HTLF Q3 2014 FORM 10-Q



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

FORM 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

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

For transition period __________ to __________

Commission File Number: 001-15393

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

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

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

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

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

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

     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes x No o
   
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.
 
Large accelerated filer ¨
 
 
Accelerated Filer x
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer ¨
 
 
Smaller reporting company ¨
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
 
 

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the classes of Registrant's common stock as of the latest practicable date:  As of November 5, 2014, the Registrant had outstanding 18,479,869 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value per share.





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

Part I
Part II
 
 
 
 
 
 
101 Financial statements formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.






PART I

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
 
December 31, 2013
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
63,400

 
$
118,441

Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
4,436

 
6,829

Cash and cash equivalents
67,836

 
125,270

Time deposits in other financial institutions
2,605

 
3,355

Securities:
 
 

Trading, at fair value

 
1,801

Available for sale, at fair value (cost of $1,366,069 at September 30, 2014, and $1,659,456 at December 31, 2013)
1,369,703

 
1,633,902

Held to maturity, at cost (fair value of $266,641 at September 30, 2014, and $237,437 at December 31, 2013)
255,312

 
237,498

Other investments, at cost
20,514

 
21,843

Loans held for sale
93,054

 
46,665

Loans and leases receivable:
 
 

Held to maturity
3,798,305

 
3,496,952

Loans covered by loss share agreements
3,850

 
5,749

Allowance for loan and lease losses
(41,698
)
 
(41,685
)
Loans and leases receivable, net
3,760,457

 
3,461,016

Premises, furniture and equipment, net
132,240

 
135,714

Other real estate, net
20,475

 
29,852

Goodwill
35,583

 
35,583

Other intangible assets, net
33,399

 
32,959

Cash surrender value on life insurance
82,224

 
81,110

FDIC indemnification asset
83

 
249

Other assets
61,324

 
76,899

TOTAL ASSETS
$
5,934,809

 
$
5,923,716

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Demand
$
1,274,439

 
$
1,238,581

Savings
2,599,850

 
2,535,242

Time
852,430

 
892,676

Total deposits
4,726,719

 
4,666,499

Short-term borrowings
348,305

 
408,756

Other borrowings
334,513

 
350,109

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
41,873

 
58,892

TOTAL LIABILITIES
5,451,410

 
5,484,256

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
 
 
Preferred stock (par value $1 per share; authorized 20,604 shares; none issued or outstanding)

 

Series A Junior Participating preferred stock (par value $1 per share; authorized 16,000 shares; none issued or outstanding)

 

Series C Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual preferred stock (par value $1 per share; liquidation value $81.7 million; authorized, issued and outstanding 81,698 shares)
81,698

 
81,698

Common stock (par value $1 per share; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued 18,477,463 shares at September 30, 2014 and 18,399,156 shares at December 31, 2013)
18,477

 
18,399

Capital surplus
94,393

 
91,632

Retained earnings
288,555

 
265,067

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
276

 
(17,336
)
Treasury stock at cost (0 shares outstanding at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
483,399

 
439,460

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
5,934,809

 
$
5,923,716

 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 






HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
INTEREST INCOME:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and fees on loans and leases
$
49,311

 
$
40,154

 
$
143,796

 
$
119,707

Interest on securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
7,547

 
4,803

 
22,755

 
14,174

Nontaxable
3,249

 
3,443

 
10,079

 
10,001

Interest on federal funds sold
1

 

 
1

 

Interest on interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions
6

 
3

 
20

 
9

TOTAL INTEREST INCOME
60,114

 
48,403

 
176,651


143,891

INTEREST EXPENSE:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on deposits
4,655

 
4,769

 
14,010

 
14,911

Interest on short-term borrowings
227

 
131

 
655

 
387

Interest on other borrowings (includes $577 and $523 of interest expense related to derivatives reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $1,671 and $1,552 of interest expense related to derivatives reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively)
3,741

 
3,623

 
11,084

 
11,122

TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE
8,623

 
8,523

 
25,749


26,420

NET INTEREST INCOME
51,491

 
39,880

 
150,902


117,471

Provision for loan and lease losses
2,553

 
5,149

 
11,635

 
7,648

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
48,938

 
34,731

 
139,267


109,823

NONINTEREST INCOME:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges and fees
4,857

 
4,487

 
15,007

 
12,775

Loan servicing income
1,319

 
598

 
4,223

 
865

Trust fees
3,194

 
2,918

 
9,747

 
8,764

Brokerage and insurance commissions
1,044

 
1,277

 
3,325

 
3,315

Securities gains, net (includes $825 and $1,118 of net security gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $2,460 and $6,612 of net security gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.)
825

 
1,118

 
2,460

 
6,612

Gain (loss) on trading account securities

 
263

 
(38
)
 
839

Gains on sale of loans held for sale
8,384

 
8,637

 
23,559

 
34,842

Loss on sales/valuations of other real estate and repossessed assets, net
(444
)
 
(339
)
 
(1,365
)
 
(2,440
)
Valuation adjustment on mortgage servicing rights

 

 

 
496

Income on bank owned life insurance
371

 
409

 
1,073

 
1,129

Other noninterest income
612

 
1,011

 
1,635

 
2,407

TOTAL NONINTEREST INCOME
20,162

 
20,379

 
59,626


69,604

NONINTEREST EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
33,546

 
28,847

 
98,428

 
88,103

Occupancy
3,807

 
3,387

 
11,841

 
9,796

Furniture and equipment
2,033

 
1,917

 
6,008

 
6,033

Professional fees
4,429

 
4,486

 
13,169

 
12,262

FDIC insurance assessments
888

 
745

 
2,848

 
2,508

Advertising
1,383

 
1,360

 
4,082

 
3,836

Intangible assets amortization
521

 
196

 
1,736

 
594

Other real estate and loan collection expenses
215

 
730

 
1,785

 
2,446

Other noninterest expenses
7,389

 
5,140

 
20,590

 
14,642

TOTAL NONINTEREST EXPENSES
54,211

 
46,808

 
160,487


140,220

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
14,889

 
8,302

 
38,406


39,207

Income taxes (includes $93 and $222 of income tax expense reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $296 and $1,887 of income tax expense reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively)
2,916

