      11,983,790        678,360        57,655,031       (61,225,185)      43,769,485       
Net income  ..................................     
-       5,782,696       
Change in unrealized gain (loss) 
on available-for-sale securities, 
net of income taxes of 
$1,208,565  ................................     

-      

-      

-      

-      
-      

-      
-      

-      
-      

-      
-      

-      
Preferred stock redeemed  ............      (12,000,000)     
Preferred stock discount  

16,210       
-      

-      
-      

-      
-      

-      
-      

(16,210)     
(338,000)     

-      
-      
-      

-      
-      
3,960       

-      
(644,722)     
206,910      

-      
886,911       
-      

(648,280)     
-      
-      

-       (6,850,673)      22,664,985       

-      
-      
-       682,320        50,366,546       (37,673,289)      48,549,691       
-       5,716,767       
-      

-      

-      

(2,506,248)      50,355,233   
5,782,696   

-      

2,057,827       

2,057,827   
-       (12,000,000) 

-      
-      

-      
-      
-      

-  
(338,000) 

(648,280) 
242,189   
210,870   

-       15,814,312   
(448,421)      61,476,847   
5,716,767   

-      

accretion  ...................................     
Preferred stock dividends (5%)  ...     
Dividends on common stock 

($0.15 per share)  .......................     
Stock award plans  .......................     
Stock options exercised  ...............     
Proceeds from issuance of 

common stock  ..........................     
Balance, December 31, 2014  .....     
Net income  ..................................     
Change in unrealized gain (loss) 
on available-for-sale securities, 
net of income taxes of  
$138,330  ...................................     

Dividends on common stock 

($0.23 per share)  .......................     
Stock award plans  .......................     
Stock options exercised  ...............     
Balance, December 31, 2015  .....     
Net income  ..................................     
Change in unrealized gain (loss) 
on available-for-sale securities, 
net of income taxes of  
$367,121  ...................................     

Dividends on common stock 

($0.34 per share)  .......................     
Treasury stock purchased  ............     
Stock award plans  .......................     
Stock options exercised  ...............     
Balance, December 31, 2016  .....   $ 

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

(235,535)     

(235,535) 

-      
-      
3,580       

-      
(108,631)     
183,549      

-       (1,008,332)     
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-       685,900        50,441,464       (37,279,069)      53,258,126       
-       5,594,011       
-      

394,220       
-      

-      

-      

-      
-      
-      

(1,008,332) 
285,589   
187,129   
(683,956)      66,422,465   
5,594,011   

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

(625,285)     

(625,285) 

-      
-      
-      
1,650       

-       (1,504,855)     
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-    $ 687,550     $ 50,552,077    $ (37,303,288)   $ 57,347,282     $ 

-      
-      
26,463      
84,150      

(371,538)     
347,319       
-      

(1,504,855) 
(371,538) 
373,782   
85,800   
(1,309,241)   $  69,974,380   

-      
-      
-      
-      

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  

62 

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GUARANTY FEDERAL BANCSHARES, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

NOTE 1:     NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Nature of Operations 

The Company operates as a one-bank holding company. The Bank is primarily engaged in providing a full range of 
banking  and  mortgage  services  to  individual  and  corporate  customers  in  southwest  Missouri.  The  Bank  is  subject  to 
competition from other financial institutions. The Company and the Bank are also subject to the regulation of certain federal 
and state agencies and receive periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities. 

Principles of Consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, the 

Bank. All significant intercompany profits, 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 requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and 
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts 
of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination 
of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of 
loans and fair values. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of foreclosed 
assets held for sale, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties. 

Securities 

Certain debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held 
to maturity” and recorded at amortized cost. Securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as “available-for-sale” 
and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive 
income. Purchase premiums  are recognized  in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. 
Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification 
method. 

For debt securities with fair value below carrying value, when the Company does not intend to sell a debt security, 
and it is more likely than not, the Company will not have to sell the security before a recovery of its cost basis, it recognizes 
the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security in earnings and the remaining portion in other 
comprehensive income. For held-to-maturity debt securities, the amount of an other-than-temporary impairment recorded in 
other  comprehensive  income  for  the  noncredit  portion  of  a  previous  other-than-temporary  impairment  is  amortized 
prospectively over the remaining life of the security on the basis of the timing of future estimated cash flows of the security.  

The Company’s consolidated statements of income reflect the full impairment (that is, the difference between the 
security’s amortized cost basis and fair value) on debt securities that the Company intends to sell or would more likely than 
not be required to sell before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. For available-for-sale and held-to-maturity 
debt securities that management has no intent to sell and believes that it more likely than not will not be required to sell prior 
to recovery, only the credit loss component of the impairment is recognized in earnings, while the noncredit loss is recognized 
in accumulated other comprehensive income. The credit loss component recognized in earnings is identified as the amount 
of principal cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security as projected based on cash flow 
projections.  

63 

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Mortgage Loans Held for Sale 

Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, determined using an aggregate basis. 
Write-downs to fair value are recognized as a charge to earnings at the time a decline in value occurs. Forward commitments 
to sell mortgage loans are sometimes acquired to reduce market risk on mortgage loans in the process of origination and 
mortgage loans held for sale. Gains and losses resulting from sales of mortgage loans are recognized when the respective 
loans are sold to investors. Gains and losses are determined by the difference between the selling price and the carrying 
amounts of  the  loans  sold,  and  are recorded  in  noninterest  income.  Direct  loan origination  costs  and fees  are deferred at 
origination of the loan and are recognized in noninterest income upon sale of the loan. 

Loans 

For loans amortized at cost, interest income is accrued based on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees 
net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and amortized as a level yield adjustment over the respective term of the 
loan.  

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is well-
secured and in process of collection. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed 
on nonaccrual or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.  

All  interest  accrued  but  not  collected  for  loans  that  are  placed  on  nonaccrual or  charged  off  is  reversed  against 
interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for 
return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought 
current and future payments are reasonably assured. 

Allowance for Loan Losses 

The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan 
losses charged to income. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a 
loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. 

The  allowance  for  loan  losses  is  evaluated on  a regular  basis  by  management  and  is  based  upon  management’s 
periodic review of the collectibility of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, 
adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing 
economic  conditions.  This  evaluation  is  inherently  subjective  as  it  requires  estimates  that  are  susceptible  to  significant 
revision as more information becomes available. 

The  allowance  consists  of  allocated  and  general  components.  The  allocated  component  relates  to  loans  that  are 
classified as impaired. For those loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash 
flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The 
general component covers nonclassified loans and is based on historical charge-off experience and expected loss given default 
derived from the Bank’s internal risk rating process. Other adjustments may be made to the allowance for pools of loans after 
an assessment of internal or external influences on credit quality that are not fully reflected in the historical loss or risk rating 
data.  

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank 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. Loans that experience insignificant payment 
delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment 
delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan 
and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the 
amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis by 
either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable 
market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. 

64 

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Groups of  loans  with similar  risk characteristics  are  collectively  evaluated  for  impairment  based on  the  group’s 
historical loss experience adjusted for changes in trends, conditions and other relevant factors that affect repayment of the 
loans.     

Foreclosed Assets Held for Sale 

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less 
costs to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically 
performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. 
Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in net expenses from foreclosed 
assets. 

Premises and Equipment 

Depreciable assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is charged to expense using the 
straight-line  method  over  the  estimated  useful  lives  of  the  assets.  The  estimated  useful  lives  for  each  major  depreciable 
classification of premises and equipment are as follows: 

Buildings and improvements ........................................................................................................................  
Furniture and fixtures and vehicles ...............................................................................................................  

(in years) 
35 -  40  
3 -  10  

Bank Owned Life Insurance 

Bank  owned  life  insurance  policies  are  carried  at  their  cash  surrender  value.  The  Company  recognizes  tax-free 

income from the periodic increases in cash surrender value of these policies and from death benefits. 

Income Taxes 

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with income tax accounting guidance (ASC 740, Income 
Taxes). The income tax accounting guidance results in two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current 
income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax 
law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues. The Company determines deferred income taxes using the 
liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the 
differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and enacted changes in tax rates and laws are recognized 
in the period in which they occur.  

Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. Deferred 
tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or 
sustained upon examination. The term more likely than not means a likelihood of more than 50 percent; the terms examined 
and upon examination also include resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any. A tax position that meets 
the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that 
has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of 
all relevant information. The determination of whether or not a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition 
threshold considers the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management’s 
judgment. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of evidence available, it is more 
likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.  

65 

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The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax expense.  

The Company files consolidated income tax returns with its subsidiary. With a few exceptions, the Company is no 

longer subject to U.S. federal or state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2012. 

Cash Equivalents 

The Company considers all liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. 

At December 31, 2016 and 2015 cash equivalents consisted of interest-bearing deposits and money market accounts.  

Restriction on Cash and Due From Banks 

The Company is required to maintain reserve funds in cash and/or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank. The 

Company’s required reserve on December 31, 2016 was $1,082,000. 

Comprehensive Income  

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income 
taxes. Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, unrealized gain 
(loss)  on  available-for-sale  securities  for  which  a  portion  of an  other-than-temporary  impairment  has  been  recognized  in 
income and unrealized gain (loss) on held-to-maturity securities for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment 
has been recognized in income. 

Regulatory Matters 

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure 
to  meet  minimum  capital  requirements  can  initiate  certain  mandatory  and  possibly  additional  discretionary  actions  by 
regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct and material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 
Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific 
capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of 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.  Furthermore,  the  Company’s  regulators  could  require 
adjustments to regulatory capital not reflected in these financial statements. 

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum 
amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below). Management believes, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, that the Bank 
met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. 

As  of  December  31,  2016,  the  most  recent  notification  from  the  Missouri  Division  of  Finance  and  the  Federal 
Deposit Insurance Corporation categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective 
action. To be categorized as well capitalized the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, Tier I 
leverage and Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based ratios as set forth in the following table. There are no conditions or events 
since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category. 

The Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the table. No amount was deducted from capital 

for interest-rate risk. Dollar amounts are expressed in thousands. 

66 

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Actual  

   Amount        Ratio 

      Adequacy Purposes  
      Amount        Ratio 

Action Provisions  
      Amount        Ratio 

For Capital  

      To Be Well Capitalized     
      Under Prompt Corrective    

As of December 31, 2016  

Tier 1 (core) capital, and ratio to 

adjusted total assets Bank  .........   $ 

85,255       

12.5%   $ 

27,283       

4.0%  $ 

34,103       

5.0 %

Tier 1 (core) capital, and ratio to 

risk-weighted assets Bank  .........   $ 

85,255       

14.0%   $ 

36,434       

6.0%  $ 

48,578       

8.0 %

Total risk-based capital, and ratio 

to risk-weighted assets Bank  ....   $ 

90,997       

15.0%   $ 

48,578       

8.0%  $ 

60,723       

10.0 %

Common equity tier 1 capital ratio 

to risk-weighted assets Bank  ....   $ 

85,255       

14.0%   $ 

27,325       

4.5%  $ 

39,470       

6.5 %

Actual  

   Amount        Ratio 

      Adequacy Purposes  
      Amount        Ratio 

Action Provisions  
      Amount        Ratio 

For Capital  

      To Be Well Capitalized     
      Under Prompt Corrective    

As of December 31, 2015  

Tier 1 (core) capital, and ratio to 

adjusted total assets Bank  .........  $ 

78,635       

12.2%   $ 

25,844       

4.0%  $ 

32,305       

5.0 %

Tier 1 (core) capital, and ratio to 

risk-weighted assets Bank  .........  $ 

78,635       

13.4%   $ 

23,403       

4.0%  $ 

35,105       

6.0 %

Total risk-based capital, and ratio 

to risk-weighted assets Bank  ....  $ 

84,447       

14.4%   $ 

46,806       

8.0%  $ 

58,508       

10.0 %

Common equity tier 1 capital ratio 

to risk-weighted assets Bank  ....  $ 

78,635       

13.4%   $ 

26,329       

4.5%  $ 

38,030       

6.5 %

The above minimum capital requirements exclude the capital conversion buffer required to avoid limitations on 
capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. The capital 
conservation buffer is being phased in from 0.0% for 2015 to 2.50% by 2019. The capital conversion buffer was 0.625% at 
December 31, 2016. The net unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale securities is not included in computing regulatory 
capital. 

The amount of dividends that the Bank may pay is subject to various regulatory limitations. As of December 31, 
2016 and 2015 the Bank exceeded the minimum capital requirements. The Bank may not pay dividends which would reduce 
capital below the minimum requirements shown above. 

67 

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Segment Information  

The principal business of the Company is overseeing the business of the Bank. The Company has no significant 
assets other than its investment in the Bank. The banking operation is the Company’s only reportable segment. The banking 
segment is principally engaged in the business of originating mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family residences, multi-
family, construction, commercial and consumer loans. These loans are funded primarily through the attraction of deposits 
from the general public, borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank and brokered deposits. Selected information is not 
presented separately for the Company’s reportable segment, as there is no material difference between that information and 
the corresponding information in the consolidated financial statements. 

General Litigation 

The Company and the Bank, from time to time, may be parties to ordinary routine litigation, which arises in the 
normal course of business, such as claims to enforce liens, and condemnation proceedings, on properties in which the Bank 
holds security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans, and other issues incident to the 
business of the Company and the Bank. After reviewing pending and threatened litigation with legal counsel, management 
believes that as of December 31, 2016, the outcome of any such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the 
Company’s financial position or results of operations.  

Earnings Per Common Share 

The  computation  for  earnings  per  common  share  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014  is  as 

follows: 

   Year Ended        Year Ended        Year Ended     
December 31, 
2015  

December 31, 
2014  

December 31, 
2016  

Net income available to common shareholders  .................................   $ 
Weighted average common shares outstanding .................................     
Effect of dilutive securities  ...............................................................     
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding  ...................................     
Basic income per common share  .......................................................   $ 
Diluted income per common share  ....................................................   $ 

5,594,011     $
4,363,949       
56,299       
4,420,248       
1.28     $
1.27     $

5,716,767     $
4,333,418       
55,931       
4,389,349       
1.32     $
1.30     $

5,425,486   
4,006,461   
68,040   
4,074,501   
1.35   
1.33   

Stock options to purchase 68,500, 88,500 and 131,500 shares of common stock were outstanding during the years 
ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted income per 
common share because their exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares.  

Reclassifications  

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2015 and 2014 financial statements to conform to the 2016 financial 

statement presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income. 

68 

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NOTE 2:     SECURITIES 

The  amortized  cost  and  approximate  fair  values,  together  with  gross  unrealized  gains  and  losses,  of  securities 

classified as available-for-sale are as follows: 

   Amortized  
Cost  

Gross  
Unrealized  
Gains  

Gross 
Unrealized  
(Losses)  

    Approximate 
Fair Value  

As of December 31, 2016  
Debt Securities:  

Municipals  ...............................................................................    $ 39,357,506    $ 
Corporates  ................................................................................       7,003,986       
Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities and SBA 

65,673    $ (1,085,654)   $ 38,337,525   
(4,514)      7,053,522   
54,050       

loan pools  ..............................................................................      48,115,793      

19,432        (1,127,037)      47,008,188   
  $ 94,477,285    $  139,155     $ (2,217,205)   $ 92,399,235   

   Amortized 

Cost  

Gross  
Unrealized  
Gains  

Gross  
Unrealized  
(Losses)  

    Approximate 
Fair Value  

As of December 31, 2015  
Equity Securities  .........................................................................    $ 
Debt Securities:  

102,212     $ 

10,081     $

(12,776)   $ 

99,517   

U. S. government agencies  ......................................................       8,533,885       
Municipals  ...............................................................................      31,132,635      
Corporates  ................................................................................       3,965,719       
Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities and SBA 

-      
302,335       
-      

(137,101)      8,396,784   
(85,808)      31,349,162   
(152,019)      3,813,700   

loan pools  ..............................................................................      54,643,681      

13,764        (1,024,121)      53,633,324   
  $ 98,378,132    $  326,180     $ (1,411,825)   $ 97,292,487   

Maturities of available-for-sale debt securities as of December 31, 2016: 

Maturities of Available for Sale  

1-5 years  ..................................................................................................................   $ 
5-10 years  ................................................................................................................     
After ten years  .........................................................................................................     
Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities and SBA loan pools not due 

Amortized  
Cost  

Approximate 
Fair Value  

1,297,373     $ 
11,327,059       
33,737,060       

1,299,297   
11,187,770   
32,903,980   

on a single maturity date  .......................................................................................     
  $ 

48,115,793       
94,477,285     $ 

47,008,188   
92,399,235   

The  amortized  cost  and  approximate  fair  values,  together  with  gross  unrealized  gains  and  losses,  of  securities 

classified as held to maturity are as follows: 

As of December 31, 2016  
Debt Securities:  

Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities  ................    $ 

27,528     $ 

625     $ 

-    $ 

28,153   

   Amortized  
Cost  

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gains  

Gross 
Unrealized 
(Losses)  

    Approximate 
Fair Value  

69 

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   Amortized 

Cost  

Gross  
Unrealized  
Gains  

Gross  
Unrealized 
(Losses)  

    Approximate 
Fair Value  

As of December 31, 2015  
Debt Securities:  

Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities  ................    $ 

43,099     $ 

836     $ 

-    $ 

43,935   

Maturities of held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2016: 

Amortized 
Cost  

Approximate 
Fair Value  

Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities not due on a single maturity date ............   $ 

27,528     $ 

28,153   

The carrying value of securities pledged as collateral, to secure public deposits and for other purposes, amounted to 

$47,617,900 and $52,095,842 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  

Gross gains of $261,875, $205,909 and $320,888 and gross losses of $69,338, $18,819 and $286,725 resulting from 
sale of available-for-sale securities were realized for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The 
tax effect of these net gains was $71,239, $69,223 and $12,640 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  

The Company evaluates all securities quarterly to determine if any unrealized losses are deemed to be other than 
temporary. Certain investment securities are valued less than their historical cost. These declines are primarily the result of 
the rate for these investments yielding less than current market rates, or declines in stock prices of equity securities. Based 
on evaluation of available evidence, management believes the declines in fair value for these securities are temporary. It is 
management’s intent to hold the debt securities to maturity or until recovery of the unrealized loss. Should the impairment of 
any of these debt securities become other than temporary, the cost basis of the investment will be reduced and the resulting 
loss recognized in net income in the period the other-than-temporary impairment is identified, to the extent the loss is related 
to credit issues, and to other comprehensive income to the extent the decline on debt securities is related to other factors and 
the Company does not intend to sell the security prior to recovery of the unrealized loss.  

No securities were written down for other-than-temporary impairment during the years ended December 31, 2016, 

2015 and 2014.  

Certain other investments in debt and equity securities are reported in the consolidated financial statements at an 
amount less than their historical cost. Total fair value of these investments at December 31, 2016 and 2015, was $79,361,229 
and $68,123,480, respectively, which is approximately 86% and 70% of the Company’s investment portfolio. These declines 
primarily resulted from changes in market interest rates and failure of certain investments to meet projected earnings targets. 

70 

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The following table shows gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of 

time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2016 and 2015. 

Description of Securities  

Fair Value  

Unrealized 
Losses  

Fair Value  

Unrealized 
Losses  

Fair Value  

Unrealized 
Losses  

Less than 12 Months  

12 Months or More  

Total  

December 31, 2016 

Municipals  ....................................   $33,084,816    $ (1,082,021)   $  179,402     $ 
Corporates  ....................................      1,996,172      
881,100       
Government sponsored mortgage-
backed securities and SBA loan 
pools ..........................................     39,570,463       (1,022,511)      3,649,276       

(3,828)     

(3,633)   $33,264,218    $ (1,085,654) 
(4,514) 

(686)      2,877,272       

(104,526)     43,219,739       (1,127,037) 
  $74,651,451    $ (2,108,360)   $  4,709,778     $  (108,845)   $79,361,229    $ (2,217,205) 

Description of Securities  

Fair Value  

Unrealized 
Losses  

Fair Value  

Unrealized 
Losses  

Fair Value  

Unrealized 
Losses  

Less than 12 Months  

12 Months or More  

Total  

December 31, 2015 

Equity Securities  ..........................   $
-    $ 
U. S. government agencies  ...........      6,399,920      
Municipals  ....................................      6,167,019      
Corporates  ....................................      1,675,500      
Government sponsored mortgage-
backed securities and SBA loan 
pools  .........................................     33,072,102      

-    $ 

35,151     $ 
(83,965)      1,996,864       
715,410       
(70,266)     
(79,708)      2,138,200       

(12,776)   $ 
35,151     $
(53,136)      8,396,784       
(15,542)      6,882,429       
(72,311)      3,813,700       

(12,776 ) 
(137,101 ) 
(85,808 ) 
(152,019 ) 

(530,256)     48,995,416       (1,024,121 ) 
  $47,314,541    $  (727,804)   $ 20,808,939    $  (684,021)   $ 68,123,480    $ (1,411,825 ) 

(493,865)     15,923,314      

NOTE 3:     LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES  

Categories of loans at December 31, 2016 and 2015 include: 

December 31,  

2016 

2015 

Real estate - residential mortgage:  

One to four family units  .......................................................................................   $ 
Multi-family  ........................................................................................................     
Real estate - construction  ........................................................................................     
Real estate - commercial  .........................................................................................     
Commercial loans  ...................................................................................................     
Consumer and other loans  .......................................................................................     
Total loans  ........................................................................................................     

