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EX-31.2 - JOHN SCHMIDT CERTIFICATION OF 10Q - HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA INCexhibit312.htm
EX-31.1 - LYNN FULLER CERTIFICATION OF 10Q - HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA INCexhibit311.htm
EX-32.1 - LYNN FULLER CERTIFICATION SARBANES OXLEY - HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA INCex321.htm
EX-32.2 - JOHN SCHMIDT CERTIFICATION SARBANES OXLEY - HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA INCex322.htm

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

FORM 10-Q

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

For quarterly period ended March 31, 2010

      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For transition period __________ to __________

Commission File Number: 0-24724

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

42-1405748
(I.R.S. employer identification number)

1398 Central Avenue, Dubuque, Iowa  52001
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

(563) 589-2000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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  þ  No  ¨

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.
Large accelerated filer ¨                                                                   Accelerated filer þ                                        Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).  Yes  ¨  No  þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the classes of Registrant's common stock as of the latest practicable date:  As of May 7, 2010, the Registrant had outstanding 16,359,301 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value per share.

 
 
 
 


 
HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
Form 10-Q Quarterly Report
 

 
Part I
     
Item 1.
 
Financial Statements
Item 2.
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4.
 
Controls and Procedures
     
Part II
     
Item 1.
 
Legal Proceedings
Item 1A.
 
Risk Factors
Item 2.
 
Unregistered Sales of Issuer Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 3.
 
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4.
 
[Reserved]
Item 5.
 
Other Information
Item 6.
 
Exhibits
     
   
Form 10-Q Signature Page

 
 
 
 

PART I
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
   
March 31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
   
(Unaudited)
   
ASSETS
               
Cash and due from banks
 
$
73,224
   
$
177,619
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
4,786
     
4,791
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
78,010
     
182,410
 
Securities:
               
Trading, at fair value
   
1,266
     
695
 
Available for sale, at fair value (cost of $1,178,056 for March 31, 2010, and $1,125,665 for December 31, 2009)
   
1,185,418
     
1,135,468
 
Held to maturity, at cost (fair value of $46,229 for March 31, 2010, and $37,477 for December 31, 2009)
   
47,655
     
39,054
 
Loans held for sale
   
16,002
     
17,310
 
Loans and leases:
               
Held to maturity
   
2,369,233
     
2,331,142
 
Loans covered by loss share agreements
   
27,968
     
31,860
 
Allowance for loan and lease losses
   
(46,350
)
   
(41,848
)
Loans and leases, net
   
2,350,851
     
2,321,154
 
Premises, furniture and equipment, net
   
121,033
     
118,835
 
Other real estate, net
   
28,652
     
30,568
 
Goodwill, net
   
27,548
     
27,548
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
12,320
     
12,380
 
Cash surrender value on life insurance
   
61,525
     
55,516
 
FDIC indemnification asset
   
2,357
     
5,532
 
Other assets
   
65,604
     
66,521
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
3,998,241
   
$
4,012,991
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
LIABILITIES:
               
Deposits:
               
Demand
 
$
489,807
   
$
460,645
 
Savings
   
1,571,881
     
1,554,358
 
Time
   
975,723
     
1,035,386
 
Total deposits
   
3,037,411
     
3,050,389
 
Short-term borrowings
   
190,732
     
162,349
 
Other borrowings
   
426,039
     
451,429
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
28,226
     
33,767
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
   
3,682,408
     
3,697,934
 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Preferred stock (par value $1 per share; authorized 102,302 shares; none issued or outstanding)
   
-
     
-
 
Series A Junior Participating preferred stock (par value $1 per share; authorized 16,000 shares; none issued or outstanding)
   
-
     
-
 
Series B Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual preferred stock (par value $1,000 per share; authorized 81,698 shares; issued 81,698 shares)
   
77,539
     
77,224
 
Common stock (par value $1 per share; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued 16,611,671 shares)
   
16,612
     
16,612
 
Capital surplus
   
44,419
     
44,284
 
Retained earnings
   
174,870
     
172,487
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
4,799
     
7,107
 
Treasury stock at cost (253,797 shares at March 31, 2010, and 265,309 shares at December 31, 2009)
   
(5,157
)
   
(5,433
)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
   
313,082
     
312,281
 
Noncontrolling interest
   
2,751
     
2,776
 
TOTAL EQUITY
   
315,833
     
315,057
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
3,998,241
   
$
4,012,991
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
       
Three Months Ended
           
March 31, 2010
 
March 31, 2009
INTEREST INCOME:
                               
Interest and fees on loans and leases
                 
$
37,328
   
$
39,483
 
Interest on securities:
                               
Taxable
                   
9,455
     
8,421
 
Nontaxable
                   
2,849
     
1,883
 
Interest on federal funds sold
                   
-
     
1
 
Interest on interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions
                   
5
     
1
 
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME
                   
49,637
     
49,789
 
INTEREST EXPENSE:
                               
Interest on deposits
                   
10,760
     
14,122
 
Interest on short-term borrowings
                   
234
     
212
 
Interest on other borrowings
                   
3,959
     
4,378
 
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE
                   
14,953
     
18,712
 
NET INTEREST INCOME
                   
34,684
     
31,077
 
Provision for loan and lease losses
                   
8,894
     
6,665
 
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
                   
25,790
     
24,412
 
NONINTEREST INCOME:
                               
Service charges and fees
                   
3,204
     
2,887
 
Loan servicing income
                   
1,427
     
2,786
 
Trust fees
                   
2,181
     
1,697
 
Brokerage and insurance commissions
                   
712
     
881
 
Securities gains, net
                   
1,456
     
2,965
 
Gain (loss) on trading account securities
                   
48
     
(286
)
Gains on sale of loans
                   
798
     
1,808
 
Income on bank owned life insurance
                   
314
     
130
 
Other noninterest income
                   
453
     
(106
)
TOTAL NONINTEREST INCOME
                   
10,593
     
12,762
 
NONINTEREST EXPENSES
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
                   
15,423
     
16,433
 
Occupancy
                   
2,294
     
2,375
 
Furniture and equipment
                   
1,447
     
1,647
 
Professional fees
                   
2,211
     
2,170
 
FDIC insurance assessments
                   
1,420
     
1,047
 
Advertising
                   
814
     
583
 
Intangible assets amortization
                   
151
     
235
 
Net loss on repossessed assets
                   
2,064
     
620
 
Other noninterest expenses
                   
3,077
     
3,176
 
TOTAL NONINTEREST EXPENSES
                   
28,901
     
28,286
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
                   
7,482
     
8,888
 
Income taxes
                   
2,160
     
2,819
 
NET INCOME
                 
$
5,322
   
$
6,069
 
Net income available to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
                   
25
     
59
 
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO HEARTLAND
                 
$
5,347
   
$
6,128
 
Preferred dividends and discount
                   
(1,336
)
   
(1,336
)
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
                 
$
4,011
   
$
4,792
 
                                 
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE – BASIC
                 
$
0.25
   
$
0.29
 
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE – DILUTED
                 
$
0.24
   
$
0.29
 
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
                 
$
0.10
   
$
0.10
 
                                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
               
 
             


 
 
 
 


HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31, 2010
 
March 31, 2009
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net income
 
$
5,322
   
$
6,069
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
2,117
     
2,292
 
Provision for loan and lease losses
   
8,894
     
6,665
 
Net amortization of premium on securities
   
1,273
     
1,165
 
Securities gains, net
   
(1,456
)
   
(2,965
)
(Increase) decrease in trading account securities
   
(571
)
   
134
 
Stock based compensation
   
234
     
229
 
Loans originated for sale
   
(75,771
)
   
(291,652
)
Proceeds on sales of loans
   
75,261
     
294,892
 
Net gains on sales of loans
   
(798
)
   
(1,808
)
Decrease in accrued interest receivable
   
742
     
715
 
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses
   
1,231
     
(546
)
Decrease in accrued interest payable
   
(1,099
)
   
(1,383
)
Other, net
   
(1,382
)
   
(1,697
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   
13,997
     
12,110
 
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale
   
75,536
     
75,687
 
Proceeds from the maturity of and principal paydowns on securities available for sale
   
82,209
     
38,890
 
Proceeds from the maturity of and principal paydowns on securities held to maturity
   
319
     
549
 
Purchase of securities available for sale
   
(209,993
)
   
(209,862
)
Purchase of securities held to maturity
   
(8,880
)
   
-
 
Net (increase) decrease in loans and leases
   
(41,772
)
   
24,936
 
Purchase of bank owned life insurance policies
   
(5,676
)
   
-
 
Capital expenditures
   
(4,363
)
   
(1,140
)
Proceeds on sale of OREO and other repossessed assets
   
6,681
     
982
 
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   
(105,939
)
   
(69,958
)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net increase in demand deposits and savings accounts
   
46,685
     
84,304
 
Net (decrease) increase in time deposit accounts
   
(59,663
)
   
64,185
 
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings
   
28,383
     
(92,418
)
Proceeds from other borrowings
   
401
     
55,050
 
Repayments of other borrowings
   
(25,791
)
   
(15,243
)
Purchase of treasury stock
   
(132
)
   
(31
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
302
     
210
 
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options
   
6
     
2
 
Dividends paid
   
(2,649
)
   
(2,253
)
NET CASH (USED) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   
(12,458
)
   
93,806
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
(104,400
)
   
35,958
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
182,410
     
51,303
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 
$
78,010
   
$
87,261
 
Supplemental disclosures:
               
Cash paid for income/franchise taxes
 
$
2,720
   
$
769
 
Cash paid for interest
 
$
16,052
   
$
20,095
 
Loans transferred to OREO
 
$
5,514
   
$
18,635
 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 



HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                                 
   
Heartland Financial USA, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity
       
   
 
 
Preferred
Stock
 
 
 
Common
Stock
 
 
 
Capital
Surplus
 
 
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Treasury
Stock
 
 
Non-controlling
Interest
 
 
 
Total
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2009
 
$
75,578
   
$
16,612
   
$
43,827
   
$
177,753
   
$
(1,341
)
 
$
(6,826
)
 
$
3,020
   
$
308,623
 
Net income
                           
6,128
                     
(59
)
   
6,069
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale
                                   
9,030
                     
9,030
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives arising during the period
                                   
(1,932
)
                   
(1,932
)
Reclassification adjustment for net security (gains)/losses  realized in net income
                                   
(2,965
 
)
                   
(2,965
 
)
Reclassification adjustment for net derivatives (gains)/losses  realized in net income
                                   
23
                     
23
 
Income taxes
                                   
(1,528
)
                   
(1,528
)
Comprehensive income
                                                           
8,697
 
Cumulative preferred dividends accrued and discount accretion
   
701
                     
(701
 
)
                           
-
 
Cash dividends declared:
                                                               
Preferred, $12.50 per share
                           
(635
)
                           
(635
)
Common, $0.10 per share
                           
(1,618
)
                           
(1,618
)
Purchase of 1,913 shares of common stock
                                           
(31
 
)
           
(31
 
)
Issuance of 22,251 shares of common stock
                   
(191
 
)
                   
403
             
212
 
Commitments to issue common stock
                   
229
                                     
229
 
Balance at March 31, 2009
 
$
76,279
   
$
16,612
   
$
43,865
   
$
180,927
   
$
1,287
   
$
(6,454
)
 
$
2,961
   
$
315,477
 
                                                                 
Balance at January 1, 2010
 
$
77,224
   
$
16,612
   
$
44,284
   
$
172,487
   
$
7,107
   
$
(5,433
)
 
$
2,776
   
$
315,057
 
Net income
                           
5,347
                     
(25
)
   
5,322
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale
                                   
(985
)
                   
(985
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives arising during the period
                                   
(1,554
 
)
                   
(1,554
 
)
Reclassification adjustment for net security (gains)/losses  realized in net income
                                   
(1,456
 
)
                   
(1,456
 
)
Reclassification adjustment for net derivatives (gains)/losses realized in net income
                                   
323
                     
323
 
Income taxes
                                   
1,364
                     
1,364
 
Comprehensive income
                                                           
3,014
 
Cumulative preferred dividends accrued and discount accretion
   
315
                     
(315
 
)
                           
-
 
Cash dividends declared:
                                                               
Preferred, $12.50 per share
                           
(1,021
)
                           
(1,021
)
Common, $0.10 per share
                           
(1,628
)
                           
(1,628
)
Purchase of 9,776 shares of common stock
                                           
(132
 
)
           
(132
 
)
Issuance of 21,288 shares of common stock
                   
(99
 
)
                   
408
             
309
 
Commitments to issue common stock
                   
234
                                     
234
 
Balance at March 31, 2010
 
$
77,539
   
$
16,612
   
$
44,419
   
$
174,870
   
$
4,799
   
$
(5,157
)
 
$
2,751
   
$
315,833
 
                                                                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, included in Heartland Financial USA, Inc.’s ("Heartland") Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2010. Accordingly, footnote disclosures, which would substantially duplicate the disclosure contained in the audited consolidated financial statements, have been omitted.

