Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

[Mark One]

[Mark One]

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021

 

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 0-32637

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Iowa42-1039071
(State of Incorporation)(I. R. S. Employer
 Identification Number)

 

405 Fifth Street

Ames, Iowa 50010

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (515) 232-6251

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common stock

ATLO

NASDAQ

 

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 ☒  No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this Chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒   No ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☐Accelerated filer ☐Non-accelerated filer ☒Smaller reporting company ☒Emerging growth company ☐

Large accelerated filer ☐      Accelerated filer ☐       Non-accelerated filer ☒       Smaller reporting company ☒       Emerging growth company ☐

 

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

 

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

 

As of April 30,October 29, 2021, there were 9,122,7479,092,167 shares of common stock, par value $2, outstanding.

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATIONINDEX

 

INDEX
  Page
   
PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)3
   
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020

3
   
 Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 20204
   
 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 20205
   
 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 20206
   
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 20207
   
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements9
   
Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations2730
   
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk4652
   
Item 4.Controls and Procedures4753
   
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.Legal Proceedings4753
   
Item 1.A.Risk Factors4753
   
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds4754
   
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities4754
   
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures4754
   
Item 5.Other Information4754
   
Item 6.Exhibits4755
   
 Signatures4956

                                                                                                                                                                                            

2

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 
 

2021

 

2020

 
 

March 31,

 

December 31,

  

(unaudited)

 

(audited)

 

ASSETS

 

2021

 

2020

     
     

Cash and due from banks

 $23,557  $24,819  $25,607  $24,819 

Interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions and federal funds sold

 227,159  166,704  122,786  166,704 

Securities available-for-sale

 672,344  596,999  765,423  596,999 

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) stock, at cost

 3,427  3,148  3,424  3,148 

Loans receivable, net

 1,120,211  1,129,505  1,126,059  1,129,505 

Loans held for sale

 598  1,621  378  1,621 

Bank premises and equipment, net

 17,049  17,340  16,929  17,340 

Accrued income receivable

 10,014  11,143  11,178  11,143 

Other real estate owned

 227  218 

Bank-owned life insurance

 2,933  2,916  2,968  2,916 

Deferred income taxes, net

 1,134  0  725  0 

Intangible assets, net

 2,973  3,133  2,654  3,133 

Goodwill

 12,424  12,424  12,424  12,424 

Other assets

  5,786  5,678   5,841  5,896 
      

Total assets

 $2,099,836  $1,975,648  $2,096,396  $1,975,648 
      

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

            
      

LIABILITIES

      

Deposits

      

Noninterest-bearing checking

 $368,971  $349,500  $373,883  $349,500 

Interest-bearing checking

 583,803  528,796  585,056  528,796 

Savings and money market

 643,335  581,224  654,345  581,224 

Time, $250 and over

 54,860  60,019  44,641  60,019 

Other time

  191,786  196,907   178,783  196,907 

Total deposits

 1,842,755  1,716,446  1,836,708  1,716,446 
      

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 41,421  37,293  36,277  37,293 

FHLB advances

 3,000  3,000  3,000  3,000 

Dividends payable

 2,366  0 

Deferred income taxes, net

 0  1,731  0  1,731 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

  8,307  7,691   7,665  7,691 

Total liabilities

  1,895,483  1,766,161   1,886,016  1,766,161 
      

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

      

Common stock, $2 par value, authorized 18,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 9,122,747 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020

 18,245  18,245 

Common stock, $2 par value, authorized 18,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 9,098,144 and 9,122,747 as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively

 18,196  18,245 

Additional paid-in capital

 17,002  17,002  16,480  17,002 

Retained earnings

 161,959  158,217  167,443  158,217 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

  7,147  16,023   8,261  16,023 

Total stockholders' equity

  204,353  209,487   210,380  209,487 
      

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $2,099,836  $1,975,648  $2,096,396  $1,975,648 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

Three Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 
 

March 31,

  

September 30,

 

September 30,

 
 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

 
      

Interest and dividend income:

      

Loans, including fees

 $11,984  $12,587  $12,530  $12,865  $36,641  $38,022 

Securities:

      

Taxable

 1,989  1,821  2,256  1,986  6,457  5,725 

Tax-exempt

 844  910  725  892  2,392  2,756 

Other interest and dividend income

  178  517   168  175  515  888 

Total interest income

  14,995  15,835   15,679  15,918  46,005  47,391 
      

Interest expense:

      

Deposits

 1,294  2,650  993  1,719  3,411  6,267 

Other borrowed funds

  37  139   34  39  106  238 

Total interest expense

  1,331  2,789   1,027  1,758  3,517  6,505 
      

Net interest income

 13,664  13,046  14,652  14,160  42,488  40,886 
      

Provision (credit) for loan losses

  (426) 2,316   (94) 541  (540) 4,424 
      

Net interest income after provision (credit) for loan losses

  14,090  10,730   14,746  13,619  43,028  36,462 
      

Noninterest income:

      

Wealth management income

 932  862  1,147  1,037  3,224  2,808 

Service fees

 333  441  385  381  1,065  1,127 

Securities gains, net

 0  386  24  0  24  430 

Gain on sale of loans held for sale

 504  267  429  647  1,313  1,486 

Merchant and card fees

 464  426  488  460  1,508  1,296 

Other noninterest income

  273  249   200  271  681  708 

Total noninterest income

  2,506  2,631   2,673  2,796  7,815  7,855 
      

Noninterest expense:

      

Salaries and employee benefits

 5,507  5,775  5,487  5,840  16,766  17,428 

Data processing

 1,372  1,191  1,307  1,210  3,989  3,737 

Occupancy expenses, net

 728  691  632  668  1,999  2,016 

FDIC insurance assessments

 139  0  154  136  441  186 

Professional fees

 396  344  396  408  1,307  1,149 

Business development

 237  264  344  307  835  753 

Intangible asset amortization

 160  217  159  216  479  650 

New market tax credit projects amortization

 160  145  160  145  479  436 

Other operating expenses, net

  307  423   258  362  1,022  1,086 

Total noninterest expense

  9,006  9,050   8,897  9,292  27,317  27,441 
      

Income before income taxes

 7,590  4,311  8,522  7,123  23,526  16,876��
      

Provision for income taxes

  1,567  756   1,808  1,451  4,910  3,222 
      

Net income

 $6,023  $3,555  $6,714  $5,672  $18,616  $13,654 
      

Basic and diluted earnings per share

 $0.66  $0.39  $0.74  $0.62  $2.04  $1.49 
      

Dividends declared per share

 $0.25  $0.25  $0.52  $0.25  $1.03  $0.50 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

Three Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 
 

March 31,

  

September 30,

 

September 30,

 
 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

 
      
      

Net income

 $6,023  $3,555  $6,714  $5,672  $18,616  $13,654 

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities before tax:

      

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

 (11,833) 870  (1,507) 1,995  (10,325) 15,595 

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income

  0  386   24  0  24  430 

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

 (11,833) 484  (1,531) 1,995  (10,349) 15,165 

Tax effect related to other comprehensive income (loss)

  2,957  (121)  383  (499) 2,587  (3,791)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

  (8,876) 363   (1,148) 1,496  (7,762) 11,374 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 $(2,853) $3,918 

Comprehensive income

 $5,566  $7,168  $10,854  $25,028 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020

 

     

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

  

Common Stock

  Additional Paid-in Retained 

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income, Net of

 

Total

Stockholders'

 
         Other    

Shares

 

Amount

  Capital Earnings Taxes Equity 
         Comprehensive Total  

Balance, June 30, 2020

 9,122,747  $18,245  $17,002  $151,910  $13,993  $201,150 

Net income

 -  0  0  5,672  0  5,672 

Other comprehensive income

 -  0  0  0  1,496  1,496 

Cash dividends declared, $0.25 per share

  -  0  0  (2,281) 0  (2,281)

Balance, September 30, 2020

  9,122,747  $18,245  $17,002  $155,301  $15,489  $206,037 
 

Common Stock

 Additional Paid- Retained Income, Net of Stockholders'  
 

Shares

 

Amount

  in Capital Earnings Taxes Equity  
             

Balance, December 31, 2019

 9,222,747  $18,445  $18,795  $146,224  $4,115  $187,579 

Net income

 -  0  0  3,555  0  3,555 

Other comprehensive income

 -  0  0  0  363  363 

Retirement of stock

 (34,153) (68) (639) 0  0  (707)

Cash dividends declared, $0.25 per share

  -  0  0  (2,297) 0  (2,297)

Balance, March 31, 2020

  9,188,594  $18,377  $18,156  $147,482  $4,478  $188,493 
             
             

Balance, December 31, 2020

 9,122,747  $18,245  $17,002  $158,217  $16,023  $209,487 

Balance, June 30, 2021

 9,122,747  $18,245  $17,002  $165,466  $9,409  $210,122 

Net income

 -  0  0  6,023  0  6,023  -  0  0  6,714  0  6,714 

Other comprehensive (loss)

 -  0  0  0  (8,876) (8,876) -  0  0  0  (1,148) (1,148)

Cash dividends declared, $0.25 per share

  -  0  0  (2,281) 0  (2,281)

Balance, March 31, 2021

  9,122,747  $18,245  $17,002  $161,959  $7,147  $204,353 

Repurchase and retirement of stock

 (24,603) (49) (522) 0  0  (571)

Cash dividends declared, $0.52 per share

  -  0  0  (4,737) 0  (4,737)

Balance, September 30, 2021

  9,098,144  $18,196  $16,480  $167,443  $8,261  $210,380 

  

Common Stock

  Additional Paid-in  Retained  

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss),

  

Total

Stockholders'

 
  

Shares

  

Amount

  Capital  Earnings  Net of Taxes  Equity 
                         

Balance, December 31, 2019

  9,222,747  $18,445  $18,794  $146,225  $4,115  $187,579 

Net income

  -   0   0   13,654   0   13,654 

Other comprehensive income

  -   0   0   0   11,374   11,374 

Repurchase and retirement of stock

  (100,000)  (200)  (1,792)  0   0   (1,992)

Cash dividends declared, $0.50 per share

  -   0   0   (4,578)  0   (4,578)

Balance, September 30, 2020

  9,122,747  $18,245  $17,002  $155,301  $15,489  $206,037 
                         
                         

Balance, December 31, 2020

  9,122,747  $18,245  $17,002  $158,217  $16,023  $209,487 

Net income

  -   0   0   18,616   0   18,616 

Other comprehensive (loss)

  -   0   0   0   (7,762)  (7,762)

Repurchase and retirement of stock

  (24,603)  (49)  (522)  0   0   (571)

Cash dividends declared, $1.03 per share

  -   0   0   (9,390)  0   (9,390)

Balance, September 30, 2021

  9,098,144  $18,196  $16,480  $167,443  $8,261  $210,380 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

6

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

(in thousands)

ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020

 

 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

 

2020

 
      

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Net income

 $6,023  $3,555  $18,616  $13,654 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Provision (credit) for loan losses

 (426) 2,316  (540) 4,424 

Provision for off-balance sheet commitments

 0  41 

Provision (credit) for off-balance sheet commitments

 (2) 51 

Amortization of securities, available-for-sale, loans and deposits, net

 489  (42) 1,909  559 

Amortization of intangible asset

 160  217 

Amortization of intangible assets

 479  650 

Depreciation

 356  349  1,032  1,084 

Deferred income taxes

 93  (639) 131  (942)

Securities (gains), net

 0  (386) (24) (430)

(Gain) on sales of loans held for sale

 (504) (267) (1,313) (1,486)

Proceeds from loans held for sale

 22,428  14,402  55,004  67,935 

Originations of loans held for sale

 (20,901) (12,266) (52,448) (66,469)

Amortization of investment in new markets tax credit projects

 160  145 

(Gain) on sale of other real estate owned, net

 0  (12)

Loss on sale and disposal of premises and equipment, net

 13  59 

Amortization of investment in New Markets Tax Credit projects

 479  436 

Impairment of other real estate owned

 83  0 

(Gain) loss on sale of other real estate owned, net

 1  (22)

Change in assets and liabilities:

      

Decrease in accrued income receivable

 1,129  1,541 

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 (224) 40 

Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities

  616  2,692 

(Increase) in accrued income receivable

 (35) (385)

Decrease in other assets

 377  441 

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities

  (24) 1,763 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  9,399  11,686   23,738  21,322 
      

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

      

Purchase of securities available-for-sale

 (113,635) (40,121) (282,379) (165,076)

Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale

 0  3,385  622  5,463 

Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available-for-sale

 25,680  27,665  100,573  104,636 

Purchase of FHLB stock

 (286) (117) (286) (1,148)

Proceeds from the redemption of FHLB stock

 7  95  10  1,133 

Net (increase) in interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions and federal funds sold

 (60,455) (27,519)

Net (increase) decrease in interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions and federal funds sold

 43,918  (10,695)

Net (increase) decrease in loans

 9,923  (33,437) 3,822  (114,713)

Net proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned

 0  2,303  7  3,415 

Purchase of bank premises and equipment

 (83) (225) (927) (852)

Cash paid for bank acquired

 0  (310) 0  (310)

Other

  (17) (16)  (52) (55)

Net cash (used in) investing activities

  (138,866) (68,297)  (134,692) (178,202)
      

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Increase in deposits

 126,358  59,387  120,353  167,337 

Increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 4,128  (416)

(Decrease) in securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 (1,016) (11,541)

Payments on FHLB borrowings

 0  (2,000) 0  (2,000)

Dividends paid

 (2,281) (2,213) (7,024) (6,791)

Stock repurchases

  0  (707)  (571) (1,992)

Net cash provided by financing activities

  128,205  54,051   111,742  145,013 
      

Net (decrease) in cash and due from banks

 (1,262) (2,560)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks

 788  (11,867)
      

CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

      

Beginning

  24,819  34,617   24,819  34,617 

Ending

 $23,557  $32,057  $25,607  $22,750 

 

7

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued) (unaudited)

(in thousands)

ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020

 

 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

 

2020

 
      

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

     

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW

 

INFORMATION

 

Cash payments for:

      

Interest

 $1,576  $3,110  $3,987  $7,134 

Income taxes

 70  0  4,327  3,987 
      

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

Transfer of loans receivable to other real estate owned

 $10  $0  $560  $11 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

8

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

1.

1.Significant Accounting Policies

 

The consolidated financial statements for the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 are unaudited. In the opinion of the management of Ames National Corporation (the "Company"), these financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly these consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for an entire year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in complete financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted in accordance with the requirements for interim financial statements. The interim financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the year-end audited financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “Annual Report”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned banking subsidiaries (the “Banks”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Goodwill: Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill resulting from acquisitions is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually or whenever events change and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has occurred. Goodwill is tested for impairment with an estimation of the fair value of a reporting unit.

 

The fair value of a reporting unit is the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As none of the Company’s reporting units are publicly traded, individual reporting unit fair value determinations cannot be directly correlated to the Company’s stock price. Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes developing cash flow projections, selecting appropriate discount rates, identifying relevant market comparables, incorporating general economic and market conditions and selecting an appropriate control premium. AtThe Company completed a quantitative assessment of goodwill as of MarchMay 31, 2021,2020 Company management has performed a goodwill impairment assessment and determinedwhich indicated that goodwill was not impaired. Subsequently, the Company determined there were no adverse changes in criteria and key considerations to the previous assessment. Accordingly, the Company concluded there is 0 impairment of goodwill as of September 30, 2021.

 

New and Pending Accounting Pronouncements: In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU requires an organization to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. Organizations will continue to use judgment to determine which loss estimation method is appropriate for their circumstances. Additionally, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. In October 2019, the FASB voted to approve amendments to the effective date of ASU No. 2016-13 for smaller reporting companies, as defined by the SEC, and other non-SEC reporting entities. The amendment delays the effective date for our Company until interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company continues collecting and retaining loan and credit data and evaluating various loss estimation models, along with refining the implementation of the software and its approach for determining the expected credit losses under the new guidance. The Company’s preliminary evaluation indicates the provisionsimpact of ASU No. 2016-13 are expected to impacton the Company’s financial statements.statements are unknown at this time due to economic uncertainty due to the pandemic. The Company is continuingwill continue to evaluate the extent of the potential impact.

