ATLO 10-Q Quarterly Report March 31, 2017 | Alphaminr

ATLO 10-Q Quarter ended March 31, 2017

AMES NATIONAL CORP
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10-Q 1 atlo20170331_10q.htm FORM 10-Q atlo20170331_10q.htm Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[Mark One]

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017

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

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

Commission File Number 0-32637

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

IOWA

42-1039071

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

(I. R. S. Employer

Incorporation or Organization)

Identification Number)

405 FIFTH STREET

AMES, IOWA 50010

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

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

Not Applicable

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ___

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

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

Large accelerated filer____      Accelerated filer X Non-accelerated filer ____      Smaller reporting company ____ Emerging growth company ____

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

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

COMMON STOCK, $2.00 PAR VALUE

9,310,913

(Class)

(Shares Outstanding at April 28, 2017)

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION

INDEX

Page

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

3

Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016

3

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

5

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9

Item 2.

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

29

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

46

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

46

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

47

Item 1.A.

Risk Factors

47

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

47

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

47

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

47

Item 5.

Other Information

48

Item 6.

Exhibits

48

Signatures 49

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

March 31,

December 31,

2017

2016

ASSETS

Cash and due from banks

$ 24,843,933 $ 29,478,068

Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions

49,361,944 31,737,259

Securities available-for-sale

516,352,893 516,079,506

Loans receivable, net

759,786,001 752,181,730

Loans held for sale

196,145 242,618

Bank premises and equipment, net

15,901,957 16,049,379

Accrued income receivable

7,270,957 7,768,689

Other real estate owned

542,812 545,757

Deferred income taxes

2,850,082 3,485,689

Intangible assets, net

1,238,290 1,352,812

Goodwill

6,732,216 6,732,216

Other assets

10,228,498 799,306

Total assets

$ 1,395,305,728 $ 1,366,453,029

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES

Deposits

Demand, noninterest bearing

$ 202,797,222 $ 212,074,792

NOW accounts

343,459,201 310,427,812

Savings and money market

396,934,766 381,852,433

Time, $250,000 and over

37,253,819 39,031,663

Other time

161,227,296 166,022,165

Total deposits

1,141,672,304 1,109,408,865

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

50,373,505 58,337,367

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances

14,500,000 14,500,000

Other borrowings

13,000,000 13,000,000

Dividends payable

2,048,401 1,955,292

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

5,584,808 4,146,262

Total liabilities

1,227,179,018 1,201,347,786

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common stock, $2 par value, authorized 18,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 9,310,913 shares as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016

18,621,826 18,621,826

Additional paid-in capital

20,878,728 20,878,728

Retained earnings

127,743,103 126,181,376

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale

883,053 (576,687 )

Total stockholders' equity

168,126,710 165,105,243

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$ 1,395,305,728 $ 1,366,453,029

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

Three Months Ended

March 31,

2017

2016

Interest income:

Loans, including fees

$ 8,115,685 $ 7,857,970

Securities:

Taxable

1,512,919 1,495,310

Tax-exempt

1,318,062 1,400,031

Interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold

137,173 95,703

Total interest income

11,083,839 10,849,014

Interest expense:

Deposits

921,430 750,121

Other borrowed funds

279,401 263,370

Total interest expense

1,200,831 1,013,491

Net interest income

9,883,008 9,835,523

Provision for loan losses

397,574 192,014

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

9,485,434 9,643,509

Noninterest income:

Wealth management income

698,932 787,108

Service fees

359,132 397,091

Securities gains, net

365,035 201,693

Gain on sale of loans held for sale

138,012 176,757

Merchant and card fees

315,036 344,073

Other noninterest income

204,471 192,750

Total noninterest income

2,080,618 2,099,472

Noninterest expense:

Salaries and employee benefits

4,045,644 4,051,784

Data processing

823,779 761,132

Occupancy expenses, net

544,030 603,437

FDIC insurance assessments

103,831 163,988

Professional fees

298,145 267,916

Business development

237,741 235,160

Other real estate owned expense (income), net

4,134 (19,616 )

Intangible asset amortization

98,802 95,248

Other operating expenses, net

320,618 275,675

Total noninterest expense

6,476,724 6,434,724

Income before income taxes

5,089,328 5,308,257

Provision for income taxes

1,479,200 1,501,166

Net income

$ 3,610,128 $ 3,807,091

Basic and diluted earnings per share

$ 0.39 $ 0.41

Dividends declared per share

$ 0.22 $ 0.21

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)

Three Months Ended

March 31,

2017

2016

Net income

$ 3,610,128 $ 3,807,091

Other comprehensive income, before tax:

Unrealized gains on securities before tax:

Unrealized holding gains arising during the period

2,682,082 3,963,557

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income

365,035 201,693

Other comprehensive income, before tax

2,317,047 3,761,864

Tax effect related to other comprehensive income

(857,307 ) (1,391,890 )

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

1,459,740 2,369,974

Comprehensive income

$ 5,069,868 $ 6,177,065

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

Common

Stock

Additional

Paid-in-Capital

Retained

Earnings

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss),

Net of Taxes

Total

Stockholders'

Equity

Balance, December 31, 2015

$ 18,621,826 $ 20,878,728 $ 118,267,767 $ 3,481,736 $ 161,250,057

Net income

- - 3,807,091 - 3,807,091

Other comprehensive income

- - - 2,369,974 2,369,974

Cash dividends declared, $0.21 per share

- - (1,955,292 ) - (1,955,292 )

Balance, March 31, 2016

$ 18,621,826 $ 20,878,728 $ 120,119,566 $ 5,851,710 $ 165,471,830

Balance, December 31, 2016

$ 18,621,826 $ 20,878,728 $ 126,181,376 $ (576,687 ) $ 165,105,243

Net income

- - 3,610,128 - 3,610,128

Other comprehensive income

- - - 1,459,740 1,459,740

Cash dividends declared, $0.22 per share

- - (2,048,401 ) - (2,048,401 )

Balance, March 31, 2017

$ 18,621,826 $ 20,878,728 $ 127,743,103 $ 883,053 $ 168,126,710

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

2017

2016

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income

$ 3,610,128 $ 3,807,091

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

Provision for loan losses

397,574 192,014

Provision for off-balance sheet commitments

10,000 20,000

Amortization, net

728,139 760,460

Amortization of intangible asset

98,802 95,248

Depreciation

274,347 291,393

Deferred income taxes

(221,700 ) 23,700

Securities gains, net

(365,035 ) (201,693 )

Gain on sales of loans held for sale

(138,012 ) (176,757 )

Proceeds from loans held for sale

4,617,145 7,151,247

Originations of loans held for sale

(4,432,660 ) (6,878,691 )

Loss on sale of premises and equipment, net

29,276 -

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

(7,024 ) (25,841 )

Change in assets and liabilities:

Decrease in accrued income receivable

497,732 184,662

(Increase) decrease in other assets

(285,212 ) 129,371

Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities

1,428,546 969,330

Net cash provided by operating activities

6,242,046 6,341,534

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchase of securities available-for-sale

(18,797,565 ) (6,944,567 )

Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale

1,491,070 12,365,100

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

9,804,453 12,090,662

Net (increase) in interest bearing deposits in financial institutions

(17,624,685 ) (32,745,919 )

Net (increase) decrease in loans

(7,985,518 ) 5,551,541

Net proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned

26,637 151,372

Purchase of bank premises and equipment, net

(150,578 ) (50,381 )

Other

15,720 -

Net cash (used in) investing activities

(33,220,466 ) (9,582,192 )

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Increase in deposits

32,263,439 9,670,447

(Decrease) in securities sold under agreements to repurchase

(7,963,862 ) (3,910,329 )

Payments on FHLB borrowings and other borrowings

- (3,042,203 )

Dividends paid

(1,955,292 ) (1,862,183 )

Net cash provided by financing activities

22,344,285 855,732

Net (decrease) in cash and due from banks

(4,634,135 ) (2,384,926 )

CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

Beginning

29,478,068 24,005,801

Ending

$ 24,843,933 $ 21,620,875

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

2017

2016

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW

INFORMATION

Cash payments for:

Interest

$ 1,205,110 $ 1,025,880

Income taxes

75,459 12,000

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Transfer of loans receivable to other real estate owned

$ 16,668 $ -

Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale, recorded in other assets pending settlement

$ 9,149,603 $ -

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

1.        Significant Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 are unaudited. In the opinion of the management of Ames National Corporation (the "Company"), these financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly these consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for an entire year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in complete financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted in accordance with the requirements for interim financial statements. The interim financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the year-end audited financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “Annual Report”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned banking subsidiaries (the “Banks”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Goodwill: Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill resulting from acquisitions is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually or whenever events change and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has occurred. Goodwill is tested for impairment using a two-step process that begins with an estimation of the fair value of a reporting unit. The second step, if necessary, measures the amount of impairment, if any.

Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes developing cash flow projections, selecting appropriate discount rates, identifying relevant market comparables, incorporating general economic and market conditions and selecting an appropriate control premium. At March 31, 2017, Company management has performed a goodwill impairment assessment and determined goodwill was not impaired.

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

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

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

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

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . The guidance in this update eliminates the Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment test with a measurement date after January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

2.        Dividends

On February 8, 2017, the Company declared a cash dividend on its common stock, payable on May 15, 2017 to stockholders of record as of May 1, 2017, equal to $0.22 per share.

3.        Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share amounts were calculated using the weighted average shares outstanding during the periods presented. The weighted average outstanding shares for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 were 9,310,913. The Company had no potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the periods presented.

4.        Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. No material changes in the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements have occurred since December 31, 2016.

5.        Fair Value Measurements

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

Level 1: Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices, unadjusted, for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and shall be used to measure fair value whenever available.

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

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

The following table presents the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. (in thousands)

Description

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

2017

U.S. government treasuries

$ 4,405 $ 4,405 $ - $ -

U.S. government agencies

109,413 - 109,413 -

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

81,769 - 81,769 -

State and political subdivisions

261,635 - 261,635 -

Corporate bonds

56,038 - 56,038 -

Equity securities, other

3,093 29 3,064 -
$ 516,353 $ 4,434 $ 511,919 $ -

2016

U.S. government treasuries

$ 4,368 $ 4,368 $ - $ -

U.S. government agencies

110,209 - 110,209 -

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

82,858 - 82,858 -

State and political subdivisions

264,448 - 264,448 -

Corporate bonds

51,184 - 51,184 -

Equity securities, other

3,013 - 3,013 -
$ 516,080 $ 4,368 $ 511,712 $ -

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

The Company's policy is to recognize transfers between levels at the end of each reporting period, if applicable. There were no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).  The following table presents the assets carried on the balance sheet (after specific reserves) by caption and by level within the valuation hierarchy as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. (in thousands)

Description

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

2017

Loans receivable

$ 576 $ - $ - $ 576

Other real estate owned

543 - - 543

Total

$ 1,119 $ - $ - $ 1,119

2016

Loans receivable

$ 683 $ - $ - $ 683

Other real estate owned

546 - - 546

Total

$ 1,229 $ - $ - $ 1,229

Loans Receivable : Loans in the tables above consist of impaired credits held for investment. In accordance with the loan impairment guidance, impairment was measured based on the fair value of collateral less estimated selling costs for collateral dependent loans. Fair value for impaired loans is based upon appraised values of collateral adjusted for trends observed in the market. A valuation allowance was recorded for the excess of the loan’s recorded investment over the amounts determined by the collateral value method. This valuation allowance is a component of the allowance for loan losses. The Company considers these fair value measurements as level 3.

Other Real Estate Owned: Other real estate owned in the table above consists of real estate obtained through foreclosure. Other real estate owned is recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs, at the date of transfer, with any impairment amount charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to the transfer, other real estate owned is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs, with any impairment amount recorded as a noninterest expense. The carrying value of other real estate owned is not re-measured to fair value on a recurring basis but is subject to fair value adjustments when the carrying value exceeds the fair value less estimated selling costs. Management uses appraised values and adjusts for trends observed in the market and for disposition costs in determining the value of other real estate owned. A valuation allowance was recorded for the excess of the asset’s recorded investment over the amount determined by the fair value, less estimated selling costs. This valuation allowance is a component of the allowance for other real estate owned. The valuation allowance was $321,000 as of March 31, 2017 and $331,000 as of December 31, 2016. The Company considers these fair value measurements as level 3.

The significant inputs used in the fair value measurements for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows: (in thousands)

2017

Estimated

Valuation

Range

Fair Value

Techniques

Unobservable Inputs

(Average)

Impaired Loans

$ 576

Evaluation of collateral

Estimation of value

NM*

Other real estate owned

$ 543

Appraisal

Appraisal adjustment

6% - 8% (7%)

2016

Estimated

Valuation

Range

Fair Value

Techniques

Unobservable Inputs

(Average)

Impaired Loans

$ 683

Evaluation of collateral

Estimation of value

NM*

Other real estate owned

$ 546

Appraisal

Appraisal adjustment

6% - 10% (8%)

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

GAAP requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis.  The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis are discussed above.  The methodologies for other financial assets and financial liabilities are discussed below.

Fair value of financial instruments:

Disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, for which it is practicable to estimate that value, is required whether or not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. In cases in which quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimate of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. Certain financial instruments with a fair value that is not practicable to estimate and all non-financial instruments are excluded from the disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not necessarily represent the underlying value of the Company.

The following disclosures represent financial instruments in which the ending balances at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are not carried at fair value in their entirety on the consolidated balance sheets.

Cash and due from banks and interest bearing deposits in financial institutions : The recorded amount of these assets approximates fair value.

Securities available-for-sale : Fair value measurement for Level 1 securities is based upon quoted prices. Fair value measurement for Level 2 securities are based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things. Level 1 securities include U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. U.S government mortgage-backed securities, state and political subdivisions, some corporate bonds and other equity securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs.

Loans receivable : The fair value of loans is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates, which reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan. The estimate of maturity is based on the historical experience, with repayments for each loan classification modified, as required, by an estimate of the effect of current economic and lending conditions. The effect of nonperforming loans is considered in assessing the credit risk inherent in the fair value estimate.

Loans held for sale : The fair value of loans held for sale is based on prevailing market prices.

Deposit s : Fair values of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings and NOW accounts, and money market accounts, are equal to the amount payable on demand as of the respective balance sheet date. Fair values of certificates of deposit are based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. The fair value estimates do not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase : The carrying amounts of securities sold under agreements to repurchase approximate fair value because of the generally short-term nature of the instruments.

FHLB advances and other borrowings: Fair values of FHLB advances and other borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates currently being offered with similar terms.

Accrued income receivable and accrued interest payable : The carrying amounts of accrued income receivable and accrued interest payable approximate fair value.

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

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

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as described above as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows: (in thousands)

2017

2016

Fair Value

Estimated

Estimated

Hierarchy

Carrying

Fair

Carrying

Fair

Level

Amount

Value

Amount

Value

Financial assets:

Cash and due from banks

Level 1

$ 24,844 $ 24,844 $ 29,478 $ 29,478

Interest bearing deposits

Level 1

49,362 49,362 31,737 31,737

Securities available-for-sale

See previous table

516,353 516,353 516,080 516,080

Loans receivable, net

Level 2

759,786 751,602 752,182 746,580

Loans held for sale

Level 2

196 196 243 243

Accrued income receivable

Level 1

7,271 7,271 7,769 7,769

Financial liabilities:

Deposits

Level 2

$ 1,141,672 $ 1,141,910 $ 1,109,409 $ 1,110,211

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Level 1

50,373 50,373 58,337 58,337

FHLB advances

Level 2

14,500 14,638 14,500 14,681

Other borrowings

Level 2

13,000 13,306 13,000 13,386

Accrued interest payable

Level 1

404 404 408 408

The methodologies used to determine fair value as of March 31, 2017 did not change from the methodologies described in the December 31, 2016 Annual Financial Statements.