The financial information of Heartland included herein has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting and has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Such information reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments), that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of the interim period ended March 31, 2010, are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ending
December 31, 2010.

Heartland evaluated subsequent events through the filing date of its quarterly report on Form 10-Q with the SEC on May 10, 2010.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is determined using net income available to common stockholders and weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares and assumed incremental common shares issued. Amounts used in the determination of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month  period ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, are shown in the tables below:

   
Three Months Ended
(Dollars and number of shares in thousands)
 
March 31, 2010
 
March 31, 2009
Net income attributable to Heartland
 
$
5,347
   
$
6,128
 
Preferred dividends and discount
   
(1,336
)
   
(1,336
)
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
4,011
   
$
4,792
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
   
16,349
     
16,276
 
Assumed incremental common shares issued upon exercise of stock options
   
87
     
21
 
Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share
   
16,436
     
16,297
 
Earnings per common share – basic
 
$
0.25
   
$
0.29
 
Earnings per common share – diluted
 
$
0.24
   
$
0.29
 

Stock-Based Compensation

Prior to 2009, options were typically granted annually with an expiration date ten years after the date of grant. Vesting was generally over a five-year service period with portions of a grant becoming exercisable at three years, four years and five years after the date of grant. A summary of the status of the stock options as of March 31, 2010 and 2009, and changes during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, follows:
   
2010
 
2009
   
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1
   
704,471
   
$
20.02
     
743,363
   
$
19.79
 
Granted
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Exercised
   
(10,500
)
   
12.00
     
(1,125
)
   
8.80
 
Forfeited
   
-
     
-
     
(1,000
)
   
24.13
 
Outstanding at March 31
   
693,971
   
$
20.14
     
741,238
   
$
19.81
 
Options exercisable at March 31
   
413,570
   
$
18.61
     
335,338
   
$
16.01
 

At March 31, 2010, the vested options totaled 413,570 shares with a weighted average exercise price of $18.61 per share and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.32 years. The intrinsic value for the vested options as of March 31, 2010, was $655 thousand. The intrinsic value for the total of all options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2010, was $42 thousand. The total fair value of options vested during the three months ended March 31, 2010, was $234 thousand. At March 31, 2010, shares available for issuance under the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan totaled 371,710.

No options were granted during the first quarters of 2010 and 2009. Cash received from options exercised for the three months ended March 31, 2010, was $126 thousand, with a related tax benefit of $6 thousand. Cash received from options exercised for the three months ended March 31, 2009, was $10 thousand, with a related tax benefit of $2 thousand.

Under the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, stock awards may be granted as determined by the Heartland Compensation Committee. On January 19, 2010, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) totaling 98,200 were granted to key policy-making employees. These RSUs were granted at no cost to the employee. These RSUs represent the right to receive shares of Heartland common stock at a specified date in the future based on specific vesting conditions; vest over five years in three equal installments on the 3rd, 4th and 5th anniversaries of the grant date; will be settled in common stock upon vesting; will not be entitled to dividends until vested; will terminate upon termination of employment, but will continue to vest after retirement if retirement occurs after the employee attains age 62 and has provided ten years of service to Heartland; and, if held by Heartland’s five most highly compensated employees, are subject to TARP limitations that prohibit settlement until Heartland’s TARP monies have been repaid to Treasury (subject to increments of 25%) and will continue to vest after retirement if retirement occurs after the second anniversary of the grant date.

Total compensation costs recorded for stock options, RSUs and shares to be issued under the 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan were $234 thousand and $229 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. As of March 31, 2010, there was $2.6 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan for stock options and restricted stock awards which is expected to be recognized through 2014.

Effect of New Financial Accounting Standards

In June 2009, the FASB issued an accounting standard that amends current GAAP related to the accounting for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities, including the removal of the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity from GAAP. This new accounting standard also clarifies that a transferor must evaluate whether it has maintained effective control of a financial asset by considering its continuing direct or indirect involvement with the transferred financial asset. This accounting standard was subsequently codified into ASC Topic 860, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets”. Heartland adopted this accounting standard effective January 1, 2010, and it did not have a material impact on Heartland’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued an accounting standard that will require a qualitative rather than a quantitative analysis to determine the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity for consolidation purposes. This accounting standard requires an enterprise to perform an analysis and ongoing reassessments to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity and amends certain guidance for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity. It also requires enhanced disclosures that will provide users of financial statements with more transparent information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. This accounting standard was subsequently codified into ASC Topic 810, “Improvements for Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities”. Heartland adopted this accounting standard effective January 1, 2010, and it did not have a material impact on Heartland’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued an accounting standard that requires (i) fair value disclosures by each class of assets and liabilities (generally a subset within a line item as presented in the statement of financial position) rather than major category, (ii) for items measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the amounts of significant transfers between Levels 1 and 2, and transfers into and out of Level 3, and the reasons for those transfers, including separate discussion related to the transfers into each level apart from transfers out of each level, and (iii) gross presentation of the amounts of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the Level 3 recurring measurement reconciliation. Additionally, the standard clarifies that a description of the valuation techniques(s) and inputs used to measure fair values is required for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. Also, if a valuation technique has changed, entities should disclose that change and the reason for the change. This accounting standard was subsequently codified into ASC Topic 820, “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements”. This accounting standard became effective for Heartland on January 1, 2010, except for disclosures about Level 3 activity of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis. Those disclosures will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. With respect to the provisions of this accounting standard that were adopted during the current period, the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on Heartland’s consolidated financial statements. Management also believes that the adoption of the remaining provisions of this accounting standard will not have a material impact on Heartland’s consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
NOTE 2: SECURITIES

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of available for sale securities as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, are summarized in the tables below, in thousands:

   
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
March 31, 2010
                               
Securities available for sale:
                               
U.S. government corporations and agencies
 
$
334,515
   
$
2,148
   
$
(1,195
)
 
$
335,468
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
597,339
     
10,926
     
(9,431
)
   
598,834
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
214,457
     
5,627
     
(1,368
)
   
218,716
 
Corporate debt securities
   
1,942
     
17
     
-
     
1,959
 
Total debt securities
   
1,148,253
     
18,718
     
(11,994
)
   
1,154,977
 
Equity securities
   
29,803
     
638
     
-
     
30,441
 
Total
 
$
1,178,056
   
$
19,356
   
$
(11,994
)
 
$
1,185,418
 
 
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
December 31, 2009
                               
Securities available for sale:
                               
U.S. government corporations and agencies
 
$
277,219
   
$
2,503
   
$
(281
)
 
$
279,441
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
608,556
     
11,765
     
(8,383
)
   
611,938
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
208,197
     
5,328
     
(1,675
)
   
211,850
 
Corporate debt securities
   
1,942
     
-
     
(70
)
   
1,872
 
Total debt securities
   
1,095,914
     
19,596
     
(10,409
)
   
1,105,101
 
Equity securities
   
29,751
     
616
     
-
     
30,367
 
Total
 
$
1,125,665
   
$
20,212
   
$
(10,409
)
 
$
1,135,468
 



The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of held to maturity securities as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, are summarized in the tables below, in thousands:

   
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
March 31, 2010
                               
Securities held to maturity:
                               
Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
11,733
   
$
89
   
$
(1,499
)
 
$
10,323
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
35,922
     
-
     
(16
)
   
35,906
 
Total
 
$
47,655
   
$
89
   
$
(1,515
)
 
$
46,229
 


   
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
December 31, 2009
                               
Securities held to maturity:
                               
Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
12,011
   
$
35
   
$
(1,596
)
 
$
10,450
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
27,043
     
-
     
(16
)
   
27,027
 
Total
 
$
39,054
   
$
35
   
$
(1,612
)
 
$
37,477
 

Nearly 80% of Heartland’s mortgage-backed securities are issuances of government-sponsored enterprises.

The following tables summarize, in thousands, the amount of unrealized losses, defined as the amount by which cost or amortized cost exceeds fair value, and the related fair value of investments with unrealized losses in Heartland’s securities portfolio as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009. The investments were segregated into two categories: those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 or more months. The reference point for determining how long an investment was in an unrealized loss position was March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2008, respectively.

Unrealized Losses on Securities Available for Sale
March 31, 2010
                                           
   
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
   
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. government corporations and agencies
 
$
187,651
 
$
(1,195
)
 
$
-
 
$
-
   
$
187,651
 
$
(1,195
)
Mortgage-backed securities
   
150,795
   
(5,408
)
   
30,651
   
(4,023
)
   
181,446
   
(9,431
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
46,261
   
(1,187
)
   
5,422
   
(181
)
   
51,683
   
(1,368
)
Corporate debt securities
   
-
   
-
     
-
   
-
     
-
   
-
 
Total debt securities
   
384,707
   
(7,790
)
   
36,073
   
(4,204
)
   
420,780
   
(11,994
)
Equity securities
   
-
   
-
     
-
   
-
     
-
   
-
 
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
$
384,707
 
$
(7,790
)
 
$
36,073
 
$
(4,204
)
 
$
420,780
 
$
(11,994
)
 

 
Unrealized Losses on Securities Available for Sale
December 31,  2009
                                           
   
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
   
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. government corporations and agencies
 
$
41,255
 
$
(281
)
 
$
-
 
$
-
   
$
41,255
 
$
(281
)
Mortgage-backed securities
   
120,270
   
(4,120
)
   
32,784
   
(4,263
)
   
153,054
   
(8,383
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
47,831
   
(1,510
)
   
2,681
   
(165
)
   
50,512
   
(1,675
)
Corporate debt securities
   
1,872
   
(70
)
   
-
   
-
     
1,872
   
(70
)
Total debt securities
   
211,228
   
(5,981
)
   
35,465
   
(4,428
)
   
246,693
   
(10,409
)
Equity securities
   
-
   
-
     
-
   
-
     
-
   
-
 
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
$
211,228
 
$
(5,981
)
 
$
35,465
 
$
(4,428
)
 
$
246,693
 
$
(10,409
)

Unrealized losses on Heartland’s mortgage-backed securities are the result of changes in market interest rates or widening of market spreads subsequent to the initial purchase of the securities and not related to concerns regarding the underlying credit of the issuers or the underlying collateral. It is expected that the securities will not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment. Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates or widening market spreads and not credit quality, and because Heartland has the intent and ability to hold these investments until a market price recovery or to maturity, the unrealized losses on these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.

Unrealized losses on Heartland’s obligations of states and political subdivisions are the result of changes in market interest rates or widening of market spreads subsequent to the initial purchase of the securities. Management monitors the published credit ratings of these securities and has noted credit rating reductions in a number of these securities, primarily due to the downgrade in the credit ratings of the insurance companies providing credit enhancement to that of the issuing municipalities. Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates or widening market spreads due to insurance company downgrades and not underlying credit quality, and because Heartland has the intent and ability to hold these investments until a market price recovery or to maturity, the unrealized losses on these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.