 

9

 

 

2.

2.Dividends

 

On AprilJuly 14, 2021, the Company declared a cash dividend on its common stock, payable on May 14,August 13, 2021 to stockholders of record as of AprilJuly 30, 2021, equal to $0.26 per share; and on August 17, 2021, the Company declared a cash dividend on its common stock, payable on November 15, 2021 to stockholders of record as of November 1, 2021, equal to $0.26 per share.

 

 

3.

3.Earnings Per Share

 

Earnings per share amounts were calculated using the weighted average shares outstanding during the periods presented. The weighted average outstanding shares for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 was 9,119,871 and 9,122,747, respectively. The weighted average outstanding shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 9,219,195,2020 were 9,121,778 and 9,156,805, respectively. The Company had 0no potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the periods presented.

 

 

4.

4.Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. No material changes in the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements have occurred since December 31, 2020.

 

 

5.

5.Fair Value Measurements

 

Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are required to be classified and disclosed according to the process for determining fair value. There are three levels of determining fair value.

 

Level 1: Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices, unadjusted, for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

Level 2: Inputs to the valuation methodology include: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatility, prepayment speeds, credit risk); or inputs derived principally from or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.         

 

Level 3: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using discounted cash flow methodologies, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

 

10

The following table presents the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

 

Description

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

  

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 
          

2021

                                
          

U.S. government treasuries

 $45,701  $45,701  $0  $0  $138,035  $138,035  $0  $0 

U.S. government agencies

 109,101  0  109,101  0  113,568  0  113,568  0 

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

 181,697  0  181,697  0  158,766  0  158,766  0 

State and political subdivisions

 262,479  0  262,479  0  276,652  0  276,652  0 

Corporate bonds

  73,366  0  73,366  0   78,402  0  78,402  0 
          
 $672,344  $45,701  $626,643  $0  $765,423  $138,035  $627,388  $0 
          

2020

                                
          

U.S. government treasuries

 $12,053  $12,053  $0  $0  $12,053  $12,053  $0  $0 

U.S. government agencies

 111,199  0  111,199  0  111,199  0  111,199  0 

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

 150,195  0  150,195  0  150,195  0  150,195  0 

State and political subdivisions

 251,584  0  251,584  0  251,584  0  251,584  0 

Corporate bonds

  71,968  0  71,968  0   71,968  0  71,968  0 
          
 $596,999  $12,053  $584,946  $0  $596,999  $12,053  $584,946  $0 

 

Level 1 securities include U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. U.S. government agencies, mortgage-backed securities, state and political subdivisions, and most corporate bonds are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things.

 

11

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment or a change in previously recognized impairment).  The following table presents the assets carried on the balance sheet (after specific reserves) by caption and by level within the valuation hierarchy as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

 

Description

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

  

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 
          

2021

                                
          

Loans receivable

 $8,899  $0  $0  $8,899  $8,989  $0  $0  $8,989 

Other real estate owned

  227  0  0  227   768  0  0  768 
          

Total

 $9,126  $0  $0  $9,126  $9,757  $0  $0  $9,757 
          

2020

                                
          

Loans receivable

 $10,306  $0  $0  $10,306  $10,306  $0  $0  $10,306 

Other real estate owned

  218  0  0  218   218  0  0  218 
          

Total

 $10,524  $0  $0  $10,524  $10,524  $0  $0  $10,524 

 

The significant inputs used in the fair value measurements for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

2021

 2020 
 

Estimated

 

Valuation

 

 

Range

 

Estimated

 

Valuation

 

 

Range

 
 

Fair Value

 

Techniques

 Unobservable Inputs

(Average)

 

Fair Value

 

Techniques

 Unobservable Inputs 

(Average)

 
              

Loans receivable

 $8,899 

Evaluation of collateral

 

Estimation of value

 NM*  $8,989 

Evaluation of collateral

Estimation of value

   NM*   
              

Other real estate owned

 $227 

Appraisal

 

Appraisal adjustment

6%-8%(7%) $768 

Appraisal

Appraisal adjustment

 6% -8%(7%) 

 

  2020 
  

Estimated

 

Valuation

 

 

Range

 
  

Fair Value

 

Techniques

 Unobservable Inputs 

(Average)

 
             

Loans receivable

 $10,306 

Evaluation of collateral

Estimation of value

   NM*   
             

Other real estate owned

 $218 

Appraisal

Appraisal adjustment

 6% -8%(7%) 

 

* Evaluations of the underlying assets are completed for each collateral dependent impaired loan with a specific reserve. The types of collateral vary widely and could include accounts receivables, inventory, a variety of equipment and real estate. Collateral evaluations are reviewed and discounted as appropriate based on knowledge of the specific type of collateral. In the case of real estate, an independent appraisal may be obtained. Types of discounts considered included aging of receivables, condition of the collateral, potential market for the collateral and estimated disposal costs. These discounts will vary from loan to loan, thus providing a range would not be meaningful.

 

GAAP requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis. 

 

12

The following table includes the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

 

 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

 

2020

 

Fair Value

   

Estimated

   

Estimated

 

Fair Value

   

Estimated

   

Estimated

 

Hierarchy

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Hierarchy

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Level

 

Amount

 

Value

 

Amount

 

Value

 

Level

 

Amount

 

Value

 

Amount

 

Value

 
  

Financial assets:

  

Cash and due from banks

Level 1

 $23,557  $23,557  $24,819  $24,819 

Level 1

 $25,607  $25,607  $24,819  $24,819 

Interest-bearing deposits

Level 1

 227,159  227,159  166,704  166,704 

Interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions and federal funds sold

Level 1

 122,786  122,786  166,704  166,704 

Securities available-for-sale

See previous table

 672,344  672,344  596,999  596,999 

See previous table

 765,423  765,423  596,999  596,999 

FHLB and FRB stock

Level 2

 3,427  3,427  3,148  3,148 

Level 2

 3,424  3,424  3,148  3,148 

Loans receivable, net

Level 2

 1,120,211  1,102,667  1,129,505  1,116,352 

Level 2

 1,126,059  1,102,573  1,129,505  1,116,352 

Loans held for sale

Level 2

 598  598  1,621  1,621 

Level 2

 378  378  1,621  1,621 

Accrued income receivable

Level 1

 10,014  10,014  11,143  11,143 

Level 1

 11,178  11,178  11,143  11,143 

Financial liabilities:

  

Deposits

Level 2

 $1,842,755  $1,845,493  $1,716,446  $1,720,023 

Level 2

 $1,836,708  $1,839,016  $1,716,446  $1,720,023 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Level 1

 41,421  41,421  37,293  37,293 

Level 1

 36,277  36,277  37,293  37,293 

FHLB advances

Level 2

 3,000  3,080  3,000  3,111 

Level 2

 3,000  3,069  3,000  3,111 

Accrued interest payable

Level 1

 635  635  829  829 

Level 1

 450  450  829  829 

 

The methodologies used to determine fair value as of March 31,September 30, 2021 did not change from the methodologies described in the December 31, 2020 Annual Financial Statements.

 

Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit: The fair values of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreement and credit worthiness of the counterparties. The carrying value and fair value of the commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are not considered significant.

 

Limitations: Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

 

13

 

 

6.

6.Debt Securities

 

The amortized cost of securities available-for-sale and their approximate fair values as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized below (in thousands):

 

2021:

     

Gross

  

Gross

     
  

Amortized

  

Unrealized

  

Unrealized

  

Estimated

 
  

Cost

  

Gains

  

Losses

  

Fair Value

 
                 

U.S. government treasuries

 $45,829  $285  $(413) $45,701 

U.S. government agencies

  106,288   3,237   (424)  109,101 

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  181,313   2,225   (1,841)  181,697 

State and political subdivisions

  259,256   4,535   (1,312)  262,479 

Corporate bonds

  70,128   3,329   (91)  73,366 
  $662,814  $13,611  $(4,081) $672,344 

2021:

   

Gross

 

Gross

   
 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Estimated

 
 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Fair Value

 
 

U.S. government treasuries

 $138,401  $350  $(716) $138,035 

U.S. government agencies

 110,832  3,172  (436) 113,568 

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

 158,104  1,839  (1,177) 158,766 

State and political subdivisions

 271,918  5,429  (695) 276,652 

Corporate bonds

  75,154  3,345  (97) 78,402 
 $754,409  $14,135  $(3,121) $765,423 
 

2020:

   

Gross

 

Gross

      

Gross

 

Gross

   
 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Estimated

  

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Estimated

 
 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Fair Value

  

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Fair Value

 
          

U.S. government treasuries

 $11,725  $328  $0  $12,053  $11,725  $328  $0  $12,053 

U.S. government agencies

 106,337  4,875  (13) 111,199  106,337  4,875  (13) 111,199 

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

 146,889  3,337  (31) 150,195  146,889  3,337  (31) 150,195 

State and political subdivisions

 243,438  8,182  (36) 251,584  243,438  8,182  (36) 251,584 

Corporate bonds

  67,247  4,722  (1) 71,968   67,247  4,722  (1) 71,968 
 $575,636  $21,444  $(81) $596,999  $575,636  $21,444  $(81) $596,999 

 

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities available-for-sale as of March 31,September 30, 2021, are shown below by expected maturity. Expected maturity will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties (in thousands).

 

 

Amortized

 

Estimated

  

Amortized

 

Estimated

 
 

Cost

 

Fair Value

  

Cost

 

Fair Value

 
      

Due in one year or less

 $45,605  $45,892  $47,083  $47,560 

Due after one year through five years

 268,458  275,228  353,573  358,552 

Due after five years through ten years

 303,771  306,179  321,680  326,523 

Due after ten years

  44,980  45,045   32,073  32,788 

Total

 $662,814  $672,344  $754,409  $765,423 

 

Securities with a carrying value of $203.4$218.6 million and $202.0 million at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, were pledged on public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

 

14

The proceeds and gains and losses foron securities available-for-sale for the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 are summarized below (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 
 

March 31,

  

September 30,

 

September 30,

 
 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

 

Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale

 $0  $3,385  $622  $0  $622  $5,463 

Gross realized gains on securities available-for-sale

 0  386  24  0  24  430 

Gross realized losses on securities available-for-sale

 0  0  0  0  0  0 

 

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 are summarized as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Less than 12 Months

 

12 Months or More

 

Total

  

Less than 12 Months

  

12 Months or More

  

Total

 

2021:

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Unrealized

Losses

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Unrealized

Losses

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Unrealized

Losses

  

Estimated

Fair Value

  

Unrealized

Losses

  

Estimated Fair

Value

  

Unrealized

Losses

  

Estimated Fair

Value

  

Unrealized

Losses

 
  

Securities available-for-sale:

  

U.S. government treasuries

 $36,924  $(413) $0  $0  $36,924  $(413) $102,182  $(716) $0  $0  $102,182  $(716)

U.S. government agencies

 20,716  (418) 875  (6) 21,591  (424) 29,722  (436) 0  0  29,722  (436)

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

 113,380  (1,841) 0  0  113,380  (1,841) 100,746  (1,177) 0  0  100,746  (1,177)

State and political subdivisions

 73,842  (1,309) 503  (3) 74,345  (1,312) 67,527  (672) 896  (23) 68,423  (695)

Corporate bonds

  3,337  (91) 0  0  3,337  (91)  9,378  (97) 0  0  9,378  (97)
 $248,199  $(4,072) $1,378  $(9) $249,577  $(4,081) $309,555  $(3,098) $896  $(23) $310,451  $(3,121)

 

  

Less than 12 Months

  

12 Months or More

  

Total

 

2020:

 

Fair Value

  

Unrealized

Losses

  

Fair Value

  

Unrealized

Losses

  

Fair Value

  

Unrealized

Losses

 
                         

Securities available-for-sale:

                        

U.S. government agencies

 $6,016  $(7) $896  $(6) $6,912  $(13)

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  5,097   (31)  0   0   5,097   (31)

State and political subdivisions

  7,875   (34)  180   (2)  8,055   (36)

Corporate bonds

  534   (1)  0   0   534   (1)
  $19,522  $(73) $1,076  $(8) $20,598  $(81)

 

Gross unrealized losses on debt securities totaled $4.1$3.1 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021. These unrealized losses are generally due to changes in interest rates or general market conditions. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, state or political subdivision, or corporations. Management then determines whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and reviews industry analysts’ reports. The Company’s procedures for evaluating investments in states, municipalities and political subdivisions include but are not limited to reviewing the offering statement and the most current available financial information, comparing yields to yields of bonds of similar credit quality, confirming capacity to repay, assessing operating and financial performance, evaluating the stability of tax revenues, considering debt profiles and local demographics, and for revenue bonds, assessing the source and strength of revenue structures for municipal authorities. These procedures, as applicable, are utilized for all municipal purchases and are utilized in whole or in part for monitoring the portfolio of municipal holdings. The Company does not utilize third party credit rating agencies as a primary component of determining if the municipal issuer has an adequate capacity to meet the financial commitments under the security for the projected life of the investment, and, therefore, does not compare internal assessments to those of the credit rating agencies. Credit rating downgrades are utilized as an additional indicator of credit weakness and as a reference point for historical default rates. Management concluded that the gross unrealized losses on debt securities were temporary. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in fair values and management’s assessments will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements.

 

15

 

 

7.

 Loans Receivable and Credit Disclosures

 

The composition of loans receivable as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

 

2020

 
  

Real estate - construction

��$53,335  $45,497  $37,476  $45,497 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

 206,993  213,562  231,468  213,562 

Real estate - commercial

 497,155  496,357  519,112  496,357 

Real estate - agricultural

 145,228  151,992  153,247  151,992 

Commercial 1

 127,440  122,535  85,569  122,535 

Agricultural

 95,891  102,586  101,087  102,586 

Consumer and other

  13,919  15,048   15,346  15,048 
 1,139,961  1,147,577  1,143,305  1,147,577 

Less:

  

Allowance for loan losses

 (16,907) (17,215) (16,830) (17,215)

Deferred loan fees and costs, net 2

  (2,843) (857)

Deferred loan (fees) and costs, net 2

  (416) (857)

Loans receivable, net

 $1,120,211  $1,129,505  $1,126,059  $1,129,505 

 

1

Commercial loan portfolio includes $59.2$14.8 million and $50.9 million of Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") loans as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

2

Deferred loan fees(fees) and costs, net includes $2.9$0.7 million and $0.9 million of netfees, andnet of costs, related to the  PPP loans as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

 

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), enacted on March 27, 2020,and expanded by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, enacted December 27, 2020 and the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted March 11, 2021, in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The PPP is administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). PPP loans may be forgiven by the SBA and are 100 percent guaranteed by the SBA.