 
1,492

 
8,769

 
10,289

NET INCOME
11,973

 
6,810

 
29,637


28,918

Net income available to noncontrolling interest, net of tax

 

 

 
(64
)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO HEARTLAND
11,973

 
6,810

 
29,637


28,854

Preferred dividends and discount
(205
)
 
(276
)
 
(613
)
 
(889
)
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
$
11,768

 
$
6,534

 
$
29,024


$
27,965

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC
$
0.64

 
$
0.39

 
$
1.57

 
$
1.65

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - DILUTED
$
0.63

 
$
0.38

 
$
1.55

 
$
1.63

CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
$
0.10

 
$
0.10

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
NET INCOME
$
11,973

 
$
6,810

 
$
29,637

 
$
28,918

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities
(144
)
 
(4,857
)
 
30,538

 
(44,394
)
Reclassification adjustment for net gain realized in net income
(825
)
 
(1,118
)
 
(2,460
)
 
(6,612
)
Net change in non-credit related other than temporary impairment
24

 
24

 
72

 
72

Income taxes
372

 
2,229

 
(11,110
)
 
19,036

Other comprehensive income (loss) on securities
(573
)
 
(3,722
)
 
17,040

 
(31,898
)
Derivatives used in cash flow hedging relationships:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
317

 
(366
)
 
(758
)
 
733

Reclassification adjustment for net loss on derivatives realized in net income
577

 
523

 
1,671

 
1,552

Income taxes
(334
)
 
(54
)
 
(341
)
 
(847
)
Other comprehensive income on cash flow hedges
560

 
103

 
572

 
1,438

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(13
)
 
(3,619
)
 
17,612

 
(30,460
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
11,960

 
3,191

 
47,249

 
(1,542
)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 
(64
)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO HEARTLAND
$
11,960

 
$
3,191

 
$
47,249

 
$
(1,606
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
29,637

 
$
28,918

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
13,041

 
12,599

Provision for loan and lease losses
11,635

 
7,648

Net amortization of premium on securities
18,993

 
22,417

Securities gains, net
(2,460
)
 
(6,612
)
(Increase) decrease in trading account securities
1,801

 
(839
)
Stock based compensation
2,683

 
1,538

Write downs and losses on repossessed assets
1,365

 
2,440

Loans originated for sale
(694,622
)
 
(1,203,402
)
Proceeds on sales of loans held for sale
665,837

 
1,262,488

Net gains on sales of loans held for sale
(17,604
)
 
(24,247
)
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable
(603
)
 
94

(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses
(857
)
 
8,645

Decrease in accrued interest payable
(1,176
)
 
(843
)
Capitalization of mortgage servicing rights
(5,955
)
 
(10,595
)
Valuation adjustment on mortgage servicing rights

 
(496
)
Other, net
7,396

 
(3,825
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
29,111

 
95,928

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Purchase of time deposits in other financial institutions

 
(3,605
)
Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale
699,830

 
343,410

Proceeds from the sale of other investments
10,178

 
3,760

Proceeds from the maturity of and principal paydowns on securities available for sale
104,089

 
191,683

Proceeds from the maturity of and principal paydowns on securities held to maturity
2,217

 
1,982

Proceeds from the maturity of and principal paydowns on other securities
750

 

Purchase of securities available for sale
(543,407
)
 
(541,265
)
Purchase of securities held to maturity
(20,944
)
 

Purchase of other investments
(8,849
)
 
(4,566
)
Net increase in loans and leases
(317,604
)
 
(97,741
)
Purchase of bank owned life insurance policies

 
(2,835
)
Capital expenditures
(5,738
)
 
(8,442
)
Proceeds from the sale of equipment
175

 

Proceeds on sale of OREO and other repossessed assets
14,578

 
14,304

NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(64,725
)
 
(103,315
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net increase in demand deposits and savings accounts
100,466

 
138,415

Net decrease in time deposit accounts
(40,246
)
 
(59,077
)
Net decrease in short-term borrowings
(60,451
)
 
(578
)
Proceeds from other borrowings
5,000

 
160

Repayments of other borrowings
(20,596
)
 
(66,647
)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest

 
(2,798
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(625
)
 
(1,601
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
662

 
2,360

Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options
119

 
68

Dividends paid
(6,149
)
 
(5,961
)
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(21,820
)
 
4,341

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(57,434
)
 
(3,046
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
125,270

 
168,054

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
67,836

 
$
165,008

Supplemental disclosures:
 
 
 
Cash paid for income/franchise taxes
$
2,632

 
$
4,819

Cash paid for interest
$
26,925

 
$
27,263

Loans transferred to OREO
$
6,528

 
$
13,318

Purchases of securities available for sale, accrued, not paid
$
2,089

 
$
7,540

 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.






HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
Heartland Financial USA, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred
 Stock
 
Common
 Stock
 
Capital
 Surplus
 
Retained
 Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Non-controlling
Interest
 
Total
 Equity
Balance at January 1, 2013
$
81,698

 
$
16,828

 
$
50,359

 
$
236,279

 
$
16,641

 
$

 
$
2,734

 
$
404,539

Comprehensive income


 






28,854

 
(30,460
)




64


(1,542
)
Preferred, $10.89 per share


 






(889
)
 









(889
)
Common, $0.30 per share


 






(5,072
)
 









(5,072
)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,798
)
 
(2,798
)
Purchase of 59,174 shares of common stock


 








 



(1,601
)




(1,601
)
Issuance of 182,392 shares of common stock


 
125


744




 



1,559





2,428

Commitments to issue common stock


 



1,538




 









1,538

Balance at September 30, 2013
$
81,698

 
$
16,953

 
$
52,641

 
$
259,172

 
$
(13,819
)
 
$
(42
)
 
$

 
$
396,603

Balance at January 1, 2014
$
81,698

 
$
18,399

 
$
91,632

 
$
265,067

 
$
(17,336
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
439,460

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
29,637

 
17,612

 


 


 
47,249

Cash dividends declared:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 


 
 

Preferred, $7.50 per share
 
 
 

 

(613
)
 









(613
)
Common, $0.30 per share
 
 
 

 

(5,536
)
 









(5,536
)
Purchase of 24,042 shares of common stock
 
 
 

 



 



(625
)




(625
)
Issuance of 102,349 shares of common stock
 
 
78


78

 


 



625





781

Commitments to issue common stock
 
 
 

2,683




 









2,683

Balance at September 30, 2014
$
81,698

 
$
18,477

 
$
94,393

 
$
288,555

 
$
276

 
$

 
$

 
$
483,399

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 






HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, included in the Form 10-K of Heartland Financial USA, Inc. ("Heartland") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 14, 2014. Accordingly, footnote disclosures which would substantially duplicate the disclosure contained in the audited consolidated financial statements have been omitted.

The financial information of Heartland included herein has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting and has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Such information reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments), that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of the interim period ended September 30, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is determined using net income available to common stockholders and weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares and assumed incremental common shares issued. Amounts used in the determination of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three month and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, are shown in the table below:
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
(Dollars and number of shares in thousands, except per share data)
2014
 
2013
Net income attributable to Heartland
$
11,973

 
$
6,810

Preferred dividends and discount
(205
)
 
(276
)
Net income available to common stockholders
$
11,768

 
$
6,534

Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
18,469

 
16,936

Assumed incremental common shares issued for common stock equivalents
284

 
285

Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share
18,753

 
17,221

Earnings per common share — basic
$
0.64

 
$
0.39

Earnings per common share — diluted
$
0.63

 
$
0.38

Number of antidilutive common stock equivalents excluded from diluted earnings per share computation
94

 
105


 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Dollars and number of shares in thousands, except per share data)
2014
 
2013
Net income attributable to Heartland
$
29,637

 
$
28,854

Preferred dividends and discount
(613
)
 
(889
)
Net income available to common stockholders
$
29,024

 
$
27,965

Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
18,456

 
16,904

Assumed incremental common shares issued for common stock equivalents
287

 
279

Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share
18,743

 
17,183

Earnings per common share — basic
$
1.57

 
$
1.65

Earnings per common share — diluted
$
1.55

 
$
1.63

Number of antidilutive common stock equivalents excluded from diluted earnings per share computation
94

 
105







Stock-Based Compensation

Heartland may grant, through its Nominating and Compensation Committee (the "Compensation Committee"), non-qualified and incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, restricted stock, restricted stock units and cash incentive awards, under its 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan, which was approved by stockholders in May 2012 and replaced Heartland's 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan with respect to grants after such approval, reserved 368,026 shares of common stock at September 30, 2014, for issuance under future awards that may be granted under the Plan to employees and directors of, and service providers to, Heartland or its subsidiaries.

Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718, "Compensation-Stock Compensation" requires the measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based upon the fair value of the award on the grant date. The cost of the award is based upon its fair value estimated on the date of grant and recognized in the consolidated statements of income over the vesting period of the award. The fair market value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is based on the fair value of the underlying shares of common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model.

The amount of tax benefit related to the exercise, vesting, and forfeiture of equity-based awards reflected in additional paid-in-capital, not taxes payable, was $119,000 and $68,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

The Plan permits the Compensation Committee to grant restricted stock units ("RSUs"). On March 11, 2014, the Compensation Committee granted time-based RSUs with respect to 67,190 shares of common stock and on January 22, 2013, granted time-based RSUs with respect to 72,595 shares of common stock, to selected officers. The time-based RSUs, which represent the right, without payment, to receive shares of Heartland common stock at a specified date in the future based on specific vesting conditions, vest over five years in three equal installments on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date, will be settled in common stock upon vesting, and will not be entitled to dividends until vested. The time-based RSUs granted in 2014 vest upon a "qualified retirement" (as defined in the RSU agreement) while the RSUs granted in 2013 allow the Compensation Committee to exercise its discretion to provide for vesting upon retirement. In both cases, the retiree is required to sign a non-solicitation and non-compete agreement as a condition to vesting.

In addition to the time-based RSUs referenced in the preceding paragraph, the Compensation Committee granted performance-based RSUs with respect to 32,645 shares of common stock on March 11, 2014, and performance-based RSUs with respect to 40,990 shares of common stock on January 22, 2013, to Heartland executives and subsidiary presidents. These performance-based RSUs vest based first on performance measures tied to Heartland's earnings and loans on December 31, 2014, for the 2014 RSUs, and earnings and assets on December 31, 2013, for the 2013 RSUs, and then on time-based vesting conditions. For the grants awarded in 2014, the portion of the RSUs earned based on performance vest on December 31, 2016, if the executive remains employed on that date, and for the grants awarded in 2013, the portion of the RSUs earned based on performance vest on December 31, 2015, subject to employment on that date.

The Compensation Committee also grants RSUs under the Plan to directors as part of their compensation, to new management level employees at commencement of employment, and to other employees and service providers as incentives. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, and 2013, 33,304 and 13,100 RSUs, respectively, were granted to directors and new employees.