Less:  
Allowance for loan losses  .......................................................................................     
Deferred loan fees/costs, net  ...................................................................................     
Net loans  ..........................................................................................................   $ 

106,410,559     $ 
48,483,523       
40,912,307       
249,580,873       
75,404,732       
23,606,306       
544,398,300       

98,257,417   
41,603,670   
45,462,895   
208,824,573   
81,006,897   
21,991,881   
497,147,333   

(5,742,449 )     
(382,211 )     
538,273,640     $ 

(5,811,940) 
(333,486) 
491,001,907   

71 

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Classes of loans by aging at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: 

As of December 31, 2016 

   30-59 
Days 
Past Due 

     60-89 
Days 
Past Due 

     Greater 
Than 
90 Days  

     Total 
Past 
Due  

     Total 
Loans 
Receivable 

Current  

Total 
Loans > 
90 Days 
and 
Accruing  

Real estate - residential mortgage:         
One to four family units  ..........   $ 
Multi-family  ............................     
Real estate - construction  ...............     
Real estate - commercial  ................     
Commercial loans  ...........................     
Consumer and other loans  ..............     
Total  ............................................   $ 

As of December 31, 2015 

(In Thousands)  

367     $ 
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
367     $ 

495    $ 
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
495    $ 

965     $ 105,446     $  106,411     $ 
103     $ 
48,483       
-       48,483       
-      
-       40,912       
40,912       
-      
-       249,581        249,581       
-      
75,405       
593        74,812       
593       
38       
23,606       
38        23,568       
734     $  1,596     $ 542,802     $  544,398     $ 

-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  

   30-59 
Days 
Past Due 

     60-89 
Days 
Past Due 

     Greater 
Than 
90 Days  

     Total 
Past 
Due  

     Total 
Loans 
Receivable 

Current  

Total 
Loans > 
90 Days 
and 
Accruing  

(In Thousands)  

Real estate - residential mortgage:         
One to four family units  ..........   $ 
Multi-family  ............................     
Real estate - construction  ...............     
Real estate - commercial  ................     
Commercial loans  ...........................     
Consumer and other loans  ..............     
Total  ............................................   $ 

-    $ 
-      
-      
-      
88       
2       
90     $ 

168    $ 
-      
-      
-      
-      
8       

273     $ 97,984     $  98,257     $ 
41,604       
45,463       
1,079        207,745        208,824       
81,007       
1,327        79,680       
21,992       
10        21,982       
176    $  2,423     $  2,689     $ 494,458     $  497,147     $ 

105     $ 
-      
-      
1,079       
1,239       
-      

-       41,604       
-       45,463       

-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  

Nonaccruing loans are summarized as follows: 

Real estate - residential mortgage:  

One to four family units  ...........................................................................   $ 
Multi-family  .............................................................................................     
Real estate - construction  ................................................................................     
Real estate - commercial  .................................................................................     
Commercial loans  ...........................................................................................     
Consumer and other loans  ...............................................................................     
Total  ............................................................................................................   $ 

December 31,  

2016 

2015 

2,060,180     $ 
-      
5,446,896       
161,491       
925,281       
37,791       
8,631,639     $ 

2,272,535   
-  
8,079,807   
1,240,909   
2,149,333   
12,891   
13,755,475   

72 

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The following tables present the activity in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans based 

on portfolio segment and impairment method as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014: 

As of December 31, 2016 

Allowance for loan losses:  
Balance, beginning of year   
Provision charged to 

Construction  

Commercial 
Real Estate  

One to 
four family 

Multi-
family  

Commercial  

Consumer  
and Other  

Unallocated  

Total  

(In Thousands)  

  $ 

1,246     $ 

1,526     $ 

821    $ 

177     $ 

1,382    $ 

223     $ 

437     $ 

5,812   

expense  ...........................     
Losses charged off  ............     
Recoveries  .........................     
Balance, end of year  ..............   $ 
Ending balance: individually 

evaluated for impairment  ...   $ 

Ending balance: collectively 

1,262       
(1,222)     
91       
1,377     $ 

198       
(69)     
32       
1,687     $ 

48      
(47)     
34      
856    $ 

29       
-      
-      
206     $ 

(51)     
(171)     
8      
1,168    $ 

215       
(190)     
89       
337     $ 

(326)   $ 
-    $ 
-    $ 
111     $ 

1,375   
(1,699) 
254   
5,742   

302     $ 

-    $ 

14    $ 

-    $ 

241    $ 

45     $ 

-    $ 

602   

evaluated for impairment  ...   $ 

1,075     $ 

1,687     $ 

842    $ 

206     $ 

927    $ 

292     $ 

111     $ 

5,140   

oans:  
Ending balance: individually 

evaluated for impairment  ...   $ 

5,447     $ 

161     $ 

2,060    $ 

-    $ 

925    $ 

106     $ 

-    $ 

8,699   

Ending balance: collectively 

evaluated for impairment  ...   $ 

35,465     $ 

249,420     $  104,351    $ 

48,483     $ 

74,480    $ 

23,500     $ 

-    $  535,699   

As of December 31, 2015 

Allowance for loan losses:  
Balance, beginning of year   
Provision charged to 

Construction  

Commercial 
Real Estate  

One to 
four family 

Multi-
family  

Commercial  

Consumer  
and Other  

Unallocated  

Total  

(In Thousands)  

  $ 

1,330     $ 

1,992     $ 

900    $ 

127     $ 

1,954    $ 

185     $ 

101     $ 

6,589   

expense  ...........................     
Losses charged off  ............     
Recoveries  .........................     
Balance, end of year  ..............   $ 
Ending balance: individually 

evaluated for impairment ....   $ 

Ending balance: collectively 

1,139       
(1,233)     
10       
1,246     $ 

(466)     
-      
-      
1,526     $ 

-      
(99)     
20      
821    $ 

50       
-      
-      
177     $ 

(576)     
-      
4      
1,382    $ 

117       
(119)     
40       
223     $ 

336     $ 
-    $ 
-    $ 
437     $ 

600   
(1,451) 
74   
5,812   

540     $ 

-    $ 

-    $ 

-    $ 

312    $ 

13     $ 

-    $ 

865   

evaluated for impairment ....   $ 

706     $ 

1,526     $ 

821    $ 

177     $ 

1,070    $ 

210     $ 

437     $ 

4,947   

Loans:  
Ending balance: individually 

evaluated for impairment ....   $ 

8,080     $ 

1,241     $ 

2,272    $ 

-    $ 

2,149    $ 

988     $ 

-    $ 

14,730   

Ending balance: collectively 

evaluated for impairment ....   $ 

37,383     $ 

207,583     $ 

95,985    $ 

41,604     $ 

78,858    $ 

21,004     $ 

-    $  482,417   

As of December 31, 2014 

Allowance for loan losses:  
Balance, beginning of year   
Provision charged to 

Construction  

Commercial 
Real Estate  

One to 
four family 

Multi-
family  

Commercial  

Consumer  
and Other  

Unallocated  

Total  

(In Thousands)  

  $ 

2,387     $ 

2,059     $ 

997    $ 

209     $ 

1,519    $ 

272     $ 

359     $ 

7,802   

expense  ...........................     
Losses charged off  ............     
Recoveries  .........................     
Balance, end of year  ..............   $ 
Ending balance: individually 

evaluated for impairment ....   $ 

Ending balance: collectively 

(651)     
(411)     
5       
1,330     $ 

(157)     
(9)     
99       
1,992     $ 

21      
(127)     
9      
900    $ 

(82)     
-      
-      
127     $ 

2,388      
(2,018)     
65      
1,954    $ 

14       
(150)     
49       
185     $ 

(258)   $ 
-    $ 
-    $ 
101     $ 

1,275   
(2,715) 
227   
6,589   

376     $ 

158     $ 

36    $ 

-    $ 

203    $ 

12     $ 

-    $ 

785   

evaluated for impairment ....   $ 

954     $ 

1,834     $ 

864    $ 

127     $ 

1,751    $ 

173     $ 

101     $ 

5,804   

Loans:  
Ending balance: individually 

evaluated for impairment ....   $ 

2,893     $ 

460     $ 

847    $ 

-    $ 

1,027    $ 

801     $ 

-    $ 

6,028   

Ending balance: collectively 

evaluated for impairment ....   $ 

33,892     $ 

215,145     $ 

97,054    $ 

33,786     $ 

91,087    $ 

16,445     $ 

-    $  487,409   

73 

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A loan is considered impaired, in accordance with the impairment accounting guidance (ASC-310-10-35-16), when 
based on current information and events, it is probable the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due from the borrower 
in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. Impaired loans include nonperforming commercial loans but also include 
loans  modified  in  troubled  debt  restructurings  where  concessions  have  been  granted  to  borrowers  experiencing  financial 
difficulties. These concessions could include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment extensions, forgiveness of 
principal, forbearance or other actions intended to maximize collection. 

The following summarizes impaired loans as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: 

As of December 31, 2016 

Recorded 
Balance  

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance  

Specific 
Allowance  
(In Thousands)  

Average 
Investment 
in Impaired 
Loans  

Interest 
Income 
Recognized 

Loans without a specific valuation allowance         
Real estate - residential mortgage:  

One to four family units  ...................................   $ 
Multi-family  ....................................................     
Real estate - construction  ....................................     
Real estate - commercial  .....................................     
Commercial loans  ................................................     
Consumer and other loans  ...................................     
Loans with a specific valuation allowance  
Real estate - residential mortgage:  

One to four family units  ...................................   $ 
Multi-family  ....................................................     
Real estate - construction  ....................................     
Real estate - commercial  .....................................     
Commercial loans  ................................................     
Consumer and other loans  ...................................     
Total  
Real estate - residential mortgage:  

One to four family units  ...................................   $ 
Multi-family  ....................................................     
Real estate - construction  ....................................     
Real estate - commercial  .....................................     
Commercial loans  ................................................     
Consumer and other loans  ...................................     
Total ....................................................................   $ 

2,006    $ 
-      
3,017      
161      
622      
3      

54    $ 
-      
2,430      
-      
303      
103      

2,060    $ 
-      
5,447      
161      
925      
106      
8,699    $ 

2,006     $ 
-      
3,017       
161       
622       
3       

54     $ 
-      
3,663       
-      
755       
103       

2,060     $ 
-      
6,680       
161       
1,377       
106       
10,384     $ 

-    $ 
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      

14     $ 
-      
302       
-      
241       
45       

14     $ 
-      
302       
-      
241       
45       
602     $ 

2,165     $ 
-      
5,427       
540       
868       
90       

27     $ 
-      
2,195       
139       
447       
112       

2,192     $ 
-      
7,622       
679       
1,315       
202       
12,010     $ 

-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
2   

-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  

-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
2   
2   

74 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
      
        
        
        
        
  
  
  
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
        
        
        
        
  
      
        
        
        
        
  
      
        
        
        
        
  
      
        
        
        
        
  
      
        
        
        
        
  
      
        
        
        
        
  
  
  
 
 
As of December 31, 2015 

Recorded 
Balance  

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance  

Specific 
Allowance  
(In Thousands)  

Average 
Investment 
in Impaired 
Loans  

Interest 
Income 
Recognized 

Loans without a specific valuation allowance         
Real estate - residential mortgage:  

One to four family units  ...................................   $ 
Multi-family  ....................................................     
Real estate - construction  ....................................     
Real estate - commercial  .....................................     
Commercial loans  ................................................     
Consumer and other loans  ...................................     
Loans with a specific valuation allowance  
Real estate - residential mortgage:  

One to four family units  ...................................   $ 
Multi-family  ....................................................     
Real estate - construction  ....................................     
Real estate - commercial  .....................................     
Commercial loans  ................................................     
Consumer and other loans  ...................................     
Total  
Real estate - residential mortgage:  

One to four family units  ...................................   $ 
Multi-family  ....................................................     
Real estate - construction  ....................................     
Real estate - commercial  .....................................     
Commercial loans  ................................................     
Consumer and other loans  ...................................     
Total ....................................................................   $ 

2,272    $ 
-      
5,730      
1,241      
1,538      
904      

-    $ 
-      
2,350      
-      
611      
84      

2,272     $ 
-      
5,730       
1,241       
1,538       
904       

-    $ 
-      
4,838       
-      
914       
84       

2,272    $ 
-      
8,080      
1,241      
2,149      
988      
14,730    $ 

2,272     $ 
-      
10,568       
1,241       
2,452       
988       
17,521     $ 

-    $ 
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      

-    $ 
-      
540       
-      
312       
13       

-    $ 
-      
540       
-      
312       
13       
865     $ 

1,270     $ 
-      
1,636       
234       
665       
88       

228     $ 
-      
3,255       
-      
616       
118       

1,498     $ 
-      
4,891       
234       
1,281       
206       
8,110     $ 

3   
-  
-  
-  
-  
1   

-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  

3   
-  
-  
-  
-  
1   
4   

Interest of approximately $200,000 was recognized on average impaired loans of $8,665,000 for the year ended 

December 31, 2014. 

At December 31, 2016, the Bank’s impaired loans shown in the table above included loans that were classified as 
troubled debt restructurings (TDR). The restructuring of a loan is considered a TDR if both (i) the borrower is experiencing 
financial difficulties and (ii) the creditor has granted a concession. 

In  assessing  whether  or  not  a  borrower  is  experiencing  financial  difficulties,  the  Bank  considers  information 
currently available regarding the financial condition of the borrower. This information includes, but is not limited to, whether 
(i) the debtor is currently in payment default on any of its debt; (ii) a payment default is probable in the foreseeable future 
without  the  modification;  (iii)  the  debtor  has  declared  or  is  in  the  process  of  declaring  bankruptcy  and  (iv)  the  debtor’s 
projected  cash  flow  is  sufficient  to  satisfy  the  contractual  payments  due  under  the  original  terms  of  the  loan  without  a 
modification. 

The Bank considers all aspects of the modification to loan terms to determine whether or not a concession has been 
granted to the borrower. Key factors considered by the Bank include the debtor’s ability to access funds at a market rate for 
debt with similar risk characteristics, the significance of the modification relative to unpaid principal balance or collateral 
value of the debt, and the significance of a delay in the timing of payments relative to the original contractual terms of the 
loan. The most common concessions granted by the Bank generally include one or more modifications to the terms of the 
debt, such as (i) a reduction in the interest rate for the remaining life of the debt, (ii) an extension of the maturity date at an 
interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk, (iii) a reduction of the face amount or maturity 
amount of the debt as stated in the original loan, (iv) a temporary period of interest-only payments, (v) a reduction in accrued 
interest, and (vi) an extension of amortization. 

75 

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The following summarizes information regarding new troubled debt restructurings by class: 

Real estate - residential mortgage:  

One to four family units  .................................................     
Multi-family  ...................................................................     
Real estate - construction  ......................................................     
Real estate - commercial  .......................................................     
Commercial loans  .................................................................     
Consumer and other loans  .....................................................     
Total ...................................................................................     

Real estate - residential mortgage:  

One to four family units  .................................................     
Multi-family  ...................................................................     
Real estate - construction  ......................................................     
Real estate - commercial  .......................................................     
Commercial loans  .................................................................     
Consumer and other loans  .....................................................     
Total ...................................................................................     

2016 
Pre-Modification 
Outstanding  
Recorded Balance 

Post-Modification 
Outstanding  
Recorded Balance 

Number  
of Loans  

-     $ 
-       
-       
1       
1       
-       
2     $ 

-     $ 
-       
-       
5,575,358       
165,831       
-       
5,741,189     $ 

-  
-  
-  
5,575,358   
165,831   
-  
5,741,189   

2015 
Pre-Modification 
Outstanding  
Recorded Balance 

Post-Modification 
Outstanding  
Recorded Balance 

Number 
of Loans  

7     $ 
-       
5       
1       
3       
-       
16     $ 

1,345,358     $ 
-       
6,889,044       
161,491       
750,849       
-       
9,146,742     $ 

1,345,358   
-  
5,655,969   
161,491   
771,557   
-  
7,934,375  

The troubled debt restructurings described above increased the allowance for loan losses by $41,458 and $0 and 

resulted in charge offs of $0 and $1,233,075 during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

76 

FORM 10-K 
   
  
  
  
  
  
    
    
  
      
        
        
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
    
  
      
        
        
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
The following presents the troubled debt restructurings by type of modification: 

Interest Rate 

Term  

Combination 

Total 
Modification 

2016 

Real estate - residential mortgage:  

One to four family units  ...............................................   $ 
Multi-family  .................................................................     
Real estate - construction  ....................................................     
Real estate - commercial  .....................................................     
Commercial loans ................................................................     
Consumer and other loans  ...................................................     
Total  .................................................................................   $ 

-     $ 
-       
-       
-       
-       
-       
-     $ 

-    $ 
-      
-      

-  
-     $ 
-  
-       
-       
-  
-        5,575,358        5,575,358   
165,831   
-  
165,831     $  5,575,358     $  5,741,189   

165,831       
-       

-      
-      

Interest Rate 

Term  

Combination 

Total 
Modification 

2015 

Real estate - residential mortgage:  

One to four family units  ...............................................   $ 
Multi-family  .................................................................     
Real estate - construction  ....................................................     
Real estate - commercial  .....................................................     
Commercial loans ................................................................     
Consumer and other loans  ...................................................     
Total  .................................................................................   $ 

-     $ 
-       
-       
-       
-       
-       
-     $ 

-     $  1,345,358     $  1,345,358   
-  
-      
-       
-        5,655,969        5,655,969   
161,491   
-       
771,557   
310,500       
-  
-       
310,500     $  7,623,875     $  7,934,375   

161,491       
461,057       
-      

As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of the Bank’s loan portfolio, management tracks loans by 
an  internal  rating  system.  All  loans  are  assigned  an  internal  credit  quality  rating  based  on  an  analysis  of  the  borrower’s 
financial condition. The criteria used to assign quality ratings to extensions of credit that exhibit potential problems or well-
defined weaknesses are primarily based upon the degree of risk and the likelihood of orderly repayment, and their effect on 
the Bank’s safety and soundness. The following are the internally assigned ratings: 

Pass-This rating represents loans that have strong asset quality and liquidity along with a multi-year track record of 

profitability. 

Special mention-This rating represents loans that are currently protected but are potentially weak. The credit risk 

may be relatively minor, yet constitute an increased risk in light of the circumstances surrounding a specific loan. 

Substandard-This rating represents loans that show signs of continuing negative financial trends and unprofitability 
and therefore, is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral 
pledged, if any. 

Doubtful-This rating represents loans that have all the weaknesses of substandard classified loans with the additional 
characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions 
and values, highly questionable and improbable. 

Risk characteristics applicable to each segment of the loan portfolio are described as follows. 

Real  estate-Residential  1-4  family:  The  residential  1-4  family  real  estate  loans  are  generally  secured  by  owner-
occupied 1-4 family residences. Repayment of these loans is primarily dependent on the personal income and credit rating of 
the borrowers. Credit risk in these loans can be impacted by economic conditions within the Bank’s market areas that might 
impact either property values or a borrower’s personal income.   

Risk is mitigated by the fact that the loans are of smaller individual amounts and spread over a large number of 

borrowers. 

77 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
    
    
  
      
        
        
        
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
    
    
  
      
        
        
        
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Real estate-Construction: Construction and land development real estate loans are usually based upon estimates of 
costs and estimated value of the completed project and include independent appraisal reviews and a financial analysis of the 
developers  and  property  owners.  Sources  of  repayment  of  these  loans  may  include  permanent  loans,  sales  of  developed 
property or an interim loan commitment from the Bank until permanent financing is obtained. These loans are considered to 
be higher risk 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.  Credit  risk  in  these  loans  may  be  impacted  by  the 
creditworthiness of a borrower, property values and the local economies in the Bank’s market areas. 

Real estate-Commercial: Commercial real estate loans typically involve larger principal amounts, and repayment of 
these loans is generally dependent on the successful operations of the property securing the loan or the business conducted 
on the property securing the loan. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by 
real estate. Credit risk in these loans may be impacted by the creditworthiness of a borrower, property values and the local 
economies in the Bank’s market areas. 

Commercial: The commercial portfolio includes loans to commercial customers for use in financing working capital 
needs, equipment purchases and expansions. The loans in this category are repaid primarily from the cash flow of a borrower’s 
principal  business  operation.  Credit  risk  in  these  loans  is  driven  by  creditworthiness  of  a  borrower  and  the  economic 
conditions that impact the cash flow stability from business operations. 

Consumer: The consumer loan portfolio consists of various term and line of credit loans such as automobile loans 
and loans for other personal purposes. Repayment for these types of loans will come from a borrower’s income sources that 
are typically independent of the loan purpose. Credit risk is driven by consumer economic factors (such as unemployment 
and general economic conditions in the Bank’s market area) and the creditworthiness of a borrower. 

The following table provides information about the credit quality of the loan portfolio using the Bank’s internal 

rating system as of December 31, 2016 and 2015: 

As of December 31, 2016 

Construction

    Commercial 
Real Estate 

One to 
four 
family  

     Multi-

family  

Commercial 

    Consumer 
and Other 

Total  

(In Thousands)  

Rating:  

Pass  ..............................................   $ 
Special Mention  ...........................     
Substandard  .................................     
Doubtful  .......................................     
Total  .........................................   $ 

35,465     $  242,200    $100,367    $ 48,483     $ 
-      
-      
-      
-      
40,912     $  249,581    $106,411    $ 48,483     $ 

5,922       2,591       
1,459       3,453       
-      

-      
5,447       
-      

69,093     $  23,380     $518,988  
-       13,016   
4,503       
226        11,810   
1,225       
584   
584       
75,405     $  23,606     $544,398  

-      

78 

FORM 10-K 
  
  
  
  
  
       
         
        
        
         
        
        
  
  
  
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
       
         
        
        
         
        
        
  
  
  
 
 
As of December 31, 2015 

Construction

    Commercial
Real Estate 

One to 
four 
family  

     Multi-

family  
(In Thousands)  

Commercial 

    Consumer 
and Other 

Total  

Rating:  

Pass  ..............................................   $ 
Special Mention  ...........................     
Substandard  .................................     
Doubtful  .......................................     
Total  .........................................   $ 

37,383     $  198,230    $  91,267     $ 41,604     $ 
-      
-      
-      
45,463     $  208,824    $  98,257     $ 41,604     $ 

3,657       3,319       
6,937       3,671       
-      

-      
8,080       
-      

-      

73,407     $  21,775     $ 463,666  
-       9,243  
2,267       
217        23,635  
4,730       
603  
603       
81,007     $  21,992     $ 497,147  

-      

The weighted average interest rate on loans as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was 4.81% and 4.87%, respectively. 

The Bank serviced mortgage loans for others amounting to $54,722 and $64,220 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, 
respectively. The Bank serviced commercial loans for others amounting to $5,978,363 and $7,629,058 as of December 31, 
2016 and 2015, respectively. 

NOTE 4:     PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT 

Major classifications of premises and equipment, stated at cost, are as follows: 

   December 31,  

     December 31,  

Land  ........................................................................................................................   $ 
Buildings and improvements  ...................................................................................     
Automobile  .............................................................................................................     
Furniture, fixtures and equipment  ...........................................................................     
Leasehold improvements  ........................................................................................     

Less accumulated depreciation ................................................................................     
Net premises and equipment  ............................................................................   $ 

2016 

2,251,789     $ 
11,850,553       
25,115       
11,357,768       
271,799       
25,757,024       
(14,885,985 )     
10,871,039     $ 

2015 

2,250,789   
11,791,945   
25,115   
10,746,555   
271,799   
25,086,203   
(14,545,775) 
10,540,428   

NOTE 5:     BANK OWNED LIFE INSURANCE 

The Company has purchased Bank owned life insurance on certain key members of management. Such policies are 
recorded at their cash surrender value, or the amount that can be realized. The increase in cash surrender value in excess of 
the  single  premium  paid  is  reported  as  other  noninterest  income.  The  balance  at  December  31,  2016  and  2015  was 
$19,272,893 and $18,779,915, respectively. 

NOTE 6:     INVESTMENTS IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS 

The Company has purchased investments in limited partnerships that were formed to operate low-income housing 
apartment  complexes  and  single-family  housing  units  throughout  Missouri.  Effective  January  2015,  the  investments  are 
accounted for under the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. The Company does not have the 
ability to exert significant influence over the partnerships. For a minimum 15 year compliance period, each partnership must 
adhere to affordable housing regulatory requirements in order to maintain the utilization of the tax credits. At December 31, 
2016  and  2015,  the  net  carrying  values  of  the  Company’s  investments  in  these  entities  was  $1,871,582  and  $2,688,704, 
respectively, and are included in other assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

79 

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The Company received income tax credits of $1,221,394, $1,221,394 and $1,221,394 during 2016, 2015 and 2014, 
respectively. Amortization of the investment costs was $817,122, $885,478 and $885,478 during each of the fiscal years 
2016, 2015 and 2014. 

NOTE 7:     DEPOSITS 

Deposits are comprised of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 

December 31, 2016 

December 31, 2015 

Weighted 
Average 
Rate  

Balance  

  Percentage 
of Deposits 

Weighted 
Average 
Rate  

Balance  

  Percentage 
of Deposits 

Demand  .................       
NOW  .....................       
Money market  .......       
Savings  ..................       

Certificates:  
0.00% - 0.99% ........       
1.00% - 1.99% ........       
2.00% - 3.99% ........       

Total Deposits  .......       