 

16

Activity in the allowance for loan losses, on a disaggregated basis, for the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 
   

1-4 Family

                

1-4 Family

             
 

Construction

 

Residential

 

Commercial

 

Agricultural

     

Consumer

    

Construction

 

Residential

 

Commercial

 

Agricultural

     

Consumer

   
 

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Commercial

 

Agricultural

 

and Other

 

Total

  

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Commercial

 

Agricultural

 

and Other

 

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2020

 $725  $2,581  $8,930  $1,595  $1,453  $1,696  $235  $17,215 

Balance, June 30, 2021

 $738  $2,603  $8,889  $1,614  $1,140  $1,675  $234  $16,893 

Provision (credit) for loan losses

 143  (431) 118  (97) (79) (82) 2  (426) (156) 59  33  (36) 64  (59) 1  (94)

Recoveries of loans charged-off

 0  263  1  0  1  0  4  269  0  1  1  0  1  43  1  47 

Loans charged-off

  0  (30) 0  0  (113) 0  (8) (151)  0  (4) 0  0  0  0  (12) (16)

Balance, March 31, 2021

 $868  $2,383  $9,049  $1,498  $1,262  $1,614  $233  $16,907 

Balance, September 30, 2021

 $582  $2,659  $8,923  $1,578  $1,205  $1,659  $224  $16,830 

 

  

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

 
      

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2019

 $672  $2,122  $5,362  $1,326  $1,458  $1,478  $201  $12,619 

Provision for loan losses

  80   214   1,220   237   212   337   16   2,316 

Recoveries of loans charged-off

  1   0   1   0   2   0   3   7 

Loans charged-off

  0   0   (31)  0   0   0   (2)  (33)

Balance, March 31, 2020

 $753  $2,336  $6,552  $1,563  $1,672  $1,815  $218  $14,909 
  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021

 
      

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2020

 $725  $2,581  $8,930  $1,595  $1,453  $1,696  $235  $17,215 

Provision (credit) for loan losses

  (143)  (155)  (10)  (17)  (138)  (85)  8   (540)

Recoveries of loans charged-off

  0   267   3   0   3   48   8   329 

Loans charged-off

  0   (34)  0   0   (113)  0   (27)  (174)

Balance, September 30, 2021

 $582  $2,659  $8,923  $1,578  $1,205  $1,659  $224  $16,830 

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
      

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Balance, June 30, 2020

 $849  $2,505  $6,864  $1,713  $1,994  $1,830  $250  $16,005 

Provision (credit) for loan losses

  (105)  80   583   (15)  (5)  (14)  17   541 

Recoveries of loans charged-off

  0   2   1   0   9   0   273   285 

Loans charged-off

  0   (1)  0   0   (582)  (48)  (268)  (899)

Balance, September 30, 2020

 $744  $2,586  $7,448  $1,698  $1,416  $1,768  $272  $15,932 

 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
      

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2019

 $672  $2,122  $5,362  $1,326  $1,458  $1,478  $201  $12,619 

Provision for loan losses

  71   477   2,527   372   573   338   66   4,424 

Recoveries of loans charged-off

  1   5   3   0   13   0   277   299 

Loans charged-off

  0   (18)  (444)  0   (628)  (48)  (272)  (1,410)

Balance, September 30, 2020

 $744  $2,586  $7,448  $1,698  $1,416  $1,768  $272  $15,932 

17

Allowance for loan losses disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is as follows (in thousands):

 

2021

   

1-4 Family

                

1-4 Family

             
 

Construction

 

Residential

 

Commercial

 

Agricultural

     

Consumer

    

Construction

 

Residential

 

Commercial

 

Agricultural

     

Consumer

   
 

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Commercial

 

Agricultural

 

and Other

 

Total

  

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Commercial

 

Agricultural

 

and Other

 

Total

 

Individually evaluated for impairment

 $0  $17  $1,486  $0  $0  $120  $33  $1,656  $0  $40  $1,326  $0  $18  $132  $23  $1,539 

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  868  2,366  7,563  1,498  1,262  1,494  200  15,251   582  2,619  7,597  1,578  1,187  1,527  201  15,291 

Balance March 31, 2021

 $868  $2,383  $9,049  $1,498  $1,262  $1,614  $233  $16,907 

Balance September 30, 2021

 $582  $2,659  $8,923  $1,578  $1,205  $1,659  $224  $16,830 

 

2020

     

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Individually evaluated for impairment

 $0  $150  $1,486  $0  $115  $40  $28  $1,819 

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  725   2,431   7,444   1,595   1,338   1,656   207   15,396 

Balance December 31, 2020

 $725  $2,581  $8,930  $1,595  $1,453  $1,696  $235  $17,215 

17

 

Loans receivable disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is as follows (in thousands):

 

2021

     

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Individually evaluated for impairment

 $167  $399  $10,157  $1,091  $817  $747  $46  $13,424 

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  53,168   206,594   486,998   144,137   126,623   95,144   13,873   1,126,537 
                                 

Balance March 31, 2021

 $53,335  $206,993  $497,155  $145,228  $127,440  $95,891  $13,919  $1,139,961 

2021

     

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Individually evaluated for impairment

 $0  $1,000  $9,954  $576  $295  $638  $30  $12,493 

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  37,476   230,468   509,158   152,671   85,274   100,449   15,316   1,130,812 
                                 

Balance September 30, 2021

 $37,476  $231,468  $519,112  $153,247  $85,569  $101,087  $15,346  $1,143,305 

 

2020

     

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Individually evaluated for impairment

 $167  $1,340  $10,258  $1,664  $940  $859  $45  $15,273 

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  45,330   212,222   486,099   150,328   121,595   101,727   15,003   1,132,304 
                                 

Balance December 31, 2020

 $45,497  $213,562  $496,357  $151,992  $122,535  $102,586  $15,048  $1,147,577 

 

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payment of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. The Company applies its normal loan review procedures to identify loans that should be evaluated for impairment.

 

18

Impaired loans, on a disaggregated basis, as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

 

 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 
   

Unpaid

     

Unpaid

      

Unpaid

     

Unpaid

   
 

Recorded

 

Principal

 

Related

 

Recorded

 

Principal

 

Related

  

Recorded

 

Principal

 

Related

 

Recorded

 

Principal

 

Related

 
 

Investment

 

Balance

 

Allowance

 

Investment

 

Balance

 

Allowance

  

Investment

 

Balance

 

Allowance

 

Investment

 

Balance

 

Allowance

 

With no specific reserve recorded:

              

Real estate - construction

 $167  $167  $-  $167  $167  $-  $0  $0  $-  $167  $167  $- 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

 306  360  -  416  475  -  694  747  -  416  475  - 

Real estate - commercial

 141  168  -  242  578  -  127  142  -  242  578  - 

Real estate - agricultural

 1,091  1,140  -  1,664  1,698  -  576  631  -  1,664  1,698  - 

Commercial

 817  1,560  -  274  318  -  238  271  -  274  318  - 

Agricultural

 343  533  -  377  542  -  323  523  -  377  542  - 

Consumer and other

  4  5  -   8  10  -   7  9  -   8  10  - 

Total loans with no specific reserve:

  2,869  3,933  -   3,148  3,788  -   1,965  2,323  -   3,148  3,788  - 
              

With an allowance recorded:

              

Real estate - construction

 0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

 93  98  17  924  1,278  150  306  316  40  924  1,278  150 

Real estate - commercial

 10,016  10,157  1,486  10,016  10,157  1,486  9,827  10,081  1,326  10,016  10,157  1,486 

Real estate - agricultural

 0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0 

Commercial

 0  0  0  666  1,247  115  57  58  18  666  1,247  115 

Agricultural

 404  411  120  482  484  40  315  315  132  482  484  40 

Consumer and other

  42  44  33   37  39  28   23  24  23   37  39  28 

Total loans with specific reserve:

  10,555  10,710  1,656   12,125  13,205  1,819   10,528  10,794  1,539   12,125  13,205  1,819 
              

Total

              

Real estate - construction

 167  167  0  167  167  0  0  0  0  167  167  0 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

 399  458  17  1,340  1,753  150  1,000  1,063  40  1,340  1,753  150 

Real estate - commercial

 10,157  10,325  1,486  10,258  10,735  1,486  9,954  10,223  1,326  10,258  10,735  1,486 

Real estate - agricultural

 1,091  1,140  0  1,664  1,698  0  576  631  0  1,664  1,698  0 

Commercial

 817  1,560  0  940  1,565  115  295  329  18  940  1,565  115 

Agricultural

 747  944  120  859  1,026  40  638  838  132  859  1,026  40 

Consumer and other

  46  49  33   45  49  28   30  33  23   45  49  28 
              
 $13,424  $14,643  $1,656  $15,273  $16,993  $1,819  $12,493  $13,117  $1,539  $15,273  $16,993  $1,819 

 

19

Average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 
 

Average

 

Interest

 

Average

 

Interest

  

Average

 

Interest

 

Average

 

Interest

 
 

Recorded

 

Income

 

Recorded

 

Income

  

Recorded

 

Income

 

Recorded

 

Income

 
 

Investment

 

Recognized

 

Investment

 

Recognized

  

Investment

 

Recognized

 

Investment

 

Recognized

 

With no specific reserve recorded:

          

Real estate - construction

 $167  $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  $83  $0 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

 361  0  283  0  813  8  305  0 

Real estate - commercial

 192  297  5,351  0  132  0  11,091  0 

Real estate - agricultural

 1,378  25  439  6  602  0  1,966  0 

Commercial

 546  0  437  0  255  0  735  21 

Agricultural

 360  13  2,979  0  318  0  813  340 

Consumer and other

  6  0   44  0   6  0   8  0 

Total loans with no specific reserve:

  3,010  335   9,533  6   2,126  8   15,001  361 
          

With an allowance recorded:

          

Real estate - construction

 0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

 509  0  919  0  164  0  957  0 

Real estate - commercial

 10,016  0  488  0  9,922  0  0  0 

Real estate - agricultural

 0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0 

Commercial

 333  0  84  0  29  0  627  0 

Agricultural

 443  0  228  0  327  0  531  0 

Consumer and other

  40  0   0  0   30  0   30  0 

Total loans with specific reserve:

  11,341  0   1,719  0   10,472  0   2,145  0 
          

Total

          

Real estate - construction

 167  0  0  0  0  0  83  0 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

 870  0  1,202  0  977  8  1,262  0 

Real estate - commercial

 10,208  297  5,839  0  10,054  0  11,091  0 

Real estate - agricultural

 1,378  25  439  6  602  0  1,966  0 

Commercial

 879  0  521  0  284  0  1,362  21 

Agricultural

 803  13  3,207  0  645  0  1,344  340 

Consumer and other

  46  0   44  0   36  0   38  0 
          
 $14,351  $335  $11,252  $6  $12,598  $8  $17,146  $361 

20

 
  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 
  

Average

  

Interest

  

Average

  

Interest

 
  

Recorded

  

Income

  

Recorded

  

Income

 
  

Investment

  

Recognized

  

Investment

  

Recognized

 

With no specific reserve recorded:

                

Real estate - construction

 $84  $0  $41  $0 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  587   19   294   0 

Real estate - commercial

  162   297   8,221   0 

Real estate - agricultural

  990   25   1,202   6 

Commercial

  400   0   586   23 

Agricultural

  339   14   1,896   340 

Consumer and other

  6   0   26   0 

Total loans with no specific reserve:

  2,568   355   12,266   369 
                 

With an allowance recorded:

                

Real estate - construction

  0   0   0   0 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  336   0   938   0 

Real estate - commercial

  9,969   0   244   0 

Real estate - agricultural

  0   0   0   0 

Commercial

  181   0   356   0 

Agricultural

  385   0   380   0 

Consumer and other

  35   0   15   0 

Total loans with specific reserve:

  10,906   0   1,933   0 
                 

Total

                

Real estate - construction

  84   0   41   0 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  923   19   1,232   0 

Real estate - commercial

  10,131   297   8,465   0 

Real estate - agricultural

  990   25   1,202   6 

Commercial

  581   0   942   23 

Agricultural

  724   14   2,276   340 

Consumer and other

  41   0   41   0 
                 
  $13,474  $355  $14,199  $369 

 

The interest foregone on nonaccrual loans for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 was approximately $199$154 thousand and $189$247 thousand, respectively. The interest foregone on nonaccrual loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was approximately $523 thousand and $747 thousand, respectively.

 

Nonaccrual loans at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $13.4$12.5 million and $15.3 million, respectively.

 

The Company had loans meeting the definition of a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) of $10.5$10.6 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021, all of which were included in impaired and nonaccrual loans. The Company had TDRs of $11.3 million as of December 31, 2020, all of which were included in impaired and nonaccrual loans.

 

2021

The Company’s TDR,TDRs, on a disaggregated basis, occurring in the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, iswere as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 
   

Pre-Modification

 

Post-Modification

   

Pre-Modification

 

Post-Modification

    

Pre-Modification

 

Post-Modification

   

Pre-Modification

 

Post-Modification

 
   

Outstanding

 

Outstanding

   

Outstanding

 

Outstanding

    

Outstanding

 

Outstanding

   

Outstanding

 

Outstanding

 
 

Number of

 

Recorded

 

Recorded

 

Number of

 

Recorded

 

Recorded

  

Number of

 

Recorded

 

Recorded

 

Number of

 

Recorded

 

Recorded

 
 

Contracts

 

Investment

 

Investment

 

Contracts

 

Investment

 

Investment

  

Contracts

 

Investment

 

Investment

 

Contracts

 

Investment

 

Investment

 
                          

Real estate - construction

 0  $0  $0  0  $0  $0  0  $0  $0  0  $0  $0 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

 2  153  153  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0 

Real estate - commercial

 0  0  0  1  184  184  0  0  0  1  10,157  10,157 

Real estate - agricultural

 0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0 

Commercial

 1  58  58  1  61  61  1  6  6  0  0  0 

Agricultural

 0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  3  56  56 

Consumer and other

  0  0  0   0  0  0   0  0  0   1  27  27 
                          
  3  $211  $211   2  $245  $245   1  $6  $6   5  $10,240  $10,240 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 
      

Pre-Modification

  

Post-Modification

      

Pre-Modification

  

Post-Modification

 
      

Outstanding

  

Outstanding

      

Outstanding

  

Outstanding

 
  

Number of

  

Recorded

  

Recorded

  

Number of

  

Recorded

  

Recorded

 
  

Contracts

  

Investment

  

Investment

  

Contracts

  

Investment

  

Investment

 
                         

Real estate - construction

  0  $0  $0   0  $0  $0 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  3   578   578   0   0   0 

Real estate - commercial

  0   0   0   2   10,341   10,341 

Real estate - agricultural

  0   0   0   0   0   0 

Commercial

  2   64   64   1   61   61 

Agricultural

  0   0   0   3   56   56 

Consumer and other

  0   0   0   1   27   27 
                         
   5  $642  $642   7  $10,485  $10,485 

 

During the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company granted concessions to twoone borrower facing financial difficulties which was unrelated to COVID-19. The loan was restructured with a lower interest rate and accrued interest was waived. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company granted concessions to three borrowers facing financial difficulties which were unrelated to COVID-19. Payments on these loans were deferred for an extended period of time and the interest rate was reduced below the market interest rate. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company granted concessions to four borrowers facing financial difficulties. The loans were restructured for an extended maturity without principal reductionswith a lower interest rate or an amortization periodperiods longer than a typical loan. During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, the Company granted concessions to twofive related borrowers in the hospitality industry that are facing financial difficulties. One loan was secured by commercial real estate and the second loan was secured by a commercial operating note. Payments on these loans were deferred for six monthsan extended period of time and the interest rate was reduced below the market interest rate.

 

There were 0no TDR loans that were modified during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and twelve months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 that had payment defaults. The Company considers TDR loans to have payment default when it is past due 60 days or more.

 

22

There were $262 thousand ofno net recoveriescharge-offs and $16$15 thousand of net charge-offs related to TDRs for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. There were $262 thousand of net recoveries and $31 thousand of net charge-offs related to TDRs for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. No additional specific reserve was provided for the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and March 31, 2020.

 

Section 4013 of the CARES Act, “Temporary Relief From TDRs,” allows financial institutions the option to temporarily suspend certain requirements under U.S. GAAP related to TDRs for a limited period of time during the COVID-19 pandemic. This temporary suspension may only be applied to modifications of loans that were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019 and may not be applied to modifications that are not related to the COVID-19 pandemic. If elected, the temporary suspension may be applied to eligible modifications executed during the period beginning on March 1, 2020 and ending on the earlier of December 31, 2020, extended to January 1, 2022 under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, or 60 days after the termination of the COVID-19 national emergency. In March 2020, federal banking regulators in consultation with the FASB issued interagency statements that include similar guidance on loan modifications and reporting for financial institutions working with customers affected by COVID-19. The interagency statement provided that short-term modifications made on a good faith basis in response to COVID-19 to borrowers who were current prior to any relief, are not to be considered TDRs.

 

21

As of MarchDecember 31, 2021,2020, the Company had 524 COVID-19 related loan modifications still in the modification period with a total outstanding principal balance of $15.4$45.9 million. As of September 30, 2021, substantially all the remaining COVID-19 related loan modifications have returned to normal payment status. Modified loans continuecontinued to accrue interest and arewere evaluated for past due status based on the revised payment terms.