6.        Debt and Equity Securities

The amortized cost of securities available-for-sale and their fair values as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized below: (in thousands)

2017:

Gross

Gross

Amortized

Unrealized

Unrealized

Estimated

Cost

Gains

Losses

Fair Value

U.S. government treasuries

$ 4,402 $ 20 $ (17 ) $ 4,405

U.S. government agencies

109,256 595 (438 ) 109,413

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

81,195 887 (313 ) 81,769

State and political subdivisions

260,853 2,109 (1,327 ) 261,635

Corporate bonds

56,167 253 (382 ) 56,038

Equity securities, other

3,079 14 - 3,093
$ 514,952 $ 3,878 $ (2,477 ) $ 516,353

2016:

Gross

Gross

Amortized

Unrealized

Unrealized

Estimated

Cost

Gains

Losses

Fair Value

U.S. government treasuries

$ 4,396 $ 18 $ (46 ) $ 4,368

U.S. government agencies

110,372 540 (703 ) 110,209

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

82,279 1,018 (439 ) 82,858

State and political subdivisions

265,204 1,660 (2,416 ) 264,448

Corporate bonds

51,731 147 (694 ) 51,184

Equity securities, other

3,013 - - 3,013
$ 516,995 $ 3,383 $ (4,298 ) $ 516,080

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

Three Months Ended

March 31,

2017

2016

Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale

$ 10,641 $ 12,365

Gross realized gains on securities available-for-sale

367 208

Gross realized losses on securities available-for-sale

(2 ) (6 )

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

128 71

Unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position are summarized as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows: (in thousands)

Less than 12 Months

12 Months or More

Total

2017:

Estimated

Fair Value

Unrealized

Losses

Estimated

Fair Value

Unrealized

Losses

Estimated

Fair Value

Unrealized

Losses

Securities available-for-sale:

U.S. government treasuries

$ 2,924 $ (17 ) $ - $ - $ 2,924 $ (17 )

U.S. government agencies

38,542 (438 ) - - 38,542 (438 )

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

25,410 (313 ) - - 25,410 (313 )

State and political subdivisions

70,633 (1,143 ) 7,284 (184 ) 77,917 (1,327 )

Corporate bonds

28,825 (382 ) - - 28,825 (382 )
$ 166,334 $ (2,293 ) $ 7,284 $ (184 ) $ 173,618 $ (2,477 )

Less than 12 Months

12 Months or More

Total

2016:

Fair Value

Unrealized

Losses

Fair Value

Unrealized

Losses

Fair Value

Unrealized

Losses

Securities available-for-sale:

U.S. government treasuries

$ 2,893 $ (46 ) $ - $ - $ 2,893 $ (46 )

U.S. government agencies

48,225 (703 ) - - 48,225 (703 )

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

33,753 (439 ) - - 33,753 (439 )

State and political subdivisions

125,558 (2,226 ) 6,512 (190 ) 132,070 (2,416 )

Corporate bonds

35,703 (694 ) - - 35,703 (694 )
$ 246,132 $ (4,108 ) $ 6,512 $ (190 ) $ 252,644 $ (4,298 )

Gross unrealized losses on debt securities totaled $2,477,000 as of March 31, 2017. These unrealized losses are generally due to changes in interest rates or general market conditions. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, state or political subdivision, or corporations. Management then determines whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and reviews industry analysts’ reports. The Company’s procedures for evaluating investments in states, municipalities and political subdivisions include but are not limited to reviewing the offering statement and the most current available financial information, comparing yields to yields of bonds of similar credit quality, confirming capacity to repay, assessing operating and financial performance, evaluating the stability of tax revenues, considering debt profiles and local demographics, and for revenue bonds, assessing the source and strength of revenue structures for municipal authorities. These procedures, as applicable, are utilized for all municipal purchases and are utilized in whole or in part for monitoring the portfolio of municipal holdings. The Company does not utilize third party credit rating agencies as a primary component of determining if the municipal issuer has an adequate capacity to meet the financial commitments under the security for the projected life of the investment, and, therefore, does not compare internal assessments to those of the credit rating agencies. Credit rating downgrades are utilized as an additional indicator of credit weakness and as a reference point for historical default rates. Management concluded that the gross unrealized losses on debt securities were temporary. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in fair values and management’s assessments will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements.

7. Loans Receivable and Credit Disclosures

Activity in the allowance for loan losses, on a disaggregated basis, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: (in thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

1-4 Family

Construction

Residential

Commercial

Agricultural

Consumer

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial

Agricultural

and Other

Total

Balance, December 31, 2016

$ 908 $ 1,711 $ 3,960 $ 861 $ 1,728 $ 1,216 $ 123 $ 10,507

Provision (credit) for loan losses

24 6 316 37 74 (74 ) 15 398

Recoveries of loans charged-off

- 2 - - 1 - 3 6

Loans charged-off

- - - - - - (9 ) (9 )

Balance, March 31, 2017

$ 932 $ 1,719 $ 4,276 $ 898 $ 1,803 $ 1,142 $ 132 $ 10,902

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

1-4 Family

Construction

Residential

Commercial

Agricultural

Consumer

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial

Agricultural

and Other

Total

Balance, December 31, 2015

$ 999 $ 1,806 $ 3,557 $ 760 $ 1,371 $ 1,256 $ 239 $ 9,988

Provision for loan losses

(212 ) (51 ) 206 57 105 66 21 192

Recoveries of loans charged-off

- 2 - - 1 - 1 4

Loans charged-off

- - - - (77 ) - (5 ) (82 )

Balance, March 31, 2016

$ 787 $ 1,757 $ 3,763 $ 817 $ 1,400 $ 1,322 $ 256 $ 10,102

Allowance for loan losses disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is as follows: (in thousands )

2017

1-4 Family

Construction

Residential

Commercial

Agricultural

Consumer

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial

Agricultural

and Other

Total

Individually evaluated for impairment

$ 15 $ 68 $ - $ - $ 639 $ - $ 3 $ 725

Collectively evaluated for impairment

917 1,651 4,276 898 1,164 1,142 129 10,177

Balance March 31, 2017

$ 932 $ 1,719 $ 4,276 $ 898 $ 1,803 $ 1,142 $ 132 $ 10,902

2016

1-4 Family

Construction

Residential

Commercial

Agricultural

Consumer

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial

Agricultural

and Other

Total

Individually evaluated for impairment

$ - $ 76 $ - $ - $ 644 $ - $ - $ 720

Collectively evaluated for impairment

908 1,635 3,960 861 1,084 1,216 123 9,787

Balance December 31, 2016

$ 908 $ 1,711 $ 3,960 $ 861 $ 1,728 $ 1,216 $ 123 $ 10,507

Loans receivable disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is as follows (in thousands) :

2017

1-4 Family

Construction

Residential

Commercial

Agricultural

Consumer

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial

Agricultural

and Other

Total

Individually evaluated for impairment

$ 64 $ 607 $ 760 $ - $ 3,852 $ - $ 77 $ 5,360

Collectively evaluated for impairment

58,821 147,810 329,930 74,269 73,576 69,723 11,268 765,397

Balance March 31, 2017

$ 58,885 $ 148,417 $ 330,690 $ 74,269 $ 77,428 $ 69,723 $ 11,345 $ 770,757

2016

1-4 Family

Construction

Residential

Commercial

Agricultural

Consumer

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial

Agricultural

and Other

Total

Individually evaluated for impairment

$ - $ 660 $ 399 $ - $ 3,942 $ - $ 76 $ 5,077

Collectively evaluated for impairment

61,042 148,847 315,303 73,032 70,436 76,994 12,054 757,708

Balance December 31, 2016

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

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

The following is a recap of impaired loans, on a disaggregated basis, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016: (in thousands)

2017

2016

Unpaid

Unpaid

Recorded

Principal

Related

Recorded

Principal

Related

Investment

Balance

Allowance

Investment

Balance

Allowance

With no specific reserve recorded:

Real estate - construction

$ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

424 447 - 452 473 -

Real estate - commercial

760 1,395 - 399 1,025 -

Real estate - agricultural

- - - - - -

Commercial

2,801 2,811 - 2,747 2,672 -

Agricultural

- - - - - -

Consumer and other

74 76 - 76 81 -

Total loans with no specific reserve:

4,059 4,729 - 3,674 4,251 -

With an allowance recorded:

Real estate - construction

64 64 15 - - -

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

183 335 68 208 360 76

Real estate - commercial

- - - - - -

Real estate - agricultural

- - - - - -

Commercial

1,051 1,064 639 1,195 1,286 644

Agricultural

- - - - - -

Consumer and other

3 3 3 - - -

Total loans with specific reserve:

1,301 1,466 725 1,403 1,646 720

Total

Real estate - construction

64 64 15 - - -

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

607 782 68 660 833 76

Real estate - commercial

760 1,395 - 399 1,025 -

Real estate - agricultural

- - - - - -

Commercial

3,852 3,875 639 3,942 3,958 644

Agricultural

- - - - - -

Consumer and other

77 79 3 76 81 -
$ 5,360 $ 6,195 $ 725 $ 5,077 $ 5,897 $ 720

The following is a recap of the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016: (in thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31,

2017

2016

Average

Interest

Average

Interest

Recorded

Income

Recorded

Income

Investment

Recognized

Investment

Recognized

With no specific reserve recorded:

Real estate - construction

$ - $ - $ - $ -

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

438 3 395 1

Real estate - commercial

580 - 481 -

Real estate - agricultural

- - - -

Commercial

2,774 - 11 -

Agricultural

- - 11 -

Consumer and other

75 - 44 -

Total loans with no specific reserve:

3,867 3 942 1

With an allowance recorded:

Real estate - construction

32 - - -

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

196 - 701 5

Real estate - commercial

- - 51 -

Real estate - agricultural

- - - -

Commercial

1,123 - 460 -

Agricultural

- - - -

Consumer and other

2 - - -

Total loans with specific reserve:

1,353 - 1,212 5

Total

Real estate - construction

32 - - -

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

634 3 1,096 6

Real estate - commercial

580 - 532 -

Real estate - agricultural

- - - -

Commercial

3,897 - 471 -

Agricultural

- - 11 -

Consumer and other

77 - 44 -
$ 5,220 $ 3 $ 2,154 $ 6

The interest foregone on nonaccrual loans for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $98,000 and $39,000, respectively.

The Company had loans meeting the definition of a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) of $3,662,000 as of March 31, 2017, all of which were included in impaired loans and nonaccrual loans. The Company had TDRs of $3,672,000 as of December 31, 2016, all of which were included in impaired and nonaccrual loans.

The following table sets forth information on the Company’s TDRs, on a disaggregated basis, occurring in the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016: ( dollars in thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31,

2017

2016

Pre-Modification

Post-Modification

Pre-Modification

Post-Modification

Outstanding

Outstanding

Outstanding

Outstanding

Number of

Recorded

Recorded

Number of

Recorded

Recorded

Contracts

Investment

Investment

Contracts

Investment

Investment

Real estate - construction

- $ - $ - - $ - $ -

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

- - - - - -

Real estate - commercial

- - - - - -

Real estate - agricultural

- - - - - -

Commercial

- - - - - -

Agricultural

- - - - - -

Consumer and other

- - - 3 70 70
- $ - $ - 3 $ 70 $ 70

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company did not grant concessions to any borrowers that were experiencing financial difficulties.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company granted concessions to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties for three loans. The three consumer loans were extended beyond normal terms at an interest rate below a market interest rate.

The Company considers TDR loans to have payment default when it is past due 60 days or more.

Three TDR loans modified during the twelve months ended March 31, 2017 had payment defaults. No TDR modified during the twelve months ended March 31, 2016 had payment defaults.

There were no charge-offs related to TDRs for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

An aging analysis of the recorded investments in loans, on a disaggregated basis, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, is as follows: (in thousands)

2017

90 Days

90 Days

30-89

or Greater

Total

or Greater

Past Due

Past Due

Past Due

Current

Total

Accruing

Real estate - construction

$ 64 $ - $ 64 $ 58,821 $ 58,885 $ -

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

1,097 8 1,105 147,312 148,417 8

Real estate - commercial

1,676 391 2,067 328,623 330,690 -

Real estate - agricultural

- - - 74,269 74,269 -

Commercial

288 38 326 77,102 77,428 -

Agricultural

307 - 307 69,416 69,723 -

Consumer and other

24 - 24 11,321 11,345 -
$ 3,456 $ 437 $ 3,893 $ 766,864 $ 770,757 $ 8

2016

90 Days

90 Days

30-89

or Greater

Total

or Greater

Past Due

Past Due

Past Due

Current

Total

Accruing

Real estate - construction

$ - $ - $ - $ 61,042 $ 61,042 $ -

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

1,577 35 1,612 147,895 149,507 19

Real estate - commercial

1,420 - 1,420 314,282 315,702 -

Real estate - agricultural

- - - 73,032 73,032 -

Commercial

84 747 831 73,547 74,378 -

Agricultural

- - - 76,994 76,994 -

Consumer and other

36 3 39 12,091 12,130 3
$ 3,117 $ 785 $ 3,902 $ 758,883 $ 762,785 $ 22

The credit risk profile by internally assigned grade, on a disaggregated basis, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is as follows: (in thousands)

2017

Construction

Commercial

Agricultural

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial

Agricultural

Total

Pass

$ 55,209 $ 312,814 $ 52,236 $ 61,623 $ 44,967 $ 526,849

Watch

3,612 12,348 16,509 10,441 22,679 65,589

Special Mention

- 199 3,285 - 69 3,553

Substandard

- 4,569 2,239 1,512 1,994 10,314

Substandard-Impaired

64 760 - 3,852 14 4,690
$ 58,885 $ 330,690 $ 74,269 $ 77,428 $ 69,723 $ 610,995

2016

Construction

Commercial

Agricultural

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial

Agricultural

Total

Pass

$ 57,420 $ 288,107 $ 51,720 $ 59,506 $ 57,415 $ 514,168

Watch

3,245 22,833 15,251 9,512 18,938 69,779

Special Mention

- 204 4,228 96 75 4,603

Substandard

377 4,159 1,833 1,322 566 8,257

Substandard-Impaired

- 399 - 3,942 - 4,341
$ 61,042 $ 315,702 $ 73,032 $ 74,378 $ 76,994 $ 601,148

The credit risk profile based on payment activity, on a disaggregated basis, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is as follows:

2017

1-4 Family

Residential

Consumer

Real Estate

and Other

Total

Performing

$ 147,802 $ 11,269 $ 159,071

Non-performing

615 76 691
$ 148,417 $ 11,345 $ 159,762

2016

1-4 Family

Residential

Consumer

Real Estate

and Other

Total

Performing

$ 148,828 $ 12,051 $ 160,879

Non-performing

679 79 758
$ 149,507 $ 12,130 $ 161,637

8. Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment at least annually. For income tax purposes, goodwill is amortized over fifteen years.

9.        Intangible assets

The following sets forth the carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of the intangible assets at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016: (in thousands)

2017

2016

Gross

Accumulated

Gross

Accumulated

Amount

Amortization

Amount

Amortization

Core deposit intangible asset

$ 2,518 $ 1,643 $ 2,518 $ 1,563

Customer list

392 29 412 14

Total

$ 2,910 $ 1,672 $ 2,930 $ 1,577

The weighted average life of the intangible assets is 3 years as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

The following sets forth the activity related to core deposit intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016: (in thousands)

Three Months Ended

March 31,

2017

2016

Beginning intangible asset, net

$ 1,353 $ 1,309

Adjustment to intangible asset

(17 ) -

Amortization

(98 ) (95 )

Ending intangible asset, net

$ 1,238 $ 1,214

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

2017

$ 260

2018

307

2019

184

2020

127

2021

127

2022

121

2023

112
$ 1,238

10. Pledged Collateral Related to Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements

The following sets forth the pledged collateral at estimated fair value related to securities sold under repurchase agreements and term repurchase agreements as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016: (in thousands)

2017

2016

Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements

Overnight

Greater than

Total

Overnight

Greater than

Total

90 days

90 days

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

U.S. government treasuries

$ 1,481 $ - $ 1,481 $ 1,476 $ - $ 1,476

U.S. government agencies

46,641 - 46,641 46,557 - 46,557

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

28,358 - 28,358 30,376 - 30,376

Total

$ 76,480 $ - $ 76,480 $ 78,409 $ - $ 78,409

Term repurchase agreements (Other borrowings):