0.01%    $  80,910,910   
0.30%       129,137,807  
0.45%       155,529,796  
0.20%       28,095,248  
0.29%       393,673,761  

0.54%       57,349,324  
1.28%       54,319,296  
2.14%      
20,369   
0.90%       111,688,989  
0.43%    $  505,362,750  

16.0%      
25.6%      
30.8%      
5.5%      
77.9%      

11.3%      
10.8%      
0.0%      
22.1%      
100.0%      

0.00 %    $  67,897,263   
0.31 %       137,472,955   
0.42 %       170,602,458   
0.20 %       25,864,718   
0.30 %       401,837,394   

0.54 %       61,061,577   
1.31 %       53,142,739   
2.17 %      
1,343,985  
0.91 %       115,548,301   
0.43 %    $  517,385,695   

13.1% 
26.6% 
33.0% 
5.0% 
77.7% 

11.7% 
10.2% 
0.3% 
22.3% 
100.0% 

The  aggregate  amount  of  certificates  of  deposit  with  a  minimum  balance  of  $100,000  was  approximately 
$63,697,000  and  $63,442,000,  as  of December  31, 2016  and 2015, respectively.  The  aggregate  amount of certificates  of 
deposit with a minimum balance of $250,000 was approximately $11,798,000 and $6,009,000, as of December 31, 2016 and 
2015, respectively. 

A summary of certificates of deposit by maturity as of December 31, 2016, is as follows: 

2017 ......................................................................................................................................................    $ 
2018 ......................................................................................................................................................      
2019 ......................................................................................................................................................      
2020 ......................................................................................................................................................      
2021 ......................................................................................................................................................      
Thereafter ..............................................................................................................................................      
  $ 

71,182,536   
20,032,460   
10,262,403   
4,787,609   
4,003,063   
1,420,918   
111,688,989   

80 

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A summary of interest expense on deposits is as follows: 

Years ended  
December 31,  
2015 

2016 

NOW and Money Market accounts  .......................................   $ 
Savings accounts  ...................................................................     
Certificate accounts  ...............................................................     
Early withdrawal penalties  ....................................................     
  $ 

1,235,359     $ 
55,094       
1,002,872       
(9,343 )     
2,283,982     $ 

1,276,808     $ 
49,467       
1,102,928       
(5,332 )     
2,423,871     $ 

2014 

1,242,158   
49,071   
1,050,081   
(12,220) 
2,329,090   

The Bank utilizes brokered deposits as an additional funding source. The aggregate amount of brokered deposits 

was approximately $41,456,000 and $45,794,000 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  

NOTE 8:     BORROWINGS 

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances consist of the following: 

Maturity Date  

Amount  

Weighted 
Average 
Rate  

Weighted 
Average 
Rate  

Amount  

   December 31, 2016 

      December 31, 2015 

2017 ..............................................................................................     43,600,000      
2018 ..............................................................................................     50,000,000      
2019 ..............................................................................................      2,100,000       
  $ 95,700,000      

0.79%    
-      
2.14%    50,000,000      
4.87%     2,100,000       
1.72%  $52,100,000      

0.00%
2.14%
4.87%
2.25%

The FHLB requires the Bank to maintain collateral in relation to outstanding balances of advances. For collateral 
purposes, the FHLB values mortgage loans free of other pledges, liens and encumbrances at 80% of their fair value, and 
investment securities free of other pledges, liens and encumbrances at 95% of their fair value. Based on existing collateral as 
well as the FHLB’s limitation of advances to 35% of assets, the Bank has the ability to borrow an additional $59.8 million 
from the FHLB, as of December 31, 2016.  

Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings 

During 2008, the Bank established a borrowing line with the Federal Reserve Bank. The Bank has the ability to 
borrow $25.2 million as of December 31, 2016. The Federal Reserve Bank requires the Bank to maintain collateral in relation 
to borrowings outstanding. The Bank had no borrowings outstanding on this line as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.  

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase 

In January 2008, the Company borrowed $30.0 million under three structured repurchase agreements. Interest was 
based  on  a  fixed  weighted  average  rate  of  2.65%  until  maturity  in  January  2018.  Beginning  in  February  2010,  the 
counterparty, Barclay’s Capital, Inc., had the option to terminate the agreements on a quarterly basis until maturity.  

81 

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Prior to the stated maturity date, the Company paid off one of these agreements in the amount $15.0 million in May 

2013 and another agreement in the amount of $5.0 million in November 2011.  

In June 2015, the Company executed a structured transaction in order to pay off the remaining $10.0 million, prior 

to its stated maturity date, incurring a prepayment penalty of $463,992.  

NOTE 9:     SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES 

During 2005, the Company formed two wholly owned grantor trust subsidiaries, Guaranty Statutory Trust I and 
Guaranty Statutory Trust II, to issue preferred securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the trusts 
and to invest the gross proceeds of the preferred securities in notes of the Company. Trust I issued $5,000,000 of preferred 
securities  and  Trust  II  issued  $10,000,000  of  preferred  securities.  The  sole  assets  of  Trust  I  were  originally  $5,155,000 
aggregate principal amount of the Company’s fixed rate subordinated debenture notes due 2036, which were redeemable 
beginning in 2011. The sole assets of Trust II were originally $10,310,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 
fixed/variable rate subordinated debenture notes due 2036, which were redeemable beginning in 2011. Trust II subordinated 
debenture notes bear interest at a fixed rate for five years and thereafter at a floating rate based on LIBOR. The preferred 
securities qualify as either Tier I or Tier II capital for regulatory purposes, subject to certain limitations. 

NOTE 10:     INCOME TAXES 

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, retained earnings included approximately $5,075,000 for which no deferred 
income  tax  liability  has  been  recognized.  This  amount represents  an  allocation of  income  to  bad debt  deductions for  tax 
purposes only. Reduction of amounts so allocated for purposes other than tax bad debt losses or adjustments arising from 
carryback of net operating losses would create income for tax purposes only, which would be subject to the then current 
corporate income tax rate. The unrecorded deferred income tax liability on the above amount was approximately $1,878,000 
as of both December 31, 2016 and 2015. 

The provision for income taxes consists of: 

Years Ended  
December 31,  
2015 

2014 

2016 

Taxes currently payable  ........................................................   $ 
Deferred income taxes  ...........................................................     
  $ 

1,889,673     $ 
123,091       
2,012,764     $ 

2,140,591     $ 
320,738       
2,461,329     $ 

1,445,947   
666,561   
2,112,508   

82 

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The tax effects of temporary differences related to deferred taxes shown on the December 31, 2016 and 2015 balance 

sheets are: 

Deferred tax assets:  

   December 31,  

     December 31,  

2016 

2015 

Allowances for loan losses  ..................................................................................   $ 
Writedowns on foreclosed assets held for sale  ....................................................     
Deferred loan fees/costs  .......................................................................................     
Unrealized depreciation on available-for-sale securities  .....................................     
Tax Credits  ..........................................................................................................     
Other  ....................................................................................................................     

Deferred tax liabilities:  

FHLB stock dividends  .........................................................................................     
Accumulated depreciation  ...................................................................................     
Other  ....................................................................................................................     

Net deferred tax asset  ..............................................................................................   $ 

1,952,433     $ 
681,281       
56,209       
768,879       
521,441       
228,996       
4,209,239       

(46,481)     
(642,977)     
(45,646)     
(735,104)     
3,474,135     $ 

1,976,060   
773,652   
123,390   
401,688   
-  
446,122   
3,720,912   

(51,713) 
(368,245) 
(70,849) 
(490,807) 
3,230,105   

A reconciliation of income tax expense at the statutory rate to income tax expense at the Company’s effective rate 

is shown below: 

Years ended  
December 31,  

Computed at statutory rate  .........................................................     
Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:  

State financial institution tax and credits .................................     
Cash surrender value of life insurance  ....................................     
Tax exempt interest  ................................................................     
Other  .......................................................................................     
Actual effective rate  ...................................................................     

2016 

2015 

2014 

34.0%      

34.0%      

34.0% 

(4.2%)     
(2.2%)     
(3.3%)     
2.2%      
26.5%      

(4.8%)     
(1.5%)     
(1.7%)     
4.1%      
30.1%      

(3.4%) 
(1.6%) 
(1.4%) 
(0.8%) 
26.8% 

NOTE 11:     DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or 
paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Topic 820 also 
specifies a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of 
unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure 
fair value: 

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities 

Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted 
prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for 
substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities 

Level 3: Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the 

assets or liabilities 

83 

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The following is a description of the inputs and valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value on a 
recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as the general classification of such 
assets pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.  

Available-for-sale securities: Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within 
Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 securities include equity securities. If quoted market prices are not available, then 
fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash 
flows. Level 2 securities include U.S. government agencies, municipals, U.S. corporate and government sponsored mortgage-
backed securities. The Company has no Level 3 securities.  

The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets recognized in the accompanying consolidated 
balance sheets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value 
measurements fall at December 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollar amounts in thousands): 

As of December 31, 2016  
Financial assets:  

Debt securities:  

Level 1 
inputs 

Level 2 
inputs 

Level 3 
inputs 

Total fair 
value 

Municipals  ...............................................................................   $ 
Corporates  ................................................................................     
Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities and SBA 

loan pools  ..............................................................................     
Available-for-sale securities  ........................................................    $ 

-    $ 
-      

-      
-    $ 

38,338     $ 
7,053       

47,008       
92,399     $ 

-    $
-      

-      
-    $

38,338   
7,053   

47,008   
92,399   

As of December 31, 2015  
Financial assets:  

Equity securities:  

Level 1 
inputs 

Level 2 
inputs 

Level 3 
inputs 

Total fair 
value 

Other  ........................................................................................   $ 

99    $ 

-    $ 

Debt securities:  

U.S. government agencies  .......................................................     
Municipals  ...............................................................................     
Corporates  ................................................................................     
Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities and SBA 

-      
-      
-      

8,397       
31,349       
3,814       

loan pools  ..............................................................................     
Available-for-sale securities  ........................................................    $ 

-      
99    $ 

53,633       
97,193     $ 

-    $

-      
-      
-      

-      
-    $

99   

8,397   
31,349   
3,814   

53,633   
97,292   

The  following  is  a  description  of  the  valuation  methodologies  used  for  assets  measured  at  fair  value  on  a 
nonrecurring basis and recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as the general classification of 
such assets pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.  

Foreclosed Assets Held for Sale: Fair value is estimated using recent appraisals, comparable sales and other estimates of 
value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for selling costs. Foreclosed assets held for sale are classified 
within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. 

Impaired loans (Collateral Dependent):   Loans for which it is probable that the Company will not collect all principal and 
interest due according to contractual terms are measured for impairment. Allowable methods for determining the amount of 
impairment include estimating fair value using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans.  

84 

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If the impaired loan is identified as collateral dependent, then the fair value method of measuring the amount of 
impairment  is  utilized.  This  method  requires  obtaining  a  current  independent  appraisal  of  the  collateral  and  applying  a 
discount  factor  to  the  value.  Impaired  loans  that  are  collateral  dependent  are  classified  within  Level  3  of  the  fair  value 
hierarchy when impairment is determined using the fair value method. 

The following table presents the fair value measurement of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and 
the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollar 
amounts in thousands): 

Impaired loans:  

December 31, 2016  .....................................................   $ 

December 31, 2015  .....................................................   $ 

-     $ 

-     $ 

-     $ 

1,006     $ 

1,006   

-     $ 

12,923     $ 

12,923   

Level 1 inputs 

Level 2 inputs 

Level 3 inputs 

Total fair 
value 

Foreclosed assets held for sale:  

December 31, 2016  .....................................................   $ 

December 31, 2015  .....................................................   $ 

-     $ 

-     $ 

-     $ 

-     $ 

149     $ 

149   

-     $ 

-  

Level 1 inputs 

Level 2 inputs 

Level 3 inputs 

Total fair 
value 

There were no transfers between valuation levels for any asset during the years ended December 31, 2016 or 2015. 
If valuation techniques are deemed necessary, the Company considers those transfers to occur at the end of the period when 
the assets are valued. 

The following table presents quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in nonrecurring Level 3 fair 

value measurements (dollar amounts in thousands): 

Fair Value 
December 31, 
2016 

  Valuation Technique    Unobservable Input   

Range 
(Weighted Average)   

Impaired loans (collateral dependent) ..    $ 

1,006   Market Comparable   

Foreclosed assets held for sale .............    $ 

149   Market Comparable   

Discount to reflect 
realizable value 
Discount to reflect 
realizable value 

   0% - 100% (7%) 

Fair Value 
December 31, 
2015 

  Valuation Technique    Unobservable Input   

10% 

Range 
(Weighted 
Average) 

Impaired loans (collateral dependent) ...    $ 

5,000   Market Comparable   

Foreclosed assets held for sale ..............    $ 

-   Market Comparable   

Discount to reflect 
realizable value 
Discount to reflect 
realizable value 

   0% - 23% (4%) 

0% 

85 

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The  following  methods  were  used  to  estimate  the  fair  value  of  all  other  financial  instruments  recognized  in  the 

accompanying consolidated balance sheets at amounts other than fair value. 

Cash and cash equivalents, interest-bearing deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank stock 

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate those assets' fair value. 

Held-to-maturity securities 

Fair  value  is based on quoted  market  prices,  if  available.  If  a quoted  market price  is not  available, fair value  is 

estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities. 

Loans 

The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the market rates at which similar 
loans  would be  made  to  borrowers with  similar  credit  ratings  and for  the  same  remaining  maturities.  Loans with  similar 
characteristics were aggregated for purposes of the calculations. The carrying amount of accrued interest and mortgage loans 
held for sale approximates these fair values.  

Deposits 

Deposits  include  demand  deposits,  savings  accounts,  NOW  accounts  and  certain  money  market  deposits.  The 
carrying amount approximates fair value. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated by discounting 
the future cash flows using rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.  

Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase  

The fair value of advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase is estimated by using rates on debt 

with similar terms and remaining maturities.  

Subordinated debentures and notes payable 

For these variable rate instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. There is currently a 
limited market for similar debt instruments and the Company has the option to call the subordinated debentures at an amount 
close to its par value. 

Interest payable 

The carrying amount approximates fair value. 

Commitments to originate loans, letters of credit and lines of credit 

The fair value of commitments to originate loans is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar 
agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present credit worthiness of the counterparties. 
For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the 
committed rates. The fair value of letters of credit and lines of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements 
or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date. 

86 

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The following table presents estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2016 

and 2015. 

Carrying 
Amount  

December 31, 2016 
Fair 
Value 

Hierarchy 
Level  

Carrying 
Amount  

December 31, 2015 
Fair 
Value  

Hierarchy 
Level  

Financial assets:  

Cash and cash equivalents .........   $  9,088,441    $ 9,088,441       
Held-to-maturity securities ........     
28,153       
Federal Home Loan Bank stock .      4,611,000       4,611,000       
Mortgage loans held for sale ......      2,183,633       2,183,633       
Loans, net ...................................     538,273,640      537,645,692       
Interest receivable ......................      1,947,063       1,947,063       

27,528       

Financial liabilities:  

Deposits .....................................     505,362,750      504,829,161       
FHLB and Federal Reserve 
advances ...................................      95,700,000       95,764,840       
Subordinated debentures ............      15,465,000       15,465,000       
207,833       
Interest payable ..........................     

207,833      

43,099       

1    $  18,774,419     $ 18,774,419       
2      
43,935       
2       2,837,500        2,837,500       
2       1,902,933        1,902,933       
3      491,001,907      495,207,798       
2       1,986,692        1,986,692       

2      517,385,695      511,225,380       

2       52,100,000        53,227,960       
3       15,465,000        15,465,000       
196,102       
2      

196,102       

Unrecognized financial 

instruments ................................. 
(net of contractual value):  
Commitments to extend credit ...     
Unused lines of credit ................     

-      
-      

-       
-       

-      
-      

-      
-      

-       
-       

1  
2  
2  
2  
3  
2  

2  

2  
3  
2  

-  
-  

NOTE 12:     SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES AND CONCENTRATIONS 

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require disclosure of certain significant 
estimates  and  current  vulnerabilities  due  to  certain  concentrations.  Estimates  related  to  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  are 
reflected in the footnote regarding loans. Current vulnerabilities due to certain concentrations of credit risk are discussed in 
the footnote regarding loans.  

NOTE 13:     EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS 

Equity Plans 

On May 27, 2015, the Company’s stockholders voted to approve the Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. 2015 Equity 
Plan  (the”2015  Plan”).  The  Plan  provides  for  the  grant  of  up  to  250,000  shares  of  Common  Stock  under  equity  awards 
including stock options, stock awards, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, performance units, or other equity-based 
awards payable in cash or stock to key employees and directors of the Company and the Bank. As of December 31, 2016, 
restricted stock for 27,645 shares of Common Stock has been granted under the Plan. 

On May 26, 2010, the Company’s stockholders voted to approve the Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. 2010 Equity 
Plan  (the”2010  Plan”).  The  Plan  provides  for  the  grant  of  up  to  200,000  shares  of  Common  Stock  under  equity  awards 
including stock options, stock awards, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, performance units, or other equity-based 
awards payable in cash or stock to key employees and directors of the Company and the Bank. As of December 31, 2016, 
non-incentive stock options for 25,000 shares and restricted stock for 139,330 shares of Common Stock have been granted 
under the Plan. 

In  addition,  the  Company  established  four  stock  option  plans  for  the  benefit  of  certain  directors,  officers  and 
employees of the Company and its subsidiary. A committee of the Company’s Board of Directors administers the plans. The 
stock options under these plans may be either incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options. Incentive stock options 
can be granted only to participants who are employees of the Company or its subsidiary. The option price must not be less 
than the market value of the Company stock on the date of grant. All options expire no later than ten years from the date of 
grant. The options vest at the rate of 20% per year over a five-year period. 

87 

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Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price  
16.54   
-   
5.33   
19.03   
18.23   
-   
5.22   
25.19   
19.58   

5.20   
28.28   
20.15   
20.15   

121,000       
-      
(14,500)     
(24,000)     
82,500       
-      
(25,000)     
-      
57,500       
-      
(5,000)     
-      
52,500     $ 
52,500     $ 

The tables below summarize transactions under the Company’s equity plans:  

Stock Options 

Number of shares 

  Incentive Stock 
Option  

     Non-Incentive 
Stock Option  

Balance outstanding as of January 1, 2014  .......................................     
Granted  ..........................................................................................     
Exercised  .......................................................................................     
Forfeited  ........................................................................................     
Balance outstanding as of December 31, 2014  .................................     
Granted  ..........................................................................................     
Exercised  .......................................................................................     
Forfeited  ........................................................................................     
Balance outstanding as of December 31, 2015  .................................     
Granted  ..........................................................................................     
Exercised  .......................................................................................     
Forfeited  ........................................................................................     
Balance outstanding as of December 31, 2016  .................................     
Options exercisable as of December 31, 2016  ..................................     

168,100       
-      
(25,100)     
(2,700)     
140,300       
-      
(10,800)     
(38,000)     
91,500       
-      
(11,500)     
(20,000)     
60,000       
60,000       

88 

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Restricted Stock 

Number of shares 

Weighted  
Average Grant- 
Date Price  

Balance of shares non-vested as of January 1, 2014  ...............................................     
Granted  ................................................................................................................     
Vested  ..................................................................................................................     
Forfeited  ..............................................................................................................     
Balance of shares non-vested as of December 31, 2014  .........................................     
Granted  ................................................................................................................     
Vested  ..................................................................................................................     
Forfeited  ..............................................................................................................     
Balance of shares non-vested as of December 31, 2015  .........................................     
Granted  ................................................................................................................     
Vested  ..................................................................................................................     
Forfeited  ..............................................................................................................     
Balance of shares non-vested as of December 31, 2016  .........................................     

27,629     $ 
34,562       
(31,688)     
-      
30,503       
28,951       
(15,083)     
(894)     
43,477       
24,679       
(7,201)     
-      
60,955     $ 

7.39   
10.99   
8.55   
-  
10.26   
14.78   
11.64   
12.26   
12.75   
15.01   
13.13   
-  
13.62   

As of December 31, 2016, total outstanding stock options of 112,500 had a remaining contractual life of 1.35 years.  

The total intrinsic value of outstanding stock options was $660,120 and $565,025 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 
respectively. The total intrinsic value of outstanding exercisable stock options was $660,120 and $565,025 at December 31, 
2016 and 2015, respectively. The fair value of options vested during 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $0, $143,350 and $361,517, 
respectively. 

In February 2016, the Company granted 9,336 shares of restricted stock to directors that have a one year cliff vesting. 
In February 2015 and 2014, the Company granted 8,281 and 11,242 of restricted stock to directors that was fully vested and 
thus, expensed in full during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In June 2015, the Company granted 
966 shares of restricted stock to directors that have a cliff vesting at the end of three years. The expense is being recognized 
over the applicable vesting period. The expense relating to these awards for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 
2014 was $126,032, $124,910 and $122,538, respectively.  

During 2016, the Company granted 15,343 shares of restricted stock to officers that have a cliff vesting at the end 
of three years. During 2015, the Company granted 19,704 shares of restricted stock to officers that have a cliff vesting at the 
end of three years. During 2014, the Company granted 23,320 shares of restricted stock to officers that have a cliff vesting at 
the end of three years. The expense is being recognized over the applicable vesting period. The expense relating to these 
awards for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $267,606, $176,644 and $102,099, respectively.  

Total  stock-based  compensation  expense  is  comprised of expense for restricted  stock awards  and  stock options. 
Expense  recognized  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014  was  $393,638,  $297,295  and  $254,340, 
respectively. As of December 31, 2016, there was $287,443 of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested 
restricted stock awards, which will be recognized over the remaining vesting periods. 

89 

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NOTE 14: NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS 

 In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 
2014-09,  (Topic  606):  Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers  (“ASU  2014-09”).  The  scope  of  the  guidance  applies  to 
revenue  arising  from  contracts  with  customers,  except  for  the  following:  lease  contracts,  insurance  contracts,  contractual 
rights and obligations within the scope of other guidance and nonmonetary exchanges between entities in the same line of 
business to facilitate sales to customers. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to 
reflect the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount equal to the consideration that the entity receives or 
expects to receive. ASU 2014-09 is not expected to significantly impact the timing or approach to revenue recognition for 
financial institutions. Initially, the amendments were effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after 
December  15,  2016,  however,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2015-14  Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers  (Topic  606)  – 
Deferral of the Effective Date” which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to annual and interim periods 
beginning after December 15, 2017. The guidance does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including 
loans and securities that are accounted for under GAAP, which comprises a significant portion of our revenue stream. As the 
Company plans to adopt the new guidance in the first quarter of 2018, it is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 
2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements, but at this time do not believe the standard will have a significant impact 
on the financial statements, other than the required new disclosures. 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments- Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition 
and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 simplifies the impairment 
assessment of equity investments, clarifies reporting disclosure requirements for financial instruments measured at amortized 
cost, and requires the exit price notion be disclosed when measuring fair value of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 details 
the required separate presentation in other comprehensive income for the change in fair value of a liability related to change 
in  instrument  specific  credit  risk  and  details  the  required  separate  presentation  of  financial  assets  and  liabilities  by 
measurement category, and clarifies the guidance for a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to available-for-
sale  securities.  ASU  2016-01  is  effective  for  annual  and  interim  reporting  periods  beginning  after  December  15,  2017. 
Adoption of ASU 2016-01 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 establishes a right-of-
use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with 
terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern 
of expense recognition in the income statement.  ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 
2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees 
for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented 
in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of 
our pending adoption of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements, but at this time do not believe the standard 
will have a significant impact on the financial statements. 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to 
Employee  Share-Based  Payment  Accounting.  The  purpose  of  the  update  was  to  simplify  the  accounting  for  share-based 
payment transactions, including the income tax consequences of such transactions. Under the provisions of the update the 
income tax consequences of excess tax benefits and deficiencies should be recognized in income tax expense in the reporting 
period in which the awards vest. Currently, excess tax benefits or deficiencies impact stockholders’ equity directly to the 
extent there is a cumulative excess tax benefit. In the event that a tax deficiency has occurred during the reporting period and 
a cumulative excess tax benefit does not exist, the tax deficiency is recognized in income tax expense under current GAAP. 
The update also provides that entities may continue to estimate forfeitures in accounting for stock based compensation or 
recognize them as they occur. The provisions of this update become effective for interim and annual periods beginning after 
December 15, 2016.  The update requires a modified retrospective transition under which a cumulative effect to equity will 
be recognized in the period of adoption. Management does not expect the requirements of this update to have a material 
impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.   