NOTE 3: LOANS AND LEASES

The carrying amount of loans covered under loss share agreements with the FDIC consisted of impaired and nonimpaired purchased loans and are summarized in the following tables:

March 31, 2010
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Impaired Purchased
Loans
   
Nonimpaired Purchased Loans
   
Total
Covered
Loans
 
Commercial and commercial real estate
 
$
3,219
   
$
10,022
   
$
13,241
 
Residential mortgage
   
576
     
7,488
     
8,064
 
Agricultural and agricultural real estate
   
588
     
2,218
     
2,806
 
Consumer loans
   
1,113
     
2,744
     
3,857
 
Total Loans Covered Under Loss Share Agreements
 
$
5,496
   
$
22,472
   
$
27,968
 

 
December 31, 2009
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Impaired Purchased
Loans
   
Nonimpaired Purchased Loans
   
Total
Covered
Loans
 
Commercial and commercial real estate
 
$
5,102
   
$
9,966
   
$
15,068
 
Residential mortgage
   
407
     
8,577
     
8,984
 
Agricultural and agricultural real estate
   
594
     
3,032
     
3,626
 
Consumer loans
   
1,057
     
3,125
     
4,182
 
Total Loans Covered Under Loss Share Agreements
 
$
7,160
   
$
24,700
   
$
31,860
 

NOTE 4: CORE DEPOSIT PREMIUM AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The gross carrying amount of intangible assets and the associated accumulated amortization at March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, are presented in the table below, in thousands:

   
March 31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
   
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:
                               
Core deposit intangibles
 
$
9,957
   
$
7,982
   
$
9,957
   
$
7,856
 
Mortgage servicing rights
   
13,415
     
3,791
     
13,021
     
3,488
 
Customer relationship intangible
   
1,177
     
456
     
1,177
     
431
 
Total
 
$
24,549
   
$
12,229
   
$
24,155
   
$
11,775
 
Unamortized intangible assets
         
$
12,320
           
$
12,380
 

Projections of amortization expense for mortgage servicing rights are based on existing asset balances and the existing interest rate environment as of March 31, 2010. Heartland’s actual experience may be significantly different depending upon changes in mortgage interest rates and market conditions. There was no valuation allowance on mortgage servicing rights at March 31, 2010, or December 31, 2009. The fair value of Heartland’s mortgage servicing rights was estimated at $11.8 million and $10.0 million at March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, respectively.

The following table shows the estimated future amortization expense for amortized intangible assets, in thousands:

   
Core
Deposit
Intangibles
 
Mortgage
Servicing
Rights
 
Customer
Relationship
Intangible
 
 
 
Total
                                 
Nine months ending December 31, 2010
 
$
362
   
$
1,889
   
$
75
   
$
2,326
 
                                 
Year ending December 31,
                               
2011
   
470
     
2,210
     
100
     
2,780
 
2012
   
441
     
1,842
     
55
     
2,338
 
2013
   
423
     
1,473
     
44
     
1,940
 
2014
   
186
     
1,105
     
43
     
1,334
 
2015
   
15
     
737
     
42
     
794
 
Thereafter
   
78
     
368
     
362
     
808
 

The following table summarizes, in thousands, the changes in capitalized mortgage servicing rights:

   
2010
 
2009
Balance at January 1
 
$
9,533
   
$
4,566
 
Originations
   
694
     
3,146
 
Amortization
   
(603
)
   
(1,385
)
Balance at March 31
 
$
9,624
   
$
6,327
 

NOTE 5: DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

On occasion, Heartland uses derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate risk management, including interest rate swaps, caps, floors and collars. Heartland’s objectives in using derivatives are to add stability to its net interest margin and to manage its exposure to movements in interest rates.

To reduce the potentially negative impact a downward movement in interest rates would have on its interest income, Heartland entered into the following two transactions. On April 4, 2006, Heartland entered into a three-year interest rate collar transaction with a notional amount of $50.0 million. This collar transaction was effective on April 4, 2006, and matured on April 4, 2009. Heartland was the payer on prime at a cap strike rate of 8.95% and the counterparty was the payer on prime at a floor strike rate of 7.00%. On September 19, 2005, Heartland entered into a five-year interest rate collar transaction on a notional amount of $50.0 million. This collar transaction was effective on September 21, 2005, and matures on September 21, 2010. Heartland is the payer on prime at a cap strike rate of 9.00% and the counterparty is the payer on prime at a floor strike rate of 6.00%. As of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, the fair market value of this collar transaction was recorded as an asset of $709 thousand and $1.0 million, respectively.

For accounting purposes, the two collar transactions above are designated as cash flow hedges of the overall changes in the cash flows above and below the collar strike rates associated with interest payments on certain of Heartland’s prime-based loans that reset whenever prime changes. The hedged loan transactions for the two hedging relationships are designated as the first prime-based interest payments received by Heartland each calendar month during the term of the collar that, in aggregate for each period, are interest payments on principal from specified portfolios equal to the notional amount of the collar.

Prepayments in the hedged loan portfolios are treated in a manner consistent with the guidance in ASC 815-20-25, “Cash Flow Hedges: Using the First-Payments-Received Technique in Hedging the Variable Interest Payments on a Group of Non-Benchmark-Rate-Based Loans”, which allows the designated forecasted transactions to be the variable, prime-rate-based interest payments on a rolling portfolio of prepayable interest-bearing loans using the first-payments-received technique, thereby allowing interest payments from loans that prepay to be replaced with interest payments from new loan originations. Based on Heartland’s assessments, both at inception and throughout the life of the hedging relationship, it is probable that sufficient prime-based interest receipts will exist through the maturity dates of the collars.

To reduce the potentially negative impact an upward movement in interest rates would have on its net interest income, Heartland entered into the following four cap transactions. For accounting purposes, these four cap transactions are designated as cash flow hedges of the changes in cash flows attributable to changes in LIBOR, the benchmark interest rate being hedged, above the cap strike rate associated with the interest payments made on $65.0 million of Heartland’s subordinated debentures (issued in connection with the trust preferred securities of Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV, V and VII) that reset quarterly on a specified reset date. At inception, Heartland asserted that the underlying principal balance will remain outstanding throughout the hedge transaction making it probable that sufficient LIBOR-based interest payments will exist through the maturity date of the caps.

The first transaction executed was a twenty-three month interest rate cap transaction on a notional amount of $20.0 million. The cap had an effective date of February 1, 2007, and matured on January 7, 2009. Should 3-month LIBOR have exceeded 5.5% on a reset date, the counterparty would have paid Heartland the amount of interest that exceeded the amount owed on the debt at the cap LIBOR rate of 5.5%. The floating-rate subordinated debentures contained an interest deferral feature that is mirrored in the cap transaction.

The second transaction executed on February 1, 2007, was a twenty-five month interest rate cap transaction on a notional amount of $25.0 million to reduce the potentially negative impact an upward movement in interest rates would have on its net interest income. The cap had an effective date of February 1, 2007, and matured on March 17, 2009. Should 3-month LIBOR have exceeded 5.5% on a reset date, the counterparty would have paid Heartland the amount of interest that exceeded the amount owed on the debt at the cap LIBOR rate of 5.5%. The floating-rate subordinated debentures contained an interest rate deferral feature that is mirrored in the cap transaction.

The third transaction executed on January 15, 2008, was a fifty-five month interest rate cap transaction on a notional amount of $20.0 million to reduce the potentially negative impact an upward movement in interest rates would have on its net interest income. The cap has an effective date of January 15, 2008, and a maturity date of September 1, 2012. Should 3-month LIBOR exceed 5.12% on a reset date, the counterparty will pay Heartland the amount of interest that exceeds the amount owed on the debt at the cap LIBOR rate of 5.12%. The floating-rate subordinated debentures contain an interest rate deferral feature that is mirrored in the cap transaction. As of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, the fair market value of this cap transaction was recorded as an asset of $25 thousand and $75 thousand, respectively. Upon the execution of the second swap transaction discussed below, this cap transaction was converted to a mark to market hedge. During the first three months of 2010, the mark to market adjustment on this cap transaction was recorded as a loss of $50 thousand. During the first three months of 2009, the mark to market adjustment on this cap transaction was recorded as a loss of $20 thousand.

The fourth transaction executed on March 27, 2008, was a twenty-eight month interest rate cap transaction on a notional amount of $20.0 million to reduce the potentially negative impact an upward movement in interest rates would have on its net interest income. The cap has an effective date of January 7, 2009, and a maturity date of April 7, 2011. Should 3-month LIBOR exceed 5.5% on a reset date, the counterparty will pay Heartland the amount of interest that exceeds the amount owed on the debt at the cap LIBOR rate of 5.5%. The floating-rate subordinated debentures contain an interest rate deferral feature that is mirrored in the cap transaction. As of March 31, 2010, this cap transaction had no fair market value. As of December 31, 2009, the fair market value of this cap transaction was recorded as an asset of $3 thousand. Upon the execution of the third swap transaction discussed below, this cap transaction was converted to a mark to market hedge. During the first three months of 2010, the mark to market adjustment on this cap transaction was recorded as a loss of $3 thousand. During the first three months of 2009, the mark to market adjustment on this cap transaction was recorded as a loss of $7 thousand.

In addition to the four cap transactions, Heartland entered into the following three forward-starting interest rate swap transactions to effectively convert $65.0 million of its variable interest rate subordinated debentures (issued in connection with the trust preferred securities of Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV, V and VII) to fixed interest rate debt. For accounting purposes, these three swap transactions are designated as cash flow hedges of the changes in cash flows attributable to changes in LIBOR, the benchmark interest rate being hedged, associated with the interest payments made on $65.0 million of Heartland’s subordinated debentures (issued in connection with the trust preferred securities of Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV, V and VII) that reset quarterly on a specified reset date. At inception, Heartland asserted that the underlying principal balance will remain outstanding throughout the hedge transaction making it probable that sufficient LIBOR-based interest payments will exist through the maturity date of the swaps.

The first swap transaction was executed on January 28, 2009, on a notional amount of $25.0 million with an effective date of March 17, 2010, and an expiration date of March 17, 2014. Under this interest rate swap contract, Heartland will pay a fixed interest rate of 2.58% and receive a variable interest rate equal to 3-month LIBOR. The fair value of this swap transaction was recorded as a liability of $319 thousand at March 31, 2010, and as an asset of $136 thousand at December 31, 2009.

The second swap transaction was executed on February 4, 2009, on a notional amount of $20.0 million with an effective date of January 7, 2010, and an expiration date of January 7, 2020. Under this interest rate swap contract, Heartland will pay a fixed interest rate of 3.35% and receive a variable interest rate equal to 3-month LIBOR. As of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, the fair value of this swap transaction was recorded as an asset of $570 thousand and $885 thousand, respectively.

The third swap transaction was executed on February 4, 2009, on a notional amount of $20.0 million with an effective date of March 1, 2010, and an expiration date of March 1, 2017. Under this interest rate swap contract, Heartland will pay a fixed interest rate of 3.22% and receive a variable interest rate equal to 3-month LIBOR. The fair value of this swap transaction was recorded as a liability of $9 thousand at March 31, 2010, and as an asset of $403 thousand at December 31, 2009.

For the collar, cap and swap transactions described above, the effective portion of changes in the fair values of the derivatives is initially reported in other comprehensive income (outside of earnings) and subsequently reclassified to earnings (interest income on loans or interest expense on borrowings) when the hedged transactions affect earnings. Ineffectiveness resulting from the hedging relationship, if any, is recorded as a gain or loss in earnings as part of noninterest income. Heartland uses the “Hypothetical Derivative Method” described in ASC 815-20-25, “Cash Flow Hedges: Assessing and Measuring the Effectiveness of a Purchased Option Used in a Cash Flow Hedge”, for its quarterly prospective and retrospective assessments of hedge effectiveness, as well as for measurements of hedge ineffectiveness. All components of the derivative instruments’ change in fair value were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Except as discussed below, no ineffectiveness was recognized for the cash flow hedge transactions for the quarters ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

The April 4, 2006, collar transaction did not meet the retrospective hedge effectiveness test at March 31, 2009. The failure was on the full $50.0 million notional amount that was designated as a cash flow hedge of the overall changes in the cash flows above and below the collar strike rates associated with interest payments on certain of Heartland’s prime-based loans. The failure of this hedge relationship was caused by paydowns, which reduced the designated loan pool from $50.0 million to $38.7 million. This hedge failure resulted in the recognition of a loss of $282 thousand during the first quarter of 2009, which consists of the mark to market loss on the collar transaction of $463 thousand and a reclass of unrealized gains out of other comprehensive income to earnings of $181 thousand.

At the inception of the September 19, 2005, collar transaction, Heartland designated separate proportions of the $50.0 million collar in qualifying cash flow hedging relationships. Designation of a proportion of a derivative instrument is discussed in ASC 815, which states that “Either all or a proportion of a derivative may be designated as the hedging instrument. The proportion must be expressed as a percentage of the entire derivative so that the profile of risk exposures in the hedging portion of the derivative is the same as that in the entire derivative.” Consistent with that guidance, Heartland identified four different proportions of the $50.0 million collar and documented four separate hedging relationships based on those proportions. Although only one collar was executed with an external party, Heartland established four distinct hedging relationships for various proportions of the collar and designated them against hedged transactions specifically identified at each of four different subsidiary banks. Because each proportion of the collar was designated against hedged transactions specified at different subsidiary banks, the hedging relationship for one proportion of the collar could fail hedge accounting (or have hedge ineffectiveness), without affecting the separate hedging relationships established for other proportions of the collar that were designated against hedged transactions at other subsidiary banks. Effectiveness of each hedging relationship is assessed and measured independently of the other hedging relationships.