 

23

An aging analysis of the recorded investments in loans, on a disaggregated basis, as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, is as follows (in thousands):

 

2021

   

90 Days

       

90 Days

    

90 Days

       

90 Days

 
 30-89  

or Greater

 

Total

     

or Greater

   30-89  

or Greater

 

Total

     

or Greater

 
 

Past Due

 

Past Due

 

Past Due

 

Current

 

Total

 

Accruing

  

Past Due

 

Past Due

 

Past Due

 

Current

 

Total

 

Accruing

 
              

Real estate - construction

 $26  $167  $193  $53,142  $53,335  $0  $140  $0  $140  $37,336  $37,476  $0 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

 1,223  104  1,327  205,666  206,993  5  1,080  170  1,250  230,218  231,468  84 

Real estate - commercial

 117  0  117  497,038  497,155  0  0  0  0  519,112  519,112  0 

Real estate - agricultural

 622  592  1,214  144,014  145,228  0  1,139  0  1,139  152,108  153,247  0 

Commercial

 203  552  755  126,685  127,440  0  495  0  495  85,074  85,569  0 

Agricultural

 158  382  540  95,351  95,891  0  136  315  451  100,636  101,087  0 

Consumer and other

  9  18  27  13,892   13,919   0   56  0  56  15,290   15,346   0 
              
 $2,358  $1,815  $4,173  $1,135,788  $1,139,961  $5  $3,046  $485  $3,531  $1,139,774  $1,143,305  $84 

 

2020

     

90 Days

              

90 Days

 
   30-89  

or Greater

  

Total

          

or Greater

 
  

Past Due

  

Past Due

  

Past Due

  

Current

  

Total

  

Accruing

 
                         

Real estate - construction

 $169  $167  $336  $45,161  $45,497  $0 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  1,523   176   1,699   211,863   213,562   6 

Real estate - commercial

  152   56   208   496,149   496,357   0 

Real estate - agricultural

  574   1,618   2,192   149,800   151,992   0 

Commercial

  283   3   286   122,249   122,535   3 

Agricultural

  79   458   537   102,049   102,586   30 

Consumer and other

  18   16   34   15,014   15,048   0 
                         
  $2,798  $2,494  $5,292  $1,142,285  $1,147,577  $39 

 

2224

The credit risk profile by internally assigned grade, on a disaggregated basis, as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is as follows (in thousands):

 

2021

 

Construction

 

Commercial

 

Agricultural

        

Construction

 

Commercial

 

Agricultural

       
 

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Commercial

 

Agricultural

 

Total

  

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Real Estate

 

Commercial

 

Agricultural

 

Total

 
              

Pass

 $48,042  $352,434  $112,595  $109,898  $77,925  $700,894  $35,797  $381,055  $125,868  $72,151  $84,960  $699,831 

Watch

 3,773  84,589  25,420  13,057  16,316  143,155  326  79,194  21,037  8,077  14,717  123,351 

Special Mention

 1,353  22,396  173  42  0  23,964  1,353  24,687  167  1,370  0  27,577 

Substandard

 0  27,579  5,949  3,626  903  38,057  0  24,222  5,599  3,676  772  34,269 

Substandard-Impaired

  167  10,157  1,091  817  747  12,979   0  9,954  576  295  638  11,463 
              
 $53,335  $497,155  $145,228  $127,440  $95,891  $919,049  $37,476  $519,112  $153,247  $85,569  $101,087  $896,491 

 

2020

 

Construction

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

             
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

Total

 
                         

Pass

 $39,980  $346,591  $110,925  $101,858  $80,075  $679,429 

Watch

  5,350   88,113   33,144   15,897   20,793   163,297 

Special Mention

  0   23,753   175   52   0   23,980 

Substandard

  0   27,642   6,084   3,788   859   38,373 

Substandard-Impaired

  167   10,258   1,664   940   859   13,888 
                         
  $45,497  $496,357  $151,992  $122,535  $102,586  $918,967 

 

The credit risk profile based on payment activity, on a disaggregated basis, as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is as follows (in thousands):

 

2021

 

1-4 Family

      

1-4 Family

     
 

Residential

 

Consumer

    

Residential

 

Consumer

   
 

Real Estate

 

and Other

 

Total

  

Real Estate

 

and Other

 

Total

 
        

Performing

 $206,587  $13,873  $220,460  $230,385  $15,343  $245,728 

Non-performing

  406  46  452   1,083  3  1,086 
        
 $206,993  $13,919  $220,912  $231,468  $15,346  $246,814 

 

2020

 

1-4 Family

         
  

Residential

  

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

and Other

  

Total

 
             

Performing

 $212,282  $15,003  $227,285 

Non-performing

  1,280   45   1,325 
             
  $213,562  $15,048  $228,610 

 

2325

 

 

8.

Intangible assets

 

The following sets forth the carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of the intangible assets at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

 

 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

 

2020

 
 

Gross

 

Accumulated

 

Gross

 

Accumulated

  

Gross

 

Accumulated

 

Gross

 

Accumulated

 
 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Amount

 

Amortization

  

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 
          

Core deposit intangible asset

 $6,411  $3,633  $6,411  $3,493  $6,411  $3,913  $6,411  $3,493 

Customer list

  535  340  535  320   535  379  535  320 
          

Total

 $6,946  $3,973  $6,946  $3,813  $6,946  $4,292  $6,946  $3,813 

 

The weighted average remaining life of the intangible assets is approximately 4 years as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

 

The following sets forth the activity related to the intangible assets for the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 20192020 (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 
 

March 31,

  

September 30,

 

September 30,

 
 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

 
      

Beginning intangible assets, net

 $3,133  $3,959  $2,813  $3,525  $3,133  $3,959 

Amortization

  (160) (217)  (159) (216) (479) (650)
      

Ending intangible assets, net

 $2,973  $3,742  $2,654  $3,309  $2,654  $3,309 

 

Estimated remaining amortization expense on intangible assets for the years ending December 31 is as follows (in thousands):

 

2021

 $468  $148 

2022

 574  575 

2023

 502  502 

2024

 337  337 

2025

 300  300 

2026

 268  268 

After

 524  524 
       

Total

 $2,973  $2,654 

 

2426

 

 

9.

Pledged Collateral Related to Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements

 

The repurchase agreements mature daily and the following sets forth the pledged collateral at estimated fair value related to securities sold under repurchase agreements as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

 

 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

 

2020

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

          

U.S. government treasuries

 $2,060  $2,069  $6,034  $2,069 

U.S. government agencies

 36,445  39,362  38,985  39,362 

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  14,651  14,320   11,307   14,320 
          

Total pledged collateral

 $53,156  $55,751  $56,326  $55,751 

 

In the event the repurchase agreements exceed the estimated fair value of the pledged securities available-for-sale, the Company has unpledged securities available-for-sale that may be pledged on the repurchase agreements.

 

 

10.

Borrowings

On June 11, 2021, the Company entered into a promissory note and line of credit agreement with an unaffiliated bank, providing for a five-year four million dollar line of credit facility. The Company had no outstanding borrowings on the line of credit as of September 30, 2021.

11.

Income Taxes

 

The tax effects of temporary differences related to income taxes are included in deferred income taxes. The change in deferred income taxes since December 31, 2020 is due primarily to the decrease in the unrealized gains on investment securities.

 

 

11.12.

Commitments, Contingencies and Concentrations of Credit Risk

On April 16, 2021, the Company entered into a $1.7 million commitment with a contractor to build a new branch in West Des Moines, Iowa. The Company has $1.5 million of the commitment remaining at September 30, 2021.

13.

Regulatory Matters

 

On March 31, 2020, The Company and the Banks qualified forare subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and electedstate banking agencies. Failure to usemeet minimum capital requirements (as shown in the community bank leverage ratio (CBLR) framework. In order to qualify for the CBLR framework, a community banking organization mustfollowing table) can result in certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators, which, if undertaken, could have a tier 1 leverage ratiodirect material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Banks must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of greater than 8%, less than $10 billion in total consolidatedtheir assets, liabilities and limitedcertain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company's and the Banks' capital amounts of off-balance-sheet exposures and trading assetsclassifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and liabilities. On January 1, 2021 other factors. Management believed the CBLR increasedCompany and the Banks met all capital adequacy requirements to 8.5% for the calendar year and will again increase to 9% beginning January 1, 2022. A qualifying community banking organization that opts into the CBLR framework and meets all requirements under the framework will be considered to have met the well-capitalized ratio requirements under the Prompt Corrective Action regulations and will not be required to report or calculate risk-based capital. If an electing banking organization fails to satisfy one or more of the qualifying criteria but maintains a leverage ratio of greater than 8%, that banking organization would have a “grace period” of up to two quarters during which it could continue to use the community bank leverage ratio framework and be deemed to meet the “well capitalized” capital ratio requirements. As long as the banking organization is able to return to compliance with all the qualifying criteria within two quarters, it continues to be deemed to meet the “well capitalized” ratio requirements and be in compliance with the generally applicable capital rule. State Bank & Trust was below 8.5% but greater than 8%they were subject as of March 31, 2021 September 30, 2021.and has a grace period of two quarters to return to compliance with all qualifying criteria of the CBLR.

 

2527

The Company and the Banks’ capital amounts and ratios as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     

To Be Well

          

To Be Well

 
     

Capitalized Under

          

Capitalized Under

 
     

Prompt Corrective

      

For Capital

 

Prompt Corrective

 
 

Actual

 

Action Provisions

  

Actual

 

Adequacy Purposes

 

Action Provisions

 
 

Amount

 

Ratio

 

Amount

 

Ratio

  

Amount

 

Ratio

 

Amount

 

Ratio

 

Amount

 

Ratio

 
                      

As of March 31, 2021:

         

Community Bank Leverage Ratio:

         

(Tier 1 capital to average assets for leverage ratio):

         

As of September 30, 2021:

             

Total capital (to risk- weighted assets):

             

Consolidated

 $204,524  15.3% $140,431  10.50% N/A  N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

 $14,162  9.4% $12,790  8.5% 15,611  16.0  10,269  10.50  9,780  10.0%

First National Bank

 88,178  8.5  88,123  8.5  101,785  14.7  72,926  10.50  69,454  10.0 

Iowa State Savings Bank

 21,947  9.3  20,057  8.5  23,755  16.5  15,102  10.50  14,383  10.0 

Reliance State Bank

 23,671  9.1  22,015  8.5  26,824  14.4  19,581  10.50  18,648  10.0 

State Bank & Trust

 17,292  8.4  17,485  8.5  20,327  15.0  14,247  10.50  13,568  10.0 

United Bank & Trust

 10,727  9.1  9,972  8.5  11,873  15.7  7,926  10.50  7,549  10.0 
             

Tier 1 capital (to risk- weighted assets):

             

Consolidated

 $187,806  14.0% $113,682  8.50% N/A  N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

 14,665  15.0  8,313  8.50  7,824  8.0%

First National Bank

 93,084  13.4  59,035  8.50  55,563  8.0 

Iowa State Savings Bank

 22,734  15.8  12,226  8.50  11,507  8.0 

Reliance State Bank

 24,491  13.1  15,851  8.50  14,919  8.0 

State Bank & Trust

 18,643  13.7  11,533  8.50  10,855  8.0 

United Bank & Trust

 10,927  14.5  6,417  8.50  6,039  8.0 
             

Tier 1 capital (to average- assets):

             

Consolidated

 $187,806  9.2% $81,851  4.00% N/A  N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

 14,665  9.4  6,269  4.00  7,836  5.0%

First National Bank

 93,084  8.8  42,354  4.00  52,942  5.0 

Iowa State Savings Bank

 22,734  9.4  9,631  4.00  12,038  5.0 

Reliance State Bank

 24,491  9.1  10,731  4.00  13,413  5.0 

State Bank & Trust

 18,643  8.7  8,530  4.00  10,663  5.0 

United Bank & Trust

 10,927  9.1  4,799  4.00  5,999  5.0 
             

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

             

Consolidated

 $187,806  14.0% $93,621  7.00% N/A  N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

 14,665  15.0  6,846  7.00  6,357  6.5%

First National Bank

 93,084  13.4  48,617  7.00  45,145  6.5 

Iowa State Savings Bank

 22,734  15.8  10,068  7.00  9,349  6.5 

Reliance State Bank

 24,491  13.1  13,054  7.00  12,121  6.5 

State Bank & Trust

 18,643  13.7  9,498  7.00  8,819  6.5 

United Bank & Trust

 10,927  14.5  5,284  7.00  4,907  6.5 

 

28

          

To Be Well

 
          

Capitalized Under

 
          

Prompt Corrective

 
  

Actual

  

Action Provisions

 
  

Amount

  

Ratio

  

Amount

  

Ratio

 
                 

As of December 31, 2020:

                

Community Bank Leverage Ratio:

                

(Tier 1 capital to average assets for leverage ratio):

                
                 

Boone Bank & Trust

 $13,967   9.2% $12,170   8.0%

First National Bank

  86,071   8.6   80,393   8.0 

Iowa State Savings Bank

  21,610   9.4   18,321   8.0 

Reliance State Bank

  23,278   9.4   19,741   8.0 

State Bank & Trust

  16,564   8.5   15,657   8.0 

United Bank & Trust

  10,539   9.2   9,180   8.0 

The Company and the Banks are subject to the rules of the Basel III regulatory capital framework and related Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The rules include the implementation of a 2.5 percent capital conservation buffer that is added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes. A banking organization with a capital conservation buffer of less than the required amount will be subject to limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments, and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. At September 30, 2021, the capital ratios for the Company and the Banks were sufficient to meet the conservation buffer.

The Banks elected to stop reporting their capital ratios under the Community Bank Leverage Ratio as of September 30, 2021.

 

 

12.14.

 Subsequent Events

On April 14, 2021, the board of directors of the Company declared a cash dividend and authorized a stock repurchase program.

On April 16, 2021, the Company entered into a commitment with a contractor to build a new branch in West Des Moines, Iowa for $1.7 million.

 

Management evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. There were no significant events or transactions occurring after March 31,September 30, 2021, but prior to May 4,November 8, 2021, that provided additional evidence about conditions that existed at March 31,September 30, 2021. There were no other significant events or transactions that provided evidence about conditions that did not exist at March 31,September 30, 2021.

 

26
29

 

Item 2.

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

 

Overview

 

Ames National Corporation (the “Company”) is a bank holding company established in 1975 that owns and operates six bank subsidiaries in central Iowa (the “Banks”). The following discussion is provided for the consolidated operations of the Company and its Banks, First National Bank, Ames, Iowa (First National), State Bank & Trust Co. (State Bank), Boone Bank & Trust Co. (Boone Bank), Reliance State Bank (Reliance Bank), United Bank & Trust NA (United Bank) and Iowa State Savings Bank (Iowa State Bank). The purpose of this discussion is to focus on significant factors affecting the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Company does not engage in any material business activities apart from its ownership of the Banks. Products and services offered by the Banks are for commercial and consumer purposes including loans, deposits and wealth management services. Wealth management services includes financial planning and managing trust, agencies, estates and investment brokerage accounts. The Company employs sixteen individuals to assist with financial reporting, human resources, audit, compliance, marketing, technology systems, training, real estate valuation services and the coordination of management activities, in addition to 257249 full-time equivalent individuals employed by the Banks.

 

The Company’s primary competitive strategy is to utilize seasoned and competent Bank management and local decision making authority to provide customers with faster response times and more flexibility in the products and services offered. This strategy is viewed as providing an opportunity to increase revenues through creating a competitive advantage over other financial institutions. The Company also strives to remain operationally efficient to provide better profitability while enabling the Company to offer more competitive loan and deposit rates.