90 

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In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of 
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Among other things, the amendments in this ASU require the measurement of 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. In addition, the ASU 
amends  the  accounting  for  credit  losses  on  available-for-sale  debt  securities  and  purchased  financial  assets  with  credit 
deterioration. For SEC filers, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those 
fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with later effective dates for non-SEC registrant public companies and other 
organizations. Early adoption will be permitted for all organizations for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal 
years,  beginning  after  December  15,  2018.  The  Company  is  currently  evaluating  the  provisions  of  ASU  No.  2016-13  to 
determine the potential impact the new standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and it is too 
early at this time to determine the impact on the financial statements. 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain 
Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The update is intended to reduce the diversity in practice around how certain transactions 
are classified within the statement of cash flows with respect to eight types of cash flows. This new accounting guidance will 
be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Adoption of ASU 2016-15 is not 
expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

NOTE 15:     PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON STOCK WARRANT 

On January 30, 2009, the Company issued and sold, and the Treasury purchased, (1) 17,000 shares of the Company’s 
Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series A (the “Series A Preferred Shares”), and (2) a ten-year warrant to 
purchase up to 459,459 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $5.55 per share (the “Warrant”), for 
an aggregate purchase price of $17.0 million. The Certificate of Designations by which the Series A Preferred Shares were 
created (the “Certificate of Designations”) provided, among other things, that the Series A Preferred Shares were redeemable 
at the liquidation amount of $1,000 per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends. The Certificate of Designations also provided 
for a dividend rate of 5% per annum for the first five years from the date of issuance which increased to 9% per annum 
thereafter. The Series A Preferred Shares qualified as Tier 1 capital.  

On June 13, 2012, with regulatory approval, the Company redeemed 5,000 Series A Preferred Shares for $5 million 
plus accrued and unpaid dividends of $19,444, leaving 12,000 Series A Preferred Shares remaining outstanding and owned 
by Treasury.  

The Company entered into a Placement Agency Agreement with the Treasury on April 15, 2013 in connection with 
a private auction by the Treasury of all of its remaining 12,000 Series A Preferred Shares which was conducted immediately 
thereafter (the “Private Auction”). On April 29, 2013, the Treasury settled the sale of such Series A Preferred Shares to the 
winning bidders in the Private Auction, consisting of six parties unrelated to the Company. 

91 

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Shortly  thereafter,  the  Company  repurchased  the  Warrant  from  Treasury  pursuant  to  the  terms  thereof  for  the 
aggregate purchase price of $2,003,250 in cash. As a result of the Warrant repurchase, the Company’s participation in the 
CPP was completed.  

On April 3, 2014, the Company received approval from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to 
redeem the Company’s remaining 12,000 Series A Preferred Shares from the parties who had purchased them from Treasury 
or their affiliates, for the liquidation amount of $12 million plus accrued but unpaid dividends of $19.50 per Series A Preferred 
Share. At the time of the redemption, the Series A Preferred Shares carried a coupon rate of 9.0% per annum. The Company 
provided the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock with a formal notice of redemption and thirty days thereafter redeemed 
the Series A Preferred Stock on May 7, 2014, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. 

NOTE 16:    COMMON STOCK OFFERING 

On  March  7,  2014,  the  Company  closed  an  underwritten  offering  of  its  common  stock.  The  Company  raised 
approximately $17.2 million in gross proceeds by selling 1,499,999 shares of its Treasury Stock, which includes the full 
exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters of 195,652 shares, at a price to the public of $11.50 per 
share.  

Net  proceeds  from  the  sale  of  the  shares  after  underwriting  discounts  and  estimated  offering  expenses  were 
approximately $15.8 million. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering to redeem the remaining 12,000 shares 
of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock on May 7, 2014 and used the remaining net proceeds for working capital and for 
general corporate purposes, including increasing capital for future acquisitions.  

NOTE 17:     OTHER EXPENSES 

Other expenses for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: 

   December 31,       December 31,       December 31,    
2015 

2016 

2014 

Directors compensation  .....................................................................   $ 
Outside services  ................................................................................     
Legal expense  ....................................................................................     
Deposit expense  ................................................................................     
Office supplies  ..................................................................................     
Telephone  ..........................................................................................     
Postage  ..............................................................................................     
Insurance  ...........................................................................................     
Supervisory exam  ..............................................................................     
Accounting  ........................................................................................     
Organization dues  ..............................................................................     
Loan expense  .....................................................................................     
Contributions  .....................................................................................     
ATM expense  ....................................................................................     
Other operating  ..................................................................................     

221,072     $
132,500       
251,051       
139,234       
94,189       
158,434       
141,529       
115,430       
53,951       
210,939       
145,709       
271,739       
60,000       
152,581       
673,565       

216,770     $
75,000       
275,657       
77,862       
74,798       
141,674       
155,901       
113,341       
51,433       
171,759       
137,723       
397,438       
52,500       
238,744       
491,941       

215,465   
96,660   
246,545   
67,710   
77,909   
118,268   
149,379   
106,139   
57,359   
217,280   
146,845   
269,016   
50,004   
253,457   
641,638   

  $ 

2,821,923     $

2,672,541     $

2,713,674   

92 

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NOTE 18:     RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank has granted loans to executive officers and directors and their affiliates. 

Annual activity consisted of the following: 

2016 

Year ended December 31,  
2015 

2014 

Balance, beginning of year  ....................................................   $ 
New Loans  .........................................................................     
Repayments  .......................................................................     

3,946,621     $ 
3,112,689       
(1,237,174 )     

4,409,644     $ 
-       
(463,023 )     

6,483,503   
394,269   
(2,468,128) 

Balance, end of year  ..............................................................   $ 

5,822,136     $ 

3,946,621     $ 

4,409,644   

In management's opinion, such loans and other extensions of credit and deposits were made in the ordinary course 
of business and were made on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with 
other persons. Further, in management's opinion, these loans did not involve more than normal risk of collectability or present 
other unfavorable features. 

NOTE 19:     COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT RISK 

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. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require 
payment of a fee. Since a portion of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts 
do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer's credit worthiness on a case-by-
case  basis.  The  amount  of  collateral  obtained,  if  deemed  necessary  by  the  Bank  upon  extension  of  credit,  is  based  on 
management's credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, 
property and equipment, commercial real estate and residential real estate. 

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Bank had outstanding commitments to originate fixed-rate mortgage loans 
of approximately $6,152,000 and $4,218,000, respectively. The commitments extend over varying periods of time with the 
majority being disbursed within a thirty-day period.  

Standby letters of credit are irrevocable conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance 
of a customer to a third party. Financial standby letters of credit are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing 
arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing and similar transactions. Performance standby letters of credit are 
issued to guarantee performance of certain customers under non-financial contractual obligations. The credit risk involved in 
issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. Fees for letters of 
credit are initially recorded by the Bank as deferred revenue and are included in earnings at the termination of the respective 
agreements. Should the Bank be obligated to perform under the standby letters of credit, the Bank may seek recourse from 
the customer for reimbursement of amounts paid. 

The Bank had total outstanding standby letters of credit amounting to $11,596,000 and $12,135,000 as of December 

31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, with terms ranging from 1 year to 2 years.  

The Bank has confirming letters of credit from the FHLB issued for collateral on public deposits and to enhance 
Bank issued letters of credit granted to various customers for industrial revenue bond issues.  As of December 31, 2016 and 
2015, these letters of credit aggregated approximately $19,725,000 and $20,028,000.   

Lines of credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in 
the contract. Lines of credit generally have fixed expiration dates. Since a portion of the line may expire without being drawn 
upon,  the  total  unused  lines  do  not  necessarily  represent  future  cash  requirements.  Each  customer's  credit  worthiness  is 
evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, is based on management's credit 
evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, 
commercial real estate and residential real estate. Management uses the same credit policies in granting lines of credit as it 
does for on balance sheet instruments. 

93 

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As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, unused lines of credit to borrowers aggregated approximately $89,103,000 and 
$68,066,000,  respectively,  for  commercial  lines  and  $15,960,000  and  $14,461,000,  respectively,  for  open-end  consumer 
lines.  

NOTE 20:    CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY STATEMENTS 

The condensed balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and statements of income and cash flows for the 
years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 for the parent company, Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc., are as follows: 

Condensed Balance Sheets  

Assets  
Cash  .........................................................................................................................   $
Available-for-sale securities  ....................................................................................     
Investment in subsidiary  ..........................................................................................     
Investment in Capital Trust I & II  ...........................................................................     
Prepaid expenses and other assets  ...........................................................................     
Refundable income taxes  ........................................................................................     
Deferred income taxes  .............................................................................................     
  $

Liabilities  
Subordinated debentures  .........................................................................................   $
Accrued expenses and other liabilities  ....................................................................     
Due to subsidiary  .....................................................................................................     

December 31,  

2016 

2015 

1,571,915     $
-       
83,946,411       
465,000       
14,597       
-       
-       
85,997,923     $

3,642,158   
99,517   
77,953,486   
465,000   
13,894   
119,379   
9,985   
82,303,419   

15,465,000     $
551,643       
6,900       

15,465,000   
409,054   
6,900   

Stockholders' equity  
Common stock  ........................................................................................................     
Additional paid-in capital  ........................................................................................     
Retained earnings  ....................................................................................................     
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net  ...............................................     
Treasury stock  .........................................................................................................     
  $

687,550       
50,552,077       
57,347,282       
(1,309,241 )     
(37,303,288 )     
85,997,923     $

685,900   
50,441,464   
53,258,126   
(683,956) 
(37,279,069) 
82,303,419   

94 

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Condensed Statements of Income  

Years ended December 31,  
2015 

2014 

2016 

Income  

Dividends from subsidiary bank  ....................................................   $ 
Interest income:  

Other  ..........................................................................................     

-    $

-     $

-  

50,332       
50,332       

16,200       
16,200       

16,069   
16,069   

Expense  

Interest expense:  

Related party  ..............................................................................     
Other  ..............................................................................................     

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in undistributed 

income (loss) of subsidiaries  ...........................................................     
Credit for income taxes  .....................................................................     
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of  

579,410       
931,816       
1,511,226       

538,785       
734,780       
1,273,565       

533,207   
765,848   
1,299,055   

(1,460,894)     
(435,000)     

(1,257,365 )     
(415,000 )     

(1,282,986) 
(399,000) 

subsidiaries ......................................................................................     
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries  .................................     
Net income  ........................................................................................   $ 

(1,025,894)     
6,619,905       
5,594,011     $

(842,365 )     
6,559,132       
5,716,767     $

(883,986) 
6,666,682   
5,782,696   

95 

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Condensed Statements of Cash Flows  

Cash Flows From Operating Activities  

Years ended December 31,  
2015 

2014 

2016 

Net income  .....................................................................................   $ 
Items not requiring (providing) cash:  

5,594,011     $

5,716,767     $

5,782,696   

Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries  ..........................     
Deferred income taxes  ...............................................................     
Stock award plan expense  ..........................................................     
Gain on investment securities  ....................................................     

(6,619,905)     
8,988       
373,782       
(18,889)     

(6,559,132 )     
-       
285,589       
-       

(6,666,682) 
(17,976) 
242,189   
-  

Changes in:  

Prepaid expenses and other assets  ..............................................     
Income taxes payable/refundable  ...............................................     
Accrued expenses  .......................................................................     
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  ..........................     

(700)     
139,837       
32,450       
(490,426)     

2,060       
1,096,653       
(95,779 )     
446,158       

157,745   
326,287   
55,519   
(120,222) 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities  

Proceeds from sales of AFS securities  ...........................................     
Net cash provided by investing activities  ..........................................     

121,101       
121,101       

-       
-       

-  
-  

Cash Flows From Financing Activities  

Proceeds from issuance of common stock  .....................................     
Stock options exercised  .................................................................     
Cash dividends paid on common and preferred stock  ...................     
Treasury Stock purchased  ..............................................................     
Redemption of preferred stock  ......................................................     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  ..........................     

-      
85,800       
(1,415,180)     
(371,538)       
-      
(1,700,918)     

-       
187,129       
(873,499 )     

15,814,312   
210,870   
(844,786) 

-       
(686,370 )     

(12,000,000) 
3,180,396   

Increase (Decrease) in cash  .............................................................     

(2,070,243)     

(240,212 )     

3,060,174   

Cash, beginning of year  ..................................................................     

3,642,158       

3,882,370       

822,196   

Cash, end of year  .............................................................................   $ 

1,571,915     $

3,642,158     $

3,882,370   

96 

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Statements of Comprehensive Income  

NET INCOME  
OTHER ITEMS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):  

  $ 

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities 

Years ended December 31,  
2015 
5,716,767     $

2016 
5,594,011     $

2014 
5,782,696   

available-for-sale, before income taxes  ......................................     

2,695       

(5,507 )     

5,718   

Income tax expense related to other items of comprehensive 

income  ........................................................................................     
Other comprehensive income (loss)  ..............................................     
Comprehensive income (loss) of Bank  ..........................................     
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME  ......................................   $ 

(997)     
3,692       
(628,977)     
4,968,726     $

2,038       
(7,545 )     
(227,990 )     
5,481,232     $

2,117   
3,601   
2,054,226   
7,840,523   

NOTE 21:     UNAUDITED QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS 

Year Ended December 31, 2016, Quarter ended  

   Mar-16 

Jun-16 

     Sep-16 

     Dec-16 

Interest income  ............................................................................    $  6,205,045    $ 6,204,314     $  6,354,303     $ 6,625,664   
Interest expense  ...........................................................................       1,025,411       1,026,782        1,056,181        1,068,638   
Net interest income  .....................................................................       5,179,634       5,177,532        5,298,122        5,557,026   
425,000   
Provision for loan losses  .............................................................      
544,172   
Gain on loans and investment securities  .....................................      
Other noninterest income, net  .....................................................      
722,299   
Noninterest expense  ....................................................................       4,109,476       4,309,394        4,317,707        4,364,169   
Income before income taxes  ........................................................       1,803,980       1,672,551        2,095,916        2,034,328   
514,981   
Provision for income taxes  ..........................................................      
Net income available to common shareholders  ...........................    $  1,276,605    $ 1,256,152     $  1,541,907     $ 1,519,347   
0.35   
Basic income per common share  .................................................    $ 
0.34   
Diluted income per common share  ..............................................    $ 

375,000       
525,644       
653,769       

200,000       
658,205       
657,296       

375,000      
470,456      
638,366      

0.29     $ 
0.28     $ 

0.35     $
0.35     $

0.29    $
0.29    $

527,375      

416,399       

554,009       

Year Ended December 31, 2015, Quarter ended  

   Mar-15 

Jun-15 

     Sep-15 

     Dec-15 

Interest income  ............................................................................    $  6,287,637    $ 6,386,510     $  6,229,091     $ 6,286,396   
Interest expense  ...........................................................................       1,091,690       1,112,376        1,046,661        1,029,155   
Net interest income  .....................................................................       5,195,947       5,274,134        5,182,430        5,257,241   
250,000   
Provision for loan losses  .............................................................      
356,351   
Gain on loans and investment securities  .....................................      
Other noninterest income, net  .....................................................      
586,089   
Noninterest expense  ....................................................................       4,078,722       4,514,944        4,052,003       3,964,059   
Income before income taxes  ........................................................       1,917,981       2,234,107        2,040,386        1,985,622   
554,983   
Provision for income taxes ...........................................................      
Net income available to common shareholders  ...........................    $  1,329,544    $ 1,537,949     $  1,418,635     $ 1,430,639   
0.33   
Basic income per common share  .................................................    $ 
0.33   
Diluted income per common share  ..............................................    $ 

-      
820,828       
654,089       

200,000       
416,177       
693,782       

150,000      
334,910      
615,846      

0.35     $ 
0.35     $ 

0.33     $
0.32     $

0.31    $
0.30    $

588,437      

696,158       

621,751       

97 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Audit Committee, Board of Directors and Stockholders 
Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. 
Springfield, Missouri 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. as 
of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive 
income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended 
December 31, 2016.  The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements.  Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not 
required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  
Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing 
auditing procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an 
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we 
express no such opinion.  Our audits also included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the 
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material 
respects, the financial position of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, 
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended 
December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America. 

BKD, LLP

Springfield, Missouri 
March 24, 2017 

FORM 10-KItem 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants On Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

Not applicable. 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the 
Company’s Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the 
Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the 
Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely 
decisions regarding required disclosure.  

The  Company  carried  out  an  evaluation,  under  the  supervision  and  with  the  participation  of  the  Company’s 
management,  including  the  Company’s  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  of  the  effectiveness  of  the 
Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 
31, 2016.  

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the fourth quarter 
ending December 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal 
controls over financial reporting. 

99 

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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

The  management  of  Guaranty  Federal  Bancshares,  Inc.  (the  “Company”)  is  responsible  for  establishing  and 
maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The 
Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the 
reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  the  financial  statements  for  external  purposes  in  accordance  with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting  includes  those  policies  and  procedures  that  (i)  pertain  to  the  maintenance  of  records  that,  in  reasonable  detail, 
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance 
that  transactions  are  recorded  as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  accounting 
principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being 
made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets 
that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error 
and  the  circumvention  of  overriding  controls.  Accordingly,  even  effective  internal  controls  over  financial  reporting  can 
provide  only reasonable  assurance with respect  to financial  statement  preparation. 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. 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 
31, 2016, based on the framework set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission.  Based  on  that  assessment,  management  concluded  that,  as  of 
December 31, 2016, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective. 

Item 9B. Other Information 

Not applicable. 

100 

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Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

PART III 

The  information  contained  under  the  section  captioned  "First  Proposal:  Election  of  Directors"  (excluding  any 
information  contained  under  the  section  captioned  “Meetings  and  Committees  of  the  Board  of  Directors”)  of  the  Proxy 
Statement is incorporated herein by reference. 

The  Company  has  adopted  a  Code  of  Conduct  and  Ethics,  and  it  applies  to  all  of  the  members  of  the  board  of 
directors, officers and employees of the Company (including the Bank), with special emphasis on compliance by the directors 
of  the  Company  and  the  Company’s  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Chief  Financial  Officer,  Principal  Accounting  Officer  or 
Controller or persons performing similar functions for the Company. The Company’s Code of Conduct and Ethics is available 
on the Company’s website at www.gbankmo.com and may be accessed by logging onto the Company’s website and clicking 
on the “About Us” link and then the “Code of Conduct” link. You will then be able to click on, and access, the Company’s 
Code of Conduct and Ethics. Amendments to, and waivers granted under, the Company’s Code of Conduct and Ethics, if 
any, will be posted to the Company’s website as well. 

The information required by Item 10 regarding an audit committee financial expert and the identification of the 
members  of  the  audit  committee,  a  separately  designated  committee  of  the  Company’s  board  of  directors  established  in 
accordance with section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is contained under the section captioned “Report 
of the Audit Committee” of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. 

Additional information required by this item is contained (i) in the Proxy Statement under the section captioned 
"Section  16(a)  Beneficial  Ownership  Reporting  Compliance"  and  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference,  and  (ii)  under  the 
section captioned "Executive Officers of the Registrant" in Item 1 of this report.  

Item 11. Executive Compensation 

The  information  contained  in  the  Proxy  Statement  under  the  section  captioned  "Report  of  the  Compensation 

Committee” is incorporated herein by reference. 

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

Information required by this item is contained under the section captioned "Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners 

and Management" in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.  

101 

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The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2016 with respect to equity plans under which shares 

of the Company’s common stock may be issued:  

(c) 
Number of 
securities  
remaining 
available 
for future  
issuance under 
equity 
compensation 
plans 
(excluding 
securities 
reflected in 
column (a)) 

(a)  
Number of 
securities to be  
issued upon 
exercise of  
outstanding 
options,  
warrants and 
rights  

(b)  
Weighted-  
average exercise 
price of  
outstanding 
options,  
warrants and 
rights  

Plan category  

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders ............     

112,500     $ 

20.15       

222,355  

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders ......     

-      

-      

-  

Totals  ...........................................................................................     

112,500    $ 

20.15       

222,355  

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 

The information required by this item is contained under the sections captioned "Indebtedness of Management and 
Directors  and  Transactions  with  Certain  Related  Persons"  and  “Director  Independence”  in  the  Proxy  Statement  and  is 
incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

The  information  required  by  this  item  is  contained  under  the  section  captioned  "Principal  Accountant  Fees  and 

Services" in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Schedules  

1.  Financial Statements 

PART IV 

The following consolidated financial statements and the report of independent registered public accounting firm are filed 
as part of this report under Item 8.  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of 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 Cash Flows 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.  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

102 

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2.  Financial statement schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are

not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted. 

3.  The following exhibits are filed with this Report or incorporated herein by reference: 

Exhibit 
Number 

Index to Exhibits 

Exhibit Description 

 3(i).1 
 3(i).2 
 3(ii) 
3.1 

 4.1 
 4.2 
 4.3 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. (1) 
Certificate of Designations for the Series A Preferred Stock (21) 
Bylaws of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc., as amended (7) 
Certificate of Elimination of the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A of Guaranty Federal
Bancshares, Inc. (24) 
Rights Agreement dated January 20, 1999 concerning the issuance of preferred stock and related rights. (2) 
Form of Certificate for the Series A Preferred Stock (22) 
Warrant to Purchase Common Stock (23) 

The Company hereby agrees to furnish the SEC upon request, copies of (i) the instruments defining the rights of
the  holders of each  issue  of  its  junior  subordinated  debentures  and  (ii)  the  repurchase agreements  between  the
Company and Barclay’s Capital, Inc. dated September 2007 and January 2008. 