U.S. government agencies

$ - $ 15,126 $ 15,126 $ - $ 15,068 $ 15,068

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

- 331 331 - 354 354

Total

$ - $ 15,457 $ 15,457 $ - $ 15,422 $ 15,422

Total pledged collateral

$ 76,480 $ 15,457 $ 91,937 $ 78,409 $ 15,422 $ 93,831

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

11 . Regulatory Matters

The Company and the Banks capital amounts and ratios are as follows: ( dollars in thousands )

To Be Well

Capitalized Under

For Capital

Prompt Corrective

Actual

Adequacy Purposes *

Action Provisions

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

As of March 31, 2017:

Total capital (to risk- weighted assets):

Consolidated

$ 171,517 17.0 % $ 93,147 9.25 % N/A N/A

Boone Bank & Trust

15,116 16.7 8,375 9.25 $ 9,054 10.0 %

First National Bank

79,307 14.8 49,695 9.25 53,724 10.0

Reliance State Bank

26,416 15.5 15,800 9.25 17,081 10.0

State Bank & Trust

20,200 16.4 11,410 9.25 12,335 10.0

United Bank & Trust

14,851 18.5 7,435 9.25 8,038 10.0

Tier 1 capital (to risk- weighted assets):

Consolidated

$ 160,080 15.9 % $ 73,007 7.25 % N/A N/A

Boone Bank & Trust

14,204 15.7 6,564 7.25 $ 7,243 8.0 %

First National Bank

73,337 13.7 38,950 7.25 42,979 8.0

Reliance State Bank

24,445 14.3 12,384 7.25 13,665 8.0

State Bank & Trust

18,656 15.1 8,943 7.25 9,868 8.0

United Bank & Trust

14,029 17.5 5,828 7.25 6,431 8.0

Tier 1 capital (to average- weighted assets):

Consolidated

$ 160,080 11.7 % $ 54,575 4.00 % N/A N/A

Boone Bank & Trust

14,204 10.5 5,404 4.00 $ 6,756 5.0 %

First National Bank

73,337 9.7 30,144 4.00 37,680 5.0

Reliance State Bank

24,445 11.8 8,258 4.00 10,323 5.0

State Bank & Trust

18,656 11.1 6,730 4.00 8,413 5.0

United Bank & Trust

14,029 12.5 4,496 4.00 5,620 5.0

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

Consolidated

$ 160,080 15.9 % $ 57,902 5.75 % N/A N/A

Boone Bank & Trust

14,204 15.7 5,206 5.75 $ 5,885 6.5 %

First National Bank

73,337 13.7 30,891 5.75 34,920 6.5

Reliance State Bank

24,445 14.3 9,822 5.75 11,103 6.5

State Bank & Trust

18,656 15.1 7,092 5.75 8,017 6.5

United Bank & Trust

14,029 17.5 4,622 5.75 5,225 6.5

* These ratios for March 31, 2017 include a capital conservation buffer of 1.25%, except for the Tier 1 capital to average weighted assets ratios.

To Be Well

Capitalized Under

For Capital

Prompt Corrective

Actual

Adequacy Purposes

Action Provisions

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

As of December 31, 2016:

Total capital (to risk- weighted assets):

Consolidated

$ 170,358 17.2 % $ 85,241 8.625 % N/A N/A

Boone Bank & Trust

15,044 17.2 7,534 8.625 $ 8,735 10.0 %

First National Bank

78,322 15.3 44,279 8.625 51,338 10.0

Reliance State Bank

26,095 14.1 15,927 8.625 18,466 10.0

State Bank & Trust

20,170 16.4 10,590 8.625 12,278 10.0

United Bank & Trust

14,897 19.2 6,684 8.625 7,749 10.0

Tier 1 capital (to risk- weighted assets):

Consolidated

$ 159,325 16.1 % $ 65,475 6.625 % N/A N/A

Boone Bank & Trust

14,132 16.2 5,787 6.625 $ 6,988 8.0 %

First National Bank

72,750 14.2 34,011 6.625 41,070 8.0

Reliance State Bank

24,139 13.1 12,234 6.625 14,773 8.0

State Bank & Trust

18,633 15.2 8,134 6.625 9,822 8.0

United Bank & Trust

14,078 18.2 5,134 6.625 6,199 8.0

Tier 1 capital (to average- weighted assets):

Consolidated

$ 159,325 12.0 % $ 53,316 4.000 % N/A N/A

Boone Bank & Trust

14,132 10.2 5,529 4.000 $ 6,911 5.0 %

First National Bank

72,750 10.0 29,077 4.000 36,347 5.0

Reliance State Bank

24,139 11.5 8,374 4.000 10,467 5.0

State Bank & Trust

18,633 11.6 6,449 4.000 8,061 5.0

United Bank & Trust

14,078 12.5 4,523 4.000 5,654 5.0

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

Consolidated

$ 159,325 16.1 % $ 50,650 5.125 % N/A N/A

Boone Bank & Trust

14,132 16.2 4,477 5.125 $ 5,678 6.5 %

First National Bank

72,750 14.2 26,311 5.125 33,370 6.5

Reliance State Bank

24,139 13.1 9,464 5.125 12,003 6.5

State Bank & Trust

18,633 15.2 6,292 5.125 7,981 6.5

United Bank & Trust

14,078 18.2 3,972 5.125 5,037 6.5

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

The Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC issued final rules implementing the Basel III regulatory capital framework and related Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act changes in July 2013. The rules revise minimum capital requirements and adjust prompt corrective action thresholds. The final rules revise the regulatory capital elements, add a new common equity Tier I capital ratio, increase the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirements and implement a new capital conservation buffer. The rules also permit certain banking organizations to retain, through a one-time election, the existing treatment for accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company and the Banks have made the election to retain the existing treatment for accumulated other comprehensive income. The final rules took effect for the Company and the Banks on January 1, 2015, subject to a transition period for certain parts of the rules.

Beginning in 2016, an additional capital conservation buffer was added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes, subject to a three year phase-in period. The capital conservation buffer will be fully phased-in on January 1, 2019 at 2.5 percent. A banking organization with a conservation buffer of less than 2.5 percent (or the required phase-in amount in years prior to 2019) will be subject to limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. At the present time, the ratios for the Company and the Banks are sufficient to meet the fully phased-in conservation buffer.

12.      Subsequent Events

Management evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. There were no significant events or transactions occurring after March 31, 2017, but prior to May 9, 2017, that provided additional evidence about conditions that existed at March 31, 2017. There were no other significant events or transactions that provided evidence about conditions that did not exist at March 31, 2017.

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

Overview

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

The Company does not engage in any material business activities apart from its ownership of the Banks. Products and services offered by the Banks are for commercial and consumer purposes including loans, deposits and wealth management services. The Banks also offer investment services through a third-party broker-dealer. The Company employs fourteen individuals to assist with financial reporting, human resources, audit, compliance, marketing, technology systems, training and the coordination of management activities, in addition to 204 full-time equivalent individuals employed by the Banks.

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

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

The Company had net income of $3,610,000, or $0.39 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to net income of $3,807,000, or $0.41 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Total equity capital as of March 31, 2017 totaled $168.1 million or 12.0% of total assets.

The decrease in quarterly earnings can be primarily attributed to a higher provision for loan losses and increases in interest expense, offset in part by an increase in loan interest income.

Net loan charge-offs totaled $3,000 and $78,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The provision for loan losses totaled $398,000 and $192,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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

Challenges

Key Performance Indicators and Industry Results

Critical Accounting Policies

Income Statement Review

Balance Sheet Review

Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Forward-Looking Statements and Business Risks

Challenges

Management has identified certain events or circumstances that may negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in the future and is attempting to position the Company to best respond to those challenges. These challenges are addressed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 13, 2017.

K ey Performance Indicators and Industry Results

Certain key performance indicators for the Company and the industry are presented in the following chart. The industry figures are compiled by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and are derived from 5,913 commercial banks and savings institutions insured by the FDIC. Management reviews these indicators on a quarterly basis for purposes of comparing the Company’s performance from quarter-to-quarter against the industry as a whole.