A portion of the September 19, 2005, collar transaction did not meet the retrospective hedge effectiveness test at March 31, 2008. The failure was on a portion of the $50.0 million notional amount. That portion, $14.3 million, was designated as a cash flow hedge of the overall changes in the cash flows above and below the collar strike rates associated with interest payments on certain of Dubuque Bank and Trust Company’s prime-based loans. The failure of this hedge relationship was caused by paydowns, which reduced the designated loan pool from $14.3 million to $9.6 million. This hedge failure resulted in the recognition of a gain of $198 thousand during the quarter ended March 31, 2008, which consists of the mark to market gain on this portion of the collar transaction of $212 thousand and a reclass of unrealized losses out of other comprehensive income to earnings of $14 thousand. During the first quarters of 2010 and 2009, the mark to market adjustment on this portion of the collar transaction was recorded as a loss of $91 thousand and $49 thousand, respectively.

A portion of the September 19, 2005, collar transaction also did not meet the retrospective hedge effectiveness test at June 30, 2007. The failure was on a portion of the $50.0 million notional amount. That portion, $14.3 million, was designated as a cash flow hedge of the overall changes in the cash flows above and below the collar strike rates associated with interest payments on certain of Rocky Mountain Bank’s prime-based loans. The failure of this hedge relationship was caused by the sale of its Broadus branch, which reduced the designated loan pool from $14.3 million to $7.5 million. On August 17, 2007, the $14.3 million portion of the September 19, 2005, collar transaction was redesignated and met the requirements for hedge accounting treatment. The fair value of this portion of the collar transaction was zero on the redesignation date. The redesignated collar transaction did not meet the retrospective hedge effectiveness test at December 31, 2008. The failure of the redesignated hedge was caused by paydowns, which reduced the redesignated loan pool from $14.3 million to $10.4 million. During the first quarters of 2010 and 2009, the mark to market adjustment on this portion of the collar transaction was recorded as a loss of $90 thousand and $64 thousand, respectively.

An additional portion of the September 19, 2005, collar transaction did not meet the retrospective hedge effectiveness test at March 31, 2009. The failure was on a portion of the $50.0 million notional amount. That portion, $14.3 million, was designated as a cash flow hedge of the overall changes in the cash flows above and below the collar strike rates associated with interest payments on certain of New Mexico Bank & Trust’s prime-based loans. The failure of this hedge relationship was caused by paydowns, which reduced the designated loan pool from $14.3 million to $11.6 million. This hedge failure resulted in the recognition of a gain of $68 thousand during the first quarter of 2009, which consists of the mark to market loss on this portion of the collar transaction of $64 thousand and a reclass of unrealized gains out of other comprehensive income to earnings of $132 thousand. During the first quarter of 2010, the mark to market adjustment on this collar transaction was recorded as a loss of $90 thousand.

The final portion of the September 19, 2005, collar transaction did not meet the retrospective hedge effectiveness test at June 30, 2009. The failure was on a portion of the $50.0 million notional amount. That portion, $7.2 million, was designated as a cash flow hedge of the overall changes in the cash flows above and below the collar strike rates associated with interest payments on certain of Wisconsin Community Bank’s prime-based loans. The failure of this hedge relationship was caused by paydowns, which reduced the designated loan pool from $7.2 million to $4.8 million. This hedge failure resulted in the recognition of a loss of $68 thousand during the second quarter of 2009, which consists of the mark to market loss on this portion of the collar transaction of $41 thousand and a reclass of unrealized losses out of other comprehensive income to earnings of $27 thousand. During the first quarter of 2010, the mark to market adjustment on this collar transaction was recorded as a loss of $46 thousand.

For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the change in net unrealized losses of $1.6 million for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is separately disclosed in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity, before income taxes of $577 thousand. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the change in net unrealized gains of $1.9 million for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is separately disclosed in the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity, before income taxes of $720 thousand.

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest income or expense as interest payments are received or made on Heartland’s variable-rate assets and liabilities. For the first quarter of 2010, the change in net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges reflects a reclassification of $56 thousand of net unrealized gains from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest income or interest expense. For the next twelve months, Heartland estimates that an additional $111 thousand will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest income.

Cash payments received on the collar transactions totaled $344 thousand during the first three months of 2010 and $799 thousand during the first three months of 2009.

By using derivatives, Heartland is exposed to credit risk if counterparties to derivative instruments do not perform as expected. Heartland minimizes this risk by entering into derivative contracts with large, stable financial institutions and Heartland has not experienced any losses from counterparty nonperformance on derivative instruments. Furthermore, Heartland also periodically monitors counterparty credit risk in accordance with the provisions of ASC 815.

NOTE 6: FAIR VALUE

Heartland utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Securities available for sale, trading securities and derivatives are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, Heartland may be required to record at fair value other assets on a non-recurring basis such as loans held for sale, loans held to maturity and certain other assets including, but not limited to, mortgage servicing rights. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

Fair Value Hierarchy

Under ASC 820, assets and liabilities are grouped at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

Level 1 - Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 - Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

Level 3 - Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value and for estimation of fair value for financial instruments not recorded at fair value.

Assets

Securities Available for Sale
Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government and agency securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. Level 2 securities include agency mortgage-backed securities and private collateralized mortgage obligations, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. The Level 3 securities consist primarily of $1.4 million of Z tranche assets.

Trading Assets
Trading assets are recorded at fair value and consist of securities held for trading purposes. The valuation method for trading securities is the same as the methodology used for securities classified as available for sale.

Loans Held for Sale
Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. The fair value of loans held for sale is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. As such, Heartland classifies loans held for sale subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2.

Loans Held to Maturity
Heartland does not record loans held to maturity at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with ASC 310, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan”. Loan impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except where more practical, at the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. At March 31, 2010, all of the impaired loans were measured based on the fair value of the collateral. In accordance with ASC 820, impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. Heartland classifies the impaired loans as nonrecurring Level 3.

Derivative Financial Instruments
Currently, Heartland uses interest rate caps, floors and collars to manage its interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate options are determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts that would occur if variable interest rates fell below (rise above) the strike rate of the floors (caps). The variable interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts on the floor (cap) are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves and volatilities. To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, Heartland incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, Heartland has considered the impact of netting any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.

Although Heartland has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of March 31, 2010, Heartland has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, Heartland has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage Servicing Rights
Mortgage servicing rights are subject to impairment testing. The carrying values of these rights are reviewed quarterly for impairment based upon the calculation of fair value as performed by an outside third party. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified into certain risk characteristics including note type, note rate, prepayment trends and external market factors. If the valuation model reflects a value less than the carrying value, mortgage servicing rights are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance. As such, Heartland classifies mortgage servicing rights subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2.

Other Real Estate Owned
Other real estate represents property acquired through foreclosures and settlements of loans. Property acquired is carried at the lower of the principal amount of the loan outstanding at the time of acquisition, plus any acquisition costs, or the estimated fair value of the property, less disposal costs. Heartland considers third party appraisals, as well as independent fair value assessments from Realtors or persons involved in selling OREO, in determining the fair value of particular properties. Accordingly, the valuation of OREO is subject to significant external and internal judgment. Heartland also periodically reviews OREO to determine if the property should continue to be carried at the lower of its recorded book value or fair value of the property, less disposal costs. OREO is classified as nonrecurring Level 3.

The table below presents Heartland’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2010, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall:

(Dollars in thousands)
   
Total Fair Value
March 31, 2010
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
                                 
Trading securities
 
$
1,266
   
$
1,266
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Available-for-sale securities
   
1,185,418
     
335,468
     
848,362
     
1,588
 
Derivative assets
   
976
     
-
     
976
     
-
 
Total assets at fair value
 
$
1,187,660
   
$
336,734
   
$
849,338
   
$
1,588
 

There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3 during the quarter ended March 31, 2010.

The changes in Level 3 assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized in the following table:

(Dollars in thousands)
   
Fair Value
 
Balance at January 1, 2010
$
                  1,535
 
Market value appreciation
 
53
 
Balance at March 31, 2010
$
1,588
 

The table below presents Heartland’s assets that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

(Dollars in thousands)
   
Carrying Value at
March 31, 2010
   
Quarter Ended March 31, 2010
 
     
 
Total
     
 
Level 1
     
 
Level 2
     
 
Level 3
   
Total Losses
 
                                       
Impaired loans
 
$
149,414
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
149,414
 
$
3,697
 
OREO
   
28,652
     
-
     
-
     
28,652
   
1,533
 

The table below is a summary of the estimated fair value of Heartland’s financial instruments as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, as defined by ASC 825. The carrying amounts in the following table are recorded in the balance sheet under the indicated captions. In accordance with ASC 825, the assets and liabilities that are not financial instruments are not included in the disclosure, such as the value of the mortgage servicing rights, premises, furniture and equipment, goodwill and other intangibles and other liabilities.

Heartland does not believe that the estimated information presented herein is representative of the earnings power or value of Heartland. The following analysis, which is inherently limited in depicting fair value, also does not consider any value associated with existing customer relationships nor the ability of Heartland to create value through loan origination, deposit gathering or fee generating activities. Many of the estimates presented herein are based upon the use of highly subjective information and assumptions and, accordingly, the results may not be precise. Management believes that fair value estimates may not be comparable between financial institutions due to the wide range of permitted valuation techniques and numerous estimates which must be made. Furthermore, because the disclosed fair value amounts were estimated as of the balance sheet date, the amounts actually realized or paid upon maturity or settlement of the various financial instruments could be significantly different.


(Dollars in thousands)
   
March 31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
   
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
Financial Assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
78,010
 
$
78,010
 
$
182,410
 
$
182,410
Trading securities
   
1,266
   
1,266
   
695
   
695
Securities available for sale
   
1,185,418
   
1,185,418
   
1,135,468
   
1,135,468
Securities held to maturity
   
47,655
   
46,229
   
39,054
   
37,477
Loans and leases, net of unearned
   
2,413,203
   
2,441,643
   
2,380,312
   
2,408,506
Derivatives
   
976
   
976
   
2,530
   
2,530
                         
Financial Liabilities:
                       
Demand deposits
 
$
489,807
 
$
489,807
 
$
460,645
 
$
460,645
Savings deposits
   
1,571,881
   
1,571,881
   
1,554,358
   
1,554,358
Time deposits
   
975,723
   
975,723
   
1,035,386
   
1,035,386
Short-term borrowings
   
190,732
   
190,732
   
162,349
   
162,349
Other borrowings
   
426,039
   
412,460
   
451,429
   
438,102

Cash and Cash Equivalents – The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

Securities - For securities either held to maturity, available for sale or trading, fair value equals quoted market price if available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

Loans and LeasesThe fair value of loans is estimated using a historical or replacement cost basis concept (i.e., an entrance price concept). The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. The fair value of loans held for sale is estimated using quoted market prices.

Derivatives – The fair value of all derivatives was estimated based on the amount that Heartland would pay or would be paid to terminate the contract or agreement, using current rates and, when appropriate, the current creditworthiness of the counter-party.

Deposits - The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and certain money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. If the fair value of the fixed maturity certificates of deposits is calculated at less than the carrying amount, the carrying value of these deposits is reported as the fair value.

Short-term and Other Borrowings - Rates currently available to Heartland for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate fair value of existing debt.

Commitments to Extend Credit, Unused Lines of Credit and Standby Letters of Credit - Based upon management’s analysis of the off balance sheet financial instruments, there are no significant unrealized gains or losses associated with these financial instruments based upon review of the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties.

 
 
 
 


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This document (including information incorporated by reference) contains, and future oral and written statements of Heartland and its management may contain, forward-looking statements, within the meaning of such term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Heartland. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of Heartland’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "could", "should" or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and Heartland undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

Heartland’s ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. The factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations and future prospects of Heartland and its subsidiaries are detailed in the “Risk Factors” section included under Item 1A. of Part I of Heartland’s 2009 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2010. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

OVERVIEW

Heartland’s results of operations depend primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between interest income from interest earning assets and interest expense on interest bearing liabilities. Noninterest income, which includes service charges and fees, loan servicing income, trust income, brokerage and insurance commissions and gains on sale of loans, also affects Heartland’s results of operations. Heartland’s principal operating expenses, aside from interest expense, consist of compensation and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment costs and provision for loan and lease losses.