A summary of the status of the RSUs as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, follows:
 
2014
 
2013
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1
353,070

 
$
18.62

 
348,897

 
$
15.75

Granted
133,139

 
26.65

 
126,685

 
26.92

Vested
(74,521
)
 
16.95

 
(43,388
)
 
17.00

Forfeited
(7,483
)
 
20.22

 
(57,982
)
 
19.08

Outstanding at September 30
404,205

 
$
21.44

 
374,212

 
$
19.02


Total compensation costs recorded for RSUs were $2.7 million and $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, and 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2014, there were $3.6 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to the 2005 and 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plans for RSUs which are expected to be recognized through 2019.

Options

Although the Plan provides authority to the Compensation Committee to grant stock options, no options were granted during the first nine months of 2014 and 2013. Prior to 2009, options were typically granted annually with an expiration date ten years after the date of grant. Vesting was generally over a five-year service period with portions of a grant becoming exercisable at three years, four years, and five years after the date of grant. A summary of the status of the stock options as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, follows:
 
2014
 
2013
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1
261,936

 
$
23.60

 
377,907

 
$
22.62

Granted

 

 

 

Exercised
(9,750
)
 
19.67

 
(68,586
)
 
19.54

Forfeited
(7,000
)
 
26.62

 
(1,800
)
 
26.68

Outstanding at September 30
245,186

 
$
23.67

 
307,521

 
$
23.28

Options exercisable at September 30
245,186

 
$
23.67

 
307,521

 
$
23.28


At September 30, 2014, the vested options totaled 245,186 shares with a weighted average exercise price of $23.67 per share and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.25 years. The intrinsic value (the difference between the market price and the aggregate exercise price) for the vested options as of September 30, 2014, was $594,000. The intrinsic value for the total of all options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, was $41,000.

The exercise price of stock options granted is established by the Compensation Committee, but the exercise price for the stock options may not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the date that the option is granted or, if greater, the par value of a share of stock. Each option granted is exercisable in full at any time or from time to time, subject to vesting provisions, as determined by the Compensation Committee and as provided in the option agreement, but such time may not exceed ten years from the grant date. Cash received from options exercised was $192,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, and $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Total compensation costs recorded for options were $0 and $10,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, and 2013, respectively. There are no unrecorded compensation costs related to options at September 30, 2014.

Subsequent Events

On October 22, 2014, Heartland entered into a merger agreement with Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc., parent company of Community Bank & Trust in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. As of September 30, 2014, Community Bank & Trust had assets of approximately $525.0 million, including loans of $410.0 million. Under the merger agreement, and subject to shareholder and regulatory approval, Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc. will merge into Heartland, and the





shareholders of Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc. will receive Heartland common stock. The aggregate purchase price will be based upon 155% of adjusted tangible book value, as defined in the merger agreement, of Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc. prior to closing. Heartland estimates the purchase price at approximately $52.0 million. The merger agreement also provides that Community Bank & Trust will simultaneously merge into Heartland’s Wisconsin Bank & Trust subsidiary. The transaction, expected to close in the first quarter of 2015, is intended to be a tax-free reorganization with respect to the stock consideration received by the stockholders of Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc.

Heartland has entered into an agreement to sell one branch of its Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company subsidiary. The branch sale is expected to close on November 7, 2014. The branch had loans of approximately $9.0 million and deposits of $28.0 million at September 30, 2014. The anticipated premium on the branch sale is 2% of average deposits.

Effect of New Financial Accounting Standards

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists," to eliminate the diversity in practice and to increase the comparability of financial statements among companies. The guidance requires that a reporting entity generally must show an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, for a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward as a reduction of a deferred tax asset. However, the entity should present the unrecognized tax benefit as a liability and not as a reduction of a deferred tax asset if the carryforward or tax loss is not available on the financial statement date to settle any additional income tax liability that would result from the disallowance of the tax position under the applicable tax law, or the applicable tax law does not require the company to use, and the company does not intend to use, the carryforward or tax loss to settle additional income taxes resulting from the disallowance of the tax position. The guidance does not require any new recurring disclosures because it does not affect the recognition or measurement of uncertain tax positions. Heartland adopted this standard on January 1, 2014, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, "Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects." The amendments in ASU 2014-01 to Topic 323, "Equity Investments and Joint Ventures," provide guidance on accounting for investments by a reporting entity in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low-income housing tax credit. The amendments permit reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 31, 2014, and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. Heartland is in the process of evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, "Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors: Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure." The amendments in ASU 2014-04 clarify that an in-substance foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (i) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (ii) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy the loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. ASU 2014-04 also requires disclosure of both the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and the recorded investment in loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. Once adopted, an entity can elect either (i) a modified retrospective transition method or (ii) a prospective transition method. The modified retrospective transition method is applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to residential mortgage loans and foreclosed residential real estate properties existing as of the beginning of the period for which the amendments of ASU 2014-04 are effective, with real estate reclassified to loans measured at the carrying value of the real estate at the date of adoption and loans reclassified to real estate measured at the lower of net carrying value of the loan or the fair value of the real estate less costs to sell at the date of adoption. The prospective transition method is applied by means of applying the amendments of ASU 2014-04 to all instances of receiving physical possession of residential real estate properties that occur after the date of adoption. Heartland does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.






In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-14, "Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors: Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure." The amendment clarifies how creditors are to classify certain government-guaranteed mortgage loans upon foreclosure. The amendment requires that a mortgage loan be derecognized and a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the following conditions are met: (1) the loan has a government guarantee that is not separate from the loan before foreclosure, and (2) at the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate property to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under the claim, and (3) at the time of foreclosure, any amount of the claim that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is fixed. Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered for the guarantor. This amendment is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. Heartland does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.

Reclassifications

In the first quarter of 2014, Heartland revised the classification of mortgage servicing rights income from loan servicing income to gain on sale of loans held for sale. The reclassification is presented in both the current and prior reporting periods. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, $3.4 million and $10.6 million, respectively, were reclassified from loan servicing income to gain on sale of loans held for sale.