 10.1 
 10.2 
 10.3 
 10.4 
 10.5 
 10.6 
 10.7 
 10.8 
 10.9 
10.10 

10.11 

1994 Stock Option Plan *(3) 
Recognition and Retention Plan *(4) 
1998 Stock Option Plan *(5) 
Restricted Stock Plan *(6) 
Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement *(6) 
Employment Agreement effective as of March 9, 2004 by and between the Bank and Shaun A. Burke *(7) 
2004 Stock Option Plan *(8) 
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 2004 Stock Option Plan *(9) 
Form of Non-Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 2004 Stock Option Plan *(10) 
Letter Agreement dated January 30, 2009, including Securities Purchase Agreement – standard terms incorporated 
by reference therein, between the Company and the United States Department of the Treasury, with respect to the
issuance and sale of Series A Preferred Stock and the Warrant (11) 
Amendment and Waiver Regarding Compensation Arrangements dated January 28, 2009 by and among the Bank,
the Company and its Senior Executive Officers* (12) 

10.12  Written  Description  of  2009  Executive  Incentive  Compensation  Annual  Plan-President  and  Chief  Executive

Officer *(13) 

10.13  Written Description of 2009 Executive Incentive Compensation Annual Plan-Chief Financial Officer and Chief

Operating Officer *(14)  

 10.14  Written Description of 2009 Executive Incentive Compensation Annual Plan-Chief Lending Officer *(15) 
10.15  Written Description of 2010 Executive Incentive Compensation Annual Plans-Chief Financial, Chief Lending and

Chief Credit Officers (16) 

103 

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 10.16  Written Description of 2010 Executive Incentive Compensation Annual Plans-Chief Operating Officer (17) 
 10.17 
10.18  Written Description of 2011 Executive Incentive Compensation Annual Plans-Chief Executive, Chief Financial,

Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. 2010 Equity Plan *(18) 

Chief Operating, Chief Lending and Chief Credit Officers *(19) 

10.19  Written Description of 2012 Executive Incentive Compensation Annual Plans-Chief Executive, Chief Financial,

Chief Operating, Chief Lending and Chief Credit Officers *(20) 

10.20  Written Description of 2013 Executive Incentive Compensation Annual Plans-Chief Executive, Chief Financial, 

Chief Operating, Chief Lending and Chief Credit Officers *(21) 

10.21  Written Description of 2014 Employment Agreements and 2014 Executive Incentive Compensation Annual Plans-

Chief Executive, Chief Financial, Chief Operating, Chief Lending and Chief Credit Officers *(22) 

10.22  Written Description of 2015 Executive Incentive Compensation Annual Plans-Chief Executive, Chief Financial,

 10.23 
10.24 

10.25 

Chief Operating, Chief Lending and Chief Credit Officers *(23) 
Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. 2015 Equity Plan *(25) 
Amendment to Employment Agreements, Amendment to Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated June 1, 2016,
between  the  Company  and  H.  Michael  Mattson  and  Written  Description  of  2016  Executive  Incentive
Compensation Annual Plans- Chief Executive, Chief Financial, Chief Operating, and Chief Credit Officers *(26) 
Employment Agreement, dated June 27, 2016, between the Company and H. Charley Puls and Written Description
of 2016 Executive Incentive Compensation Annual Plan- Chief Lending Officer *(27) 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant (See Item 1. Business – Subsidiary and Segment Information) 
Consent of BKD, LLP  

 21 
 23 
 31(i).1  Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act 
 31(i).2  Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act  
 32  
101 

Officer certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350  
The following materials from Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2016 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated
Statements of Financial Condition (unaudited), (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited),
(iii)  Condensed  Consolidated  Statements  of  Comprehensive  Income  (Loss)  (unaudited),  (iv)  Condensed
Consolidated  Statement  of  Stockholders’  Equity  (unaudited),  (v)  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Cash  Flows 
(unaudited), and (vi) related notes. 

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement 

_____________________ 
(1) 

(2) 
(3) 

(4) 

Filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998 (SEC File No. 0-
23325) and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as an exhibit to the Form 8A filed by Registrant on January 22, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibit 10.1 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on September 23, 1997 (SEC 
File No. 333-36141) and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibit 10.2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on September 23, 1997 (SEC
File No. 333-36141) and incorporated herein by reference. 

104 

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(5) 

(6)  

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

(10) 

(11) 

(12) 

(13) 

(14) 

(15) 

(16) 

(17) 

(18) 

(19) 

(20) 

(21) 

(22) 

(23) 

(24) 

(25) 

(26) 

(27) 

Filed as Exhibit 4 to the Form S-8 Registration Statement filed by the Registrant on March 6, 2002 (SEC File No.
333-83822) and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001 (SEC File No. 0-
23325) and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the transition period ended December 31, 2003 filed
by the Registrant on March 30, 2004 (SEC File No. 0-23325) and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Appendix A to the proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders held on May 19, 2004 (SEC File
No. 0-23325) and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 filed by the
Registrant on March 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 filed by the 
Registrant on March 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on February 3, 2009 and incorporated
herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on February 3, 2009 and incorporated
herein by reference. 
Filed  as  Exhibit  10.23  to  the  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  filed  by  the  Registrant  on  February  9,  2009  and
incorporated herein by reference.  
Filed  as  Exhibit  10.24  to  the  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  filed  by  the  Registrant  on  February  9,  2009  and
incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed  as  Exhibit  10.25  to  the  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  filed  by  the  Registrant  on  February  9,  2009  and 
incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibits 10.1 through 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on February 2, 2010
and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on April 26, 2010 and incorporated
herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Form S-8 Registration Statement filed by the Registrant on October 29, 2010 (SEC File
No. 333-170205) and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibits 10.1 through 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on February 28, 2011
and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibits 10.1 through 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on February 2, 2012
and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibits 10.1 through 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on February 8, 2013
and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibits 10.1 through 10.10 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on March 26, 2014
and incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibits 10.1 through 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on March 3, 2015 and 
incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on November 3, 2015 and incorporated
herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on May 28, 2015 and incorporated
herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibits 10.1 through 10.9 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on June 3, 2016 and
incorporated herein by reference. 
Filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on June 28, 2016 and
incorporated herein by reference. 

105 

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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly 

caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

SIGNATURES 

Dated: March 24, 2017 

By:   /s/ Shaun A. Burke 

GUARANTY FEDERAL BANCSHARES, INC. 

Shaun A. Burke 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
(Duly Authorized Representative) 

Pursuant  to  the  requirement  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  this  report  has  been  signed  below  by  the 

following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.  

By: 

/s/ Shaun A. Burke 
Shaun A. Burke 
President and Chief Executive Officer and Director   
(Principal Executive Officer) 

   By: 

/s/ Tim Rosenbury 
Tim Rosenbury 
Director 

Date: March 24, 2017 

   Date: March 24, 2017 

By:   /s/ Carter Peters 

   By:   /s/ James R. Batten 

Carter Peters 
EVP and Chief Financial Officer 
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)  

James R. Batten 
Chairman of the Board and Director 

Date: March 24, 2017 

   Date: March 24, 2017 

By:   /s/ John Griesemer  

John Griesemer  
Director  
Date: March 24, 2017 

By:   /s/ David T. Moore  

David T. Moore  
Director  
Date: March 24, 2017 

By:   /s/ Kurt D. Hellweg 

Kurt D. Hellweg 
Director  
Date: March 24, 2017 

   By:   /s/ James L. Sivils, III 

James L. Sivils, III 
Director  

   Date: March 24, 2017 

   By:   /s/ Greg A. Horton 

Greg A. Horton 
Director  

   Date: March 24, 2017 

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FORM 10-KGUARANTY FEDERAL BANCSHARES, INC. 
1341 WEST BATTLEFIELD 
SPRINGFIELD, MO 65807-4181 
(417) 520-4333 

_______________________________ 

NOTICE OF MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS 
To Be Held on May 24, 2017 

Notice is hereby given that an annual meeting of the stockholders (the “Meeting”) of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, 
Inc. (the “Company”) will be held at the Guaranty Bank Operations Center, 1414 W. Elfindale, Springfield, Missouri, on 
May 24, 2017, at 6:00 p.m., local time. Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 3, 2017 are the stockholders 
entitled to vote at the Meeting. 

A Proxy Card and a Proxy Statement for the Meeting are enclosed. 

The Meeting is being held for the purpose of considering and acting upon: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

The election of three directors. 

The advisory (non-binding) vote to approve executive compensation. 

The ratification of BKD, LLP as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to the Company for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. 

Such other matters as may come properly before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof. Except with
respect to procedural matters incident to the conduct of the Meeting, the Board of Directors is not aware of
any other business to come before the Meeting. 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the 2016 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting 
to be Held on May 24, 2017. Pursuant to the rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we have elected 
to provide access to our proxy materials both by: (i) sending you this full set of proxy materials, including a proxy card; and 
(ii) notifying you of the availability of our proxy materials on the internet. This Notice and Proxy Statement and our 2016 
Annual Report may be accessed at www.gbankmo.com. 

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

James Batten 
Chairman of the Board 

Springfield, Missouri 
April 24, 2017 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS URGES YOU TO SIGN, DATE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD AS SOON 
AS POSSIBLE, EVEN IF YOU CURRENTLY PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. THIS WILL NOT 
PREVENT YOU FROM VOTING IN PERSON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IF YOU DESIRE, AND YOU MAY 
REVOKE  YOUR  PROXY  BY  WRITTEN  INSTRUMENT  AT  ANY  TIME  PRIOR  TO  THE  VOTE  AT  THE 
ANNUAL MEETING. IF YOU ARE A STOCKHOLDER WHOSE SHARES ARE NOT REGISTERED IN YOUR 
OWN  NAME,  YOU  WILL  NEED  ADDITIONAL  DOCUMENTATION  FROM  YOUR  RECORD  HOLDER  TO 
VOTE PERSONALLY AT THE MEETING. 

PROXY STATEMENT 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
 
 
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PROXY STATEMENT 1341 W. Battlefield ▪ Springfield, MO 65807
417-520-4333 ▪ www.gbankmo.com

April 24, 2017 

Dear Fellow Stockholder: 

On behalf of the Board of Directors and management of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc., I cordially invite you 
to attend the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Guaranty Bank Operations Center, 1414 W. Elfindale, 
Springfield, Missouri, on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 6:00 p.m., local time. The attached Notice of Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders and Proxy Statement describe the formal business to be transacted at the meeting. Following the formal meeting, 
I will report on the operations of the Company. Directors and officers of the Company, as well as representatives of BKD, 
LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, will be present to respond to any questions that stockholders may 
have. 

Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it in the 
accompanying  postage-paid  return  envelope  as  soon  as  possible.  This  will  not  prevent  you  from  voting  in  person  at  the 
meeting but will assure that your vote is counted if you are unable to attend the meeting. 

Respectfully, 

Shaun A. Burke 
President and CEO 

PROXY STATEMENT 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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PROXY STATEMENTGUARANTY FEDERAL BANCSHARES, INC. 
1341 WEST BATTLEFIELD 
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI 65807-4181 

_____________________ 

PROXY STATEMENT 
_____________________ 

This Proxy Statement has been prepared in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of 
Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) for use at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 24, 
2017 (the “Annual Meeting”), and at any adjournment(s) thereof. The Annual Meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m., local time, 
at the Guaranty Bank Operations Center, 1414 W. Elfindale, Springfield, Missouri. It is anticipated that this Proxy Statement 
will be mailed to stockholders on or about April 24, 2017. 

RECORD DATE--VOTING--VOTE REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL 

All persons who were holders of record of the common stock, par value $0.10 per share (“Common Stock”) of the 
Company at the close of business on April 3, 2017 (“Record Date”) will be entitled to cast votes at the Annual Meeting. 
Article XIII of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation provides that no holder of Common Stock that beneficially owns 
in excess of 10% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the Record Date (the “Limit”), may vote the shares that 
exceed the Limit. However, if the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”) approves the 
acquisition of the shares of Common Stock that result in the beneficial owner owning more than 10% of the outstanding 
Common Stock, Article XIII is not applicable. 

Voting may be by proxy or in person. As of the Record Date, the Company had 4,421,275 shares of Common Stock 
issued and outstanding. Holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote (after giving effect, 
if required, to Article XIII), will constitute a quorum for purposes of transacting business at the Annual Meeting.  

Stockholders are urged to indicate their vote in the appropriate spaces on the proxy card. Each proxy solicited hereby, 
if properly executed, duly returned to the Board of Directors and not revoked prior to the Annual Meeting, will be voted at 
the Annual Meeting in accordance with the stockholder’s instructions indicated thereon. Where no instructions are indicated, 
proxies  will  be  voted  by  those  named  in  the  proxies  FOR  the  approval  of  the  specific  proposals  presented  in  this  Proxy 
Statement and on the proxy card and in the discretion of those named in the proxies upon any other business that may properly 
come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Each stockholder shall have one vote for each share of Common 
Stock owned. No appraisal or dissenters’ rights exist for any action to be taken at the Annual Meeting. 

A stockholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke the proxy at any time before it is exercised by filing with the 
Secretary  of  the  Company  written  instructions  revoking  the  proxy.  A  duly  executed  proxy  bearing  a  later  date  will  be 
sufficient to revoke an earlier proxy. The proxy executed by a stockholder who attends the Annual Meeting will be revoked 
only if that stockholder files the proper written instrument with the Secretary prior to the end of the voting at the Annual 
Meeting. 

To  the  extent  necessary  to  assure  sufficient  representation  at  the  Annual  Meeting,  proxies  may  be  solicited  by 
officers, directors and regular employees of the Company personally, by telephone, by internet or by further correspondence. 
Officers, directors and regular employees of the Company will not be compensated for their solicitation efforts. The cost of 
soliciting proxies from stockholders will be borne by the Company. The Company will also reimburse brokerage firms and 
other  custodians,  nominees  and  fiduciaries  for  reasonable  expenses  incurred  by  them  in  sending  proxy  materials  to  the 
beneficial owners of Common Stock. 

1 

PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Regardless of the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock owned, it is important that stockholders be 
represented by proxy or be present in person at the Annual Meeting. In order for any proposals considered at the Annual 
Meeting to be approved by the Company’s stockholders, a quorum must be present. Stockholders are requested to vote by 
completing the enclosed proxy card and returning it signed and dated in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.  

Proxies marked as abstentions and broker non-votes (as defined below) will be treated as shares present for purposes 
of determining whether a quorum is present. Proxies marked as abstentions will not be counted as votes cast and will not 
affect the election of directors, advisory approval of executive compensation, or ratification of BKD, LLP as the independent 
registered public accounting firm. Brokers are entitled to vote the shares they hold for their customers in “street name” on 
routine matters when the customers (i.e. the “beneficial owners”) do not instruct the brokers how to vote the customer’s 
shares. Only Proposal Three, regarding the ratification of BKD, LLP as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, is 
deemed to be a routine matter. Brokers will be entitled to vote shares of Common Stock they hold in street name on Proposal 
Three in the absence of instructions on how to vote by the beneficial owners. Proposals One and Two are not deemed to be 
routine matters and, as such, brokers are not entitled to vote shares of Common Stock they hold in street name on Proposals 
One and Two in the absence of instructions on how to vote from the beneficial owners. These are referred to as “broker non-
votes.” Broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast, and therefore will not affect the election of directors or the advisory 
approval of executive compensation.  

Pursuant to Article XIII of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, no record owner of shares of Common Stock 
such as a broker, a bank, a trust company or other nominee that holds shares for a beneficial owner that beneficially owns in 
excess of the Limit, may vote the shares that exceed the Limit despite the instructions of the beneficial owner. However, as 
stated above, if the Board approved the acquisition of the shares that resulted in the beneficial owner owning more than 10% 
of the outstanding Common Stock, Article XIII is not applicable and such shares in excess of the Limit may be voted as 
instructed by the beneficial owner. 

Directors are elected by a plurality of votes of the shares represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting. 
The proposals to approve executive compensation (advisory) and to ratify the selection of the independent registered public 
accounting firm require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on such matters.  

SECURITIES OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT  

Persons and groups owning in excess of 5% of the Common Stock are required to file certain reports regarding such 
ownership pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Article XIII of the Certificate 
of Incorporation of the Company restricts the voting by persons who beneficially own in excess of 10% of the outstanding 
shares of Common Stock unless the Board approved the acquisition of the shares that resulted in the beneficial owner owning 
more than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock. This restriction does not apply to employee benefit plans of the Company. 
The following table sets forth, as of the Record Date, persons or groups who are known by the Company to beneficially own 
more than 5% of the Common Stock. 

Name and Address  
of Beneficial Owner  

Castle Creek Capital Partners V, LP  
6051 El Tordo  
Racho Santa Fe, CA 92067  .........................................................................     

FJ Capital Management, LLC  
1313 Dolley Madison Blvd, Ste 306  
McLean, VA 22101  .....................................................................................     

Amount and 
Nature of 
Beneficial  
Ownership  

Percent of Total 

   Outstanding  
   Common Shares     

794,022 (1)      

17.96% 

330,715 (2)      

7.48% 

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PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
      
  
      
  
      
  
      
  
  
  
      
  
      
  
      
  
      
  
      
  
      
  
  
  
 
 
(1) 

(2) 

Information based on a joint schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18,
2016  by  Castle  Creek  Capital  Partners  V,  LP  (“Fund  V”),  Castle  Creek  Capital  V  LLC  (“CCC  V”),  John  M.
Eggmeyer III, Mark G. Merlo, John T. Pietrzak and J. Mikesell Thomas as the “Reporting Persons.” Each of the
Reporting Persons may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the 794,022 shares of Common Stock held directly
by Fund V. CCC V is the sole general partner of Fund V. Mr. Eggemeyer, Mr. Merlo, Mr. Pietrzak, and Mr. Thomas 
share voting and dispositive power over the 794,022 shares beneficially owned by Fund V, due to the fact that each
is a managing principal of CCC V. CCC V, Mr. Eggemeyer, Mr. Merlo, Mr. Pietrzak, and Mr. Thomas each disclaim
beneficial ownership of the Common Shares, except to the extent of their respective pecuniary interest in Fund V.
The record holder of the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Fund V may vote all 794,022 shares of
Common Stock, including the 351,894 shares that exceed the 442,128 shares that constitute the Limit pursuant to
Article XIII of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, because the Board of Directors approved the acquisition
by Fund V of the shares of Common Stock that exceed the Limit.  

Information based on a joint schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14,
2017  by  FJ  Capital  Management  LLC  (“FJ”),  Financial  Opportunity  Fund  (“FOF”),  Financial  Opportunity
Long/Short Fund LLC (“FOLSF”), Bridge Equities III LLC (BE III”), Bridge Equities VIII LLC (“BE VIII”), Bridge
Equities  IX  LLC  (“BE  IX”),  Bridge  Equities  X  LLC  (“BE  X”),  Bridge  Equities  XI  LLC  (“BE  XI”),  Martin  S.
Friedman,  SunBridge  Manager  LLC  (“SB  Manger”),  SunBridge  Holdings  LLC  (“SB  Holdings”)  and  Realty 
Investment  Company  Inc.  (“RIC”)  as  the  “Reporting  Persons.”  The  Schedule  13G/A  reports  shared  voting  and
investment power over the shares as follows: FJ (330,715 voting and 67,438 investment), FOF (45,724 voting and
investment), FOLSF (4,903 voting and investment), BE III (246,186 voting and investment), BE VIII (2,794 voting
and investment), BE IX (3,252 voting and investment), BE X (2,295 voting and investment), BE XI (8,750 voting
and  investment),  Mr.  Friedman  (330,715  voting  and  67,438  investment),  SB  Manager  (263,277  voting  and
investment), SB Holdings (263,277 voting and investment) and RIC (263,277 voting and investment). 

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PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
 
 
The following table sets forth certain information as of the Record Date, with respect to the shares of Common Stock 
beneficially  owned  by  each  of  the  directors,  nominees  for  director  and  Named  Executive  Officers  (see  section  titled 
“Summary Compensation Table”) of the Company, and the total shares beneficially owned by directors and executive officers 
as a group. The Company’s policy is for each director to own a minimum of 2,500 shares, exclusive of stock grants and non-
exercised stock options. Directors with less than five years of experience on the Board are required to own a minimum of 
500 shares for each full year of service on the Board, up to 2,500 shares. Less than 1% stock ownership is shown below with 
an asterisk (*). 

Name of Beneficial Owner  
Shaun A. Burke  ...........................................................................................     
Kurt Hellweg  ...............................................................................................     
Tim Rosenbury  ............................................................................................     
Jamie Sivils, III  ...........................................................................................     
James Batten  ...............................................................................................     
John Griesemer  ............................................................................................     
David Moore  ...............................................................................................     
Greg Horton  ................................................................................................     
Carter Peters  ................................................................................................     
H. Charles Puls  ............................................................................................     
Sheri Biser  ...................................................................................................     
Robin Robeson  ............................................................................................     
Total owned by all directors and executive officers as a group (Twelve 

Amount and 
Nature of 
Beneficial  

   Ownership (1)  

   Percent of Total    
   Outstanding  
   Common Shares     
1.7% 
2.1% 
* 
* 
1.1% 
2.4% 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 

74,921 (2)      
94,308 (3)      
29,650 (4)      
26,492 (5)      
50,447 (6)      

109,263   
4,201   
2,817   

31,093 (7)      
1,000   
15,224 (8)      
11,168   

persons)  .....................................................................................................     

450,584 (9)     

10.0% 

(1)  Amounts  may  include  shares  held  directly,  as  well  as  shares  held  jointly  with  family  members,  in  retirement
accounts, in a fiduciary capacity, by certain family members, by certain related entities or by trusts of which the
directors and executive officers are trustees or substantial beneficiaries, with respect to which shares the respective
director or executive officer may be deemed to have sole or shared voting and/or investment powers. Due to the
rules for determining beneficial ownership, the same securities may be attributed as being beneficially owned by
more than one person. The holders may disclaim beneficial ownership of the included shares which are owned by or
with family members, trust or other entities.  

(2) 
(3) 
(4) 
(5) 
(6) 
(7) 
(8) 
(9) 

Includes   20,000    shares that may be acquired within 60 days of the Record Date through the exercise of options. 
Includes   2,500      shares that may be acquired within 60 days of the Record Date through the exercise of options.  
Includes   7,500      shares that may be acquired within 60 days of the Record Date through the exercise of options.  
Includes   7,500      shares that may be acquired within 60 days of the Record Date through the exercise of options.  
Includes   32,500    shares that may be acquired within 60 days of the Record Date through the exercise of options.  
Includes   5,000      shares that may be acquired within 60 days of the Record Date through the exercise of options.  
Includes   6,500      shares that may be acquired within 60 days of the Record Date through the exercise of options.  
Includes   81,500    shares that may be acquired within 60 days of the Record Date through the exercise of options.  

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE  

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s officers and directors, and persons who own more than 
10% of the Common Stock, to file reports detailing their ownership and changes of ownership in the Common Stock with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and to furnish the Company with copies of all such ownership reports. 
Based  solely  on  the  Company’s  review  of  the  copies  of  the  ownership  reports  furnished  to  the  Company,  and  written 
representations  relative  to  the  filing  of  certain  forms,  the  Company  believes  that  all  Section  16(a)  filing  requirements 
applicable to its officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of the Common Stock, were complied with 
during the 2016 fiscal year.  

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PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
FIRST PROPOSAL: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS 

The number of directors constituting the Board will be eight. The Board is divided into three classes. The term of 
office  of  one  class  of  directors  expires  each  year  in  rotation  so  that  the  class  up  for  election  at  each  annual  meeting  of 
stockholders  has  served  for  a  three-year  term.  The  terms  of  three  of  the  present  directors  (Messrs.  Moore,  Sivils  and 
Griesemer) are expiring at the Annual Meeting.  

Messrs. Moore, Sivils and Griesemer have been nominated, upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee 
of the Board, by the Board and, upon election at the Annual Meeting, will hold office for a three-year term expiring in 2020 
or until their successors are elected and qualified. Each nominee has indicated that he is willing and able to serve as a director 
if elected and has consented to being named as a nominee in this Proxy Statement. 