 

The principal sources of Company revenues and cash flow are: (i) interest and fees earned on loans made by the Company and Banks; (ii) interest on fixed income investments held by the Banks; (iii) fees on wealth management services provided by those Banks exercising trust powers; (iv) service fees on deposit accounts maintained at the Banks; (v) gain on sale of loans; and (vi) merchant and card fees. The Company’s principal expenses are: (i) interest expense on deposit accounts and other borrowings; (ii) provision for loan losses; (iii) salaries and employee benefits; (iv) data processing costs associated with maintaining the Banks’ loan and deposit functions; (v) occupancy expenses for maintaining the Bank’s facilities; and (vi) professional fees. The largest component contributing to the Company’s net income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on earning assets (primarily loans and investments) and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities (primarily deposits and other borrowings). One of management’s principal functions is to manage the spread between interest earned on earning assets and interest paid on interest bearing liabilities in an effort to maximize net interest income while maintaining an appropriate level of interest rate risk.

 

The Company had net income of $6.0$6.7 million, or $0.66$0.74 per share, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, compared to net income of $3.6$5.7 million, or $0.39$0.62 per share, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. The increase in earnings is primarily the result of a decrease in provision for loan losses compared to the prior year due primarily to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and a reduction in interest expense due to declines in market interest rates.rates and a decrease in provision for loan losses due to a higher level of provision in 2020 as a result of uncertainties associated with the economic slow-down created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Net loan recoveries totaled $118$31 thousand for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 compared to net loan charge offs of $26$614 thousand for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. A (credit) for loan losses of ($426)94) thousand was recognized for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 as compared to a $2.3 million$541 thousand provision for loan loss for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. The credit for loan losses was primarily due to improving economic conditions. The provision for loan losses in 2020 was primarily due to uncertainties associated with the onset ofeconomic slow-down created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

The following management discussion and analysis will provide a review of important items relating to:

 

Challenges and COVID-19 Status, Risks and Uncertainties

Key Performance Indicators and Industry Results

Critical Accounting Policies

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Income Statement Review

Balance Sheet Review

Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management

Liquidity and Capital Resources

●    Challenges and COVID-19 Status, Risks and Uncertainties

●    Key Performance Indicators and Industry Results

●    Critical Accounting Policies

●    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

●    Income Statement Review

●    Balance Sheet Review

●    Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management

●    Liquidity and Capital Resources

●    Forward-Looking Statements and Business Risks

 

Challenges and COVID-19 Status, Risks and Uncertainties

 

Management has identified certain events or circumstances that may negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in the future and is attempting to position the Company to best respond to those challenges. These challenges are addressed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 12, 2021.

 

The onset and continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly heightened the level of challenges, risks and uncertainties facing our business and continuation of operations, including the following:

 

 

Although the economy has startedcontinues to rebound from the depths of the economic slowdown associated with the pandemic, some of the Company’s customers may continue to experience decreased revenues, shortage of labor or shortage of goods, which may correlate to an inability to make timely loan payments or maintain payrolls. This, in turn, could adversely impact the revenues and earnings of the Company by, among other things, requiring further increases in the allowance for loan losses and increases in the level of charge-offs in the loan portfolio. Management may increase the allowance if the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to negatively impact the loan portfolio;

 

 

Market interest rates remain at historic lows and if prolonged, could adversely affect our net interest income, net interest margin and earnings;

 

 

We may experience a slowdown in demand for our products and services as the effects of the pandemic continue to linger, including the demand for traditional loans, although we believe any decline experienced to date has largely been offset by the new volume of PPP loans under the CARES Act and other governmental programs established in response to the pandemic. We had 1,117227 PPP loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $59.2$14.8 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021;

 

 

As evidenced by the level of loans classified as substandard and watch as of March 31,September 30, 2021, we continue to experience a higher risk of delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures, as well as declining collateral values and further impairment of the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, all of which may result in additional credit charges and other losses in our loan portfolio;

 

 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we have been actively workingworked with loan customers to evaluate prudent loan modification terms. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, approximately $15.4 million, or 1.35%, of loans were in payment deferral status undersubstantially all COVID-19 related modifications;loan modifications have returned to normal payment status; and

 

 

In meeting our objective to maintain our capital levels and liquidity position through the COVID-19 pandemic, our Board of Directors may reduce or determine to altogether forego payment of future dividends in order to maintain and/or strengthen our capital and liquidity position.

 

Key Performance Indicators and Industry Results

 

Certain key performance indicators for the Company and the industry are presented in the following chart. The industry figures are compiled by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and are derived from 5,0014,951 commercial banks and savings institutions insured by the FDIC. Management reviews these indicators on a quarterly basis for purposes of comparing the Company’s performance from quarter-to-quarter against the industry as a whole.

 

Selected Indicators for the Company and the Industry

 

 

3 Months

                
 

Ended

 

Years Ended December 31,

  

3 Months

 

9 Months

         

Years Ended December 31,

 
 

March, 31,

                 

Ended

 

Ended

 

3 Months Ended

                
 

2021

 

2020

 

2019

  

September 30, 2021

 

June 30, 2021

 

2020

 

2019

 
 

Company

 

Company

 

Industry*

 

Company

 

Industry*

  

Company

 

Company

 

Industry*

 

Company

 

Industry*

 

Company

 

Industry*

 
            

Return on assets

 1.19% 1.01% 0.72% 1.14% 1.29% 1.29% 1.20% 1.12% 1.24% 1.01% 0.72% 1.14% 1.29%
            

Return on equity

 11.52% 9.48% 6.88% 9.48% 11.38% 12.60% 11.85% 11.39% 12.37% 9.48% 6.88% 9.48% 11.38%
            

Net interest margin

 2.86% 3.13% 2.82% 3.21% 3.36% 2.97% 2.89% 2.84% 2.50% 3.13% 2.82% 3.21% 3.36%
            

Efficiency ratio

 55.70% 55.83% 59.78% 58.51% 56.63% 51.35% 54.30% 56.01% 61.01% 55.83% 59.78% 58.51% 56.63%
            

Capital ratio

 10.33% 10.66% 8.81% 12.05% 9.66% 10.27% 10.14% 9.84% 10.12% 10.66% 8.81% 12.05% 9.66%

 

*Latest available data

 

Key performances indicators include:

 

●    Return on Assets

 

This ratio is calculated by dividing net income by average assets. It is used to measure how effectively the assets of the Company are being utilized in generating income. The Company's annualized return on average assets was 1.19%1.29% and 0.81%1.21% for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. This ratio increase was primarily the result of a decrease in the provision for loan loss and a reduction in interest expense due to market rate decreases.

 

●    Return on Equity

 

This ratio is calculated by dividing net income by average equity. It is used to measure the net income or return the Company generated for the shareholders’ equity investment in the Company. The Company's return on average equity was at 11.52%12.60% and 7.44%11.18% for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. This ratio increase was primarily the result of a decrease in the provision for loan loss and a reduction in interest expense due to market rate decreases.

 

 

●    Net Interest Margin

 

The net interest margin for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 was 2.86%2.97% and 3.18%3.21%, respectively. The ratio is calculated by dividing tax equivalent net interest income by average earning assets. Earning assets are primarily made up of loans and investments that earn interest. This ratio is used to measure how well the Company is able to maintain interest rates on earning assets above those of interest-bearing liabilities, which is the interest expense paid on deposits and other borrowings.

 

●    Efficiency Ratio

 

This ratio is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income. The ratio is a measure of the Company’s ability to manage noninterest expenses. The Company’s efficiency ratio was 55.70%51.35% and 57.73%54.80% for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The efficiency ratio has slightly improved compared to the priorsame quarter last year.year primarily due to a reduction in market interest rates on deposits and a decline in the number of employees.

 

●    Capital Ratio

 

The average capital ratio is calculated by dividing average total equity capital by average total assets. It measures the level of average assets that are funded by shareholders’ equity. Given an equal level of risk in the financial condition of two companies, the higher the capital ratio, generally the more financially sound the company. The Company’s capital ratio of 10.33%10.27% as of March 31,September 30, 2021 is significantly higher thansimilar to the industry average of 8.81%10.12% as of December 31, 2020.June 30, 2021.

 

Industry Results:

 

The FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile reported the following results for the fourthsecond quarter of 2020:

Full-Year 2020 Net Income Declines 36.5% to $147.9 Billion

For the 5,001 FDIC-insured commercial banks and savings institutions, full-year 2020 net income totaled $147.9 billion, a decline of $84.9 billion (36.5%) from 2019. The decline was primarily attributable to higher provision expenses in the first half of 2020 tied to pandemic-related deterioration in economic activity. Provision expenses increased by $77.1 billion (140%), and net interest income declined by $20 billion (3.7%). Average net interest margin (NIM) declined by 54 basis points from 2019 to 2.82%, as the yield on average earning assets declined at a faster rate than the cost of funds. The average return on assets (ROA) ratio declined from 1.29% in 2019 to 0.72% in 2020.2021:

 

Quarterly Net Income Increases 9.1% FromContinued to Increase Year Over Year, Driven by a Year Ago to $59.9 BillionSecond Consecutive Quarter of Negative Provision Expense

 

Fourth quarter 2020 quarterly netNet income totaled $59.9$70.4 billion in second quarter 2021, an increase of $5$51.9 billion (9.1%(281%) from the same quarter a year ago. The primary driver of higher net income this quarter was the reductionago, driven by a $73 billion (117.3%) decline in provision expenses. More than halfexpense. Two-thirds of all banks (57.4%)(66.4 %) reported year-over-year increasesimprovement in quarterly net income. The share of unprofitableprofitable institutions remained relatively stableincreased slightly, up 1.4% year over year to 95.8%. However, net income declined $6.4 billion (8.3%) from a year ago at 7.3%first quarter 2021, driven by an increase in provision expense from first quarter 2021 (up $3.7 billion to negative $10.8 billion). The aggregate return on average ROAassets ratio was 1.11% during fourth quarter 2020, down 8of 1.24% rose 89 basis points from a year ago but belowfell 14 basis points from first quarter 2021.

Net Interest Margin Contracted Further to a recent highNew Record Low

The average net interest margin contracted 31 basis points from a year ago to 2.50%—the lowest level on record. The contraction is due to the year-over-year reduction in earning asset yields (down 53 basis points to 2.68%) outpacing the decline in average funding costs (down 22 basis points to 0.18%). Both ratios declined from first quarter 2021 to record lows. Aggregate net interest income declined $2.2 billion (1.7%) from second quarter 2020. Reductions in net interest income at the largest institutions drove the aggregate decline in net interest income, as more than three-fifths of 1.41% in third quarter 2018.all banks (64.1%) reported higher net interest income compared with a year ago.

 

 

Net Interest Margin Remains Unchanged From Third Quarter and at a Record Low Level

The banking industry reported aggregate net interest income of $131.3 billion during the fourth quarter, a decline of $5.4 billion (3.9%) from a year ago. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter that net interest income declined. Almost 43% of all banks reported annual declines in net interest income. The average NIM was 2.68% in fourth quarter 2020, unchanged from the third quarter but down 60 basis points from fourth quarter 2019. Banks of all asset size groups featured in the Quarterly Banking Profile (QBP) reported average NIM compression relative to a year ago, as the contraction in earning asset yields exceeded the decline in funding costs. At fourth quarter 2020, both earning asset yields and funding costs dropped to the lowest levels ever reported in the QBP.

Noninterest Income Expands 6.5% From the Year-Ago QuarterContinued to Increase Despite Lower Trading Revenue

 

Noninterest income rose by $4.3increased (up $5 billion, (6.5%or 7.1%) from a year ago, with nearly 61% of all banks reporting annual increases. The annualsecond quarter 2020 due to improvement in several categories. During the year ending second quarter 2021, “all other noninterest income was led by the growthincome” rose $7.9 billion (27.5%), offsetting both a $5.9 billion (42.1%) decline in trading revenue and a reduction in net gains on loan sales which rose by $3.9of $1.5 billion (104%(19.7 %). Increased income from service charges on deposit accounts (up $1.5 billion, or 21.5%), and net gains on sales of other assets, which increased by $1.6 billion. Trading revenue, which was the largest dollar contributor to the overall increase in noninterest income duringfiduciary activities (up $1.2 billion, or 13.1%) from second quarter 2020 declined foralso supported the second consecutive quarter and was down $799.7 million (11%year-over-year improvement in noninterest income. More than two-thirds of all institutions (69.6%) from fourth quarter 2019.reported higher noninterest income compared with the year-ago quarter.

 

Noninterest Expense Increases Almost 3% FromRelative to Average Assets Declined to a Year AgoRecord Low

 

Noninterest expense rose $3.7 billion (3%) year over year, led by $3.3 billion (2.7%) from a year ago, as almost two-thirdsan increase in salary and benefit expense and “all other noninterest expense.” Nearly three-fourths of all banks (66.4%(74.5%) reported annual increases. The rise inhigher noninterest expense was driven by higher salary and employee benefit expenses, which expanded by $3.7 billion (6.6%). Theyear over year. Higher average assets per employee (up $0.9 million) also increased from $9 million in fourth quarter 2019 to $10.6 million in fourth quarter 2020.

Provisions for Credit Losses Decline to the Lowest Level Since Second Quarter 1995

With the improving economic outlook, provisions for credit losses decreased by $11.4 billion (76.5%) from a year ago to $3.5$11.1 million. However, noninterest expense as a percentage of average assets continued to decline, reaching a record low of 2.23%, down 14 basis points from the year-ago quarter.

Net Operating Revenue to Average Assets Continued to Decline

Net operating revenue (net interest income plus noninterest income) increased $2.8 billion (1.4%) from the year-ago quarter as improvement in noninterest income offset the decline in net interest income. However, growth in average assets and declining net interest income contributed to a 29 basis point decline in the ratio of quarterly net operating revenue to average assets. The ratio stood at 3.62% for the quarter—the lowest level since secondthird quarter 1995. The decline in provisions1984.

Provision Expense Was Negative for the Second Consecutive Quarter

Provisions for credit losses was not broad-based, as less(provisions) increased $3.7 billion from first quarter 2021 but declined $73 billion (117.3%) from the year-ago quarter to negative $10.8 billion. More than one-third (31.2%)three-fifths of all banksinstitutions (63.3%) reported year-over-year declines. Inlower provisions compared with the fourth quarter, 279 banks used the current expected credit losses (CECL) accounting standard andyear-ago quarter. Nearly 14% of institutions reported an aggregate $1.4 billionincrease in provisions for credit losses, down $ 11.2 billion (88.9%) from a year ago. For non-CECL adopters, provisions for credit losses totaled $2.1 billion, down $186.6 million (8.2%) from a year ago.

The Net Charge-Off Rate Falls 13 Basis Points From Fourth Quarter 2019during the same period, while the remaining institutions reported no material change.

 

The net charge-off ratenumber of banks that have adopted current expected credit loss (CECL) accounting fell by 131 to 319 from first quarter 2021. CECL adopters reported aggregate negative provisions of $10.7 billion in second quarter, an increase of $4.3 billion from the previous quarter and a reduction of $67.6 billion from one year ago. Provisions for banks that have not adopted CECL accounting totaled negative $128.1 million (a reduction of $530.6 million from a quarter ago and $5.2 billion from one year ago).

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses to Total Loans Remained Higher Than Pre-Pandemic Level

The allowance for loan and lease losses (ALLL) as a percentage of total loans and leases declined 41 basis points to 1.80% from fourththe year-ago quarter 2019due to 0.41%. Net charge-offs totaled $11.2 billion, down $2.8 billion (19.7%) from a year ago. The year-over-year decline in net charge-offs was driven bynegative provisions, but ALLL remains higher than the reduction in credit card loan charge offs (down $3.4 billion, or 39.7%). Net charge-offs on nonfarm nonresidential (NFNR) properties increased by $657.9 million (348.3%) from a year ago. The net charge-off rate for NFNR properties increased by 17 basis points from a year ago to 0.22% but remained below the highlevel of 1.40%1.18% reported in fourth quarter 2010. The net charge-off rate for2019. Similarly, the commercial and industrial (C&I) loan portfolio increased by 4 basisALLL as a percentage of loans that are 90 days or more past due or in nonaccrual status (coverage ratio) declined 27 percentage points from a year agothe year-ago quarter to 0.47%, below178% but continued to exceed the recent highfinancial crisis average of 0.64% in second79.1%. All insured institutions except the largest Quarterly Banking Profile asset size group (greater than $250 billion) reported higher aggregate coverage ratios compared with first quarter 2020.2021.