During the first quarter of 2014, Heartland revised the classification of loss on sales/valuations of other real estate and repossessed assets, net, from other real estate and loan collection expenses to a specific noninterest income classification. This reclassification is presented in both the current and prior reporting periods. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, losses of $339,000 and $2.4 million were reclassified from other real estate and loan collection expenses to loss on sales/valuations of other real estate and repossessed assets, net. This reclassification results in other real estate and loan collection expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, decreasing from $1.1 million and $4.9 million as previously reported to $730,000 and $2.4 million, respectively.

These reclassifications do not have a material impact on Heartland's financial statements and do not affect the financial results. Heartland believes these reclassifications are more consistent with industry reporting practices.

NOTE 2: SECURITIES

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair values of securities available for sale as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are summarized in the table below, in thousands:
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government corporations and agencies
$
13,884

 
$
74

 
$
(12
)
 
$
13,946

Mortgage-backed securities
1,166,166

 
10,403

 
(11,692
)
 
1,164,877

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
180,998

 
5,680

 
(867
)
 
185,811

Total debt securities
1,361,048

 
16,157

 
(12,571
)
 
1,364,634

Equity securities
5,021

 
48

 

 
5,069

Total
$
1,366,069

 
$
16,205

 
$
(12,571
)
 
$
1,369,703

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government corporations and agencies
$
220,157

 
$
147

 
$
(2,001
)
 
$
218,303

Mortgage-backed securities
1,156,983

 
9,538

 
(22,574
)
 
1,143,947

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
277,320

 
1,706

 
(12,402
)
 
266,624

Total debt securities
1,654,460

 
11,391

 
(36,977
)
 
1,628,874

Equity securities
4,996

 
32

 

 
5,028

Total
$
1,659,456

 
$
11,423

 
$
(36,977
)
 
$
1,633,902


At both September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the amortized cost of the available for sale securities is net of $184,000 of credit related other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI").






The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of held to maturity securities as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are summarized in the table below, in thousands:
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
$
5,805

 
$
263

 
$
(533
)
 
$
5,535

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
249,507

 
12,914

 
(1,315
)
 
261,106

Total
$
255,312

 
$
13,177

 
$
(1,848
)
 
$
266,641

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
$
5,973

 
$
199

 
$
(321
)
 
$
5,851

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
231,525

 
5,801

 
(5,740
)
 
231,586

Total
$
237,498

 
$
6,000

 
$
(6,061
)
 
$
237,437


At September 30, 2014, the amortized cost of the held to maturity securities is net of $797,000 of credit related OTTI and $445,000 of non-credit related OTTI. At December 31, 2013, the amortized cost of the held to maturity securities was net of $797,000 of credit related OTTI and $517,000 of non-credit related OTTI.

Approximately 97% of Heartland's mortgage-backed securities are issuances of government-sponsored enterprises.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities available for sale at September 30, 2014, by contractual maturity are as follows, in thousands. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less
$
8,440

 
$
8,525

Due in 1 to 5 years
19,027

 
19,184

Due in 5 to 10 years
83,717

 
86,936

Due after 10 years
83,698

 
85,112

Total debt securities
194,882

 
199,757

Mortgage-backed securities
1,166,166

 
1,164,877

Equity securities
5,021

 
5,069

Total investment securities
$
1,366,069

 
$
1,369,703


The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities held to maturity at September 30, 2014, by contractual maturity are as follows, in thousands. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less
$

 
$

Due in 1 to 5 years
13,062

 
13,910

Due in 5 to 10 years
47,769

 
50,227

Due after 10 years
188,676

 
196,969

Total debt securities
249,507

 
261,106

Mortgage-backed securities
5,805

 
5,535

Total investment securities
$
255,312

 
$
266,641







Gross gains and losses realized related to the sales of securities available for sale for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and 2013, are summarized as follows, in thousands:
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Proceeds from sales
$
189,939

 
$
127,475

 
$
699,830

 
$
343,410

Gross security gains
1,101

 
1,420

 
4,547

 
7,703

Gross security losses
276

 
302

 
2,087

 
1,091


The following tables summarize, in thousands, the amount of unrealized losses, defined as the amount by which cost or amortized cost exceeds fair value, and the related fair value of investments with unrealized losses in Heartland's securities portfolio as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013. The investments were segregated into two categories: those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 or more months. The reference point for determining how long an investment was in an unrealized loss position was September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively. Securities for which Heartland has taken credit-related OTTI write-downs are categorized as being "less than 12 months" or "12 months or longer" in a continuous loss position based on the point in time that the fair value declined to below the cost basis and not the period of time since the credit-related OTTI write-down.
Securities available for sale
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government corporations and agencies
$

 
$

 
$
978

 
$
(12
)
 
$
978

 
$
(12
)
Mortgage-backed securities
514,918

 
(5,627
)
 
296,255

 
(6,065
)
 
811,173

 
(11,692
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
886

 
(6
)
 
42,344

 
(861
)
 
43,230

 
(867
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
$
515,804

 
$
(5,633
)
 
$
339,577

 
$
(6,938
)
 
$
855,381

 
$
(12,571
)
December 31, 2013
U.S. government corporations and agencies
$
196,345

 
$
(2,001
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
196,345

 
$
(2,001
)
Mortgage-backed securities
640,684

 
(17,064
)
 
118,229

 
(5,510
)
 
758,913

 
(22,574
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
196,987

 
(11,452
)
 
10,714

 
(950
)
 
207,701

 
(12,402
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
$
1,034,016

 
$
(30,517
)
 
$
128,943

 
$
(6,460
)
 
$
1,162,959

 
$
(36,977
)