Net income was $5.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, compared to $6.1 million for the first quarter of 2009. Net income available to common stockholders was $4.0 million, or $0.24 per diluted common share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, compared to $4.8 million, or $0.29 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2009. Return on average common equity was 6.83 percent and return on average assets was 0.41 percent for the first quarter of 2010, compared to 8.26 percent and 0.53 percent, respectively, for the same quarter in 2009.

Net income for the first quarter of 2010 exceeded the previous three quarters. Although earnings for the first quarter of 2010 were negatively affected by a larger loan loss provision than in the first quarter of 2009, the provision for loan losses declined from the fourth quarter of 2009 and profitability for the first quarter of 2010 increased over the previous three quarters. The effect of decreases in the income associated with residential mortgage loan activity and gains on the sales of securities during the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009 were mitigated by growth in net interest income. Heartland’s first quarter 2010 net interest margin was 4.14 percent compared to 3.94 percent for the first quarter of 2009. The level of nonperforming loans also continued to show signs of stabilization during the first quarter of 2010.

At March 31, 2010, total assets had experienced a slight decrease of $14.7 million or 1 percent annualized since year-end 2009. Securities represented 31 percent of total assets at March 31, 2010, compared to 29 percent of total assets at December 31, 2009.

Total loans and leases, exclusive of those covered by the FDIC loss share agreements, were $2.37 billion at March 31, 2010, compared to $2.33 billion at year-end 2009, an increase of $38.1 million or 7 percent annualized. The loan category experiencing the majority of this growth was commercial and commercial real estate loans, which primarily occurred at Dubuque Bank and Trust Company and Wisconsin Community Bank.

Total deposits were $3.04 billion at March 31, 2010, compared to $3.05 billion at year-end 2009, a decrease of $13.0 million or 2 percent annualized. The Heartland banks experiencing an increase in deposits during the first quarter of 2010 were New Mexico Bank & Trust, Arizona Bank & Trust and Minnesota Bank & Trust. Dubuque Bank and Trust experienced a decrease in total deposits as one large depositor shifted a large portion of its deposits into retail repurchase agreements with the bank. Deposit composition continued to improve during the first quarter of 2010, as demand and savings deposit balances increased and time deposits, exclusive of brokered deposits, decreased.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. These estimates are based upon historical experience and on various other assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The estimates and judgments that management believes have the most effect on Heartland’s reported financial position and results of operations are as follows:

Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses

The process utilized by Heartland to estimate the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses is considered a critical accounting policy for Heartland. The allowance for loan and lease losses represents management’s estimate of identified and unidentified probable losses in the existing loan portfolio. Thus, the accuracy of this estimate could have a material impact on Heartland’s earnings. The adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses is determined using factors that include the overall composition of the loan portfolio, general economic conditions, types of loans, loan collateral values, past loss experience, loan delinquencies, and potential losses from identified substandard and doubtful credits. Nonperforming loans and large non-homogeneous loans are specifically reviewed for impairment and the allowance is allocated on a loan-by-loan basis as deemed necessary. Homogeneous loans and loans not specifically evaluated are grouped into pools to which a loss percentage, based on historical experience, is allocated. The adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses is monitored on an ongoing basis by the loan review staff, senior management and the boards of directors of each subsidiary bank. Specific factors considered by management in establishing the allowance included the following:

*
Heartland has experienced an increase in net charge-offs and nonperforming loans during the past two years.
   
*
During the last several years, Heartland has entered new geographical markets in which it had little or no previous lending experience.
   
*
Heartland has continued to experience growth in more complex commercial loans as compared to relatively lower-risk residential real estate loans.

There can be no assurances that the allowance for loan and lease losses will be adequate to cover all loan losses, but management believes that the allowance for loan and lease losses was adequate at March 31, 2010. While management uses available information to provide for loan and lease losses, the ultimate collectibility of a substantial portion of the loan portfolio and the need for future additions to the allowance will be based on changes in economic conditions. Should the economic climate continue to deteriorate, borrowers may experience difficulty, and the level of nonperforming loans, charge-offs, and delinquencies could rise and require further increases in the provision for loan and lease losses. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan and lease losses carried by the Heartland subsidiaries. Such agencies may require Heartland to make additional provisions to the allowance based upon their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

During the first quarter of 2010, Heartland implemented a new methodology, including the installation of new software, for the calculation of the allowance for loan and lease losses. The implementation of this new methodology included the establishment of a dual risk rating system, which allows the utilization of a Probability of Default and Loss Given Default for commercial and agricultural loans in the calculation of the allowance for loan and lease losses. In addition to an enhanced allowance methodology, this software also has the ability to perform stress testing and migration analysis on various portfolio segments.

Goodwill And Other Intangibles

Heartland records all assets and liabilities acquired in purchase acquisitions, including goodwill and other intangibles, at fair value. Goodwill and indefinite-lived assets are not amortized but are subject, at a minimum, to annual tests for impairment. In certain situations, interim impairment tests may be required if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting segment below its carrying amount. Other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives using straight-line and accelerated methods and are subject to impairment if events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to realize the carrying amount.

The initial recognition of goodwill and other intangible assets and subsequent impairment analysis require management to make subjective judgments concerning estimates of how the acquired assets will perform in the future using valuation methods including discounted cash flow analysis. Additionally, estimated cash flows may extend beyond ten years and, by their nature, are difficult to determine over an extended timeframe. Events and factors that may significantly affect the estimates include, among others, competitive forces, customer behaviors, changes in revenue growth trends, cost structures, technology, changes in discount rates and market conditions. In determining the reasonableness of cash flow estimates, Heartland reviews historical performance of the underlying assets or similar assets in an effort to assess and validate assumptions utilized in its estimates.

In assessing the fair value of reporting units, Heartland may consider the stage of the current business cycle and potential changes in market conditions in estimating the timing and extent of future cash flows. Also, management often utilizes other information to validate the reasonableness of its valuations including public market comparables, and multiples of recent mergers and acquisitions of similar businesses. Valuation multiples may be based on revenue, price-to-earnings and tangible capital ratios of comparable companies and business segments. These multiples may be adjusted to consider competitive differences, including size, operating leverage and other factors. The carrying amount of a reporting unit is determined based on the capital required to support the reporting unit’s activities, including its tangible and intangible assets. The determination of a reporting unit’s capital allocation requires management judgment and considers many factors, including the regulatory capital regulations and capital characteristics of comparable companies in relevant industry sectors. In certain circumstances, management will engage a third party to independently validate its assessment of the fair value of its reporting units.

Management assesses the impairment of identifiable intangible assets, long-lived assets and related goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors considered important, which could trigger an impairment review include the following:

*
Significant under-performance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results.
*
Significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business.
*
Significant negative industry or economic trends.
*
Significant decline in Heartland’s stock price for a sustained period; and market capitalization relative to net book value.
*
For intangible assets and long-lived assets, if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows from such asset.

Because of current economic conditions, Heartland continues to monitor goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment indicators throughout the year.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income

Net interest margin, expressed as a percentage of average earning assets, was 4.14 percent during the first quarter of 2010 compared to 3.94 percent for the first quarter of 2009 and 4.04 percent for the fourth quarter of 2009. Management is focused on maintaining margin near the 4.00 percent level and will not compete for loans or deposits strictly for the sake of growth.

Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis totaled $35.8 million during the first quarter of 2010, an increase of $3.7 million or 12 percent from the $32.1 million recorded during the first quarter of 2009. This increase occurred as Heartland’s interest bearing liabilities repriced downward more quickly than its interest earning assets. Also contributing to this increase was a continued change in the composition of interest bearing liabilities as the percentage of average time deposits, which are typically the highest cost deposits, decreased from 44 percent of total average deposits during the first quarter of 2009 to 33 percent during the first quarter of 2010.

Even though average earning assets during the first quarter of 2010 were $200.5 million or 6 percent greater than during the first quarter of 2009, interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, during the first quarter of 2010 remained consistent with the interest income earned during the first quarter of 2009 at $50.8 million. The composition of average earning assets continued to change as the percentage of loans, which are typically the highest yielding asset, to total average earning assets was 67 percent during the first quarter of 2010 compared to 72 percent during the first quarter of 2009.

Interest expense for the first quarter of 2010 was $15.0 million, a decrease of $3.7 million or 20 percent from $18.7 million in the first quarter of 2009, and a decrease of $1.4 million or 9 percent from $16.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. Interest rates paid on Heartland’s deposits and borrowings were significantly lower during the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first and fourth quarters of 2009, and we anticipate further improvements in interest expense during the second quarter of 2010. Despite an increase in average interest bearing liabilities of $244.4 million or 8 percent for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, as compared to the same quarter in 2009, the average interest rates paid on Heartland’s deposits and borrowings declined 68 basis points from 2.60 percent in 2009 to 1.92 percent in 2010. Approximately 31 percent of Heartland’s certificate of deposit accounts will mature within the next six months at a weighted average rate of 1.71 percent.

Heartland attempts to manage its balance sheet to minimize the effect that a change in interest rates has on its net interest margin. Heartland plans to continue to work toward improving both its earning asset and funding mix through targeted organic growth strategies, which management believes will result in additional net interest income. Heartland believes its net interest income simulations reflect a well-balanced and manageable interest rate posture. Management supports a pricing discipline in which the focus is less on price and more on the unique value provided to business and retail clients. Nearly half of Heartland’s commercial and agricultural loan portfolios consist of floating rate loans that reprice immediately upon a change in the national prime interest rate. Since a large portion of these floating rate loans have interest rate floors that are currently in effect, an upward movement in the national prime interest rate would not have an immediate positive affect on Heartland’s interest income. Item 3 of this Form 10-Q contains additional information about the results of Heartland’s most recent net interest income simulations. Note 5 to the quarterly financial statements contains a detailed discussion of the derivative instruments Heartland has utilized to manage its interest rate risk.

The table below sets forth certain information relating to Heartland’s average consolidated balance sheets and reflects the yield on average earning assets and the cost of average interest bearing liabilities for the periods indicated. Dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities derives such yields and costs. Average balances are derived from daily balances. Nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale are included in each respective loan category.
 
 
 
 
 
ANALYSIS OF AVERAGE BALANCES, TAX EQUIVALENT YIELDS AND RATES1
For the quarters ended March 31, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in thousands)
   
2010
 
2009
   
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
EARNING ASSETS
                                           
Securities:
                                           
Taxable
 
$
926,161
   
$
9,455
   
4.14
%
 
$
759,985
   
$
8,421
   
4.49
%
Nontaxable1
   
239,587
     
3,807
   
6.44
     
160,147
     
2,720
   
6.89
 
Total securities
   
1,165,748
     
13,262
   
4.61
     
920,132
     
11,141
   
4.91
 
Interest bearing deposits
   
2,848
     
5
   
0.71
     
634
     
1
   
0.64
 
Federal funds sold
   
617
     
-
   
-
     
785
     
1
   
0.52
 
Loans and leases:
                                           
Commercial and commercial real estate1
   
1,695,161
     
24,821
   
5.94
     
 
1,693,796
     
 
26,142
   
 
6.26
 
Residential mortgage
   
196,770
     
2,720
   
5.61
     
236,878
     
3,449
   
5.90
 
Agricultural and agricultural real estate1
   
258,770
     
3,984
   
6.24
     
 
256,059
     
 
4,092
   
 
6.48
 
Consumer
   
231,660
     
4,974
   
8.71
     
231,328
     
4,973
   
8.72
 
Direct financing leases, net
   
2,129
     
32
   
6.10
     
5,544
     
68
   
4.97
 
Fees on loans
   
-
     
986
   
-
     
-
     
966
   
-
 
Less: allowance for loan and lease losses
   
(43,688
 
)
   
-
   
-
     
 
(35,600
 
)
   
 
-
   
 
-
 
Net loans and leases
   
2,340,802
     
37,517
   
6.50
     
2,388,005
     
39,690
   
6.74
 
Total earning assets
   
3,510,015
   
$
50,784
   
5.87
%
   
3,309,556
   
$
50,833
   
6.23
%
NONEARNING ASSETS
   
474,779
                   
349,648
               
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
3,984,794
                 
$
3,659,204
               
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
                                           
Interest bearing deposits
                                           
Savings
 
$
1,549,140
   
$
4,136
   
1.08
%
 
$
1,116,314
   
$
4,524
   
1.64
%
Time, $100,000 and over
   
324,888
     
2,070
   
2.58
     
394,948
     
3,238
   
3.32
 
Other time deposits
   
683,859
     
4,554
   
2.70
     
769,443
     
6,360
   
3.35
 
Short-term borrowings
   
169,237
     
234
   
0.56
     
170,826
     
212
   
0.50
 
Other borrowings
   
436,037
     
3,959
   
3.68
     
467,232
     
4,378
   
3.80
 
Total interest bearing liabilities
   
3,163,161
     
14,953
   
1.92
%
   
2,918,763
     
18,712
   
2.60
%
NONINTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
                                           
Noninterest bearing deposits
   
466,940
                   
393,615
               
Accrued interest and other liabilities
   
36,666
                   
32,858
               
Total noninterest bearing liabilities
   
503,606
                   
426,473
               
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
   
318,027
                   
313,968
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
$
3,984,794
                 
 
$
 
3,659,204
               
Net interest income1
         
$
35,831
                 
$
32,121
       
Net interest spread1
                 
3.95
%
                 
3.63
%
Net interest income to total earning assets1
                 
4.14
 
%
                 
 
3.94
 
%
Interest bearing liabilities to earning assets
   
90.12
 
%
                 
 
88.19
 
%
             
                                             
1 Tax equivalent basis is calculated using an effective tax rate of 35%.
 
Provision For Loan And Lease Losses

The allowance for loan and lease losses is established through a provision charged to expense to provide, in Heartland management’s opinion, an adequate allowance for loan and lease losses. During the first quarter of 2010, the provision for loan losses was $8.9 million compared to $10.8 million during the fourth quarter of 2009 and $6.7 million during the first quarter of 2009. Additions to the allowance for loan and lease losses during the first quarter of 2010 were driven by a variety of factors including the continuation of depressed economic conditions, downgrades in internal risk ratings and reductions in appraised values of collateral securing loans, primarily in Heartland’s Western markets of Arizona and Montana.

The adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses is determined by management using factors that include the overall composition of the loan portfolio, general economic conditions, types of loans, loan collateral values, past loss experience, loan delinquencies, substandard credits, and doubtful credits. For additional details on the specific factors considered, refer to the critical accounting policies and allowance for loan and lease losses sections of this report. Heartland believes the allowance for loan and lease losses as of March 31, 2010, was at a level commensurate with the overall risk exposure of the loan portfolio. However, if economic conditions should become more unfavorable, certain borrowers may experience difficulty and the level of nonperforming loans, charge-offs and delinquencies could rise and require further increases in the provision for loan and lease losses.

Noninterest Income

The table below shows Heartland’s noninterest income for the quarters indicated.

(Dollars in thousands)
   
Three Months Ended
   
   
March 31, 2010
 
March 31, 2009
 
Change
 
% Change
NONINTEREST INCOME:
                               
Service charges and fees, net
 
$
3,204
   
$
2,887
   
$
317
     
11
%
Loan servicing income
   
1,427
     
2,786
     
(1,359
)
   
(49
)
Trust fees
   
2,181
     
1,697
     
484
     
29
 
Brokerage and insurance commissions
   
712
     
881
     
(169
)
   
(19
)
Securities gains, net
   
1,456
     
2,965
     
(1,509
)
   
(51
)
Gain (loss) on trading account securities, net
   
48
     
(286
)
   
334
     
117
 
Gains on sale of loans
   
798
     
1,808
     
(1,010
)
   
(56
)
Income on bank owned life insurance
   
314
     
130
     
184
     
142
 
Other noninterest income
   
453
     
(106
)
   
559
     
527
 
TOTAL NONINTEREST INCOME
 
$
10,593
   
$
12,762
   
$
(2,169
)
   
(17)
%

Noninterest income was $10.6 million during the first quarter of 2010 compared to $12.8 million during the first quarter of 2009, a decrease of $2.2 million or 17 percent, primarily due to decreases in loan servicing income, securities gains and gains on sale of loans. A portion of the decreases in these noninterest income categories was offset by increases in service charges and fees and trust fees.

Service charges and fees increased $317 thousand or 11 percent during the quarters under comparison. Service charges on checking and savings accounts, including overdraft fees, recorded during the first quarter of 2010 were $2.0 million compared to $1.9 million during the first quarter of 2009, an increase of $104 thousand or 5 percent. These fees were affected by increased service charges on commercial checking accounts as the earnings credit rate applied to the balances maintained in these accounts continued at historically low levels and the resultant earnings credit was not sufficient to cover activity charges on these accounts. Interchange revenue from activity on bank debit cards, along with surcharges on ATM activity, resulted in service charges and fees of $990 thousand during the first quarter of 2010 compared to $791 thousand during the first quarter of 2009, an increase of $199 thousand or 25 percent.

Loan servicing income decreased $1.4 million or 49 percent. Included in loan servicing income is mortgage servicing rights income, which was $694 thousand during the first quarter of 2010 compared to $3.1 million during the first quarter of 2009, and amortization of mortgage servicing rights, which was $603 thousand during the first quarter of 2010 compared to $1.4 million during the first quarter of 2009. These components of loan servicing income decreased during the first quarter of 2010 as the volume of mortgage loans originated and sold into the secondary market returned to levels that are more normal. Also included in loan servicing income are the fees collected for the servicing of mortgage loans for others, which was $722 thousand during the first quarter of 2010 compared to $466 thousand during the first quarter of 2009. The portfolio of mortgage loans serviced for others by Heartland totaled $1.18 billion at March 31, 2010, compared to $868.6 million at March 31, 2009.

Trust fees increased $484 thousand or 29 percent during the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same quarter in 2009. A large portion of trust fees are based upon the market value of the trust assets, which was $1.77 billion at March 31, 2010, compared to $1.30 billion at March 31, 2009.

Securities gains totaled $1.5 million during the first quarter of 2010 compared to $3.0 million during the first quarter of 2009. There was a higher volume of securities sales during the first quarter of 2009 as securities designed to outperform in a declining rate environment were sold and replaced with securities that are expected to outperform as rates rise.

Gains on sale of loans totaled $798 thousand during the first quarter of 2010 compared to $1.8 million during the first quarter of 2009. As long-term mortgage loan rates fell below 5.00 percent during the first quarter of 2009, refinancing activity significantly increased on 15- and 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage loans. Heartland normally elects to sell these types of loans into the secondary market and retains the servicing on these loans.

Income on bank owned life insurance increased $184 thousand or 142 percent during the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same quarter of 2009. A large portion of Heartland’s bank owned life insurance is held in a separate account product that experienced lower yields during the first quarter of 2009.

Other noninterest income totaled $453 thousand during the first quarter of 2010 compared to a net loss of $106 thousand during the first quarter of 2009. Income on interest rate hedges totaled $28 thousand during the first quarter of 2010 compared to losses of $288 thousand during the first quarter of 2009. See Note 5 to Heartland’s consolidated financial statements for further discussion on these derivative transactions. Also affecting other noninterest income during the first quarter of 2010 was $182 thousand in payments due from the FDIC under loss share agreements associated with The Elizabeth State Bank acquisition completed on July 2, 2009.

Noninterest Expenses

The table below shows Heartland’s noninterest expense for the quarters indicated.

(Dollars in thousands)
   
Three Months Ended
   
   
March 31, 2010
 
March 31, 2009
 
Change
 
% Change
NONINTEREST EXPENSES:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
15,423
   
$
16,433
   
$
(1,010
)
   
(6
)%
Occupancy
   
2,294
     
2,375
     
(81
)
   
(3
)
Furniture and equipment
   
1,447
     
1,647
     
(200
)
   
(12
)
Professional fees
   
2,211
     
2,170
     
41
     
2
 
FDIC insurance assessments
   
1,420
     
1,047
     
373
     
36
 
Advertising
   
814
     
583
     
231
     
40
 
Intangible assets amortization
   
151
     
235
     
(84
)
   
(36
)
Net loss on repossessed assets
   
2,064
     
620
     
1,444
     
233
 
Other noninterest expenses
   
3,077
     
3,176
     
(99
)
   
(3
)
TOTAL NONINTEREST EXPENSES
 
$
28,901
   
$
28,286
   
$
615
     
2
%

For the first quarter of 2010, noninterest expense totaled $28.9 million, an increase of $615 thousand or 2 percent from the $28.3 million recorded during the same quarter in 2009. The noninterest expense categories experiencing the largest increases were FDIC insurance assessments, advertising and net loss on repossessed assets. The impact of these increases was partially mitigated by a decrease in salaries and employee benefits expense.

The largest component of noninterest expense, salaries and employee benefits, decreased $1.0 million or 6 percent during the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009. Total full-time equivalent employees were 1,015 at March 31, 2010, compared to 1,049 at March 31, 2009.

FDIC insurance assessments increased $373 thousand or 36 percent during the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009. The FDIC assessment rate changed from a range of 10 to 14 basis points to a range of 12 to 16 basis points beginning in the second quarter of 2009.

For the first quarter of 2010, advertising expense increased $231 thousand or 40 percent over the first quarter of 2009. Slightly over half this increase was attributable to services performed by a third party to redesign the websites for Heartland and its bank subsidiaries.

Net loss on repossessed assets totaled $2.1 million during the first quarter of 2010 compared to $620 thousand during the first quarter of 2009. A majority of the increased loss in the first quarter of 2010 resulted from valuation adjustments due to continued reductions in real estate values, particularly in Heartland’s Phoenix, Arizona and Bozeman, Montana markets.

Income Taxes

Heartland’s effective tax rate was 28.87 percent for the first quarter of 2010 compared to 31.72 percent for the first quarter of 2009. Heartland’s effective tax rate is affected by the level of tax-exempt interest income, which, as a percentage of pre-tax income, was 28.37 percent during the first quarter of 2010 compared to 21.70 percent during the first quarter of 2009. The tax-equivalent adjustment for this tax-exempt interest income was $1.1 million during the first quarter of 2010 compared to $1.0 million during the first quarter of 2009.
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION

At March 31, 2010, total assets had decreased $14.7 million or 1 percent annualized since year-end 2009.

 
 
 
 
Lending Activities

Total loans and leases, exclusive of those covered by the FDIC loss share agreements, were $2.37 billion at March 31, 2010, compared to $2.33 billion at year-end 2009, an increase of $38.1 million or 7 percent annualized. The loan category experiencing the majority of this growth was commercial and commercial real estate loans, which totaled $1.71 billion at March 31, 2010, an increase of $40.6 million or 10 percent annualized since year-end 2009. This growth occurred at Dubuque Bank and Trust Company and Wisconsin Community Bank.
 
The table below presents the composition of the loan portfolio as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009.

LOAN PORTFOLIO
(Dollars in thousands)
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
Commercial and commercial real estate
 
$
1,710,669
     
72.05
%
 
$
1,670,108
     
71.50
%
Residential mortgage
   
175,065
     
7.37
     
175,059
     
7.49
 
Agricultural and agricultural real estate
   
258,239
     
10.88
     
256,780
     
10.99
 
Consumer
   
228,311
     
9.62
     
231,709
     
9.92
 
Lease financing, net
   
1,951
     
.08
     
2,326
     
0.10
 
Gross loans and leases held to maturity
   
2,374,235
     
100.00
%
   
2,335,982
     
100.00
%
Unearned discount
   
(2,449
)
           
(2,491
)
       
Deferred loan fees
   
(2,553
)
           
(2,349
)
       
Total loans and leases held to maturity
   
2,369,233
             
2,331,142
         
Loans covered under loss share agreements:
                               
Commercial and commercial real estate
 
$
13,241
     
47.35
%
 
$
15,068
     
47.29
%
Residential mortgage
   
8,064
     
28.83
     
8,984
     
28.20
 
Agricultural and agricultural real estate
   
2,806
     
10.03
     
3,626
     
11.38
 
Consumer
   
3,857
     
13.79
     
4,182
     
13.13
 
Total loans covered under loss share agreements
   
27,968
     
100.00
%
   
31,860
     
100.00
%
Allowance for loan and lease losses
   
(46,350
)
           
(41,848
)
       
Loans and Leases, net
 
$
2,350,851
           
$
2,321,154
         

Loans and leases secured by real estate, either fully or partially, totaled $1.8 billion or 75 percent of total loans and leases at March 31, 2010. Of the non-farm, nonresidential loans, 58 percent are owner occupied. The largest categories within Heartland’s real estate secured loans are listed below:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
       
Residential real estate, excluding residential construction and residential lot loans
$
422,512
 
Agriculture
 
202,084
 
Industrial, manufacturing, business and commercial
 
199,096
 
Land development and lots
 
198,268
 
Retail
 
165,527
 
Office
 
116,841
 
Hotel, resort and hospitality
 
104,031
 
Warehousing
 
70,206
 
Multi-family
 
63,980
 
Food and beverage
 
63,906
 
Residential construction
 
47,381
 

The process utilized by Heartland to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses is considered a critical accounting practice for Heartland. The allowance for loan and lease losses represents management’s estimate of identified and unidentified probable losses in the existing loan portfolio. For additional details on the specific factors considered, refer to the critical accounting policies section of this report.