Selected Indicators for the Company and the Industry

3 Months

Ended

March 31,

Years Ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

2014

Company

Company

Industry*

Company

Industry

Company

Industry

Return on assets

1.05 % 1.18 % 1.04 % 1.13 % 1.04 % 1.21 % 1.01 %

Return on equity

8.66 % 9.38 % 9.32 % 9.44 % 9.31 % 10.09 % 9.03 %

Net interest margin

3.20 % 3.36 % 3.13 % 3.33 % 3.07 % 3.31 % 3.14 %

Efficiency ratio

54.14 % 51.95 % 58.28 % 53.59 % 59.91 % 53.37 % 61.88 %

Capital ratio

12.16 % 12.60 % 9.48 % 12.00 % 9.59 % 12.05 % 9.46 %

*Latest available data

Key performances indicators include:

Return on Assets

This ratio is calculated by dividing net income by average assets. It is used to measure how effectively the assets of the Company are being utilized in generating income. The Company's annualized return on average assets was 1.05% and 1.16% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in this ratio in 2017 from the previous period is primarily due to an increase in average assets due primarily to loan growth and a decrease in net income associated with an increased provision for loan losses and increases in interest expense, offset in part by an increase in loan interest income.

Return on Equity

This ratio is calculated by dividing net income by average equity. It is used to measure the net income or return the Company generated for the shareholders’ equity investment in the Company. The Company's return on average equity was at 8.66% and 9.28% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in this ratio in 2017 from the previous period is primarily due to a decrease in net income and an increase in average equity.

Net Interest Margin

The net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was 3.20% and 3.36%, respectively. The ratio is calculated by dividing net interest income by average earning assets. Earning assets are primarily made up of loans and investments that earn interest. This ratio is used to measure how well the Company is able to maintain interest rates on earning assets above those of interest-bearing liabilities, which is the interest expense paid on deposits and other borrowings. The decrease in this ratio in 2017 is primarily the result of a decrease in the yield on loans and an increase in the interest rates on deposits.

Efficiency Ratio

This ratio is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by net interest income and noninterest income. The ratio is a measure of the Company’s ability to manage noninterest expenses. The Company’s efficiency ratio was 54.14% and 53.91% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The efficiency ratio remained nearly unchanged.

Capital Ratio

The average capital ratio is calculated by dividing average total equity capital by average total assets. It measures the level of average assets that are funded by shareholders’ equity. Given an equal level of risk in the financial condition of two companies, the higher the capital ratio, generally the more financially sound the company. The Company’s capital ratio of 12.16% as of March 31, 2017 is significantly higher than the industry average as of December 31, 2016.

Industry Results

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

Income Is $43.7 Billion in Fourth Quarter

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

Full-Year 2016 Earnings Rise to $171.3 Billion

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

Net Interest Income Growth Lifts Operating Revenues

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

Noninterest Expenses Up 2.6% From a Year Before

Total noninterest expenses were $2.7 billion (2.6%) higher than the year before. Salary and employee benefit expenses rose $1.7 billion (3.4%), while goodwill impairment charges were $675 million higher. Expenses for premises and fixed assets were only $9 million (0.1%) higher than the year earlier.

Quarterly Loss Provisions Decline From a Year Ago

Loan-loss provisions totaled $12.2 billion in the fourth quarter, $3 million less than banks set aside a year earlier. This marks the first time since second quarter 2014 that quarterly provision expenses have not posted a year-over-year increase. For the industry, fourth-quarter provisions represented 6.7% of the quarter’s net operating revenue, down from 7% in fourth quarter 2015.

Quarterly Charge-Offs Rise for a Fifth Consecutive Quarter

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

Noncurrent Loan Rate at Lowest Level Since 2007

Noncurrent loans and leases—those 90 days or more past-due or in nonaccrual status—declined for the 26th time in the last 27 quarters, falling by $2.4 billion (1.8%) during the three months ended December 31. During the quarter, noncurrent C&I loans declined for the first time in eight quarters, falling by $1.4 billion (5.3%). Noncurrent residential mortgage loan balances fell by $2 billion (3%), while noncurrent home equity loans declined by $170 million (1.6%), and noncurrent nonfarm nonresidential real estate loans fell by $192 million (2%). These improvements exceeded the $1.1 billion (12.7%) increase in noncurrent credit card balances. The average noncurrent loan rate fell from 1.45% to 1.41%, the lowest level since year-end 2007.

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

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

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

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

Loan Balances Increase $72.3 Billion in the Fourth Quarter

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

Total Loan Balances Rise 5.3% During 2016

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

Deposits Rise by $96 Billion

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

“Problem Bank List” Continues to Improve

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

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion contained in this Item 2 and other disclosures included within this report are based, in part, on the Company’s audited December 31, 2016 consolidated financial statements. These statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The financial information contained in these statements is, for the most part, based on the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. However, the preparation of these statements requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.

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

Allowance for Loan Losses

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

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

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

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

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

Goodwill

Goodwill arose in connection with two acquisitions consummated in previous periods. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or more often if conditions indicate a possible impairment.  For the purposes of goodwill impairment testing, determination of the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.   Impairment would arise if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. At March 31, 2017, Company’s management has completed the goodwill impairment assessment and determined goodwill was not impaired. Actual future test results may differ from the present evaluation of impairment due to changes in the conditions used in the current evaluation.

Income Statement Review for the Three Months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

The following highlights a comparative discussion of the major components of net income and their impact for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:

AVERAGE BALANCES AND INTEREST RATES

The following two tables are used to calculate the Company’s net interest margin. The first table includes the Company’s average assets and the related income to determine the average yield on earning assets. The second table includes the average liabilities and related expense to determine the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities. The net interest margin is equal to the interest income less the interest expense divided by average earning assets.

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

Three Months Ended March 31,

2017

2016

Average

Revenue/

Yield/

Average

Revenue/

Yield/

balance

expense

rate

balance

expense

rate

ASSETS

(dollars in thousands)

Interest-earning assets

Loans 1

Commercial

$ 75,103 $ 814 4.34 % $ 99,726 $ 1,103 4.42 %

Agricultural

67,383 835 4.95 % 74,668 916 4.91 %

Real estate

601,798 6,327 4.21 % 507,753 5,642 4.44 %

Consumer and other

11,619 140 4.83 % 22,019 196 3.57 %

Total loans (including fees)

755,903 8,116 4.29 % 704,166 7,857 4.46 %

Investment securities

Taxable

267,419 1,513 2.26 % 265,529 1,495 2.25 %

Tax-exempt 2

249,353 2,028 3.25 % 257,369 2,155 3.35 %

Total investment securities

516,772 3,541 2.74 % 522,898 3,650 2.79 %

Interest bearing deposits with banks and federal funds sold

49,763 137 1.10 % 31,750 96 1.21 %

Total interest-earning assets

1,322,438 $ 11,794 3.57 % 1,258,814 $ 11,603 3.69 %

Noninterest-earning assets

49,714 54,239

TOTAL ASSETS

$ 1,372,152 $ 1,313,053

1 Average loan balance includes nonaccrual loans, if any. Interest income collected on nonaccrual loans has been included.

2 Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using an incremental tax rate of 35%.