Securities held to maturity
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
$

 
$

 
$
2,861

 
$
(533
)
 
$
2,861

 
$
(533
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
1,577

 
(390
)
 
36,412

 
(925
)
 
37,989

 
(1,315
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
$
1,577

 
$
(390
)
 
$
39,273

 
$
(1,458
)
 
$
40,850

 
$
(1,848
)
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
$
2,170

 
$
(319
)
 
$
834

 
$
(2
)
 
$
3,004

 
$
(321
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
47,175

 
(3,508
)
 
21,505

 
(2,232
)
 
68,680

 
(5,740
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
$
49,345

 
$
(3,827
)
 
$
22,339

 
$
(2,234
)
 
$
71,684

 
$
(6,061
)

Heartland reviews the investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to monitor its exposure to OTTI. A determination as to whether a security's decline in fair value is other-than-temporary takes into consideration numerous factors and the relative significance of any single factor can vary by security. Some factors Heartland may consider in the OTTI analysis include the





length of time the security has been in an unrealized loss position, changes in security ratings, financial condition of the issuer, as well as security and industry specific economic conditions. In addition, with regard to debt securities, Heartland may also evaluate payment structure, whether there are defaulted payments or expected defaults, prepayment speeds, and the value of any underlying collateral. For certain debt securities in unrealized loss positions, Heartland prepares cash flow analyses to compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. During 2012, Heartland experienced deterioration in the credit support on three private label mortgage-backed securities which resulted in a credit-related OTTI loss. The underlying collateral on these securities experienced an increased level of defaults and a slowing of voluntary prepayments causing the present value of the forward expected cash flows, using prepayment and default vectors, to be below the amortized cost basis of the securities. Based on Heartland's evaluation, a $981,000 OTTI on three private label mortgage-backed securities attributable to credit-related losses was recorded in March 2012. The other-than-temporary credit-related losses were $797,000 in the held to maturity category and $184,000 in the available for sale category.

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

Unrealized losses on Heartland's obligations of states and political subdivisions are the result of changes in market interest rates or widening of market spreads subsequent to the initial purchase of the securities. Management monitors the credit quality and financial stability of the underlying municipalities. Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates or widening market spreads due to insurance company downgrades and not underlying credit quality, and because Heartland has the intent and ability to hold these investments until a market price recovery or to maturity and does not believe it will be required to sell the securities before maturity, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.

There were no gross realized gains or losses on the sale of available for sale securities with OTTI write-downs for the periods ended September 30, 2014, or December 31, 2013.
 
 
 
 
The following table shows the detail of OTTI write-downs on debt securities included in earnings and the related changes in other accumulated comprehensive income ("AOCI") for the same securities, in thousands:
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Recorded as part of gross realized losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit related OTTI
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Intent to sell OTTI

 

 

 

Total recorded as part of gross realized losses

 

 

 

Recorded directly to AOCI for non-credit related impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Residential mortgage backed securities

 

 

 

  Accretion of non-credit related impairment
(24
)
 
(24
)
 
(72
)
 
(72
)
Total changes to AOCI for non-credit related impairment
(24
)
 
(24
)
 
(72
)
 
(72
)
Total OTTI losses (accretion) recorded on debt securities, net
$
(24
)
 
$
(24
)
 
$
(72
)
 
$
(72
)

Heartland has not experienced any OTTI writedowns since the initial impairment charge in 2012.

Included in other securities at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were shares of stock in each Federal Home Loan Bank (the "FHLB") of Des Moines, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, and Topeka at an amortized cost of $14.3 million and $15.6 million, respectively.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





NOTE 3: LOANS AND LEASES

Loans and leases as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were as follows, in thousands:
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Loans and leases receivable held to maturity:
 
 
 
Commercial
$
1,024,712

 
$
950,197

Commercial real estate
1,684,832

 
1,529,683

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
404,423

 
376,735

Residential real estate
360,309

 
349,349

Consumer
326,148

 
294,145

Gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity
3,800,424

 
3,500,109

Unearned discount
(98
)
 
(168
)
Deferred loan fees
(2,021
)
 
(2,989
)
Total net loans and leases receivable held to maturity
3,798,305

 
3,496,952

Loans covered under loss share agreements:
 
 
 
Commercial and commercial real estate
1,188

 
2,314

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
573

 
543

Residential real estate
1,762

 
2,280

Consumer
327

 
612

Total loans covered under loss share agreements
3,850

 
5,749

Allowance for loan and lease losses
(41,698
)
 
(41,685
)
Loans and leases receivable, net
$
3,760,457

 
$
3,461,016


Heartland has certain lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to provide for an acceptable level of credit risk. The board of directors reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis. A reporting system supplements the review process by providing management and the board with frequent reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and nonperforming loans and potential problem loans. Diversification in the loan portfolio is also a means of managing risk associated with fluctuations in economic conditions.

The commercial and commercial real estate loan portfolio includes a wide range of business loans, including lines of credit for working capital and operational purposes and term loans for the acquisition of equipment and real estate. Although most loans are made on a secured basis, loans may be made on an unsecured basis where warranted by the overall financial condition of the borrower. Terms of commercial business loans generally range from one to five years. Commercial loans and leases are primarily made based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The collateral that Heartland requires for most of these loans and leases is based upon the discounted market value of the collateral. The primary repayment risks of commercial loans and leases are that the cash flow of the borrowers may be unpredictable, and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Heartland seeks to minimize these risks in a variety of ways. The underwriting analysis includes credit verification, analysis of global cash flows, appraisals and a review of the financial condition of the borrower. Personal guarantees are frequently required as a tertiary form of repayment. In addition, when underwriting loans for commercial real estate, careful consideration is given to the property's operating history, future operating projections, current and projected occupancy, location and physical condition. Heartland also utilizes government guaranteed lending through the U.S. Small Business Administration and the USDA Rural Development Business and Industry Program to assist customers with longer-term funding and to reduce risk.