The allowance for loan and lease losses at March 31, 2010, was 1.96 percent of loans and leases and 59.21 percent of nonperforming loans compared to 1.80 percent of loans and leases and 53.56 percent of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2009, and 1.58 percent of loans and leases and 55.52 percent of nonperforming loans at March 31, 2009. Additions to the allowance for loan and lease losses during the first quarter of 2010 were driven by a variety of factors including the continuation of depressed economic conditions, downgrades in internal risk ratings and reductions in appraised values of collateral securing loans, primarily in Heartland’s Western markets of Arizona and Montana.

Nonperforming loans, exclusive of those covered under the loss sharing agreements, were $78.3 million or 3.30 percent of total loans and leases at March 31, 2010, compared to $78.1 million or 3.35 percent of total loans and leases at December 31, 2009, and $67.1 million or 2.85 percent of total loans and leases at March 31, 2009. Approximately 62 percent, or $48.3 million, of Heartland’s nonperforming loans are to 19 borrowers, with $17.4 million originated by Rocky Mountain Bank, $13.2 million originated by Summit Bank & Trust, $7.5 million originated by Wisconsin Community Bank, $5.7 million originated by Arizona Bank & Trust, $2.8 million originated by New Mexico Bank & Trust and $1.6 million originated by Dubuque Bank and Trust. The portion of Heartland’s nonperforming loans covered by government guarantees was $5.8 million at March 31, 2010. The industry breakdown for these nonperforming loans as identified using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) was $14.5 million other activities related to real estate, $7.1 million construction and development, $6.2 million lot and land development, $4.2 million real estate financing provider and $3.1 million lessors of real estate. The remaining $13.2 million was distributed among seven other industries.

Other real estate owned, exclusive of assets covered under the loss sharing agreements, was $28.3 million at March 31, 2010, compared to $30.2 million at December 31, 2009, and $29.3 million at March 31, 2009. Liquidation strategies have been identified for all the assets held in other real estate owned. Management plans to market these properties through an orderly liquidation process instead of a quick liquidation process that would likely result in discounts greater than the projected carrying costs. As a result of continued collection activities, it is likely that other real estate owned will rise during the second quarter of 2010. Commercial real estate makes up $27.6 million or 94 percent of Heartland’s total other real estate owned.

Net charge-offs during the first quarter of 2010 were $4.4 million compared to $5.0 million during the first quarter of 2009. A large portion of the net charge-offs was related to commercial real estate development loans and residential lot loans.

The table below presents the changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses during the periods indicated:

ANALYSIS OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2010
   
2009
                   
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
41,848
     
$
35,651
 
Provision for loan and lease losses
   
8,894
       
6,665
 
Recoveries on loans and leases previously charged off
   
377
       
596
 
Loans and leases charged off
   
(4,769
)
     
(5,635
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
46,350
     
$
37,277
 
Annualized ratio of net charge offs to average loans and leases
   
0.75
%
     
0.84
%


 
 
 
 


The table below presents the amounts of nonperforming loans and leases and other nonperforming assets on the dates indicated:

NONPERFORMING ASSETS
(Dollars in thousands)
   
As of March 31,
 
As of December 31,
   
2010
 
2009
 
2009
 
2008
Not covered under loss share agreements:
               
Nonaccrual loans and leases
 
$
78,239
   
$
67,140
   
$
78,118
   
$
76,953
 
Loan and leases contractually past due 90 days or more
   
47
     
-
     
17
     
1,005
 
Total nonperforming loans and leases
   
78,286
     
67,140
     
78,135
     
77,958
 
Other real estate
   
28,290
     
29,317
     
30,205
     
11,750
 
Other repossessed assets
   
528
     
1,501
     
501
     
1,484
 
Total nonperforming assets not covered under loss share agreements
 
$
107,104
   
$
97,958
   
$
108,841
   
$
91,192
 
Covered under loss share agreements:
                               
Nonaccrual loans and leases
 
$
4,621
   
$
-
   
$
4,170
   
$
-
 
Loan and leases contractually past due 90 days or more
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total nonperforming loans and leases
   
4,621
     
-
     
4,170
     
-
 
Other real estate
   
362
     
-
     
363
     
-
 
Other repossessed assets
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total nonperforming assets covered under loss share agreements
 
$
4,983
   
$
-
   
$
4,533
   
$
-
 
                                 
Restructured loans (1)
 
$
21,637
     
-
   
$
46,656
     
-
 
Nonperforming loans and leases not covered under loss share agreements to total loans and leases
   
3.30
%
   
2.85
%
   
3.35
%
   
3.24
%
Nonperforming assets not covered under loss share agreements to total loans and leases plus repossessed property
   
4.47
%
   
4.10
%
   
4.61
%
   
3.77
%
Nonperforming assets not covered under loss share agreements to total assets
   
2.68
%
   
2.63
%
   
2.71
%
   
2.51
%
(1) Represents accruing restructured loans performing according to their restructured terms.

Securities

The composition of Heartland's securities portfolio is managed to maximize the return on the portfolio while considering the impact it has on Heartland’s asset/liability position and liquidity needs. Securities represented 31 percent of total assets at March 31, 2010, and 29 percent at December 31, 2009. Total available for sale securities as of March 31, 2010, were $1.19 billion, an increase of $50.0 million or 18 percent annualized from $1.14 billion at December 31, 2009. Additional securities were purchased during the first quarter of 2010 as loan growth continued to be weak.

The table below presents the composition of the securities portfolio by major category as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009. The composition of the securities portfolio shifted from an emphasis in mortgage-backed securities to U.S. government corporations and agencies as the spread on mortgage-backed securities narrowed in comparison to government agency securities. The percentage of mortgage-backed securities was 49 percent at March 31, 2010, compared to 53 percent at year-end 2009. Nearly 80 percent of Heartland’s mortgage-backed securities are issuances of government-sponsored enterprises as of March 31, 2010.
 
SECURITIES PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
(Dollars in thousands)
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
Amount
Percent
 
Amount
Percent
U.S. government corporations and agencies
 
 
$
 
335,468
   
 
27.18
 
%
 
 
$
 
279,441
   
 
23.78
 
%
Mortgage-backed securities
   
610,567
   
49.46
     
623,949
   
53.09
 
Obligation of states and political subdivisions
   
 
254,638
   
 
20.63
     
 
238,893
   
 
20.33
 
Other securities
   
33,666
   
2.73
     
32,934
   
2.80
 
Total securities
 
$
1,234,339
   
100.00
%
 
$
1,175,217
   
100.00
%

Deposits And Borrowed Funds

Total deposits were $3.04 billion at March 31, 2010, compared to $3.05 billion at year-end 2009, a decrease of $13.0 million or 2 percent annualized. The Heartland banks experiencing an increase in deposits during the first quarter of 2010 were New Mexico Bank & Trust with an increase of $18.6 million, Arizona Bank & Trust with an increase of $28.0 million and Minnesota Bank & Trust with an increase of $5.3 million. Dubuque Bank and Trust experienced a $57.6 million decrease in total deposits as one large depositor shifted a large portion of its deposits into retail repurchase agreements with the bank. Deposit composition continued to improve during the first quarter of 2010, as demand deposits increased $29.2 million or 25 percent annualized since year-end 2009 and savings deposit balances increased $17.5 million or 5 percent annualized since year-end 2009. Conversely, time deposits, exclusive of brokered deposits, experienced a decrease of $55.2 million or 22 percent annualized since year-end 2009. At March 31, 2010, brokered time deposits totaled $37.3 million or 1 percent of total deposits compared to $41.8 million or 1 percent of total deposits at year-end 2009.

Short-term borrowings generally include federal funds purchased, treasury tax and loan note options, securities sold under agreement to repurchase, short-term Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances and discount window borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank. These funding alternatives are utilized in varying degrees depending on their pricing and availability. As of March 31, 2010, the amount of short-term borrowings was $190.7 million compared to $162.3 million at year-end 2009, an increase of $28.4 million or 17 percent, primarily due to activity in retail repurchase agreements. All of the bank subsidiaries provide retail repurchase agreements to their customers as a cash management tool, sweeping excess funds from demand deposit accounts into these agreements. This source of funding does not increase the bank’s reserve requirements, nor does it create an expense relating to FDIC premiums on deposits. Although the aggregate balance of these retail repurchase agreements is subject to variation, the account relationships represented by these balances are principally local. These balances were $168.3 million at March 31, 2010, compared to $145.6 million at year-end 2009.

Also included in short-term borrowings is the revolving credit line Heartland has with an unaffiliated bank, primarily to provide working capital to Heartland. This credit line may also be used to fund the operations of Heartland Community Development Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Heartland, the primary purpose of which is to hold and manage certain nonperforming loans and assets to allow the liquidation of those assets at a time that is more economically advantageous. Under this unsecured revolving credit line, Heartland may borrow up to $15.0 million at any one time. At March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, $5.0 million was outstanding on this revolving credit line.

Other borrowings include all debt arrangements Heartland and its subsidiaries have entered into with original maturities that extend beyond one year. As of March 31, 2010, the amount of other borrowings was $426.0 million, a decrease of $25.4 million or 6 percent since year-end 2009. Other borrowings include structured wholesale repurchase agreements, which totaled $135.0 million at March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009. The balances outstanding on trust preferred capital securities issued by Heartland are also included in other borrowings. A schedule of Heartland’s trust preferred offerings outstanding as of March 31, 2010, is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)

Amount
Issued
Issuance
Date
Interest
Rate
Interest Rate as
of 3/31/10
Maturity
Date
Callable
Date
             
$
5,000
08/07/00
10.60%
 10.60%
09/07/2030
09/07/2010
 
20,000
10/10/03
8.25%
 8.25%
10/10/2033
06/30/2010
 
25,000
03/17/04
2.75% over Libor
 3.01%(1)
03/17/2034
06/17/2010
 
20,000
01/31/06
1.33% over Libor
 1.58%(2)
04/07/2036
04/07/2011
 
20,000
06/21/07
6.75%
6.75%
09/15/2037
06/15/2012
 
20,000
06/26/07
1.48% over Libor
 1.73%(3)
09/01/2037
09/01/2012
$
110,000
         
(1)   Effective interest rate as of March 31, 2010, was 5.33% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 5 to Heartland’s consolidated financial statements.
(2)   Effective interest rate as of March 31, 2010, was 4.69% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 5 to Heartland’s consolidated financial statements.(3)   Effective interest rate as of March 31, 2010, was 4.70% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 5 to Heartland’s consolidated financial statements.

Also in other borrowings are the bank subsidiaries’ borrowings from the FHLB. All of the bank subsidiaries, except for Heartland’s most recent de novo bank, Minnesota Bank & Trust, own FHLB stock in either Chicago, Dallas, Des Moines, Seattle, San Francisco or Topeka, enabling them to borrow funds from their respective FHLB for short- or long-term purposes under a variety of programs. FHLB borrowings at March 31, 2010, totaled $173.5 million, a decrease of $25.6 million or 13 percent from the December 31, 2009, FHLB borrowings of $199.1 million.
Total FHLB borrowings at March 31, 2010, had an average rate of 3.17 percent and an average maturity of 3.61 years. When considering the earliest possible call date on these advances, the average maturity is shortened to 1.87 years.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Heartland banks evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Heartland banks upon extension of credit, is based upon management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment and income-producing commercial properties. Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional commitments issued by the Heartland banks to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. At March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, commitments to extend credit aggregated $562.9 million and $603.4 million, and standby letters of credit aggregated $31.5 million and $26.7 million, respectively.

Contractual obligations and other commitments were presented in Heartland’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in Heartland’s contractual obligations and other commitments since that report was filed.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

Bank regulatory agencies have adopted capital standards by which all bank holding companies will be evaluated. Under the risk-based method of measurement, the resulting ratio is dependent upon not only the level of capital and assets, but also the composition of assets and capital and the amount of off-balance sheet commitments. Heartland and its bank subsidiaries have been, and will continue to be, managed so they meet the well-capitalized requirements under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized under the regulatory framework, bank holding companies and banks must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios of 10 percent, 6 percent and 4 percent, respectively. The most recent notification from the FDIC categorized Heartland and each of its bank subsidiaries as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed each institution’s category.