Unless otherwise specified on the proxies received by the Company, it is intended that proxies received in response 
to this solicitation will be voted in favor of the election of each person named in the following table to be a director of the 
Company  for  the  term  as  indicated,  or  until  his  successor  is  elected  and  qualified.  There  are  no  arrangements  or 
understandings between the nominees or directors and any other person pursuant to which any such person was or is selected 
as a director or nominee. 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS 
THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE FOLLOWING NOMINEES 

Nominees for Three-Year Terms Expiring 2020 

Name 

John F. Griesemer 
James L. Sivils, III 
David T. Moore 

Age (1) 
49 
52 
46 

Director Since 
2008 
2002 
2014 

Current Term 
Expires 
2017 
2017 
2017 

In addition to the three nominees proposed to serve on the Board as described above, the following individuals are 

also directors of the Company, each serving for the current term indicated. 

Directors Who Are Not Nominees 
Who Will Continue in Office After the Annual Meeting 

Name 

Greg A. Horton 
Tim Rosenbury 
Shaun A. Burke 
Kurt D. Hellweg 
James R. Batten 

(1) 

As of the Record Date 

Age (1) 
57 
60 
53 
59 
54 

Director Since 
2016 
2002 
2004 
2000 
2006 

Current Term 
Expires 
2019 
2019 
2019 
2018 
2018 

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Biographical Information 

Set forth below are brief summaries of the background and business experience, including principal occupation, of 

each nominee and director currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Company. 

John F. Griesemer is Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer and member of the Board of Directors of 
Springfield  Underground, Inc.   Springfield Underground, Inc.  is  a  privately  held  construction  materials  supplier  and real 
estate developer in the Springfield, Missouri area.  Mr. Griesemer previously served as Area Manager and General Manager 
of  Springfield  Underground,  Inc.  related  companies  and  as  a  management  trainee  with  Vulcan  Materials  Company  in 
Northern  Virginia.    Mr.  Griesemer  holds  a  B.S.  degree  in  Industrial  Management  and  Engineering  from  Purdue 
University.  He is the Chairman of the Board of Mercy Springfield Communities, member of the Springfield Catholic Schools 
Development Board and a member of the Board of the National Stone Sand and Gravel Association.  He is a past Member 
of  the  Board  of  the  Missouri  Limestone  Producers  Association,  Catholic  Campus  Ministries,  Junior  Achievement  of  the 
Ozarks and Ozark Technical Community College Foundation.  Mr. Griesemer brings to the Board a strong organizational 
and leadership background, management experience and deep ties in the local community. 

James L. Sivils, III, JD, is the CEO of Environmental Works, Inc., an environmental consulting firm with offices 
in Springfield, Kansas City and St. Louis, MO.  Mr. Sivils began his career as a Missouri licensed attorney in 1990.  In 1993, 
Mr.  Sivils  began  developing  Real  Estate  and  became  a  licensed  Missouri  Real  Estate  Broker.  Mr.  Sivils  has  developed 
numerous commercial and residential projects in Southwest Missouri.  Mr. Sivils holds a J.D. degree from the University of 
Missouri – Kansas City Law School and a B.A. degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia.  Mr. Sivils is a member 
and past Chapter Chair of the Ozarks Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization and a member of the World Presidents 
Organization.  Mr. Sivils legal background, knowledge and experience with real estate matters and experience running a 
100+ employee company make him a valuable resource to the Board.   

David  T.  Moore  is  President,  Chief  Executive  Officer,  and  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  Paul  Mueller 
Company.  Paul  Mueller  Company  is  a  publicly  held  manufacturer  of  milk  cooling  equipment  and  processing  equipment 
headquartered in Springfield, Missouri. Mr. Moore has worked at Paul Mueller Company since 2002, serving as the President 
since 2011. Additionally, he has been a member of the company’s Board of Directors since 1997. Prior to joining Paul Mueller 
Company, Mr. Moore was Vice President of Product Development at Corporate Document Systems, a computer software 
company, for six years. Mr. Moore holds an MBA from The University of Chicago - Booth School of Business and a B.A. 
from Middlebury College. Mr. Moore is a valuable asset to the Board due to his significant experience in public company 
management, corporate governance, business acquisition and integration, and information and technology development.  In 
addition, Mr. Moore has long-term personal and business ties to the local community. 

Tim Rosenbury, AIA, is Managing Partner of Butler, Rosenbury & Partners, Inc., an architecture and planning firm 
in Springfield, Missouri.  Mr. Rosenbury joined the firm in 1984 after practicing in Memphis, Tennessee.  He graduated with 
a B.Arch. from Mississippi State University in 1980, which in 1999 awarded him the designation of Alumni Fellow.  He is a 
member of a number of professional and civic organizations, for many of which he has held leadership positions, including 
Chairman of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of the Board of Education for Springfield Public 
Schools. Mr. Rosenbury brings to the Board strong community leadership and significant experience in general business and 
real estate development and management. 

Greg A. Horton, CPA, is Chief Executive Officer and co-owner of Integrity Home Care & Hospice, a multi-line 
home care enterprise that employs 2,000 and serves over 5,000 clients in Missouri and Kansas, and co-founder of affiliate 
Integrity  Pharmacy.    Prior  to  launching  Integrity  Home  Care  in  2000,  Mr.  Horton  was  a  partner  in  the  accounting  firm 
Whitlock, Selim & Keehn, LLP.  He has twenty years of experience in public accounting with an emphasis in management 
consulting, information systems, and auditing services.  Mr. Horton holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration 
with an Accounting Specialization from Central Missouri State University.  He is a member of the American Institute of 
Certified Public Accountants, and has been active in board and volunteer service with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 
Boys & Girls Town of Missouri, Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast, and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.  Mr. 
Horton’s  expertise  in  large  service-based  organizations  and  his  background  in  public  accounting  make  him  a  valuable 
resource to the Board. 

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PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
James  R.  Batten,  CPA,  is  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  International  Dehydrated  Foods  (IDF)  a  privately  held 
manufacturer  of  ingredients  for  the  food  industry.    Prior  to  joining  IDF  in  September  2016,  Mr.  Batten  served  as  a 
management consultant serving businesses and non-profit organizations from March 2014 through August 2016.  Mr. Batten 
was the Executive Vice President of Convoy of Hope, an international nonprofit relief organization from April 2009 through 
February 2014.  Mr. Batten served as Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice President of AG Financial Solutions from 
September 2007 through March 2009.  Mr. Batten served as the Executive Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer 
and Treasurer of O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: ORLY) from January 1993 through March 2007.  Prior to joining 
O’Reilly, Mr. Batten was employed by the accounting firms of Whitlock, Selim & Keehn, from 1986 to 1993 and Deloitte, 
Haskins & Sells from 1984 until 1986.  Mr. Batten is a member of the board of AG Financial Solutions, Foundation Capital 
Resources and Treasurer of Hope Church.  Mr. Batten is a former member of the NASDAQ Issuer Affairs Committee.  He 
has also served on a number of other professional and civic boards including the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks and New Covenant Academy.   

Shaun  A.  Burke  joined  the  Bank  in  March  2004  as  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  was  appointed 
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on February 28, 2005.  He has over 30 years of banking experience. 
Mr. Burke received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Missouri State University and is a graduate of the Graduate 
School of Banking of Colorado.    Mr. Burke currently serves on the board of the Missouri Bankers Association as Vice 
Chairman of the Legislative Affairs Committee and was previously Chairman of the Audit Committee. In 2014, he began a 
three-year term on the Community Bankers Council of the American Bankers Association. In March 2016 he was appointed 
to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council. From 2012 to 2014, he was 
a Board Member of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce serving as Vice Chairman of Economic Development in 
2014. From 2009 through 2014, he was a Board Member of the Springfield Business Development Corporation, the economic 
development  subsidiary  of  the  Springfield  Area  Chamber  of  Commerce  serving  as  President  in  2012.  He  is  also  a  past 
Member  of  the  United  Way  Allocations  and  Agency  Relations  Executive  Committee,  Salvation  Army  Board,  and  Big 
Brothers Big Sisters Board.  

Kurt  D.  Hellweg  is  the  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  International  Dehydrated  Foods,  Inc.  (“IDF”),  American 
Dehydrated  Foods,  Inc.  (“ADF”),  Food  Ingredients  Technology  Company,  L.L.C  (“FITCO”  –  a  joint  venture  with  Mars 
Petcare),  and  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  IsoNova  Technologies,  L.L.C.  (“IsoNova”  –  a  joint  venture  with  Rembrandt 
Enterprises, Inc.). IDF, ADF, FITCO and IsoNova are privately held companies that manufacture and market ingredients for 
both the food and feed industries. Mr. Hellweg joined ADF in 1987 and has previously served as Vice President of Sales, 
Senior Vice President of Operations, and President/COO. Prior to joining ADF, Mr. Hellweg was an officer in the U.S. Navy 
from 1980 to 1987. During that time, he served tours as a helicopter pilot in the Atlantic Fleet and as an instructor pilot. Mr. 
Hellweg holds a B.S. degree in Engineering from the University of Nebraska. He is a past Board Member of the Springfield 
Area Chamber of Commerce, the Springfield Area Arts Council, and the Springfield Symphony. He is the founding member 
of the Greater Ozarks Chapter of World  Presidents’ Organization (“WPO”) (where he is still active), and has previously 
chaired the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization. He is a Black Belt in Taekwondo, a member of 
Mensa,  and  enjoys  competing  in  ultra-distance  bicycling  races.  He  currently  serves  on  the  following  Boards:  ADF, 
CoxHealth, the Darr Family Foundation, Environmental Works, Inc., FITCO, Hammons Products Company, IDF, IsoNova, 
WPO, and is a Trustee of the ADF profit sharing plan, serving as a Director of the Investment Committee. 

Director Independence 

The Board has determined that all of the directors, except for Mr. Burke who is an executive officer of the Company, 
are “independent directors” as that term is defined in Rule 5605(a) (2) of the Marketplace Rules of The NASDAQ Stock 
Market (“NASDAQ”). These directors constitute a majority of the Board. 

Board Leadership Structure 

Throughout its history, the Company has kept the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer 
separate.  Currently,  Mr.  Batten  holds  the  position  of  Chairman  of  the  Board  and  Mr.  Burke  holds  the  position  of  Chief 
Executive Officer. Mr. Batten is considered to be “independent” according to NASDAQ listing requirements.  

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PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
The Board believes that having separate positions and having an independent outside director serve as Chairman is 
the  appropriate  leadership  structure  for  the  Company  at  this  time  and  demonstrates  our  commitment  to  good  corporate 
governance.    Separating  these  positions  allows  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  to  focus  on  our  day-to-day  business,  while 
allowing  the  Chairman  to  lead  the  Board  in  its  fundamental  role  of  providing  advice  to  and  independent  oversight  of 
management.  We believe that having an independent Chairman eliminates the conflicts of interest that may arise when the 
positions are held by one person.  In addition, this leadership structure allows the Board to more effectively monitor and 
evaluate the performance of our Chief Executive Officer. 

Board’s Role in Risk Oversight 

It is necessary to effectively manage risk when managing and operating every financial institution. We face a number 
of risks, including but not limited to, general economic risks, credit risks, regulatory risks, audit risks, reputational risks, and 
business  competition.  Management  is  responsible  for  the  day-to-day  management  of  risks  the  Company  faces,  while  the 
Board, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the general oversight of risk management. In its role of 
risk oversight, the Board has the responsibility to satisfy itself that the risk management processes and procedures designed 
and implemented by management are appropriate and functioning as designed. 

While the full Board is charged with ultimate oversight responsibility for risk management, various committees of 
the Board and members of management also have specific responsibilities with respect to our risk oversight. Each Board 
committee has been assigned oversight responsibility for specific areas of risk and risk management, and each committee 
considers  risks  within  its  areas  of  responsibility.  Each  of  these  committees  receives  regular  reports  from  management 
regarding our risks and reports regularly to the Board concerning risk. 

We believe that providing for full and open communication between management and the Board is essential for 
effective  risk  management  and  oversight.  Certain  senior  management  personnel,  consistent  with  their  specific  areas  of 
responsibility, attend Board meetings and/or Board committee meetings on a regular and consistent basis. We have regular 
and ongoing reporting and communication mechanisms in place to ensure that oversight is effective. 

Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors 

The business of the Company is conducted at regular and special meetings of the full Board of Directors and its 
standing  committees.  The  standing  committees  consist  of  the  Executive,  Audit,  Compensation,  Investment,  Nominating, 
Building and Special. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, the Board held twelve regular meetings. No 
director attended less than 75% of those meetings and the meetings held by all committees of the Board of Directors on which 
he served.  

Although  the  Company  does  not  have  a  formal  policy  regarding  director  attendance  at  the  Company’s  annual 
stockholders’  meeting,  all  directors  are  expected  to  attend  these  annual  meetings  absent  extenuating  circumstances.  All 
current directors attended the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held on May 25, 2016. 

Stockholder Communications with Directors 

Stockholders and other interested persons who wish to communicate with the Board of Directors of the Company, 
or any individual director, should send their written correspondence by mail to: Vicki Lindsay, Secretary, Guaranty Federal 
Bancshares, Inc., 1341 West Battlefield, Springfield, Missouri 65807. 

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Audit Committee 

The Company has a separately designated Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of 
the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee of the Board currently consists of four directors: Messrs. Moore, Horton, Batten, 
and Hellweg, each of whom is an “independent director” as defined under the NASDAQ listing standards and the criteria for 
independence set forth in Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Board has determined that Mr. Moore 
qualifies as an Audit Committee Financial Expert, as defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC. This standing committee, 
among other things, (i) regularly meets with the internal auditor to review audit programs and the results of audits of specific 
areas as well as other regulatory compliance issues, (ii) meets at least annually in executive session with the Company’s 
independent  auditors  to  review  the  results  of  the  annual  audit  and  other  related  matters,  and  (iii)  meets  quarterly  with 
management and the independent auditors to review the Company’s financial statements and significant findings based on 
the independent auditor’s review. The Audit Committee is responsible for hiring, retaining, compensating and terminating 
the  Company’s  independent  auditors.  The  Audit  Committee  operates  under  a  written  charter  adopted  by  the  Company’s 
Board of Directors. A copy of the Audit Committee Charter was included as Appendix B to the Proxy Statement prepared in 
connection with the annual meeting of stockholders held on May 27, 2015. 

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, the Audit Committee met five times. 

Nominating Committee 

The Nominating Committee of the Board is composed of three or more directors as appointed by the Board, each of 
whom  are  required  to  be  an  “independent  director”  as  defined  under  the  NASDAQ  listing  standards.  Currently,  the 
Nominating  Committee  consists  of  three  directors,  Messrs.  Sivils,  Moore,  and  Batten,  each  of  whom  is  an  “independent 
director.” During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, the Nominating Committee met two times. The Nominating 
Committee operates under a formal written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. A copy of the Nominating Committee 
Charter is included as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement. 

The Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying individuals qualified to serve as members of the Board 
and recommending to the Board the director nominees for election and appointment to the Board, as well as director nominees 
for each of the committees of the Board. In accordance with its charter, the Nominating Committee recommends candidates 
(including incumbent nominees) based on the following criteria:  business experience, education, integrity and reputation, 
independence,  conflicts  of  interest,  diversity,  age,  number  of  other  directorships  and  commitments  (including  charitable 
obligations), tenure on the Board, attendance at Board and committee meetings, stock ownership, specialized knowledge 
(such as an understanding of banking, accounting, marketing, finance, regulation and public policy) and a commitment to the 
Company’s communities and shared values, as well as overall experience in the context of the needs of the Board as a whole. 
The Committee monitors the mix of skills and experience of its directors and committee members in order to assess whether 
the Board has the appropriate tools to perform its oversight function effectively. The Committee does not have a separate 
diversity  policy,  but  the  Nominating  Committee  does  consider  the  diversity  of  its  directors  and  nominees  in  terms  of 
knowledge, experience, skills, expertise, and other demographics which may contribute to the Board. 

With respect to nominating existing directors, the Nominating Committee reviews relevant information available 
to it and assesses their continued ability and willingness to serve as a director. The Nominating Committee will also assess 
such person’s contribution in light of the mix of skills and experience the Nominating Committee has deemed appropriate 
for the Board as a whole. With respect to nominations of new directors, the Nominating Committee will conduct a thorough 
search to identify candidates based upon criteria the Nominating Committee deems appropriate and considering the mix of 
skills and experience necessary to complement existing members of the Board. The Nominating Committee will then 
review selected candidates and make its recommendation to the Board.  

Nominations by a stockholder will be considered by the Nominating Committee if such nomination is written and 
delivered or mailed by first class United States mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the Company between 30 and 60 
days prior to the meeting at which such nominee may be considered. However, if less than 31 days’ notice of the meeting is 
given by the Company to stockholders, written notice of the stockholder nomination must be given to the Secretary of the 
Company as provided above no later than the tenth day after notice of the meeting was mailed to stockholders. A nomination 
must  set  forth,  with  respect  to  the  nominee,  (i)  name,  age,  and  addresses,  (ii)  principal  occupation  or  employment,  (iii) 
Common Stock beneficially owned, and (iv) other information that would be required in a proxy statement. The stockholder 
giving notice must list his or her name and address, as they appear on the Company’s books, and the amount of Common 
Stock beneficially owned by him or her. In addition, the stockholder making such nomination must promptly provide to the 

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Company any other information reasonably requested by the Company. Nominations from stockholders will be considered 
and evaluated using the same criteria as all other nominations. 

Compensation Committee 

The Board of Directors of the Company and the Board of Directors of the Bank are comprised of the same persons. 
The  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Bank’s  Board of Directors, which consists  solely  of  non-employee  directors of  the 
Bank, is comprised of Messrs. Hellweg, Griesemer, Moore and Horton. As indicated above, each of these committee members 
is an “independent director” as defined under the NASDAQ listing standards. The Company has no employees and relies on 
employees of the Bank for the limited services received by the Company. All compensation paid to executive officers of the 
Company is paid by the Bank. 

The  Compensation  Committee,  together  with  the  full  Board,  is  responsible  for  designing  the  compensation  and 
benefit plans for all employees, executive officers and directors of the Company and the Bank, including the Chief Executive 
Officer, based on  its review of performance  measures,  industry  salary  surveys  and  the  recommendations of  management 
concerning  compensation  (See  “Report  on  Executive  Compensation”).  The  Compensation  Committee  recommends 
adjustments to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and the other Named Executive Officers of the Company 
based upon its assessment of individual performance and the Bank’s performance, and makes other recommendations, when 
appropriate, to the full Board of Directors. Independent consultants may be engaged directly by the Compensation Committee 
to evaluate the Company’s executive compensation. The Compensation Committee, together with the full Board, determines 
the compensation of all other officers. The Compensation Committee may delegate its authority to a subcommittee of the 
Compensation Committee. 

During  the  twelve  months  ended  December  31,  2016,  the  Compensation  Committee  met  two  times.  The 
Compensation Committee operates under a formal written charter adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors. A copy of 
the Compensation Committee Charter is included as Appendix B to this Proxy Statement. 

REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE  

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation 

Since August 2002, the Compensation Committee of the Board has consisted of non-employee directors of the Bank. 
Mr. Burke, the current President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank, did not serve as a member of 
the Compensation Committee during 2016. No executive officer of the Company served on the Compensation Committee or 
Board of Directors of any company that employed any member of the Company’s Compensation Committee or Board of 
Directors. 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Overall Compensation Philosophy and Objectives 

The Compensation Committee, together with the full Board, has designed the compensation and benefit plans for 
all employees, executive officers and directors in order to attract and retain individuals who have the skills, experience and 
work ethic to provide a coordinated work force that will effectively and efficiently carry out the policies adopted by the Board 
and to manage the Company and the Bank to meet the Company’s mission, goals and objectives. 

10 

PROXY STATEMENT  
 
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
To determine the compensation of executive officers and directors, the Compensation Committee reviews industry 
compensation  statistics  based  on  our  asset  size,  makes  cost  of  living  adjustments,  and  establishes  salary  ranges  for  each 
executive officer and fees for the Board. The Compensation Committee then reviews (i) the financial performance of the 
Bank  over  the  most  recently  completed  fiscal  year  (including  Return  on  Assets,  Return  on  Equity,  asset  quality,  etc.) 
compared  to  results  at  comparable  companies  within  the  industry,  and  (ii)  the  responsibilities  and  performance  of  each 
executive  officer  and  the  salary  compensation  levels  of  each  executive  officer  compared  to  like  positions  at  comparable 
companies within the industry. The Compensation Committee evaluates all factors subjectively in the sense that they do not 
attempt to tie any factors to a specific level of compensation.  

The Compensation Committee offers long-term incentives for executive officers and other management personnel 
primarily in the form of restricted stock awards. We believe that our stock award programs are an important component of 
compensation to attract and retain talented executives, provide an incentive for long-term corporate performance, and to align 
the long-term interests of executives and stockholders. 

All executive officers may participate on an equal, non-discriminatory basis in the Bank’s contributory 401(k) tax-
deferred savings plan, medical insurance plan, long-term disability plan and group life insurance plan. The Compensation 
Committee of the Bank recommends all compensation and benefit plans to the full Board for approval annually.  

Executive Compensation Philosophy and Objectives 

The Compensation Committee is guided by the following four key principles in determining the compensation of 

the Company’s executive officers: 

●  Competition.  The  Committee  believes  that  compensation  should  reflect  the  competitive  marketplace,  so  the

Company can attract, retain and motivate talented personnel.  

●  Accountability  for  Business  Performance.  Compensation  should  be  tied  in  part  to  the  Company’s  financial
performance,  so  that  executives  are  held  accountable  through  their  compensation  for  the  performance  of  the
Company. 

●  Accountability for Individual Performance. Compensation should be tied in part to the individual’s performance to

reflect individual contributions to the Company’s performance. 

●  Alignment with Stockholder Interests. Compensation should be tied in part to the Company’s stock performance
through long-term incentives such as restricted stock, to align the executive’s interests with those of the Company’s
stockholders.  

Consideration of 2016 Say on Pay 

At the Company’s 2016 annual meeting of shareholders, 94.75% of voting shareholders approved the non-binding 
advisory proposal on the compensation of the Named Executive Officers (or “NEOs”), (commonly referred to as a “say-on-
pay” vote).  

The Board and the Compensation Committee pay careful attention to communications received from shareholders 
regarding executive compensation, including the non-binding advisory vote. The Company carefully considered the result of 
the  2016  advisory  vote  on  executive  compensation  but  not  for  specific  2016  compensation  decisions.  Based  on  this 
consideration and the other factors described in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Compensation Committee 
did not materially alter the policies or structure for the NEO’s compensation for 2016 or 2017. 

11 

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Report of Executive Compensation  

The  compensation  of  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  (the  “CEO”)  and  other  NEOs  is  recommended  by  the 
Compensation Committee with final approval from the full Board. The CEO is not a member of the Compensation Committee 
and does not attend any Compensation Committee meetings unless specifically requested to do so by the Chairman of the 
Compensation Committee. The CEO may act as a key discussion partner with the Compensation Committee members to 
provide information regarding business context, the market environment and our strategic direction. The CEO also provides 
recommendations to the Compensation Committee on individual performance evaluations and compensation for the NEOs, 
other than himself. The Compensation Committee strives to provide total compensation that is aligned and competitive with 
compensation data  compiled in 2016 by  its compensation consultant,  ChaseCompGroup,  LLC, based  on  a peer group of 
selected publicly-traded companies within the banking industry, a similar geographic location and with comparable financial 
performance. The peer group provides a reference point when making pay decisions and benchmarking short-term and long-
term incentive plan awards and mechanics. The compensation packages reflect a range based on this analysis, augmented by 
the performance of the individual executive officer and the Company. Grants under the various equity plans described below 
provide long-term incentive to stay with the Company, but should not replace, or override, maintenance of the compensation 
range established from the peer group.  