 

 

The Noncurrent Loan Rate Expands ModestlyLoans Continued to 1.18%Decline Quarter Over Quarter

 

The noncurrent rate rose by 1 basis point from third quarter 2020 to 1.18%. Noncurrent loan balances (90Loans that were 90 days or more past due or in nonaccrual status) increased by $944.9 million (0.7%status (noncurrent loans) continued to decline (down $13.2 billion, or 10.8%) from first quarter 2021, supporting a 12 basis point reduction in the noncurrent rate to 1.01%. Noncurrent 1–4 family residential loans declined most among loan categories from the previous quarter. One-thirdquarter (down $5.9 billion, or 10.9%), followed by noncurrent commercial and industrial (C&I) loans (down $3.1 billion, or 13.9%). Three-fifths of all banks (33.3%) reported quarterly increasesa reduction in noncurrent loan balances. loans compared with first quarter 2021.

The quarterly increase in noncurrent loan balances was led by NFNR properties (up $2.1Net Charge-Off Rate Declined Further to a Record Low

Net charge-offs continued to decline for the fourth consecutive quarter (down $8.3 billion, or 15.7%) and credit card balances (up $1.4 billion, or 17%53.2%). The noncurrentIn second quarter, the net charge-off rate for NFNR properties increased by 13fell 30 basis points to 1.00%0.27%, a record low. A decline in the fourth quarter 2020, while the noncurrent rate fornet charge-offs of credit card balances rose by 13 basis points to 1.16%.loans (down $3.3 billion, or 39.8 %) and C&I loans (down $2.9 billion, or 69.7%) drove three-fourths (75.5%) of the reduction in net charge-offs from the year-ago quarter. More than half of all banks (51.6%) reported a decline in net charge-offs from a year ago.

 

Total Assets Increase 3.1% From the Previous QuarterIncreased, Especially Those With Maturities of More Than Five Years

 

Total assets increased by $664$224.8 billion (3.1%(1%) from thirdfirst quarter 2020. The banking industry’s liquidity position continued2021 to strengthen.$22.8 trillion. More than four-fifths (86.1%) of all banks reported an increase in assets with contractual maturities greater than five years compared with a quarter ago. Cash and balances due from depository institutions rose by $357declined $108 billion (12.6%(3%), and security holdings posted a record high quarterly dollar increase of $321.4while securities rose $248.9 billion (6.7%(4.5%). Mortgage-backedGrowth in mortgage-backed securities increased by $244.9(up $122.7 billion, (8.8%or 3.8%) and U.S. Treasury securities (up $91.2 billion, or 8.5%) continued to spur quarterly increases in total securities. Growth in held-to-maturity securities from first quarter 2021 (up $273.6 billion, or 16.8%) outpaced that of available-for-sale (AFS) securities (down $27.3 billion, or 0.7%).

 

Quarterly Loan Balances Decline FromGrew for the PreviousFirst Time Since Second Quarter Led by Lower Commercial and Industrial Lending Activity2020

 

Total loan and lease balances totaled $10.9 trillion in fourth quarter 2020, $47.7 billion (0.4%) less than third quarter 2020. The quarterly decline in total loan and leases balances was led by the C&I loan portfolio, which fell by $103.8 billion (4.1%). Small Business Administration-guaranteed Paycheck Protection Program loans declined by $83.9 billion (17.1%) from the previous quarter. The decline in the C&I loan portfolio was partially offset by increases in loans to nondepository financial institutions (up $30.2 billion, or 5.5%) and credit card balances (up $25.6 billion, or 3.2%). Total loanLoan and lease balances increased by $345$33.2 billion (3.3%) from a year ago, the lowest annual growth rate since fourth quarter 2013. The annual increase in total loan and lease balances was driven by the C&I loan portfolio, which rose by $232.8 billion (10.6%), primarily in the first half of 2020.

Deposits Increase 4.1% From Third Quarter 2020

Total deposit balances rose by $706.9 billion (4.1%) between the third and fourth quarters of 2020. While the quarterly growth in deposits is below the levels reported in the first half of 2020, it is the third largest quarterly dollar increase ever reported in the QBP. Interest-bearing account balances rose by $399.2 billion (3.5%), and noninterest-bearing account balances expanded by $220.5 billion (5%). Deposits in accounts with balances larger than $250,000 increased by $467.5 billion (5.4%) from the previous quarter. Nondeposit liabilities fell by $124.2 billion (11.1%(0.3%) from the previous quarter, led by Federal Home Loan Bank advances that declined by $48.5the first quarterly increase in loan balances since second quarter 2020. An increase in credit card loan balances (up $30.9 billion, (15.9%or 4.1%). and an increase in auto loan balances (up $18.9 billion, or 3.8%) drove this growth. Half (50.3%) of all institutions reported a quarterly increase in total loans.

 

Equity Capital Increases Almost 2% FromCompared with second quarter 2020, loan and lease balances contracted slightly (down $133.9 billion, or 1.2%), driven by a reduction in C&I loans (down $360.4 billion, or 13.4%). An increase in “all other loans” (up $182.8 billion, or 18.2%) mitigated the Previous Quarterannual contraction in total loan balances. Compared with the year-ago quarter, more than half (52.8%) of all institutions reported a decline in total loans, but more than three-quarters (76.4%) of all institutions reported an increase in unused commitments to lend.

 

Equity capital totaled $2.2 trillionDeposits Continued to Grow but at a Moderated Pace in fourthSecond Quarter 2021

Deposits grew $271.9 billion (1.5%) in second quarter, 2020, up $41.9 billion (1.9%)down from the growth rate of 3.6% reported in first quarter 2021. The deposit growth rate in second quarter is near the long-run average growth rate of 1.2%. Deposits above $250,000 continued to drive the quarterly increase (up $297.8 billion, or 3.1%) and offset a decline in deposits below $250,000 (down $53.6 billion, or 0.7%). Noninterest-bearing deposit growth (up $175 billion, or 3.5%) continued to outpace that of interest-bearing deposits (up $53.3 billion, or 0.4 %), with more than half of banks (57.3%) reporting higher noninterest-bearing deposit balances compared with the previous quarter. Declared dividends totaled $21.8 billion, down $27.4 billion (55.7%) from fourth quarter 2019. Seven insured institutions with $498.4 million in total assets were below the requirements for the well-capitalized category as defined for Prompt Corrective Action.

 

 

Equity Capital Growth Remained Strong

Equity capital rose $55.3 billion (2.5%) from first quarter 2021. Retained earnings contributed $33.9 billion to equity formation despite a decline in retained earnings from first quarter (down $19.1 billion, or 36%). Banks distributed 51.9% of second quarter earnings as dividends, which were up $12.7 billion (53%) from a quarter ago. Nearly one-third (32%) of banks reported higher dividends compared with the year-ago quarter. The number of institutions with capital ratios that did not meet Prompt Corrective Action requirements for the well-capitalized category increased by three to nine from first quarter 2021.

Three New Banks OpenOpened in FourthSecond Quarter 20202021

 

The number of FDIC-insured commercial banks and savings institutions that filed quarterly Call Reports declined from 5,0334,978 in thirdfirst quarter 20202021 to 5,001 in fourth4,951. During second quarter 2020. Three2021, three new banks were added, 31opened, 28 institutions were absorbed by mergers,merged with other FDIC-insured institutions, two banks failed, one bank sold most of its assets to a credit union,ceased operations, and one bank did not file in time for this analysis. For full-year 2020, six new banks were added, 168 institutions were absorbed by mergers, and fourno banks failed. The number of institutionsbanks on the FDIC’s “Problem Bank List” remained unchangeddeclined by four from the previousfirst quarter at 56.to 51. Total assets of problem banks increaseddeclined $8.4 billion (15.4%) from $53.9 billion in thirdfirst quarter 2020 to $55.8 billion in fourth quarter 2020.$45.8 billion.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion contained in this Item 2 and other disclosures included within this report are based, in part, on the Company’s audited December 31, 2020 consolidated financial statements. These statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The financial information contained in these statements is, for the most part, based on the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. However, the preparation of these statements requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.

 

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” accompanying the Company’s audited financial statements. Based on its consideration of accounting policies that involve the most complex and subjective estimates and judgments, management has identified the allowance for loan losses, the assessment of other-than-temporary impairment for investment securities and the assessment of goodwill impairment to be the Company’s most critical accounting policies.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses that is treated as an expense and charged against earnings. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collectability of the principal is unlikely. The Company has policies and procedures for evaluating the overall credit quality of its loan portfolio, including timely identification of potential problem loans. On a quarterly basis, management reviews the appropriate level for the allowance for loan losses, incorporating a variety of risk considerations, both quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative factors include the Company’s historical loss experience, delinquency and charge-off trends, collateral values, known information about individual loans and other factors. Qualitative factors include various considerations regarding the general economic environment in the Company’s market area. To the extent actual results differ from forecasts and management’s judgment, the allowance for loan losses may be greater or lesser than future charge-offs. Due to potential changes in conditions, including the economic disruption and uncertainties resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in estimates will occur in the near term and that such changes could be material to the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements.

 

For further discussion concerning the allowance for loan losses and the process of establishing specific reserves, see the section of the Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled “Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management” and “Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses”.

 

Fair Value and Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Investment Securities

 

The Company’s securities available-for-sale portfolio is carried at fair value with “fair value” being defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability is not adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact, and (iv) willing to transact.

 

Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the intent to sell the investment securities and the more likely than not requirement that the Company will be required to sell the investment securities prior to recovery (2) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and (3) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Due to potential changes in conditions, including the economic disruption and uncertainties resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in management’s assessment of other-than-temporary impairment will occur in the near term and that such changes could be material to the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill arose in connection with four acquisitions consummated in previous periods. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or more often if conditions indicate a possible impairment.  For the purposes of goodwill impairment testing, determination of the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.   Impairment would arise if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. At March 31,September 30, 2021, Company’s management has completed the goodwill impairment assessment and determined goodwill was not impaired. Actual future test results may differ from the present evaluation of impairment due to changes in the conditions used in the current evaluation. Goodwill may be impaired in the future if the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts our net income and fair value, particularly of our most recent acquisition.value. An impairment of goodwill would decrease the Company’s earnings during the period in which the impairment is recorded.

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

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

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 

Reconciliation of net interest income and annualized net interest margin on an FTE basis to GAAP:

Reconciliation of net interest income and annualized net interest margin on an FTE basis to GAAP:

 

Reconciliation of net interest income and annualized net interest margin on an FTE basis to GAAP:

     

Net interest income (GAAP)

 $13,664  $13,046  $14,652  $14,160  $42,488  $40,886 

Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)

  225   241   193   237   636   732 

Net interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP)

 13,889  13,287  14,845  14,397  43,124  41,618 

Average interest-earning assets

 $1,941,859  $1,669,356  $1,999,147  $1,796,452  $1,989,226  $1,754,518 

Net interest margin on an FTE basis (non-GAAP)

 2.86% 3.18% 2.97% 3.21% 2.89% 3.16%

 

(1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an incremental federal income tax rate of 21 percent, adjusted to reflect the effect of the tax-exempt interest income associated with owning tax-exempt securities and loans.

 

 

Income Statement Review for the Three Months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020

 

The following highlights a comparative discussion of the major components of net income and their impact for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020:

 

AVERAGE BALANCES AND INTEREST RATES

 

The following two tables are used to calculate the Company’s non-GAAP net interest margin on an FTE basis. The first table includes the Company’s average assets and the related income to determine the average yield on earning assets. The second table includes the average liabilities and related expense to determine the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The net interest margin is equal to interest income less interest expense divided by average earning assets. Refer to the net interest income discussion following the tables for additional detail.

 

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

 

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

 
  
 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
  
 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 
  
 

Average

 

Revenue/

 

Yield/

 

Average

 

Revenue/

 

Yield/

  

Average

 

Revenue/

 

Yield/

 

Average

 

Revenue/

 

Yield/

 
 

balance

 

expense

 

rate

 

balance

 

expense

 

rate

  

balance

 

expense

 

rate

 

balance

 

expense

 

rate

 

ASSETS

              

(dollars in thousands)

                                    

Interest-earning assets

  

Loans (1)

  

Commercial

 $122,006  $1,712  5.61% $85,400  $1,081  5.06% $96,436  $2,411  10.00% $154,887  $1,732  4.47%

Agricultural

 92,362  989  4.28% 110,296  1,699  6.16% 98,942  1,014  4.10% 105,568  1,580  5.99%

Real estate

 908,212  9,112  4.01% 862,650  9,557  4.43% 934,427  8,936  3.83% 890,097  9,324  4.19%

Consumer and other

  14,172  171  4.83%  18,483  250  5.41%  15,167  169  4.46%  17,667  229  5.18%
  

Total loans (including fees)

  1,136,752  11,984  4.22%  1,076,829  12,587  4.68%  1,144,972  12,530  4.38%  1,168,219  12,865  4.41%
  

Investment securities

  

Taxable

 453,939  1,989  1.75% 303,865  1,821  2.40% 598,634  2,256  1.51% 362,553  1,987  2.19%

Tax-exempt (2)

  162,496  1,069  2.63%  170,487  1,152  2.70%  146,805  918  2.50%  164,010  1,128  2.75%

Total investment securities

  616,435  3,058  1.98%  474,352  2,973  2.51%  745,439  3,174  1.70%  526,563  3,115  2.37%
  

Interest-bearing deposits with banks and federal funds sold

  188,672  178  0.38%  118,175  517  1.75%  108,736  168  0.62%  101,670  176  0.69%
  

Total interest-earning assets

  1,941,859  $15,220  3.14%  1,669,356  $16,077  3.85%  1,999,147  $15,872  3.18%  1,796,452  $16,156  3.60%
  

Noninterest-earning assets

  81,154        81,546        76,490    81,654  
  

TOTAL ASSETS

 $2,023,013       $1,750,902       $2,075,637   $1,878,106  

 

(1) Average loan balance includesbalances include nonaccrual loans, if any. Interest income collected on nonaccrual loans has been included.

(2) Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using an incremental tax rate of 21%.

 

 

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES 
                         
  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
                         
  

2021

  

2020

 
                         
  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

 
  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                        

(dollars in thousands)

                        

Interest-bearing liabilities

                        

Deposits

                        

Interest-bearing checking, savings accounts and money markets

 $1,156,088  $479   0.17% $955,890  $1,284   0.54%

Time deposits

  252,035   815   1.29%  282,833   1,366   1.93%

Total deposits

  1,408,123   1,294   0.37%  1,238,723   2,650   0.86%

Other borrowed funds

  40,692   37   0.36%  50,190   139   1.11%
                         

Total interest-bearing liabilities

  1,448,815   1,331   0.37%  1,288,913   2,789   0.87%
                         

Noninterest-bearing liabilities

                        

Noninterest-bearing checking

  354,595           260,092         

Other liabilities

  10,571           10,711         
                         

Stockholders' equity

  209,032         �� 191,186         
                         

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 $2,023,013          $1,750,902         
                         
                         

Net interest income (FTE)(3)

     $13,889   2.86%     $13,288   3.18%
                         

Spread Analysis (FTE)

                        

Interest income/average assets

 $15,220   3.01%     $16,077   3.67%    

Interest expense/average assets

 $1,331   0.26%     $2,789   0.64%    

Net interest income/average assets

 $13,889   2.75%     $13,288   3.04%    

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

 
                         
  

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
                         
  

2021

  

2020

 
                         
  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

 
  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                        

(dollars in thousands)

                        

Interest-bearing liabilities

                        

Deposits

                        

Interest-bearing checking, savings accounts and money markets

 $1,212,084  $467   0.15% $1,027,277  $586   0.23%

Time deposits

  227,760   526   0.92%  272,361   1,133   1.66%

Total deposits

  1,439,844   993   0.28%  1,299,638   1,719   0.53%

Other borrowed funds

  38,863   34   0.35%  37,597   40   0.42%
                         

Total interest-bearing liabilities

  1,478,707   1,027   0.28%  1,337,235   1,759   0.53%
                         

Noninterest-bearing liabilities

                        

Noninterest-bearing checking

  373,973           325,339         

Other liabilities

  9,786           12,689         
                         

Stockholders' equity

  213,171           202,843         
                         

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 $2,075,637          $1,878,106         
                         
                         

Net interest income (FTE)(3)

     $14,845   2.97%     $14,397   3.21%
                         

Spread Analysis (FTE)

                        

Interest income/average assets

 $15,872   3.06%     $16,156   3.44%    

Interest expense/average assets

 $1,027   0.20%     $1,759   0.37%    

Net interest income/average assets

 $14,845   2.86%     $14,397   3.07%    

 

(3) Net interest income (FTE) is a non-GAAP financial measure. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this report.