Heartland's capital ratios were as follows for the dates indicated:

CAPITAL RATIOS
(Dollars in thousands)
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
Amount
Ratio
 
Amount
Ratio
Risk-Based Capital Ratios1
                           
Tier 1 capital
 
$
385,374
   
13.61
%
 
$
380,334
   
13.53
%
Tier 1 capital minimum requirement
   
113,283
   
4.00
%
   
112,471
   
4.00
%
Excess
 
$
272,091
   
9.61
%
 
$
267,863
   
9.53
%
Total capital
 
$
431,847
   
15.25
%
 
$
427,523
   
15.20
%
Total capital minimum requirement
   
226,566
   
8.00
%
   
224,943
   
8.00
%
Excess
 
$
205,281
   
7.25
%
 
$
202,580
   
7.20
%
Total risk-adjusted assets
 
$
2,832,080
         
$
2,811,782
       
Leverage Capital Ratios2
                           
Tier 1 capital
 
$
385,374
   
9.74
%
 
$
380,334
   
9.64
%
Tier 1 capital minimum requirement3
   
158,255
   
4.00
%
   
157,830
   
4.00
%
Excess
 
$
227,119
   
5.74
%
 
$
222,504
   
5.64
%
Average adjusted assets (less goodwill and other intangible assets)
 
 
$
 
3,956,373
         
 
$
 
3,945,757
       
 
(1)
Based on the risk-based capital guidelines of the Federal Reserve, a bank holding company is required to maintain a Tier 1 capital to risk-adjusted assets ratio of 4.00% and total capital to risk-adjusted assets ratio of 8.00%.

(2)
The leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to average adjusted assets.

(3)
Management of Heartland has established a minimum target leverage ratio of 4.00%. Based on Federal Reserve guidelines, a bank holding company generally is required to maintain a leverage ratio of 3.00% plus additional capital of at least 100 basis points.

Commitments for capital expenditures are an important factor in evaluating capital adequacy. Summit Bank & Trust began operations on November 1, 2006, in the Denver, Colorado suburban community of Broomfield. The capital structure of this new bank is very similar to that used when New Mexico Bank & Trust and Arizona Bank & Trust were formed. Heartland’s initial investment was $12.0 million, or 80 percent, of the $15.0 million initial capital. All minority stockholders entered into a stock transfer agreement that imposes certain restrictions on the sale, transfer or other disposition of their shares in Summit Bank & Trust and requires Heartland to repurchase the shares from investors five years from the date of opening. The stock will be valued by an independent third party appraiser with the required purchase by Heartland at the appraised value, not to exceed 18x earnings, or a minimum return of 7.66 percent on the original investment amount, whichever is greater. Heartland pays the 7.66 percent minimum return to the minority stockholders annually. The obligation to repay the original investment is payable in cash or Heartland stock or a combination of cash and stock at the option of the minority stockholders. The remainder of the obligation to the minority stockholders is payable in cash or Heartland stock or a combination of cash and stock at the option of Heartland.

Minnesota Bank & Trust, Heartland’s tenth de novo, began operations on April 15, 2008, in Edina, Minnesota, located in the Minneapolis, Minnesota metropolitan area. Heartland’s initial investment was $13.2 million, or 80 percent, of the $16.5 million initial capital. All minority stockholders entered into a stock transfer agreement that imposes certain restrictions on the sale, transfer or other disposition of their shares in Minnesota Bank & Trust and allows, but does not require, Heartland to repurchase the shares from investors.

On December 19, 2008, Heartland received $81.7 million through participation in the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program (CPP). The CPP was authorized by the government’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. The TARP is designed to infuse capital into the nation’s healthiest banks to increase the flow of financing to American consumers and businesses. Funds received by Heartland were allocated to debt reduction (including $34.0 million used to extinguish debt on Heartland’s credit line), capital maintenance at its subsidiary banks and short-term investments. Heartland continues to honor the intent of the CPP by seeking high quality lending opportunities and the potential acquisition of banks in its existing markets, such as The Elizabeth State Bank acquisition completed during the third quarter of 2009.

Heartland continues to explore opportunities to expand its footprint of independent community banks. Given the current issues in the banking industry and the availability of capital via the CPP, Heartland changed its strategic growth initiatives from de novo banks and branching to acquisitions. Attention will be focused on markets Heartland currently serves, where there would be an opportunity to grow market share, achieve efficiencies and provide greater convenience for current customers. Additionally, management has asked regulators to notify them when troubled institutions surface in Heartland’s existing markets. Future expenditures relating to expansion efforts, in addition to those identified above, are not estimable at this time.

LIQUIDITY

Liquidity refers to Heartland’s ability to maintain a cash flow that is adequate to meet maturing obligations and existing commitments, to withstand fluctuations in deposit levels, to fund operations and to provide for customers’ credit needs. The liquidity of Heartland principally depends on cash flows from operating activities, investment in and maturity of assets, changes in balances of deposits and borrowings and its ability to borrow funds in the money or capital markets.

Total cash provided by operating activities was $14.0 million during the first three months of 2010 compared to $12.1 million during the first three months of 2009.

Investing activities used cash of $105.9 million during the first three months of 2010 compared to $70.0 million during the first three months of 2009. The proceeds from securities sales, paydowns and maturities was $158.1 million during the first three months of 2010 compared to $115.1 million during the first three months of 2009. Purchases of securities used cash of $218.9 million during the first three months of 2010 while $209.9 million was used for securities purchases during the first three months of 2009. Net loans and leases experienced an increase of $41.8 million during the first three months of 2010 compared to a decrease of $24.9 million during the first three months of 2009.

Financing activities used cash of $12.5 million during the first three months of 2010 compared to providing cash of $93.8 million during the first three months of 2009. There was a net decrease in deposit accounts of $13.0 million during the first three months of 2010 compared to an increase of $148.5 million during the same three months of 2009. Activity in short-term borrowings provided cash of $28.4 million during the first three months of 2010 compared to using cash of $92.4 million during the first three months of 2009. Cash proceeds from other borrowings were $401 thousand during the first three months of 2010 compared to $55.1 million during the first three months of 2009. Repayment of other borrowings used cash of $25.8 million during the first three months of 2010 compared to $15.2 million during the first three months of 2009.

Management of investing and financing activities, and market conditions, determine the level and the stability of net interest cash flows. Management attempts to mitigate the impact of changes in market interest rates to the extent possible, so that balance sheet growth is the principal determinant of growth in net interest cash flows.

Heartland’s short-term borrowing balances are dependent on commercial cash management and smaller correspondent bank relationships and, as such, will normally fluctuate. Heartland believes these balances, on average, to be stable sources of funds; however, it intends to rely on deposit growth and additional FHLB borrowings in the future.

In the event of short-term liquidity needs, the bank subsidiaries may purchase federal funds from each other or from correspondent banks and may also borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank. Additionally, the subsidiary banks' FHLB memberships give them the ability to borrow funds for short- and long-term purposes under a variety of programs.

At March 31, 2010, Heartland’s revolving credit agreement with an unaffiliated bank provided a maximum borrowing capacity of $15.0 million, of which $5.0 million had been borrowed. This credit agreement contains specific covenants, with which Heartland was in compliance on March 31, 2010.

 
 
 
 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates. Heartland’s market risk is comprised primarily of interest rate risk resulting from its core banking activities of lending and deposit gathering. Interest rate risk measures the impact on earnings from changes in interest rates and the effect on current fair market values of Heartland’s assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts. The objective is to measure this risk and manage the balance sheet to avoid unacceptable potential for economic loss.

Management continually develops and applies strategies to mitigate market risk. Exposure to market risk is reviewed on a regular basis by the asset/liability committees of the banks and, on a consolidated basis, by Heartland’s executive management and board of directors. Darling Consulting Group, Inc. has been engaged to provide asset/liability management position assessment and strategy formulation services to Heartland and its bank subsidiaries. At least quarterly, a detailed review of the balance sheet risk profile is performed for Heartland and each of its bank subsidiaries. Included in these reviews are interest rate sensitivity analyses, which simulate changes in net interest income in response to various interest rate scenarios. This analysis considers current portfolio rates, existing maturities, repricing opportunities and market interest rates, in addition to prepayments and growth under different interest rate assumptions. Selected strategies are modeled prior to implementation to determine their effect on Heartland’s interest rate risk profile and net interest income. Although Heartland has entered into derivative financial instruments to mitigate the exposure of Heartland’s net interest margin to a change in the rate environment, management does not believe that Heartland’s primary market risk exposures have changed significantly to-date in 2010 when compared to 2009.

The core interest rate risk analysis utilized by Heartland examines the balance sheet under increasing and decreasing interest scenarios that are neither too modest nor too extreme. All rate changes are ramped over a 12-month horizon based upon a parallel shift in the yield curve and then maintained at those levels over the remainder of the simulation horizon. Using this approach, management is able to see the effect that both a gradual change of rates (year 1) and a rate shock (year 2 and beyond) could have on Heartland’s net interest income. Starting balances in the model reflect actual balances on the “as of” date, adjusted for material and significant transactions. Pro-forma balances remain static. This enables interest rate risk embedded within the existing balance sheet structure to be isolated from the interest rate risk often caused by growth in assets and liabilities. Due to the low interest rate environment, the simulations under a decreasing interest rate scenario were prepared using a 100 basis point shift in rates. The most recent reviews at March 31, 2010 and 2009, provided the following results:

   
2010
       
2009
   
   
Net
Interest
Margin
(in thousands)
 
%
Change
From
Base
       
Net
Interest
Margin
(in thousands)
 
%
Change
From
Base
   
                           
Year 1
                         
Down 100 Basis Points
$
137,933
 
0.12
 
%
 
$
121,335
 
0.69
 
%
Base
$
137,765
         
$
120,505
       
Up 200 Basis Points
$
134,791
 
(2.16
)
%
 
$
115,526
 
(4.13
)
%
                           
Year 2
                         
Down 100 Basis Points
$
131,430
 
(4.60
)
%
 
$
119,401
 
(0.92
)
%
Base
$
136,222
 
(1.12
)
%
 
$
120,530
 
0.02
 
%
Up 200 Basis Points
$
138,406
 
0.46
 
%
 
$
117,496
 
(2.50
)
%

Heartland uses derivative financial instruments to manage the impact of changes in interest rates on its future interest income or interest expense. Heartland is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to these derivative instruments, but believes it has minimized the risk of these losses by entering into the contracts with large, stable financial institutions. The estimated fair market values of these derivative instruments are presented in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

Heartland enters into financial instruments with off balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and may require collateral from the borrower. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by Heartland to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party up to a stated amount and with specified terms and conditions. These commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are not recorded on the balance sheet until the instrument is exercised.

Heartland holds a securities trading portfolio that would also be subject to elements of market risk. These securities are carried on the balance sheet at fair value. As of March 31, 2010, these securities had a carrying value of $1.3 million or 0.03 percent of total assets compared to $695 thousand or 0.02 percent of total assets at year-end 2009.

 
 
 
 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As required by Rules 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Heartland’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of Heartland’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Heartland’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) were effective as of March 31, 2010, in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by Heartland in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the first quarter of 2010, a new methodology, including the installation of new software, was  implemented for the calculation of the allowance for loan and lease losses. Management monitored these transition activities, including periodic reporting to the Audit Committee. No significant internal control issues were encountered. There were no other significant changes to Heartland’s disclosure controls or internal controls over financial reporting during the first quarter of 2010 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect Heartland’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
 
 
PART II

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no material pending legal proceedings to which Heartland or its subsidiaries is a party other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to their respective businesses. While the ultimate outcome of current legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management that the resolution of these legal actions should not have a material effect on Heartland's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in the risk factors applicable to Heartland from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors”, in Heartland’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Please refer to that section of Heartland’s Form 10-K for disclosures regarding the risks and uncertainties related to Heartland’s business.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF ISSUER SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4. [RESERVED]

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibits

31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
 
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


 
 
 
 


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 there unto duly authorized.

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
(Registrant)


Principal Executive Officer


/s/ Lynn B. Fuller         
By: Lynn B. Fuller
President and Chief Executive Officer

Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer


/s/ John K. Schmidt        
By: John K. Schmidt
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

Dated: May 10, 2010