The  Compensation  Committee  has  reviewed  all  components  of  the  CEO’s  and  the  other  NEOs  compensation, 
including salary, bonus, accumulated and realized and unrealized stock options and restricted stock awards. Based on this 
review,  the  Committee  finds  the  CEO’s  and  other  NEOs  total  compensation  in  the  aggregate  to  be  reasonable  and  not 
excessive. It should be noted that when the Compensation Committee considers any component of the CEO’s and NEOs total 
compensation, the aggregate amounts and mix of all the components, including accumulated and realized and unrealized 
stock options and restricted stock awards, are taken into consideration in the Committee’s decisions. 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT 

The Compensation Committee reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this 
Statement with management. Based on such review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board 
of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Statement for filing with the SEC.  

In view of the current economic and financial environment, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors 
has reviewed the design and operation of the Company's incentive compensation arrangements, including the performance 
objectives and target levels used in connection with incentive awards and evaluated the relationship between the Company's 
risk management policies and practices and these arrangements. The Compensation Committee’s review was designed to 
assess  whether  any  aspect  of  the  compensation  program  would  encourage  any  of  the  Company’s  executives  to  take  any 
unnecessary or inappropriate risks that could threaten the value of the Company or the Bank.  

The  Committee  members  identified  the  risks  that  the  Company  faces  that  could  threaten  its  value.  These  risks 

include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Interest rate risk 

●  Credit risk  
●  Liquidity risk 
● 
●  Market risk 
●  Operation/transactional risk 
● 
●  Fiduciary/litigation risk 

Information and technology risk 

12 

PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
●  Compliance risk 
●  Environmental risk 
●  Reputation risk 
●  Financial risk 
●  Fraud risk 

The Compensation Committee also reviewed and discussed materials on compensation risk assessment, including 
information on executive compensation design and administrative features that could induce excessive risk taking. In this 
regard,  the  performance  objectives  contained  in  our  annual  incentive  compensation  plan  have  been  balanced  with  those 
contained in our long-term incentive compensation plan to ensure that both are aligned and consistent with our long-term 
business plan, our  mix  of  equity-based  awards has  been  allocated  to  ensure  an  appropriate  combination of  incentive  and 
retention  objectives,  and  our  stock  ownership  guidelines  have  been  established  to  ensure  that  the  interests  of  our  Senior 
Executive Officers have been aligned with the interests of our stockholders. 

THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE 

Kurt D. Hellweg              John F. Griesemer 
David T. Moore                Greg A. Horton 

Summary Compensation Table  

The following table sets forth information with respect to the compensation awarded to, paid to or earned for the 
periods indicated by the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), the Chief Lending Officer (“CLO”), the Chief Credit 
Officer (“CCO”) and the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”). These executive officers are collectively referred to as the NEOs. 
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, no other person served as the CEO or CFO of the Company, and no other 
executive officer received annual compensation that exceeded $100,000. Mr. H. Charles Puls, CLO, began his employment 
on June 27, 2016 as the replacement for H. Michael Mattson, who retired effective June 30, 2016. Thus, only a partial year 
is presented for both officers. 

Stock  
Awards 
(3)  

    Option  
Awards 

Non-Equity  
Incentive Plan 
Compensation 

Nonqualified  
Deferred  
Compensation 

     All Other  

Compensation 

H.Michael Mattson  2016      105,461       
EVP/CLO 

Name and Principal 
Position 

Shaun A. Burke 
President/CEO 

Carter Peters 
EVP/CFO 

H. Charles Puls 
EVP/CLO 
Sheri Biser 
EVP/CCO 

Robin Robeson 
EVP/COO 

   Salary  

     Bonus 
(2)  

(1)  

Year 
2016   $ 306,866     $ 61,000     $ 47,850     $ 
2015      300,600        47,846        63,601       
2014      300,600        31,796        60,422       
2016      184,166        62,000        36,000       
2015      180,000        36,000        35,987       
2014      180,000        17,990        21,006       
-       17,130       
2015      168,333        17,125        20,474       
2014      164,625        10,235        26,937       
-      
2016      87,575        6,832       

2016      172,333        36,049        17,175       
2015      165,833        17,179        20,396       
2014      149,638        10,196        24,496       
2016      194,166        54,000        37,995       
2015      187,833        38,000        47,167       
2014      176,583        23,580        32,116       

-    $ 
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      

-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      

-    $ 
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      

-      
-      

-      
-      

-    $ 
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      
-      

-      
-      

-      
-      

Total  
Compensation 
431,796   
426,667   
411,970   
295,875   
264,827   
231,262   
130,164   
217,381   
213,113   
98,132   

16,080 (4)   $ 
14,620 (4)     
19,152 (4)     
13,709 (5)     
12,840 (5)     
12,266 (5)     
7,573 (6)     
11,449 (6)     
11,316 (6)     
3,725 (7)     

7,580 (8)     
7,041 (8)     
5,986 (8)     
9,286 (9)     
7,513 (9)     
7,063 (9)     

233,137   
210,449   
190,316   
295,447   
280,513   
239,342   

(1) 

No director fees were paid to Mr. Burke for any of the years presented. 

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(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

Cash bonuses were awarded to NEOs in accordance with established Executive Incentive Compensation Annual
Plans. 
This  column  represents  compensation  related  to  restricted  stock  awards  granted  in  2016,  2015  and  2014.
Amounts  represent  the  aggregate  grant  date  fair  value  computed  in  accordance  with  Accounting  Standards
Codification  Topic  718  (“ASC  Topic  718”)  of  time-vested  restricted  stock  granted.  No  assumptions  were
necessary to determine the fair value. The number of shares and grant price of restricted stock awarded to each
of the executives was as follows: Mr. Burke: 2016 – 3,190 shares at a per share grant price of $15.00; 2015 –
4,300 shares at a per share grant price of $14.79; 2014 - 5,543 shares at a per share grant price of $10.90; Mr.
Peters: 2016 – 2,400 shares at a per share grant price of $15.00; 2015 – 2,433 shares at a per share grant price
of $14.79; 2014 – 1,927 shares at a per share grant price of $10.90; Mr. Mattson: 2016 – 1,142 shares at a per 
share grant price of $15.00; 2015 – 1,384 shares at a per share grant price of $14.79; 2014 - 2,471 shares at a 
per share grant price of $10.90; Ms. Biser: 2016 – 1,145 shares at a per share grant price of $15.00; 2015 – 1,379 
shares at a per share grant price of $14.79; 2014 – 2,247 shares at a per share grant price of $10.90, respectively;
and Ms. Robeson: 2016 – 2,533 shares at a per share grant price of $15.00; 2015 – 3,189 shares at a per share 
grant price of $14.79; 2014 – 2,946 shares at a per share grant price of $10.90. The restricted stock grants cliff
vest three years after the grant date.  
Amount includes payments of $10,600, $9,314 and $9,148 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, to Mr. Burke
for the Company’s 401(k) matching contribution and payments of $5,480, $5,306 and $10,004, respectively, for
country club dues.  
Amount includes payments of $8,806, $7,920 and $7,620 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, to Mr. Peters
for the Company’s 401(k) matching contribution and payments of $4,903, $4,920 and $4,646, respectively, for
country club dues.  
Amount includes payments of $4,903, $6,733 and $6,585 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, to Mr. Mattson
for the Company’s 401(k) matching contribution and payments of $2,670, $4,716 and $4,731, respectively, for
country club dues.  
Amount includes payments of $1,700 for the Company’s 401(k) matching contribution and $2,025 for country
club dues to Mr. Puls in 2016.  
Amount includes payments of $7,580, $7,041 and $5,986 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, to Ms. Biser for 
the Company’s 401(k) matching contribution.  
Amount includes payments to Ms. Robeson of $9,286, $7,513 and $7,063 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively,
for the Company’s 401(k) matching contribution. 

Employment Agreements, Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control 

On March 24, 2014, the Company entered into Employment Agreements with the NEOs (including amendments 
dated June 2016). On June 27, 2016, the Company entered into an employment agreement with the new CLO H. Charles 
Puls. Each employment agreement has a term of one year, unless further extended or earlier terminated pursuant to its terms, 
and  sets  forth  a  minimum  base  salary  payable  to  the  officer  and  provides  that  the  officer  is  eligible  to  participate  in  the 
Company’s  bonus,  incentive,  retirement,  health  and  other  insurance  benefit  plans  made  available  to  executive-level 
employees.  

Each  employment  agreement  obligates  the  Company  to  pay  the  officer  severance  in  the  event  the  officer’s 
employment is terminated by the Company without cause. In the event of the officer’s involuntary termination without cause 
prior to a change in control of the Company (as defined in the employment agreement), each officer other than Mr. Burke 
would receive 24 months base pay. Mr. Burke would receive 36 months base pay. Such severance would be made in periodic 
installments and is conditioned upon the officer executing a release and waiver of claims in favor of the Company. 

In the event of involuntary termination without cause within 12 months after a change in control of the Company, 
each officer other than Mr. Burke would receive 12 months base pay. Mr. Burke would receive 24 months base pay. Such 
severance would be made in a single lump sum and is conditioned upon the officer executing a release and waiver of claims 
in favor of the Company. 

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PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
As a condition of entering into the employment agreement, each officer has agreed not to divulge any confidential 
information during his or her employment or to solicit the Company’s employees or customers for a period of 12 months (24 
months in the case of Mr. Burke) following the officer’s termination of employment. 

On June 1, 2016, the Company entered into incentive compensation arrangements with respect to bonuses payable 

to NEOs in 2017 for the calendar year 2016, which are further discussed below.  

The Compensation Committee approved an incentive compensation plan for Mr. Burke, the Company’s CEO, for 
2016. Pursuant to this plan, a maximum amount of 50% of base pay may be paid to Mr. Burke, with the amount of bonus 
being based on three possible levels of incentive awards: threshold (25%); target (50%); and maximum (100%). One hundred 
percent of the bonus amount will be paid in cash. For any amount to be paid, the threshold level of performance must be 
achieved. The four performance measurements of the Company (and the weight given to each measurement) applicable to 
each award level are as follows: (i) revenue growth (20%); (ii) net interest margin (20%); (iii) pre-tax net income (40%); and 
(iv) non-performing assets to average total assets (20%). Certain criteria, however, must be satisfied before an award is paid 
under this plan.  

The  Compensation  Committee  approved  an  incentive  compensation  arrangement  with respect  to  Mr. Peters,  the 
Company’s CFO, for 2016. Pursuant to this plan, a maximum amount of 50% of base pay may be paid to Mr. Peters, with 
the amount of bonus being based on three possible levels of incentive awards: threshold (25%); target (50%); and maximum 
(100%).  One  hundred  percent  of  the  bonus  amount  will  be  paid  in  cash.  For  any  amount  to  be  paid  under  this  plan,  the 
threshold level of performance must be achieved. The four performance measurements of the Company (and the weight given 
to each measurement) applicable to each award level are as follows: (i) revenue growth (30%); (ii) net interest margin (20%); 
(iii) efficiency ratio (20%); and (iv) pre-tax net income (30%). Certain criteria, however, must be satisfied before an award 
is paid under this plan.  

The Compensation Committee approved an incentive compensation arrangement with respect to Ms. Robeson, the 
Company’s COO, for 2016. Pursuant to this plan, a maximum amount of 50% of base pay may be paid to Ms. Robeson, with 
the amount of bonus being based on three possible levels of incentive awards: threshold (25%); target (50%); and maximum 
(100%).  One  hundred  percent  of  the  bonus  amount  will  be  paid  in  cash.  For  any  amount  to  be  paid  under  this  plan,  the 
threshold level of performance must be achieved. The four performance measurements of the Company (and the weight given 
to each measurement) applicable to each award level are as follows: (i) revenue growth (30%); (ii) net interest margin (20%); 
(iii) efficiency ratio (20%); and (iv) pre-tax net income (30%). Certain criteria, however, must be satisfied before an award 
is paid under this plan.  

The  Compensation  Committee  approved  an  incentive  compensation  arrangement  with  respect  to  Ms.  Biser,  the 
Company’s CCO, for 2016. Pursuant to this plan, a maximum amount of 50% of base pay may be paid to Ms. Biser, with the 
amount of bonus being based on three possible levels of incentive awards: threshold (25%); target (50%); and maximum 
(100%).  One  hundred  percent  of  the  bonus  amount  will  be  paid  in  cash.  For  any  amount  to  be  paid  under  this  plan,  the 
threshold level of performance must be achieved. The four performance measurements of the Company (and the weight given 
to each measurement) applicable to each award level are as follows: (i) revenue growth (20%); (ii) net interest margin (20%); 
(iii) pre-tax net income (30%); and (iv) non-performing assets to average total assets (30%). Certain criteria, however, must 
be satisfied before an award is paid under this plan. 

On June 27, 2016, the Compensation Committee approved an incentive compensation arrangement with respect to 
Mr. Puls, the Company’s CLO, for 2016. Pursuant to this plan, a maximum amount of 25% of base pay may be paid to Mr. 
Puls, with the amount of bonus being based on three possible levels of incentive awards; threshold (25%); target (50%); and 
maximum (100%). One hundred percent of the bonus amount will be paid in cash. For any amount to be paid under this plan, 
the threshold level of performance must be achieved. The three performance measurements of the Company (and the weight 
given to each measurement) applicable to each award level are as follows: (i) net loan growth (33.33%), (ii) commercial 
deposit growth (33.33%), and (iii) pre-tax net income (33.33%). Certain criteria, however, must be satisfied before an award 
is paid under this plan. 

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PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End 2016 

The  following  table  summarizes  the  option  and  stock  awards  the  Company  has  made  to  the  NEOs  which  were 

outstanding as of December 31, 2016.  

OPTION AWARDS 

STOCK AWARDS 

Equity 
Incentive 
Plan Awards: 
Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Unearned 
Options  
(#)  

Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Awards: 
Number of 
Unearned 
Shares, Units 
or Other Rights 
That Have Not 
Vested (#)  

Option 
Exercise
Price  

Option 
Expiration 
Date  

  Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options (#) 
Exercisable 

    Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options (#) 
Unexercisable

Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Awards: 
Market or 
Payout Value  
Unearned of  
Shares, Units 
or Other 
Rights That 
Have Not  
Vested ($)(6)  
276,039  

10,000      
10,000      
5,000      

1,500      
5,000      
-     

-     
-     
-     

-     
-     
-     

-   $  28.43    1/3/2017       
-      28.78    1/2/2018       
-      28.78    1/2/2018       

-     
-     
-     

5.40    2/9/2019       
5.08    1/4/2020       
-      

-     

13,033 (2)   $ 

6,760 (3)   $ 

143,177  

4,771 (4)   $ 

101,050  

8,668 (5)   $ 

183,588  

Name and  
Principal Position 
Shaun A. Burke 
President/CEO(1)     
Carter Peters 
EVP/CFO 
Sheri Biser 
EVP/CCO 
Robin Robeson 
EVP/COO 

(1) 

(2) 
(3) 
(4) 
(5) 
(6) 

Shares of stock purchased pursuant to options granted to Mr. Burke in 2005 (20,000 shares) are subject to a 5-year 
holding period upon vesting and exercise, unless the employment relationship between the Company and him is
terminated. 
Restricted stock awards vest as follows: 5,543 – 2/4/17; 4,300 – 2/2/18; 3,190 – 2/25/19  
Restricted stock awards vest as follows: 1,927 – 2/4/17; 2,433 – 2/2/18; 2,400 – 2/25/19  
Restricted stock awards vest as follows: 2,247 – 2/4/17; 1,379 – 2/2/18; 1,145 – 2/25/19  
Restricted stock awards vest as follows: 2,946 – 2/3/17; 3,189 – 2/2/18; 2,533 – 2/25/19  
Represents aggregate unvested stock awards at a per share price of $21.18 

Directors’ Compensation  

During 2016, each non-employee member of the Board received cash compensation from the Bank of $830 per 
each Bank board meeting attended, payable monthly. In addition to the cash compensation, each non-employee member of 
the  Board  receives  equity  compensation  from  the  Company.  Directors  will  receive  fees  for  committee  memberships  or 
attendance at committee meetings comprised of $200 per meeting for the Executive, Audit and Compensation Committees 
and $125 per meeting for any other committee. The Chairman of the Board, receives an additional $340 monthly fee. The 
Chairman of each of the Audit, Building and Compensation Committees receives an additional $170 monthly fee in addition 
to the regular per meeting fee. 

Directors may participate in the Company’s 2015 Equity Plan. During fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, restricted 
stock awards of 1,167, 1,183, and 1,606, respectively, were granted to each independent, non-employee director to provide 
equity compensation from the Company. Annual equity compensation is determined at the discretion of the Compensation 
Committee.  

16 

PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
 
    
  
   
   
   
    
  
  
  
   
   
    
   
   
      
        
        
       
       
         
  
       
  
   
   
   
    
   
   
      
        
        
       
       
         
  
       
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
The following table sets forth information with respect to the compensation received in fiscal years 2016 2015, and 

2014 for serving as a director of the Company and the Bank. 

Name 

Don Gibson 

Jack Barham 

James Batten 

Kurt Hellweg 

Gregory Ostergren 

Tim Rosenbury 

James Sivils 

John Griesemer 

David Moore 

Greg Horton 

Year 
2016 
2015 
2014 
2016 
2015 
2014 
2016 
2015 
2014 
2016 
2015 
2014 
2016 
2015 
2014 
2016 
2015 
2014 
2016 
2015 
2014 
2016 
2015 
2014 
2016 
2015 
2014 
2016 
2015 
2014 

Fees Earned  
or Paid in Cash ($)  

Stock Awards  
($)(1)  

Total  
Compensation ($)  

  $ 

5,975     $ 
14,620       
11,615       
-      
-      
875       
14,430       
12,355       
12,640       
15,150       
12,695       
12,000       
-      
-      
4,450       
14,045       
12,740       
11,175       
12,685       
12,870       
10,800       
13,085       
13,425       
10,975       
11,800       
13,080       
4,700       
7,870       
-      
-      

17,505     $ 
17,497       
17,505       
-      
-      
-      
17,505       
17,497       
17,505       
17,505       
17,497       
17,505       
-      
-      
17,505       
17,505       
17,497       
17,505       
17,505       
17,497       
17,505       
17,505       
17,497       
17,505       
17,505       
17,497       
-      
17,505       
-      
-      

23,480   
32,117   
29,120   
-  
-  
875   
31,935   
29,852   
30,145   
32,655   
30,192   
29,505   
-  
-  
21,955   
31,550   
30,237   
28,680   
30,190   
30,367   
28,305   
30,590   
30,922   
28,480   
29,305   
30,577   
4,700   
25,375   
-  
-  

(1)  This column represents equity compensation from the Company and is the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted
stock awards granted under the 2015 Equity Plan and 2010 Equity Plan. The compensation for 2016 per director of
$17,505 represents 1,167 shares granted at a per share price of $15.00. The compensation for 2015 per director of
$17,497 represents 1,183 shares granted at a per share price of $14.79. The compensation for 2014 per director of
$17,505 represents 1,606 shares granted at a per share price of $10.90.  

17 

PROXY STATEMENT  
  
    
    
  
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Indebtedness of Management and Directors and Transactions with Certain Related Persons 

Loans made to a director or executive officer in excess of the greater of $25,000 or 5% of the Company’s capital 
and surplus (up to a maximum of $500,000) must be approved in advance by a majority of the disinterested members of the 
Board of Directors. The Bank, like other financial institutions, provides loans to its officers, directors, and employees to 
purchase or refinance personal residences as well as consumer loans. As an additional benefit to eligible Bank directors and 
employees,  the  Bank  offers  an  employee  mortgage  loan  program  (the  “Loan  Program”).  The  Loan  Program  provides 
mortgage loans at favorable interest rates, namely a one-year adjustable rate mortgage priced at the Bank’s cost of funds with 
a 1% floor. The purpose of the loan must be to purchase or refinance a primary or secondary residence (i.e., no investment 
properties). All full-time employees that have completed the 30-day probation period are eligible to participate in this Loan 
Program. Underwriting includes standard application and financial disclosures, which must qualify to standard secondary 
market requirements. The borrower is responsible for all third party closing costs. Payments must be automatically deducted 
from an account maintained at the Bank. The index rate is the Bank’s all-in cost of funds with a 1% floor. The index will be 
the last month-end calculation within 45 days prior to closing. The maximum adjustment per year is 2% with a 6% lifetime 
maximum. Each loan has up to a 30-year note/amortization. If the borrower’s employment is terminated for reasons other 
than normal retirement, disability or death, or if the property securing the Note ceases to be the primary or secondary residence 
of the Employee, the interest rate will adjust to the rate that would have been in effect pursuant to the original provision of 
the Note. The payment will adjust the following month to amortize the outstanding balance of the Note using the new interest 
rate and the remaining term. Other than the interest rate with respect to the Loan Program, all loans provided under the Loan 
Program and any other loans provided to Directors and Executive Officers have been made in the ordinary course of business, 
on substantially the same terms and collateral as those of comparable transactions prevailing at the time, and, in the opinion 
of management of the Company, do not involve more than the normal  risk of collectability or present other unfavorable 
features. 

No Directors, Executive Officers or their affiliates had aggregate indebtedness to the Company or the Bank on below 
market rate loans exceeding the lesser of (i) $120,000 or (ii) one percent of the average of the Company’s total assets at year-
end for the last completed fiscal year, at any time since January 1, 2016 except as noted in the following table. 

Name 
The Burke Family Trust  
(Shaun A. Burke) 
Carter M. Peters 
Carter M. Peters 
Henry Charles Puls 
James R. Batten 
John F. Griesemer 
James L. Sivils III 
Kurt Hellwegg 
George Timothy Rosenbury 
Don M. Gibson 

Position 
President, CEO 
& Director 
EVP, CFO 
EVP, CFO 
EVP, CLO 
Director 
Director 
Director 
Director 
Director 
Director 

Largest Principal  
Amount  
Outstanding  
Since 01/01/16 

Principal  
Balance as of  
3/31/17 

Date of 
Loan 

Interest Rate  
at 3/31/17 

Type 

1/14/2011    $ 
  $ 
6/9/2008 
7/18/2016    $ 
8/22/2016    $ 
10/27/2008   $ 
  $ 
5/9/2016 
  $ 
6/1/2014 
8/14/2008    $ 
6/19/2008    $ 
9/12/2008    $ 

247,278     $ 
439,161     $ 
-    $ 
-     $ 
431,552     $ 
-    $ 
382,720     $ 
789,927     $ 
159,747     $ 
148,821      $ 

236,408       
-      
353,980       
350,899       
410,475       
861,063       
368,120       
751,030       
142,470       
-      

1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 
1.00% 

   Home Mortgage 
   Home Mortgage 
   Home Mortgage 
   Home Mortgage 
   Home Mortgage 
   Home Mortgage 
   Home Mortgage 
   Home Mortgage 
   Home Mortgage 
   Home Mortgage 

18 

PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
  
 
 
ADVISORY (NON-BINDING) VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

SECOND PROPOSAL 

Background of the Proposal 

The  Dodd-Frank  Wall  Street  Reform  and  Consumer  Protection  Act  of  2010  (the  “Dodd-Frank  Act”)  and 
corresponding SEC rules enable the Company’s stockholders to vote to approve, on an advisory and non-binding basis, the 
compensation of Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement in accordance with SEC rules. 
As a result, the following proposal will be presented at the Annual Meeting in the form of the following resolution: 

Proposal 

RESOLVED, that the stockholders approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, as 
disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, and the compensation tables (together with the accompanying 
narrative disclosure) and related material in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting. 

