Form 8-K Dividend Declaration 12-12-12





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

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 of 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
December 12, 2012


Heartland Financial USA, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Commission File Number:
001-15393


Delaware

 
42-1405748
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)    

 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

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

(563) 589-2100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2 below):

o    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))








Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure

On December 12, 2012, Heartland Financial USA, Inc. issued a press release announcing that its board of directors has approved a special cash dividend of $0.10 per share on the company's common stock payable on December 28, 2012, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 24, 2012. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

(a)
Financial Statements of Business Acquired.

None.

(b)
Pro Forma Financial Information.

None.

(c)
Exhibits.

99.1 Press Release dated December 12, 2012.


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 hereunto duly authorized.

Date: December 12, 2012
 
HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ John K. Schmidt
 
 
 
Executive Vice President, COO & CFO