 

Net Interest Income

 

For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company's net interest margin adjusted for tax exempt income was 2.86%2.97% and 3.18%3.21%, respectively. Net interest income, prior to the adjustment for tax-exempt income, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 totaled $13.7$14.7 million compared to $13.0$14.2 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020.

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, interest income declined $840$239 thousand, or 5%2%, when compared to the same period in 2020. The reduction is primarily due to lower market interest rates, offset in part by an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets $840 thousandand $1.7 million of fees recognized in commercial loan interest income from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and $335as compared to $615 thousand of interest income recognized due tofees during the payoffsame period of nonaccrual loans.2020. The increase in average balances of interest-earning assets was primarily driven by the deployment of increased deposits.

 

Interest expense declined $1.5 million,$731 thousand, or 52%42%, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 when compared to the same period in 2020. The lower interest expense for the period is primarily attributable to a decline in market interest rates and was offset in part by increases in average deposit balances. The increase in deposit balances was due primarily to government stimulus programs.

Provision (Credit) for Loan Losses

A (credit) for loan losses of ($94) thousand was recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to a provision for loan losses of $541 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Net loan recoveries totaled $31 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to net loan charge offs of $614 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The (credit) for loan losses was primarily due to improving economic conditions. The provision for loan losses in 2020 was primarily due to uncertainties associated with the economic slow-down created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Noninterest Income and Expense

Noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2021 totaled $2.7 million as compared to $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, a decrease of 4%. The decrease in noninterest income was primarily due to a decrease in gains on sale of residential loans held for sale as refinancing has slowed.

Noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2021 totaled $8.9 million compared to $9.3 million recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2020, a decrease of 4%. The decrease is primarily due to a reduction in salaries and benefits primarily due to a decline in the number of employees, offset in part by normal increases in salaries and other benefits, including health insurance. The efficiency ratio was 51.4% for the third quarter of 2021 as compared to 54.8% in the third quarter of 2020.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2021 totaled $1.8 million compared to $1.5 million recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The effective tax rate was 21% and 20% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The lower than expected tax rate in 2021 and 2020 was due primarily to tax-exempt interest income and New Markets Tax Credits.

Income Statement Review for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020

The following highlights a comparative discussion of the major components of net income and their impact for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:

AVERAGE BALANCES AND INTEREST RATES

The following two tables are used to calculate the Company’s non-GAAP net interest margin on an FTE basis. The first table includes the Company’s average assets and the related income to determine the average yield on earning assets. The second table includes the average liabilities and related expense to determine the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The net interest margin is equal to interest income less interest expense divided by average earning assets. Refer to the net interest income discussion following the tables for additional detail.

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

 
                         
  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
                         
  

2021

  

2020

 
                         
  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

 
  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

 

ASSETS

                        

(dollars in thousands)

                        

Interest-earning assets

                        

Loans (1)

                        

Commercial

 $113,448  $6,281   7.38% $128,638  $4,455   4.62%

Agricultural

  96,173   2,999   4.16%  109,038   4,601   5.63%

Real estate

  918,384   26,845   3.90%  878,105   28,252   4.29%

Consumer and other

  14,768   516   4.66%  18,113   713   5.25%
                         

Total loans (including fees)

  1,142,773   36,641   4.28%  1,133,894   38,021   4.47%
                         

Investment securities

                        

Taxable

  533,161   6,457   1.61%  328,081   5,725   2.33%

Tax-exempt (2)

  156,969   3,028   2.57%  170,413   3,488   2.73%

Total investment securities

  690,130   9,485   1.83%  498,494   9,213   2.46%
                         

Interest-bearing deposits with banks and federal funds sold

  156,323   515   0.44%  122,131   889   0.97%
                         

Total interest-earning assets

  1,989,226  $46,641   3.13%  1,754,519  $48,123   3.66%
                         

Noninterest-earning assets

  76,434           82,377         
                         

TOTAL ASSETS

 $2,065,660          $1,836,896         

(1) Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans, if any. Interest income collected on nonaccrual loans has been included.

(2) Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using an incremental tax rate of 21%.

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

 
                         
  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
                         
  

2021

  

2020

 
                         
  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

 
  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

         ��              

(dollars in thousands)

                        

Interest-bearing liabilities

                        

Deposits

                        

Interest-bearing checking, savings accounts and money markets

 $1,198,914  $1,435   0.16% $1,003,378  $2,668   0.35%

Time deposits

  239,691   1,976   1.10%  277,691   3,599   1.73%

Total deposits

  1,438,605   3,411   0.32%  1,281,069   6,267   0.65%

Other borrowed funds

  39,927   106   0.35%  46,164   238   0.69%
                         

Total interest-bearing liabilities

  1,478,532   3,517   0.32%  1,327,233   6,505   0.65%
                         

Noninterest-bearing liabilities

                        

Noninterest-bearing checking

  367,698           301,434         

Other liabilities

  9,880           11,941         
                         

Stockholders' equity

  209,550           196,288         
                         

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 $2,065,660          $1,836,896         
                         
                         

Net interest income (FTE)(3)

     $43,124   2.89%     $41,618   3.16%
                         

Spread Analysis (FTE)

                        

Interest income/average assets

 $46,641   3.01%     $48,123   3.49%    

Interest expense/average assets

 $3,517   0.23%     $6,505   0.47%    

Net interest income/average assets

 $43,124   2.78%     $41,618   3.02%    

(3) Net interest income (FTE) is a non-GAAP financial measure. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this report.

Net Interest Income

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company's net interest margin adjusted for tax exempt income was 2.89% and 3.16%, respectively. Net interest income, prior to the adjustment for tax-exempt income, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 totaled $42.5 million compared to $40.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, interest income declined $1.4 million, or 3%, when compared to the same period in 2020. The decrease is primarily due to a reduction in interest rates, offset in part by $3.9 million of fees recognized in commercial loan interest income from PPP loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to $1.2 million of fees recognized during the same period of 2020.

Interest expense declined $3.0 million, or 46%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 when compared to the same period in 2020. The lower interest expense for the period is primarily attributable to a decline in market interest rates and offset in part by increases in average deposit balances.

 

Provision (credit) for Loan Losses

 

A (credit) for loan losses of ($426)540) thousand was recognized for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 as compared to a provision for loan losses of $2.3$4.4 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. Net loan recoveries totaled $118$155 thousand for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 compared to net loan charge offs of $26 thousand$1.1 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. The (credit) for loan losses in 2021 was primarily due to loan recoveries and a reduction in a specific reserve due to the payoff of an impaired loan and lower loan balances from year-end.reserve. The provision for loan losses in 2020 was primarily due to uncertainties associated with the onset ofeconomic slow-down created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Noninterest Income and Expense

 

Noninterest income for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 totaled $2.5$7.8 million as compared to $2.6$7.9 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, a decrease of 5%1%. Wealth management income increased, but was offset by a decrease in securities gains when comparing periods. The lower level of noninterestincrease in wealth management income was primarily duerelated to securities gains recognizedgrowth in the first quarter of 2020 with no corresponding gains for the same period in 2021. The lower security gains were partially offsetassets under management, fueled by an increase in gains on sale of residential loans held for sale from increased refinancing in a low interest rate environment.favorable equity market and new account relationships.

 

Noninterest expense for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 totaled $9.0$27.3 million compared to $9.1$27.4 million recorded for the threenine months ended March 31, 2020, aSeptember 30, 2020. Most of the decrease of 1%. The decrease is primarily duewas related to lower salaries and employee benefits and was partially offset by an increase in data processing costs. The decrease in salaries and employee benefits isprimarily due to a reduction in the number of personnelemployees and increased deferred loan costs associated with PPP loan volume, offset in part by normal salaryincreases in salaries and benefit increases.other benefits, including health insurance. This decrease was offset by an increase in FDIC insurance assessments and data processing costs. The efficiency ratio was 55.7%54.3% and 56.3% for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to 57.7% in the first quarter of 2020.and 2020, respectively.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 totaled $1.6$4.9 million compared to $756 thousand$3.2 million recorded for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. The effective tax rate was 21% and 18%19% for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The lower than expected tax rate in 2021 and 2020 was due primarily to tax-exempt interest income and New Markets Tax Credits.

 

 

Balance Sheet Review

 

As of March 31,September 30, 2021, total assets were $2.1 billion, a $124.2$120.7 million increase compared to December 31, 2020. TheThis increase in assets is primarily due to investment securities PPP and commercial real estate loans, and growth in interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions. This increase in assets was funded by growth in our deposits due in part to federal government stimulus programs and a lack of other desirable fixed income alternatives for our customers.

 

Investment Portfolio

 

The investment portfolio totaled $672.3$765.4 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021, an increase of $75.3$168.4 million from the December 31, 2020 balance of $597.0 million. The increase in securities available-for-sale is primarily due to purchases of treasuries and mortgage-backed securitiesmunicipals as deposit growth was greater thanexceeded loan growth.

 

On a quarterly basis, the investment portfolio is reviewed for other-than-temporary impairment. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, gross unrealized losses of $4.1$3.1 million, are considered to be temporary in nature due to the interest rate environment and other general economic factors. As a result of the economic slowdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, certain bonds in the investment portfolio may become other-than-temporarily impaired and could negatively affect the Company’s net income. As a result of the Company’s favorable liquidity position, the Company does not have the intent to sell securities with an unrealized loss at the present time. In addition, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will hold these securities until recovery of their fair value to cost basis and expects full principal and interest to be collected. Therefore, the Company does not consider these investments to have other-than-temporary impairment as of March 31,September 30, 2021.

 

At March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company’s investment securities portfolio included securities issued by 296287 government municipalities and agencies located within 2627 states with a fair value of $262.5$276.7 million. At December 31, 2020, the Company’s investment securities portfolio included securities issued by 279 government municipalities and agencies located within 24 states with a fair value of $251.6 million. No one municipality or agency represents a concentration within this segment of the investment portfolio. Storm Lake, Iowa, general obligation bonds with a fair value of $8.1$7.8 million (approximately 3.1%2.8% of the fair value of the government municipalities and agencies) represent the largest exposure to any one municipality or agency for the Company as of March 31,September 30, 2021; the bonds are repayable from the levy of continuing annual tax on all the taxable property within the territory of the city of Storm Lake.

 

The Company’s procedures for evaluating investments in states, municipalities and political subdivisions include but are not limited to reviewing the offering statement and the most current available financial information, comparing yields to yields of bonds of similar credit quality, confirming capacity to repay, assessing operating and financial performance, evaluating the stability of tax revenues, considering debt profiles and local demographics, and for revenue bonds, assessing the source and strength of revenue structures for municipal authorities. These procedures, as applicable, are utilized for all municipal purchases and are utilized in whole or in part for monitoring the portfolio of municipal holdings. The Company does not utilize third party credit rating agencies as a primary component of determining if the municipal issuer has an adequate capacity to meet the financial commitments under the security for the projected life of the investment, and, therefore, does not compare internal assessments to those of the credit rating agencies. Credit rating downgrades are utilized as an additional indicator of credit weakness and as a reference point for historical default rates.

 

 

The following table summarizes the total general obligation and revenue bonds in the Company’s investment securities portfolios as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 identifying the state in which the issuing government municipality or agency operates (in thousands):

 

 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 
   

Estimated

   

Estimated

    

Estimated

   

Estimated

 
 

Amortized

 

Fair

 

Amortized

 

Fair

  

Amortized

 

Fair

 

Amortized

 

Fair

 
 

Cost

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Value

  

Cost

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Value

 
          

Obligations of states and political subdivisions:

          

General Obligation bonds:

          

Iowa

 $71,608  $72,697  $69,943  $72,442  $71,457  $73,002  $69,943  $72,442 

Nebraska

 15,015  14,899  15,019  15,446  19,635  19,671  15,019  15,446 

Texas

 12,251  12,613  11,253  11,927  14,810  15,196  11,253  11,927 

Washington

 10,199  10,407  7,329  7,702  11,038  11,293  7,329  7,702 

Oregon

 6,786  6,919  6,783  7,047 

Other (2021: 15 states; 2020: 13 states)

  29,931  30,188   25,231  25,942 

Other (2021: 16 states; 2020: 14 states)

  41,670  42,217   32,014  32,989 
          

Total general obligation bonds

 $145,790  $147,723  $135,558  $140,506  $158,610  $161,379  $135,558  $140,506 
          

Revenue bonds:

          

Iowa

 $66,182  $66,943  $65,461  $67,048  $63,282  $64,240  $65,461  $67,048 

Texas

 10,560  10,814  8,625  9,189  11,910  12,260  8,625  9,189 

Nebraska

 8,547  8,413  6,588  6,753  8,537  8,507  6,588  6,753 

Washington

 5,543  5,471  5,548  5,642 

Other (2021: 17 states; 2020: 16 states)

  22,634  23,115   21,658  22,446 

Other (2021: 19 states; 2020: 17 states)

  29,580  30,266   27,206  28,088 
          

Total revenue bonds

 $113,466  $114,756  $107,880  $111,078  $113,309  $115,273  $107,880  $111,078 
          

Total obligations of states and political subdivisions

 $259,256  $262,479  $243,438  $251,584  $271,919  $276,652  $243,438  $251,584 

 

 

As of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the revenue bonds in the Company’s investment securities portfolios were issued by government municipalities and agencies to fund public services such as community school facilities, college and university dormitory facilities, water utilities and electrical utilities. The revenue bonds are to be paid from 6 primary revenue sources. The revenue sources that represent 5% or more, individually, as a percent of the total revenue bonds are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

 

 

2021

 

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 
   

Estimated

   

Estimated

    

Estimated

   

Estimated

 
 

Amortized

 

Fair

 

Amortized

 

Fair

  

Amortized

 

Fair

 

Amortized

 

Fair

 
 

Cost

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Value

  

Cost

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Value

 
          

Revenue bonds by revenue source

          

Sales tax

 $33,297  $33,573  $32,654  $33,380  $31,282  $31,826  $32,654  $33,380 

Water

 21,903  22,303  21,934  22,660  20,677  21,143  21,934  22,660 

College and universities, primarily dormitory revenues

 12,921  13,161  11,332  11,810  15,013  15,347  11,332  11,810 

Sewer

 11,293  11,370  11,302  11,724  14,258  14,435  11,302  11,724 

Leases

 8,998  9,122  7,050  7,253  7,788  7,944  7,050  7,253 

Electric power & light revenues

 7,068  7,200  7,075  7,279  6,134  6,305  7,075  7,279 

Other

  17,986  18,027   16,533  16,972   18,157  18,273   16,533  16,972 
          

Total revenue bonds by revenue source

 $113,466  $114,756  $107,880  $111,078  $113,309  $115,273  $107,880  $111,078 

 

Loan Portfolio

 

The loan portfolio, net of the allowance for loan losses, totaled $1.12$1.126 billion and $1.13$1.130 billion as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The decrease in loans was primarily due to the agriculture loan portfolios,a reduction in PPP and construction loans, offset in part by growthan increase in the commercial real estate and 1-4 family residential loan portfolio. The Company continues to issue government guaranteed loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). The PPP loans totaled $59.2$14.8 million and $50.9 million as of MarchSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2021.2020, respectively. The PPP loans bear an interest rate of 1.0% and generally have a two to five year maturity. The Small Business Administration has provided fees to financial institutions to originate the PPP loans with recognition of the fees over the life of the loans. The Company has $2.9 million$652 thousand of unrecognized net PPP loan fees and costs as of March 31,September 30, 2021. Management expects most of these loans to be forgiven and the net fees and costs associated with these loans will be accelerated into interest income.