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

Three Months Ended March 31,

2017

2016

Average

Revenue/

Yield/

Average

Revenue/

Yield/

balance

expense

rate

balance

expense

rate

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(dollars in thousands)

Interest-bearing liabilities

Deposits

NOW, savings accounts and money markets

$ 712,439 $ 480 0.27 % $ 652,629 $ 310 0.19 %

Time deposits > $100,000

82,701 209 1.01 % 90,306 199 0.88 %

Time deposits < $100,000

118,758 233 0.78 % 127,918 241 0.75 %

Total deposits

913,898 922 0.40 % 870,853 750 0.34 %

Other borrowed funds

79,035 279 1.41 % 80,098 263 1.32 %

Total Interest-bearing liabilities

992,934 1,201 0.48 % 950,951 1,013 0.43 %

Noninterest-bearing liabilities

Demand deposits

204,661 191,189

Other liabilities

7,768 6,745

Stockholders' equity

166,790 164,168

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

$ 1,372,152 $ 1,313,053

Net interest income

$ 10,593 3.20 % $ 10,588 3.36 %

Spread Analysis

Interest income/average assets

$ 11,794 3.44 % $ 11,603 3.53 %

Interest expense/average assets

$ 1,201 0.35 % $ 1,013 0.31 %

Net interest income/average assets

$ 10,593 3.09 % $ 10,588 3.23 %

Net Interest Income

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company's net interest margin adjusted for tax exempt income was 3.20% and 3.36%, respectively. Net interest income, prior to the adjustment for tax-exempt income, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 totaled $9,883,000 compared to $9,835,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, interest income increased $235,000, or 2%, when compared to the same period in 2016. The increase from 2016 was primarily attributable to higher average balance of loans, offset in part by lower yields on loans. The higher average balances of loans were due primarily to favorable economic conditions in our market areas. The lower yields on loans were due primarily to the low interest rate environment.

Interest expense increased $187,000, or 18%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 when compared to the same period in 2016. The higher interest expense for the period is primarily attributable to higher rates on core deposits due to competitive pressures.

Provision for Loan Losses

The Company’s provision for loan losses was $398,000 and $192,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Net loan charge-offs were $3,000 and $78,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in the provision for loan losses was due primarily to the growth in the loan portfolio. However, the Iowa agricultural economy remains weak as a result of the current low grain prices; however, favorable crop yields provided better than break even cash flows in 2016 even with low crop prices for most of the Company’s farm customers

Noninterest Income and Expense

Noninterest income decreased $19,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. The decrease in noninterest income is primarily due to lower wealth management income and to a lesser extent lower gains on the sale of loans, service fees, and merchant and card fees, offset in part by higher security gains. The lower wealth management income was primarily due to lower one time estate fees, offset in part by increases in assets under management. The decline in the gain on sale of loans was due to lower loan volume driven by lower refinance activity in central Iowa. Exclusive of realized securities gains, noninterest income was 10% lower in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.

Noninterest expense increased $42,000 or 1% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily as a result of increases in data processing costs, professional fees and other expenses, offset in part by decreases in FDIC insurance assessments and building occupancy costs. Data processing increases was due to increasing technology costs. The increase in other expenses was due to higher deposit account costs. The lower FDIC insurance assessment is due to lower assessment rates. The lower building occupancy costs are due to lower property taxes and lower utility costs due to a milder winter. The efficiency ratio was 54.14% for the first quarter of 2017 as compared to 53.91% in 2016.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $1,479,000 and $1,501,000, respectively, representing an effective tax rate of 29% and 28%, respectively. The increase is the effective tax rate is primarily due to a decrease in tax-exempt interest income.

Balance Sheet Review

As of March 31, 2017, total assets were $1,395,306,000, a $28,853,000 increase compared to December 31, 2016. The increase in assets was due primarily to an increase in interest bearing deposits, loans and other assets.

Investment Portfolio

The investment portfolio totaled $516,353,000 as of March 31, 2017, an increase of $273,000 from the December 31, 2016 balance of $516,080,000. The increase in the investment portfolio was primarily due purchases of corporate bonds offset in part by sales, calls and maturities of state and political subdivision.

On a quarterly basis, the investment portfolio is reviewed for other-than-temporary impairment. As of March 31, 2017, gross unrealized losses of $2,477,000, are considered to be temporary in nature due to the interest rate environment of 2017 and other general economic factors. As a result of the Company’s favorable liquidity position, the Company does not have the intent to sell securities with an unrealized loss at the present time. In addition, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will hold these securities until recovery of their fair value to cost basis and avoid considering present unrealized loss positions to be other-than-temporary.

At March 31, 2017, the Company’s investment securities portfolio included securities issued by 272 government municipalities and agencies located within 25 states with a fair value of $261.6 million. At December 31, 2016, the Company’s investment securities portfolio included securities issued by 286 government municipalities and agencies located within 25 states with a fair value of $264.4 million. No one municipality or agency represents a concentration within this segment of the investment portfolio. The largest exposure to any one municipality or agency as of March 31, 2017 was $5.1 million (approximately 1.9 % of the fair value of the governmental municipalities and agencies) represented by the Dubuque, Iowa Community School District to be repaid by sales tax revenues and property taxes.

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

The following table summarizes the total general obligation and revenue bonds in the Company’s investment securities portfolios as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 identifying the state in which the issuing government municipality or agency operates. (Dollars in thousands)

2017

2016

Estimated

Estimated

Amortized

Fair

Amortized

Fair

Cost

Value

Cost

Value

Obligations of states and political subdivisions:

General Obligation bonds:

Iowa

$ 71,226 $ 71,004 $ 75,142 $ 74,408

Texas

11,057 11,136 11,091 11,065

Pennsylvania

8,725 8,716 8,728 8,654

Washington

7,193 7,018 7,221 6,957

Other (2017: 17 states; 2016: 17 states)

25,162 25,507 28,064 28,258

Total general obligation bonds

$ 123,363 $ 123,381 $ 130,246 $ 129,342

Revenue bonds:

Iowa

$ 129,301 $ 130,063 $ 126,750 $ 126,964

Other (2017: 7 states; 2016: 9 states)

8,189 8,191 8,208 8,142

Total revenue bonds

$ 137,490 $ 138,254 $ 134,958 $ 135,106

Total obligations of states and political subdivisions

$ 260,853 $ 261,635 $ 265,204 $ 264,448

As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the revenue bonds in the Company’s investment securities portfolios were issued by government municipalities and agencies to fund public services such as community school facilities, college and university dormitory facilities, water utilities and electrical utilities. The revenue bonds are to be paid from primarily 8 revenue sources. The revenue sources that represent 5% or more, individually, as a percent of the total revenue bonds are summarized in the following table. ( in th ousands)

2017

2016

Estimated

Estimated

Amortized

Fair

Amortized

Fair

Cost

Value

Cost

Value

Revenue bonds by revenue source

Sales tax

$ 76,173 $ 77,040 $ 77,586 $ 78,085

Water

14,095 14,019 11,283 11,296

College and universities, primarily dormitory revenues

11,279 11,341 14,105 13,907

Leases

9,091 9,027 9,106 8,960

Electric

8,440 8,505 8,446 8,459

Other

18,412 18,322 14,432 14,399

Total revenue bonds by revenue source

$ 137,490 $ 138,254 $ 134,958 $ 135,106

Loan Portfolio

The loan portfolio, net of the allowance for loan losses of $10,902,000, totaled $759,786,000 as of March 31, 2017, an increase of $7,604,000, or 1%, from the December 31, 2016 balance of $752,182,000. The increase in the loan portfolio is primarily due to steady loan demand for most of our affiliate banks. The Company’s expansion into the Des Moines metro market was a significant factor in obtaining this growth.

Other Assets

Other assets totaled $10,228,000 as of March 31, 2017, an increase of $9,429,000 from the December 31, 2016 balance of $799,000. The increase was due primarily to receivables from two brokers related to the sale of securities available-for-sale.

Deposits

Deposits totaled $1,141,672,000 as of March 31, 2017, an increase of $32,263,000, or 3%, from the December 31, 2016 balance of $1,109,409,000. The increase in deposits was primarily due to increases in NOW, savings and money market account balances.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $50,374,000 as of March 31, 2017, a decrease of $7,963,000, or 14%, from the December 31, 2016 balance of $58,337,000 associated with one commercial account.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. No material changes in the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements have occurred since December 31, 2016.

Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management

The Company’s credit risk is historically centered in the loan portfolio, which on March 31, 2017 totaled $759,786,000 compared to $752,182,000 as of December 31, 2016. Net loans comprise 54.5% of total assets as of March 31, 2017. The object in managing loan portfolio risk is to reduce the risk of loss resulting from a customer’s failure to perform according to the terms of a transaction and to quantify and manage credit risk on a portfolio basis. The Company’s level of problem loans (consisting of nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more) as a percentage of total loans was 0.70% at March 31, 2017, as compared to 0.67% at December 31, 2016 and 0.35% at March 31, 2016. The Company’s level of problem loans as a percentage of total loans at March 31, 2017 of 0.70% is lower than the Company’s peer group (328 bank holding companies with assets of $1 billion to $3 billion) of 0.79% as of December 31, 2016.