Agricultural loans, many of which are secured by crops, machinery and real estate, are provided to finance capital improvements and farm operations as well as acquisitions of livestock and machinery. Agricultural loans present unique credit risks relating to adverse weather conditions, loss of livestock due to disease or other factors, declines in market prices for agricultural products and the impact of government regulations. The ultimate repayment of agricultural loans is dependent upon the profitable operation or management of the agricultural entity. In underwriting agricultural loans, lending personnel work closely with their customers to review budgets and cash flow projections for the ensuing crop year. These budgets and cash flow projections are monitored closely during the year and reviewed with the customers at least annually. Lending personnel also work closely with governmental agencies, including the Farm Service Agency, to help agricultural customers obtain credit enhancement products such as loan guarantees or interest assistance.






Heartland originates first-lien, adjustable-rate and fixed-rate, one-to-four-family residential real estate loans for the construction, purchase or refinancing of a single family residential property. These loans are principally collateralized by owner-occupied properties and are amortized over 10 to 30 years. Heartland typically sells longer-term, low-rate, residential mortgage loans in the secondary market with servicing rights retained. This practice allows Heartland to better manage interest rate risk and liquidity risk. The Heartland bank subsidiaries participate in lending programs sponsored by U.S. government agencies such as Veterans Administration and Federal Home Administration when justified by market conditions.

Consumer lending includes motor vehicle, home improvement, home equity and small personal credit lines. Consumer loans typically have shorter terms, lower balances, higher yields and higher risks of default than one-to-four-family residential mortgage loans. Consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower's continuing financial stability, and are therefore more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances. Risk is reduced through underwriting criteria, which include credit verification, appraisals, a review of the borrower's financial condition, and personal cash flows. A security interest, with title insurance when necessary, is taken in the underlying real estate. Heartland's consumer finance subsidiaries, Citizens Finance Co. and Citizens Finance of Illinois Co., typically lend to borrowers with past credit problems or limited credit histories, which comprise approximately 22% of Heartland's total consumer loan portfolio.

Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Heartland’s policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest income on any loan or lease when, in the opinion of management, there is a reasonable doubt as to the timely collection of the interest and principal, normally when a loan or lease is 90 days past due. When interest accruals are deemed uncollectible, interest credited to income in the current year is reversed and interest accrued in prior years is charged to the allowance for loan and lease losses. Nonaccrual loans and leases are returned to an accrual status when, in the opinion of management, the financial position of the borrower indicates that there is no longer any reasonable doubt as to the timely payment of interest and principal.

Under Heartland’s credit practices, a loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that Heartland will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loan impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except where more practical, at the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.





The following table shows the balance in the allowance for loan and lease losses at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, and the related loan balances, disaggregated on the basis of impairment methodology, in thousands. Loans evaluated under ASC 310-10-35 include loans on nonaccrual status and troubled debt restructurings, which are individually evaluated for impairment, and other impaired loans deemed to have similar risk characteristics. All other loans are collectively evaluated for impairment under ASC 450-20. Heartland has made no significant changes to the accounting for the allowance for loan and lease losses policy during 2014.
 
Allowance For Loan and Lease Losses
 
Gross Loans and Leases Receivable Held to Maturity
 
Ending Balance
Under ASC
310-10-35
 
Ending Balance
Under ASC
450-20
 
Total
 
Ending Balance Evaluated for Impairment
Under ASC
310-10-35
 
Ending Balance Evaluated for Impairment
Under ASC
450-20
 
 Total
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
451

 
$
10,904

 
$
11,355

 
$
8,278

 
$
1,016,434

 
$
1,024,712

Commercial real estate
1,176

 
14,969

 
16,145

 
33,280

 
1,651,552

 
1,684,832

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
67

 
3,049

 
3,116

 
5,689

 
398,734

 
404,423

Residential real estate
424

 
3,199

 
3,623

 
8,187

 
352,122

 
360,309

Consumer
1,287

 
5,966

 
7,253

 
6,150

 
319,998

 
326,148

Unallocated

 
206

 
206

 

 

 

Total
$
3,405

 
$
38,293

 
$
41,698

 
$
61,584

 
$
3,738,840

 
$
3,800,424

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
2,817

 
$
10,282

 
$
13,099

 
$
14,644

 
$
935,553

 
$
950,197

Commercial real estate
818

 
13,334

 
14,152

 
28,299

 
1,501,384

 
1,529,683

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
756

 
2,236

 
2,992

 
16,667

 
360,068

 
376,735

Residential real estate
605

 
3,115

 
3,720

 
7,214

 
342,135

 
349,349

Consumer
1,721

 
6,001

 
7,722

 
5,137

 
289,008

 
294,145

Unallocated

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
6,717

 
$
34,968

 
$
41,685

 
$
71,961

 
$
3,428,148

 
$
3,500,109


The following table presents nonaccrual loans, accruing loans past due 90 days or more and troubled debt restructured loans not covered under loss share agreements at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands. There were no nonaccrual leases, accruing leases past due 90 days or more or restructured leases at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Nonaccrual loans
$
25,802

 
$
29,313

Nonaccrual troubled debt restructured loans
4,328

 
13,081

Total nonaccrual loans
$
30,130

 
$
42,394

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
$

 
$
24

Performing troubled debt restructured loans
$
11,994

 
$
19,353







The following tables provide information on troubled debt restructured loans that were modified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and September 30, 2013, dollars in thousands:
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Number
of Loans
 
Pre-
Modification
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-
Modification
Recorded
Investment
 
Number
of Loans
 
Pre-
Modification
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-
Modification
Recorded
Investment
Commercial

 
$

 
$

 

 
$

 
$

Commercial real estate

 