 

Deposits

 

Deposits totaled $1.84 billion and $1.72 billion as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The change in deposits since December 31, 2020 was primarily due to increases in account balancesacross all types except certificates of retail, commercial, and public funds.deposits which continue to decline due to the current rate environment. Balance fluctuations were primarily due to government stimulus programs and normal customer activity, as customers’ liquidity needs vary at any given time. Funds disbursed under the PPP program were deposited into customer accounts and may impact overall deposit fluctuations as customers spend those funds according to the PPP guidelines. Deposit levels may be impacted in future periods by additional government stimulus or distressed economic conditions.

 

Dividends Payable

There was $2.4 million of dividends payable as of September 30, 2021 as compared to no dividends payable as of September 30, 2020. For the quarter ended September 30, 2021 the dividend was declared on August 17, 2021 and will be paid in the fourth quarter of 2021. For the quarter ended September 30, 2020 the dividend was not declared until October 14, 2020 and was paid in the fourth quarter of 2020. In the past, dividends were declared in one quarter and then paid in the subsequent quarter, we returned to this practice in the third quarter of 2021.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. No material changes in the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements have occurred since December 31, 2020.

 

Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management

 

The Company’s credit risk is historically centered in the loan portfolio, which on March 31,September 30, 2021 totaled $1.12$1.126 billion compared to $1.13$1.130 billion as of December 31, 2020. Net loans comprise 53%54% of total assets as of March 31,September 30, 2021. The objective in managing loan portfolio risk is to reduce the risk of loss resulting from a customer’s failure to perform according to the terms of an agreement and to quantify and manage credit risk on a portfolio basis. The Company’s level of problem loans (consisting of nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more) as a percentage of total loans was 1.18%1.11% at March 31,September 30, 2021, as compared to 1.33% at December 31, 2020. The decrease in the level of problem loans is due primarily to payoffs of nonaccrual loans in the first quarter of 2021.loans. The Company’s level of problem loans as a percentage of total loans at March 31,September 30, 2021 of 1.18%1.11% is higher as compared to the Iowa State Average peer group of FDIC insured institutions as of December 31, 2020,June 30, 2021, of 0.66%0.60%, most recent available.

 

Impaired loans totaled $13.4$12.5 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and have decreased $1.9$2.8 million as compared to the impaired loans of $15.3 million as of December 31, 2020. The decrease is primarily due to payoffs of nonaccrual loans in the first quarter of 2021.loans.

 

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payment of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. The Company applies its normal loan review procedures to identify loans that should be evaluated for impairment.

 

The Company had TDRs of $10.5$10.6 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and $11.3 million as of December 31, 2020, all of which were included in impaired and nonaccrual loans.

 

TDRs are monitored and reported on a quarterly basis. Certain TDRs are on nonaccrual status at the time of restructuring. These borrowings are typically returned to accrual status after the following: sustained repayment performance in accordance with the restructuring agreement for a reasonable period of at least nine months; and, management is reasonably assured of future performance. If the TDR meets these performance criteria and the interest rate granted at the modification is equal to or greater than the rate that the Company was willing to accept at the time of the restructuring for a new loan with comparable risk, then the loan will return to performing status.

 

Section 4013 of the CARES Act, “Temporary Relief From TDRs,” allows financial institutions the option to temporarily suspend certain requirements under U.S. GAAP related to TDRs for a limited period of time during the COVID-19 pandemic. This temporary suspension may only be applied to modifications of loans that were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019 and may not be applied to modifications that are not related to the COVID-19 pandemic. If elected, the temporary suspension may be applied to eligible modifications executed during the period beginning on March 1, 2020 and ending on the earlier of December 31, 2020, extended to January 1, 2022 under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, or 60 days after the termination of the COVID-19 national emergency. In March 2020, federal banking regulators in consultation with the FASB issued interagency statements that include similar guidance on loan modifications and reporting for financial institutions working with customers affected by COVID-19. The interagency statement provided that short-term modifications made on a good faith basis in response to COVID-19 to borrowers who were current prior to any relief, are not to be considered TDRs.

 

 

For TDRs that were on nonaccrual status before the modification, a specific reserve may already be recorded. In periods subsequent to modification, the Company will continue to evaluate all TDRs for possible impairment and, as necessary, recognize impairment through the allowance. No additional specific reserve was provided for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020. The Company had no charge-offs and $262 thousand of recoveries for TDR’s for the three and $16nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. The Company had $15 thousand and $31 thousand of charge-offs for TDR’s for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 andSeptember 30, 2020, respectively. The Company does not have material commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers with loans whose terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings or whose loans are on nonaccrual.

 

Loans past due 90 days or more that are still accruing interest are reviewed no less frequently than quarterly to determine if there continues to be a strong reason that the credit should not be placed on nonaccrual. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, nonaccrual loans totaled $13.4$12.5 million and there were $5$84 thousand of loans past due 90 days and still accruing. This compares to nonaccrual loans of $15.3 million and loans past due 90 days and still accruing totaled $39 thousand as of December 31, 2020. The decrease in nonaccrual loans is due primarily to payoffs of nonaccrual loans. Real estate owned totaled $227$768 thousand and $218 thousand as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

 

The agricultural real estate and agricultural operating loan portfolio classifications remain elevated. The watch and special mention loans in these categories totaled $41.9$35.9 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021 as compared to $54.1 million as of December 31, 2020. This decrease is generally due to payments received from various agricultural customers. The substandard and impaired loans in these categories totaled $8.7$7.3 million and $9.5 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

 

The watch and special mention loans classified as commercial real estate totaled $107.0$103.9 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021 as compared to $111.9 million as of December 31, 2020. The substandard and impaired commercial real estate loans totaled $37.7$34.2 million and $37.9 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

 

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of outstanding loans as of March 31,September 30, 2021 was 1.48%1.47%, as compared to 1.50% at December 31, 2020. The allowance for loan losses totaled $16.9$16.8 million and $17.2 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. PPP loans are government guaranteed and the impact on the allowance for loan loss was not significant.

 

The allowance for loan losses is management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Factors considered in establishing an appropriate allowance include: an assessment of the financial condition of the borrower, a realistic determination of value and adequacy of underlying collateral, the condition of the local economy and the condition of the specific industry of the borrower, an analysis of the levels and trends of loan categories and a review of delinquent and classified loans. The decrease in the allowance for loan losses is mainly due to net loan recoveries and a reduction in a specific reserve, and loweroffset in part by higher loan balances from year-end.year-end excluding PPP loans. Additional increases in the allowance for loan losses are possible if the effects of the COVID-19 conditions negatively impacts our loan portfolio. These increases may be due to increased charge-offs or an increase in the qualitative factors. The qualitative factors are considered as a part of our allowance for loan loss calculation and may deteriorate if the economic effects of COVID-19 worsen in the State of Iowa and a resumption to typical social and economic activity is delayed.

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity management is the process by which the Company, through its Banks’ Asset and Liability Committees (ALCO), ensures that adequate liquid funds are available to meet its financial commitments on a timely basis, at a reasonable cost and within acceptable risk tolerances. These commitments include funding credit obligations to borrowers, funding of mortgage originations pending delivery to the secondary market, withdrawals by depositors, maintaining adequate collateral for pledging for public funds, trust deposits and borrowings, paying dividends to shareholders, payment of operating expenses, funding capital expenditures and maintaining deposit reserve requirements.

 

Liquidity is derived primarily from core deposit growth and retention; principal and interest payments on loans; principal and interest payments, sale, maturity and prepayment of securities available-for-sale; net cash provided from operations; and access to other funding sources. Other funding sources include federal funds purchased lines, FHLB advances and other capital market sources.

 

As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the level of liquidity and capital resources of the Company remain at a satisfactory level. Management believes that the Company's liquidity sources will be sufficient to support its existing operations for the foreseeable future.

 

The liquidity and capital resources discussion will cover the following topics:

 

Review of the Company’s Current Liquidity Sources

Review of Statements of Cash Flows

Company Only Cash Flows

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

Capital Resources

 

Review of the Company’s Current Liquidity Sources

 

Liquid assets of cash and due from banks and interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions and federal funds sold as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 totaled $250.7$148.4 million and $191.5 million, respectively, and management believes these sources provide an adequate level of liquidity given current economic conditions.

 

Other sources of liquidity available to the Banks as of March 31,September 30, 2021 include outstanding lines of credit with the FHLB of Des Moines, Iowa of $226.2$306.6 million, with $3.0 million of outstanding FHLB advances. The Company also has a $4 million line of credit with an unaffiliated bank, with no outstanding borrowings as of September 30, 2021. Federal funds borrowing capacity at correspondent banks was $108.1$107.9 million, with no outstanding federal fund purchase balances as of March 31,September 30, 2021. The Company had securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaling $41.4$36.3 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021.

 

Total investments as of March 31,September 30, 2021 were $672.3$765.4 million compared to $597.0 million as of December 31, 2020. These investments provide the Company with a significant amount of liquidity since all of the investments are classified as available-for-sale as of March 31,September 30, 2021.

 

The investment portfolio serves an important role in the overall context of balance sheet management in terms of balancing capital utilization and liquidity. The decision to purchase or sell securities is based upon the current assessment of economic and financial conditions, including the interest rate environment, liquidity and credit considerations. The portfolio’s scheduled maturities and payments represent a significant source of liquidity.

 

 

Review of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 totaled $9.4$23.7 million compared to $11.7$21.3 million for the threenine months ended March 31, 2020, a decreaseSeptember 30, 2020. The increase of $2.3 million.$2.4 million in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to an increase in net income.

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 was $138.9$134.7 million compared to $68.3$178.2 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. The increasedecrease of $70.6$43.5 million in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to purchases of investments and an increasea decrease in interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions and federal funds sold,loans, offset in part by a decreasean increase in loans.purchases of investments.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 totaled $128.2$111.7 million compared to $54.1$145.0 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. The increasedecrease in cash provided by financing activities of $74.1$33.3 million was primarily due to ana lower increase in deposits.deposits between periods. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company did not have any external debt financing, off-balance sheet financing arrangements, or derivative instruments linked to its stock.

 

Review of Company Only Cash Flows

 

The Company’s liquidity on an unconsolidated basis is heavily dependent upon dividends paid to the Company by the Banks. The Banks provide adequate liquidity to pay the Company’s expenses and stockholder dividends. Dividends paid by the Banks to the Company amounted to $2.4$7.1 million and $2.3$7.2 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Various federal and state statutory provisions limit the amounts of dividends banking subsidiaries are permitted to pay to their holding companies without regulatory approval. Federal Reserve policy further limits the circumstances under which bank holding companies may declare dividends. For example, a bank holding company should not continue its existing rate of cash dividends on its common stock unless its net income is sufficient to fully fund each dividend and its prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. In addition, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have issued policy statements, which provide that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings. Federal and state banking regulators may also restrict the payment of dividends by order.

 

The Company, on an unconsolidated basis, has interest-bearing deposits totaling $2.4$2.1 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021.

 

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

 

On April 16, 2021, the Company entered into a commitment with a contractor to build a new branch in West Des Moines, Iowa for $1.7 million. No other material capital expenditures or material changes in the capital resource mix are anticipated at this time. The primary cash flow uncertainty would be a sudden decline in deposits causing the Banks to liquidate securities. Historically, the Banks have maintained an adequate level of short-term marketable investments to fund the temporary declines in deposit balances. There are no known trends in liquidity and cash flow needs as of March 31,September 30, 2021 that are of concern to management.

 

 

Capital Resources

 

The Company’s total stockholders’ equity as of March 31,September 30, 2021 totaled $204.4$210.4 million and was $5.1 million lower$893 thousand more than the $209.5 million recorded as of December 31, 2020. The decreaseincrease in stockholders’ equity was primarily due a decreasethe result of the retention of net income in other comprehensive income andexcess of dividends, declared, offset in part by neta reduction in accumulated other comprehensive income. The decrease in other comprehensive income is created by higher market interest rates compared to December 31, 2020, which resulted in lower fair values in the securities available-for-sale portfolio. At March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, stockholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets was 9.7%10.0% and 10.6%, respectively. The capital levels of the Company exceed applicable regulatory guidelines as of March 31,September 30, 2021.

 

Forward-Looking Statements and Business Risks

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides the Company with the opportunity to make cautionary statements regarding forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report, including forward-looking statements concerning the Company’s future financial performance and asset quality.  Any forward-looking statement contained in this Quarterly Report is based on management’s current beliefs, assumptions and expectations of the Company’s future performance, taking into account all information currently available to management.  These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to management.  If a change occurs, the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, asset quality, plans and objectives may vary materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.  The risks and uncertainties that may affect the actual results of the Company include, but are not limited to, the following:  the substantial negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on national, regional and local economies in general and on our customers in particular; competitive products and pricing available in the marketplace; changes in credit and other risks posed by the Company’s loan and investment portfolios, including declines in commercial or residential real estate values or changes in the allowance for loan losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic or as dictated by new market conditions or regulatory requirements; fiscal and monetary policies of the U.S. government; changes in governmental regulations affecting financial institutions (including regulatory fees and capital requirements); changes in prevailing interest rates; credit risk management and asset/liability management; the financial and securities markets; the availability of and cost associated with sources of liquidity; and other risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K.  Management intends to identify forward-looking statements when using words such as “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “should”, “forecasting” or similar expressions.  Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update such forward-looking statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

Item 3.

Item 3.                  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The Company's market risk is comprised primarily of interest rate risk arising from its core banking activities of lending and deposit taking. Interest rate risk results from the changes in market interest rates which may adversely affect the Company's net interest income. Management continually develops and applies strategies to mitigate this risk. Management does not believe that the Company's primary market risk exposure and how it has been managed year-to-date in 2021 changed significantly when compared to 2020. Uncertainty due to the federal governmental actions stemming from reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic, may cause market interest rates to deviate from historical norms.

 

 

Item 4.

Item 4.                  Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company's last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings
Not applicable
Item 1.A. Risk Factors
Management does not believe there have been any material changes in the risk factors that were disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 12, 2021.

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

Not applicable

 

Item 1.A.

Risk Factors

Management does not believe there have been any material changes in the risk factors that were disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 12, 2021.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

In April, 2021, the Company approved a Stock Repurchase Plan which provided for the repurchase of up to 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. As of September 30, 2021, there were 75,397 shares remaining to be purchased under the plan.The following table provides information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchases” (as defined in rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of the Company’s common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2021.

          

Total

     
          

Number

  

Maximum

 
          

of Shares

  

Number of

 
          

Purchased as

  

Shares that

 
  

Total

      

Part of

  

May Yet Be

 
  

Number

  

Average

  

Publicly

  

Purchased

 
  

of Shares

  

Price Paid

  

Announced

  

Under

 

Period

 

Purchased

  

Per Share

  

Plans

  

The Plan

 
                 

July 1, 2021 to July 31, 2021

  -  $-   -   100,000 
                 

August 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021

  -  $-   -   100,000 
                 

September 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021

  24,603  $23.19   24,603   75,397 
                 

Total

  24,603       24,603     

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable
Item 5.Other information
Not applicable

 

Not applicable

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

Item 5.

Other information

Not applicable

Item 6.

Exhibits

31.1Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

101.INSInline XBRL Instance Document (the Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document (1)
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1)
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1)
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (1)
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1)
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1)
  
104Cover page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and combined in Exhibit 101.1)

 

(1)           These interactive date files shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act  of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION
  
DATE:May 4,         November 8, 2021By:  /s/ John P. Nelson
  
 John P. Nelson, Chief Executive Officer and President
  
 By:  /s/ John L. Pierschbacher
  
 John L. Pierschbacher, Chief Financial Officer

 

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