Impaired loans, net of specific reserves, totaled $4,635,000 as of March 31, 2017 and have increased $278,000 as compared to the impaired loans of $4,357,000 as of December 31, 2016.

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

The Company had TDRs of $3,662,000 as of March 31, 2017, all of which were included in impaired loans and on nonaccrual status. The Company had TDRs of $3,672,000 as of December 31, 2016, all of which were included in impaired and nonaccrual loans.

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

For TDRs that were on nonaccrual status before the modification, a specific reserve may already be recorded. In periods subsequent to modification, the Company will continue to evaluate all TDRs for possible impairment and, as necessary, recognize impairment through the allowance. The Company had no charge-off related to TDRs for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

Loans past due 90 days or more that are still accruing interest are reviewed no less frequently than quarterly to determine if there is a strong reason that the credit should not be placed on non-accrual. As of March 31, 2017, non-accrual loans totaled $5,358,000 and there were a $8,000 loan past due 90 days and still accruing. This compares to non-accrual loans of $5,077,000 and loans past due 90 days and still accruing totaled $22,000 as of December 31, 2016. Other real estate owned totaled $543,000 as of March 31, 2017 and $546,000 as of December 31, 2016.

The agricultural real estate and agricultural operating loan portfolio classifications remain in a weakened position. The watch and special mention loans in these categories are $42,542,000 as of March 31, 2017 as compared to $38,492,000 as of December 31, 2016. The substandard loans in these categories are $4,233,000 as of March 31, 2017 as compared to $2,399,000 as of December 31, 2016. The increase in these categories is primarily due to low grain prices, mitigated by favorable yields.

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of outstanding loans as of March 31, 2017 was 1.41%, as compared to 1.38% at December 31, 2016. The allowance for loan losses totaled $10,902,000 and $10,507,000 as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Net charge-offs of loans totaled $3,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to net charge-offs of loans of $78,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

The allowance for loan losses is management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Factors considered in establishing an appropriate allowance include: an assessment of the financial condition of the borrower, a realistic determination of value and adequacy of underlying collateral, the condition of the local economy and the condition of the specific industry of the borrower, an analysis of the levels and trends of loan categories and a review of delinquent and classified loans.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

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

As of March 31, 2017, the level of liquidity and capital resources of the Company remain at a satisfactory level. Management believes that the Company's liquidity sources will be sufficient to support its existing operations for the foreseeable future.

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

Review of the Company’s Current Liquidity Sources
Review of Statements of Cash Flows
Company Only Cash Flows

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

Capital Resources

Review of the Company’s Current Liquidity Sources

Liquid assets of cash and due from banks and interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 totaled $74,206,000 and $61,215,000, respectively, and provide an adequate level of liquidity given current economic conditions.

Other sources of liquidity available to the Banks as of March 31, 2017 include outstanding lines of credit with the FHLB of Des Moines, Iowa of $189,281,000, with $14,500,000 of outstanding FHLB advances. Federal funds borrowing capacity at correspondent banks was $109,319,000, with no outstanding federal fund purchase balances as of March 31, 2017. The Company had securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaling $50,374,000 and term repurchase agreements of $13,000,000 as of March 31, 2017.

Total investments as of March 31, 2017 were $516,353,000 compared to $516,080,000 as of December 31, 2016. These investments provide the Company with a significant amount of liquidity since all of the investments are classified as available-for-sale as of March 31, 2017.

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

Review of Statements of Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 totaled $6,242,000 and was comparable to the $6,342,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $33,220,000 compared to $9,582,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase of $23,638,000 in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to a higher level of purchases of securities available-for-sale of $18,798,000 in 2017 compared to $6,945,000 in 2016; lower levels of proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale of $1,491,000 in 2017 compared to $12,365,000 in 2016; and a net increase in the loan portfolio, offset by a decrease in the change in interest bearing deposits.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 totaled $22,344,000 compared to $856,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The change of $21,488,000 in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to an increase in deposits in 2017 of $32,263,000 as compared to an increase in deposits of $9,670,000 in 2016. As of March 31, 2017, the Company did not have any external debt financing, off-balance sheet financing arrangements, or derivative instruments linked to its stock.

Company Only Cash Flows

The Company’s liquidity on an unconsolidated basis is heavily dependent upon dividends paid to the Company by the Banks. The Banks provide adequate liquidity to pay the Company’s expenses and stockholder dividends. Dividends paid by the Banks to the Company amounted to $2,600,000 and $2,150,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Various federal and state statutory provisions limit the amounts of dividends banking subsidiaries are permitted to pay to their holding companies without regulatory approval. Federal Reserve policy further limits the circumstances under which bank holding companies may declare dividends. For example, a bank holding company should not continue its existing rate of cash dividends on its common stock unless its net income is sufficient to fully fund each dividend and its prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. In addition, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have issued policy statements, which provide that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings. Federal and state banking regulators may also restrict the payment of dividends by order. The quarterly dividend declared by the Company increased to $0.22 per share in 2017 from $0.21 per share in 2016.

The Company, on an unconsolidated basis, has interest bearing deposits totaling $12,281,000 as of March 31, 2017 that are presently available to provide additional liquidity to the Banks.

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

No other material capital expenditures or material changes in the capital resource mix are anticipated at this time. The primary cash flow uncertainty would be a sudden decline in deposits causing the Banks to liquidate securities. Historically, the Banks have maintained an adequate level of short-term marketable investments to fund the temporary declines in deposit balances. There are no known trends in liquidity and cash flow needs as of March 31, 2017 that are of concern to management.

Capital Resources

The Company’s total stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2017 totaled $168,127,000 and was $3,022,000 higher than the $165,105,000 recorded as of December 31, 2016. The increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily due to net income and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income, reduced by dividends declared. The increase in other comprehensive income is created by 2017 market interest rates trending lower, which resulted in higher fair values in the securities available-for-sale portfolio. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, stockholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets was 12.05% and 12.08%, respectively. The capital levels of the Company exceed applicable regulatory guidelines as of March 31, 2017.

Forward-Looking Statements and Business Risks

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

Item 3.          Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company's market risk is comprised primarily of interest rate risk arising from its core banking activities of lending and deposit taking. Interest rate risk results from the changes in market interest rates which may adversely affect the Company's net interest income. Management continually develops and applies strategies to mitigate this risk. Management does not believe that the Company's primary market risk exposure and how it has been managed year-to-date in 2017 changed significantly when compared to 2016.

Item 4.          Controls and Procedures

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

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

PART II.      OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.         Legal Proceedings

Not applicable

Item 1.A.     Risk Factors

None.

Item 2.        Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

In November, 2016, the Company approved a Stock Repurchase Plan which provided for the repurchase of up to 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. As of March 31, 2017, there were 100,000 shares remaining to be purchased under the plan.

The following table provides information with respect to purchase made by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchases” (as defined in rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of the Company’s common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Total

Number

Maximum

of Shares

Number of

Purchased as

Shares that

Total

Part of

May Yet Be

Number

Average

Publicly

Purchased

of Shares

Price Paid

Announced

Under

Period

Purchased

Per Share

Plans

The Plan

January 1, 2017 to January 31, 2017

- $ - - 100,000

February 1, 2017 to February 28, 2017

- $ - - 100,000

March 1, 2017 to March 31, 2017

- $ - - 100,000

Total

- -

Item 3.        Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable

Item 4.        Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

Item 5.         Other information

Not applicable

Item 6.         Exhibits

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101.INS XBRL Instance Document (1)
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1)
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1)
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1)
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1)
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (1)

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

SIGNATURES

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

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION

DATE: May 9, 2017

By:

/s/ Thomas H. Pohlman

Thomas H. Pohlman, Chief Executive Officer and President

By: /s/ John P. Nelson
John P. Nelson, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President

EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed herewith:

Exhibit No. Description
----------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

32.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
32.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101.INS XBRL Instance Document (1)
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1)
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1)
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1)
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1)
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (1)

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

50

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