Effect of Proposal 

As  provided  under  the  SEC  rules,  this  vote  will  not  be  binding  on  the  Company’s  Board  of  Directors  or  the 
Compensation Committee and may not be construed as overruling a decision by the Board or as creating or implying any 
additional fiduciary duty of the Board. Further, the vote shall not affect any compensation paid or awarded to any executive. 
The Compensation Committee and the Board may, however, take into account the outcome of the vote when considering 
future executive compensation arrangements. 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE 

PROPOSAL ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE 

The Audit Committee of the Board is composed of four directors. The Board has determined that each of these 
directors  is  independent  under  the  Marketplace  Rules  of  Nasdaq.  In  particular,  each  of  these  directors  is  independent  as 
defined under Rule 5605(a)(2) and qualified pursuant to Rule 5605(c)(2)(A). The Board has also determined that Mr. Moore 
qualifies as an Audit Committee Financial Expert as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC. Only this paragraph of 
the Report of the Audit Committee shall be incorporated by reference into the Company’s Annual Report on form 10-K filed 
with the SEC under the Exchange Act, notwithstanding the incorporation by reference of this Report of the Audit Committee 
into such filing. 

The primary duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee are to (i) monitor the Company’s financial reporting 
process  and  systems  of  internal  control,  (ii)  monitor  the  independence  and  performance  of  the  Company’s  independent 
registered public accounting firm and internal auditors, and (iii) assure that management, the Board of Directors, the internal 
auditors and the independent auditors have the opportunity to communicate with one another. 

19 

PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
The Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements with management and has 
discussed with BKD, LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm matters required to be discussed 
by Auditing Standard No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees. 

The  Audit  Committee  has  also  received  the  written  disclosures  and  the  letter  from  BKD,  LLP,  the  Company’s 
independent registered public accounting firm, required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting 
Oversight  Board  regarding  the  independent  accountant’s  communications  with  the  Audit  Committee  concerning 
independence.  The  Audit  Committee  has  discussed  with  the  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm  that  firm’s 
independence.  The  Audit  Committee  has  considered  whether  the  provision  of  non-audit  services  is  compatible  with 
maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has concluded that 
the independent registered public accounting firm is independent from the Company. 

Based upon the Audit Committee’s discussions and review described above, the Audit Committee recommended to 
the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 for filing with the SEC.  

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE 
David T. Moore                                                Greg A. Horton 
Kurt D. Hellweg                                              James R. Batten           

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 

During  the  calendar  years  ended  December  31,  2016  and  December  31,  2015,  BKD,  LLP,  the  Company’s 
independent  registered  public  accounting  firm  during  these  periods,  provided  various  audit,  audit  related  and  non-audit 
services, including tax, to the Company. Set forth below are the aggregate fees billed for these services during these periods 
and a brief description of such services: 

(a)  Audit fees: Aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for the audits of the Company’s annual financial
statements and reviews of quarterly financial statements were $154,345 for the calendar year ended December 31,
2016 and $146,980 for the calendar year ended December 31, 2015. 

(b)  Audit-related fees: Aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services rendered and consultation on accounting
matters not otherwise reported in (a) above were $4,070 for the calendar year ended December 31, 2016 and $13,180 
for the calendar year ended December 31, 2015. 

(c)  Tax  fees:  Aggregate  fees  billed  for  professional  services  rendered  related  to  tax  compliance,  tax  advice  and  tax
planning were $23,000 for the calendar year ended December 31, 2016 and $22,800 for the calendar year ended
December 31, 2015. 

(d)  All  other  fees:  Aggregate  fees  billed  for  all  other  professional  services,  including  compliance  work  and  ESOP
services,  were  $1,410  for  the  calendar  year  ended  December  31,  2016,  and  $6,605  for  the  calendar  year  ended
December 31, 2015. 

The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided by BKD, LLP and 
the estimated fees for these services. There are no other specific policies or procedures relating to the pre-approval of services 
performed by BKD, LLP. The Audit Committee considered whether the audit and non-audit services rendered by BKD, LLP 
were compatible with maintaining BKD, LLP’s independence as auditors of our financial statements. 

20 

PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
THIRD PROPOSAL  

RATIFICATION OF BKD, LLP AS  

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

The independent registered public accounting firm for the period ended December 31, 2016 for the Company and 
its subsidiary, the Bank, was BKD, LLP. In accordance with its charter, the Audit Committee has selected and appointed 
BKD,  LLP  to  continue  as  the  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm  of  the  Company  for  the  fiscal  year  ending 
December 31, 2017. As part of good corporate practice, the Audit Committee and the Company’s Board of Directors are 
requesting that its stockholders ratify such appointment. The Audit Committee is not required to take any action as a result 
of the outcome of the vote on this proposal. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment, however, the Audit Committee 
may investigate the reasons for stockholder rejection and may consider whether to retain BKD, LLP or to appoint another 
independent registered public accounting firm. 

A representative of BKD, LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting. The representative will have an opportunity 

to make a statement, if so desired, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR 
THE  RATIFICATION  OF  THE  APPOINTMENT  OF  BKD,  LLP  AS  THE  COMPANY’S  INDEPENDENT 
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2017. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Board of Directors is not aware of any business to come before the Annual Meeting other than those matters 
described  above  in  this  Proxy  Statement.  However,  if  any  other  matters  should  properly  come  before  the  meeting,  it  is 
intended that proxies in the accompanying form that are received from stockholders will be voted in respect thereof in the 
discretion of the persons named in the accompanying proxy. If the Company did not have notice of a matter on or before 
May 1, 2017, it is expected that the persons named in the accompanying proxy will exercise discretionary authority when 
voting on that matter. 

It is anticipated that the Company’s annual report to stockholders for the period ended December 31, 2016, including 
financial statements, will be mailed on April 24, 2017, together with this Proxy Statement, to all stockholders of record as of 
the Record Date. Any stockholder who has not received a copy of the annual report may obtain a copy by writing to the 
Secretary of the Company at the Company’s address as provided at the end of the next section of this Proxy Statement. 

If a stockholder and other residents at the same mailing address own Common Stock in street name, the broker or 
bank may have sent the stockholder a notice that his or her household will receive only one annual report and proxy statement 
for each company in which they hold shares through that broker or bank. This practice of sending only one copy of proxy 
materials  is  known  as  “householding.”  If  the  stockholder  did  not  respond  that  he  or  she  did  not  want  to  participate  in 
householding, he or she was deemed to have consented to the process. If the foregoing procedures apply, the broker has sent 
one copy of the annual report and this Proxy Statement to such address. However, even if the broker has sent only one copy 
of these proxy materials, each stockholder in the household should receive a proxy card. If a stockholder wishes to revoke 
his or her consent to householding, or to request householding if a household is receiving multiple copies of the Company’s 
proxy statement and annual report, the stockholder must contact his or her broker, bank or other nominee. 

21 

PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS 

In order to be eligible for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials for next year’s annual meeting of stockholders, 
any stockholder proposal to take action at such meeting must be received at the Company’s executive offices at 1341 W. 
Battlefield, Springfield, Missouri 65807-4181, no later than December 25, 2017. 

In the event the Company receives notice of a stockholder proposal to take action at next year’s annual meeting of 
stockholders that is not submitted for inclusion in the Company’s proxy material, or is submitted for inclusion but is properly 
excluded from the proxy material, the persons named in the proxy sent by the Company to its stockholders intend to exercise 
their  discretion  to  vote  on  the  stockholder  proposal  if  notice  of  such  proposal  is  received  at  the  Company’s  main  office 
between 60 days and 30 days prior to the meeting. If next year’s annual meeting is held on May 23 2018, then stockholder 
proposals  would  have  to  be  delivered  to  the  Company  between  March  24,  2018  and  April  23,  2018.  The  Company’s 
Certificate of Incorporation provides that if notice of a stockholder proposal to take action at next year’s annual meeting is 
not received at the Company’s main office between 60 days and 30 days prior to the meeting, the proposal will not be eligible 
for presentation at that meeting. However, if less than 31 days’ notice of the annual meeting is provided by the Company, a 
stockholder’s proposal would have to be received no later than 10 days after notice was mailed to the stockholders by the 
Company for that meeting. 

A COPY OF THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K (INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS)  FOR  THE  PERIOD  ENDED  DECEMBER  31,  2016,  AS  FILED  WITH  THE  SEC,  WILL  BE 
FURNISHED  WITHOUT  CHARGE  TO  STOCKHOLDERS  AS  OF  THE  RECORD  DATE  UPON  WRITTEN 
REQUEST  TO  VICKI  LINDSAY,  SECRETARY,  GUARANTY  FEDERAL  BANCSHARES,  INC.,  1341  WEST 
BATTLEFIELD, SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI 65807-4181. 

Dated: April 24, 2017 

22 

PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
GUARANTY FEDERAL BANCSHARES, INC.  
Nominating Committee Charter 

APPENDIX A 

Purpose 

The  Nominating  Committee  (the  “Committee”)  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Board  of  Directors  (the  “Board”)  of 
Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. (the “Corporation”) for the  purpose of (i) identifying individuals qualified to serve as 
Board members, consistent with criteria approved by the Board; (ii) recommending to the Board the director nominees for 
election or appointment to the Board of Directors; and (iii) recommending to the Board director nominees for each committee. 

Committee Composition and Meetings 

The Committee shall be comprised of three or more directors (including a chairperson) as appointed by the Board, 
each of whom shall be an independent director as defined by the NASDAQ Stock Market (the “NASDAQ”) listing standards 
and  each  of  whom  shall  be  free  from  any  relationship  that  would  interfere  with  the  exercise  of  his  or  her  independent 
judgment. The Board shall have the power at any time to change or replace the membership of the Committee and to fill 
vacancies, subject to the qualification requirements of this Charter. The Committee chairperson shall be designated by the 
Board, or if the Board chooses not to do so, by a majority vote of the Committee.  

The Committee shall meet at least two times annually or more frequently as circumstances dictate. The Committee 
will cause to be kept adequate minutes of all its proceedings, will report its actions at the next meeting of the Board and will 
file the Committee minutes with the minutes of the meeting of the Board. Committee members will be furnished with copies 
of the minutes of each meeting and any action taken by unanimous consent. The Committee is governed by the same rules 
regarding  meetings  (including  meetings  by  conference  telephone  or  similar  communications  equipment),  action  without 
meetings, notice, waiver of notice, and quorum and voting requirements as are applicable to the Board. The Committee is 
authorized and empowered to adopt its own rules of procedure not inconsistent with (a) any provision of this Charter, (b) any 
provision of the Bylaws of the Corporation, or (c) the laws of the state of Delaware. 

Committee Authority, Responsibilities and Process 

The Committee shall have the following authority and responsibilities: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

Recommend  to  the  Board  the  appropriate  size  of  the  Board  and  assist  in  identifying,  interviewing  and
recruiting candidates for the Board. 

Access  to  the  Corporation’s  resources  and  to  request  that  any  directors,  officers  or  employees  of  the
Corporation, or other persons whose advice and counsel are sought by the Committee, attend any meeting
of the Committee to provide such pertinent information as the Committee requests. 

Recommend  candidates  (including  incumbents)  for  election  and  appointment  to  the  Board  of  Directors,
subject to the provisions set forth in the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws relating to
the nomination or appointment of directors, based on the following criteria: business experience, education,
integrity and reputation, independence, conflicts of interest, diversity, age, number of other directorships
and  commitments  (including  charitable  obligations),  tenure  on  the  Board,  attendance  at  Board  and
committee  meetings,  stock  ownership,  specialized  knowledge  (such  as  an  understanding  of  banking,
accounting,  marketing,  finance,  regulation  and  public  policy)  and  a  commitment  to  the  Corporation’s
communities and shared values, as well as overall experience in the context of the needs of the Board as a
whole.  The  Committee  shall  monitor  the  mix  of  skills  and  experience  of  its  directors  and  committee 
members in order to assess whether the Board has the appropriate tools to perform its oversight function
effectively. 

23 

PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Taking this into account, for each year’s nominations the Committee will take the following steps: 

a. 

b. 

With  respect  to  nominating  existing  directors,  the  Committee  will  review  relevant  information
available  to  it  and  assess  their  continued  ability  and  willingness  to  serve  as  a  director.  The
Committee will also assess such person’s contribution in light of the mix of skills and experience
the Committee has deemed appropriate for the Board. 

With respect to nominations of new directors, the Committee will conduct a thorough search to
identify candidates based upon criteria the Committee deems appropriate and considering the mix
of skills and experience necessary to complement existing Board members. The Committee will
then review selected candidates and make a recommendation to the Board. The Committee may
seek input from other Board members or senior management in identifying candidates. 

Conduct  or  authorize  studies  of  or  investigations  into  matters  within  the  Committee’s  scope  of
responsibilities, and may retain, at the Corporation’s expense, such counsel or other advisers as it deems
necessary  (which  may,  if  the  Committee  deems  it  appropriate,  be  the  Corporation’s  legal  counsel,
accountants or other advisers). The Committee shall have the authority to retain or terminate one or more
search  firms  to  assist  the  Committee  in  identifying  director  candidates  and  otherwise  carrying  out  its
responsibilities, including sole authority to approve the search firm’s fees and retention terms, which fees
shall be borne by the Corporation. 

Review nominations submitted by stockholders, which have been addressed to the corporate secretary, and
which  comply  with  the  requirements  of  the  Corporation’s  Certificate  of  Incorporation  and  Bylaws.
Nominations  from  stockholders  will  be  considered  and  evaluated  using  the  same  criteria  as  all  other
nominations. 

Annually (i) recommend to the Board committee assignments and committee chairs on all committees of
the Board, and recommend committee members to fill vacancies on committees as necessary, and (ii) review
and reassess the adequacy of this Charter and recommend any proposed changes to the Board for approval.

Form and delegate authority to subcommittees when appropriate. 

Perform any other duties or responsibilities expressly delegated to the Committee by the Board. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

24 

PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE CHARTER 

APPENDIX B 

PURPOSE 

The Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) and Guaranty Bank 
(the “Bank”) is responsible for human resource policies, salaries and benefits, compensation arrangements and executive 
development.  

COMPOSITION 

Committee members shall be elected by the Board of Directors annually. The membership of the Committee shall consist of 
at least three or more directors, each of whom shall satisfy the definition of independent director as defined in any qualitative 
listing requirements for NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. issuers and any applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules 
and regulations. The Committee shall maintain free and open communication with Bank management. The Committee may 
retain outside counsel and other advisors as it determines necessary to carry out its duties. The Committee shall have sole 
authority to approve related fees and retention terms.  

ORGANIZATION 

One member of the Committee shall be appointed as chair by the Board of Directors on an annual basis. The chair shall be 
responsible  for  leadership  of  the  Committee,  including  scheduling  and  presiding  over  meetings,  preparing  agendas,  and 
making regular reports to the Board. The chair will also maintain regular liaison with Bank management. The Committee 
shall meet at least semi-annually, or more frequently as the Committee considers necessary. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES 

The general recurring activities of the Committee in carrying out its oversight role are described below. The duties specified 
below are not intended to limit the scope of activities of the Committee. The Committee shall have the following authority 
and responsibilities: 

●  Establish  and  provide  oversight  regarding  the  Bank’s  compensation  and  benefit  plans  and  approve  changes  deemed 

appropriate and consistent with regulations and sound compensation principles and practices.  

●  Recommend adjustments to the compensation of the President/Chief Executive Officer based upon its assessment of
individual performance and the Bank’s performance, and make other recommendations, when appropriate, to the full
Board of Directors.  

●  Review and approve base salary and all incentive compensation payments for other officers or employees of the Bank as
designated by the Committee, taking into account corporate and individual performance, as well as peer group practices
and any other considerations the Committee deems appropriate.  

●  Establish  and  provide  oversight  of  all  incentive  compensation  plans  and  approve  changes  deemed  appropriate  and

consistent with regulations and sound compensation principles and practices.  

25 

PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
 
●  Serve as the administrative committee for the equity-based plans, which includes establishing, reviewing and approving
all short- and long-term performance goals used to grant equity-based compensation. Establish, approve and recommend
to  the  Stock  Option  Committee  the  grant  and  issuance  of  stock  options,  stock  awards,  and  other  equity  awards,
establishing purchase discounts for the Company’s stock purchase plans, interpreting plan provisions where necessary,
and performing other administrative duties as set forth in the plan documents or from time to time as deemed appropriate.

●  Establish, review and provide oversight of the Bank’s compensation philosophy and composition of the peer group used

for market comparison. 

●  Review and approve all employment contractual agreements, severance agreements, and change in control agreements

with Bank management. 

●  Review and elect, on behalf of the Board, individuals proposed by Management to hold the position of Executive Vice

President or equivalent position.  

●  Evaluate  director  compensation  and  recommend  to  the  full  Board  the  appropriate  level  of  director  compensation,

including compensation for service as a member or chair of a Board committee.  

●  Establish and periodically review stock ownership guidelines for directors and officers. 

●  Monitor the Bank’s compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other applicable laws,

regulations and rules relating to compensation arrangements for directors, CEO, and Executive Officers. 

●  Make an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in the Company’s annual proxy statement as required by

the rules or regulations promulgated by any Regulatory Authority. 

●  Report regularly to the Board on its activities with such recommendations and other matters as the Committee may deem

appropriate, so that the Board is informed of the Committee’s activities. 

●  Periodically, but no less than annually, review and assess the adequacy of this Charter to ensure compliance with any
rules or regulations promulgated by any Regulatory Authority and, when appropriate, recommend any modifications to
the Board for its approval. 

●  The Committee may, in its discretion, delegate any portion of its duties and responsibilities to a subcommittee of the 

Committee. 

RESOURCES AND AUTHORITY  

The Committee shall have the authority and resources appropriate to discharge its duties and responsibilities at the Bank’s 
expense, and may obtain advice from external legal, accounting, or other advisors. The Committee shall have the authority 
to select and retain consultants to assist in the evaluation of executive compensation, to terminate the services of any such 
consultant, and to approve the consultant’s fees and other retention terms, all at the Bank’s expense.  

26 

PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Ultimately, the Committee acting on behalf of the Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that the Bank’s incentive 
compensation  arrangements  for  all  covered  employees  --  not  solely  senior  executives  --  are  appropriately  balanced.  The 
Committee should receive data and analysis from Bank management or other sources that are sufficient to allow the board to 
assess whether the overall design and performance of the Bank’s incentive compensation arrangements are consistent with 
the Bank’s financial condition.  

In performing their responsibilities, Committee members are entitled to rely in good faith on information, opinions, reports 
or statements prepared or presented by:  

●  One or more officers or employees of the Bank whom the Committee member reasonably believes to be reliable and 

competent in the matters presented.  

●  Counsel, independent auditors, or other persons as to matters which the Committee member reasonably believes to

be within the professional or expert competence of such person. 

●  Another  committee  of  the  Board  as  to  matters  within  its  designated  authority  which  the  Committee  member

reasonably believes to merit confidence.  

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES  

The Committee recognizes that incentive compensation serves as a key tool to attract and retain skilled staff. As such, a goal 
of the Committee is to properly balance such compensation arrangements with prudent operations that do not encourage 
excessive risk-taking. In doing so, the Committee also recognizes the following three key principles for consideration in 
compensation arrangements: (1) incentive compensation arrangements at the Bank should provide employees incentives that 
appropriately  balance  risk  and  financial  results  in  a  manner  that  does  not  encourage  employees  to  expose  the  Bank  to 
imprudent  risk;  (2)  such  arrangements  should  be  compatible  with  effective  controls  and  risk-management;  and  (3)  these 
arrangements should be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the Board of 
Directors.  

To reinforce and support the development and maintenance of balanced incentive compensation arrangements, the Committee 
requires  that  appropriate  Bank  personnel,  including  risk  management,  have  input  in  the  design  and  assessment  of  such 
arrangements. Therefore, the Committee designates that the following members of Bank management should be involved in 
design recommendations, monitoring, and assessment of incentive compensation arrangements and payouts: 

●  President/Chief  Executive  Officer  &  Executive  Vice  President  Incentive  Plans:  President/Chief  Executive  Officer,

Director of Risk Management, and the Human Resources Director. 

●  Senior  Vice  Presidents,  Vice  Presidents,  Mortgage  Banking  Personnel,  Operations  Personnel  &  Other  Applicable
Personnel Incentive Plans: President/Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice Presidents, Director of Risk Management
and the Human Resources Director.  

These members of management are responsible for the design of incentive compensation plans as directed by the Committee. 
All incentive compensation plans and payments must be approved by the Committee prior to implementation. Additionally, 
upon approval and implementation these individuals will evaluate the effectiveness and success of the plans to be balanced 
from a risk and reward perspective and will provide feedback and/or make recommendations to the Committee based upon 
such evaluations. Furthermore, at the end of the incentive period, management will make recommendation for payout under 
the incentive plan to the Director of Risk Management for verification purposes. Once verification and eligibility of payout 
in  accordance  with  the  established  plan  has  been  conducted,  the  Director  of  Risk  Management  will  make  such 
recommendations for payment to the Committee. The Committee will review such recommendations and any other pertinent 
information in consideration of approved payments. 

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PROXY STATEMENT  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
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PROXY STATEMENTGuaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc.
2016 Annual Report

Board of Directors

Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. and Guaranty Bank

James R. Batten, CPA
Chairman of the Board
Chief Financial Officer
International Dehydrated Foods, Inc. 

Shaun A. Burke
President and CEO
Guaranty Federal Bancshares 
and Guaranty Bank

John F. Griesemer
Vice Chairmen of the Board
Executive Vice President and COO
Springfield Underground, Inc.

Kurt D. Hellweg
Chairman 
International Dehydrated Foods, Inc. 
and American Dehydrated Foods, Inc.

Greg A. Horton
Chief Executive Officer
Integrity Pharmacy and 
Integrity Home Care

David T. Moore
President and CEO
Paul Mueller Company

Tim Rosenbury, AIA
Executive Vice President 
and Chairman, Butler, 
Rosenbury & Partners, Inc.

James L. Sivils, III, JD
CEO, Environmental Works, Inc.

Executive Officers

Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. and Guaranty Bank

Shaun A. Burke
President,  
Chief Executive Officer

Carter M. Peters
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer

Robin E. Robeson
Executive Vice President,
Chief Operating Officer

H. Charles Puls
Executive Vice President,
Chief Lending Officer

Sheri D. Biser
Executive Vice President,
Chief Credit Officer

SPRINGFIELD:
1341 West Battlefield
2109 North Glenstone
4343 South National
1905 West Kearney
1510 East Sunshine
2155 West Republic

NIXA:
709 West Mount Vernon
291 East Hwy CC

OZARK:
1701 West State Hwy J

LOAN PRODUCTION OFFICES:
2639 East 32nd Street, Joplin
1100 Spur Dr. Ste. 15, Marshfield

417.520.4333  /  gbankmo.com