 

 

 

 

Total commercial and commercial real estate

 

 

 

 

 

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
1

 
60

 
60

 

 

 

Residential real estate

 

 

 
1

 
65

 
65

Consumer

 

 

 

 

 

Total
1

 
$
60

 
$
60

 
1

 
$
65

 
$
65

 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Number
of Loans
 
Pre-
Modification
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-
Modification
Recorded
Investment
 
Number
of Loans
 
Pre-
Modification
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-
Modification
Recorded
Investment
Commercial

 
$

 
$

 
3

 
$
17,873

 
$
17,873

Commercial real estate
1

 
298

 
298

 

 

 

Total commercial and commercial real estate
1

 
298

 
298

 
3

 
17,873

 
17,873

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
3

 
3,417

 
3,417

 
3

 
2,576

 
2,576

Residential real estate
1

 
38

 
38

 
4

 
762

 
762

Consumer

 

 

 
1

 
166

 
166

Total
5

 
$
3,753

 
$
3,753

 
11

 
$
21,377

 
$
21,377


The pre-modification and post-modification recorded investment represents amounts as of the date of loan modification. Since the modifications on these loans have been only interest rate concessions and term extensions, not principal reductions, the pre-modification and post-modification recorded investment amounts are the same. At September 30, 2014, there were no commitments to extend credit to any of the borrowers with an existing troubled debt restructuring.

The following tables provide information on troubled debt restructured loans for which there was a payment default during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and September 30, 2013, in thousands, that had been modified during the twelve month period prior to the default:
 
With Payment Defaults During the Following Periods
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Number of Loans
 
Recorded Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Recorded Investment
Commercial

 
$

 
1

 
$
13,000

Commercial real estate

 

 

 

  Total commercial and commercial real estate

 

 
1

 
13,000

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
1

 
60

 

 

Residential real estate

 

 

 

Consumer

 

 

 

  Total
1

 
$
60

 
1

 
$
13,000







 
With Payment Defaults During the Following Periods
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Number of Loans
 
Recorded Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Recorded Investment
Commercial

 
$

 
2

 
$
17,670

Commercial real estate

 

 

 

  Total commercial and commercial real estate

 

 
2

 
17,670

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
1

 
60

 

 

Residential real estate

 

 
2

 
167

Consumer

 

 

 

  Total
1

 
$
60

 
4

 
$
17,837


Heartland's internal rating system is a series of grades reflecting management's risk assessment, based on its analysis of the borrower's financial condition. The "pass" category consists of all loans that are not in the "nonpass" category, categorized into a range of loan grades that reflect increasing, though still acceptable, risk. Movement of risk through the various grade levels in the pass category is monitored for early identification of credit deterioration. The "nonpass" category consists of special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss loans. The "special mention" rating is attached to loans where the borrower exhibits negative financial trends due to borrower specific or systemic conditions that, if left uncorrected, threaten its capacity to meet its debt obligations. The borrower is believed to have sufficient financial flexibility to react to and resolve its negative financial situation. These credits are closely monitored for improvement or deterioration. The "substandard" rating is assigned to loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the borrower and may be further at risk due to deterioration in the value of collateral pledged. Well-defined weaknesses jeopardize liquidation of the debt. These loans are still considered collectible, however, a distinct possibility exists that Heartland will sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected. Substandard loans may exhibit some or all of the following weaknesses: deteriorating trends, lack of earnings, inadequate debt service capacity, excessive debt and/or lack of liquidity. The "doubtful" rating is assigned to loans where identified weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. These borrowers are usually in default, lack liquidity and capital, as well as, resources necessary to remain an operating entity. Specific pending events, such as capital injections, liquidations or perfection of liens on additional collateral, may strengthen the credit, thus deferring classification of the loan as loss until exact status can be determined. The "loss" rating is assigned to loans considered uncollectible. As of September 30, 2014, Heartland had no loans classified as doubtful or loss. Loans are placed on "nonaccrual" when management does not expect to collect payments of principal and interest in full or when principal or interest has been in default for a period of 90 days or more, unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection.






The following table presents loans and leases not covered by loss share agreements by credit quality indicator at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
 
Pass
 
Nonpass
 
Total
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
913,923

 
$
110,789

 
$
1,024,712

Commercial real estate
1,536,940

 
147,892

 
1,684,832

  Total commercial and commercial real estate
2,450,863

 
258,681

 
2,709,544

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
377,733

 
26,690

 
404,423

Residential real estate
341,984

 
18,325

 
360,309

Consumer
316,609

 
9,539

 
326,148

  Total gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity
$
3,487,189

 
$
313,235

 
$
3,800,424

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
871,825

 
$
78,372

 
$
950,197

Commercial real estate
1,390,820

 
138,863

 
1,529,683

  Total commercial and commercial real estate
2,262,645

 
217,235

 
2,479,880

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
335,821

 
40,914

 
376,735

Residential real estate
333,161

 
16,188

 
349,349

Consumer
284,148

 
9,997

 
294,145

  Total gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity
$
3,215,775

 
$
284,334

 
$
3,500,109


The nonpass category in the table above is comprised of approximately 69% special mention and 31% substandard as of September 30, 2014. The percent of nonpass loans on nonaccrual status as of September 30, 2014, was 9%. As of December 31, 2013, the nonpass category in the table above was comprised of approximately 59% special mention, 38% substandard, and 3% doubtful. The percent of nonpass loans on nonaccrual status as of December 31, 2013, was 15%. Loans delinquent 30 to 89 days as a percent of total loans were 0.32% at September 30, 2014, compared to 0.30% at December 31, 2013. Changes in credit risk are monitored on a continuous basis and changes in risk ratings are made when identified. All impaired loans are reviewed at least annually.






The following table sets forth information regarding Heartland's accruing and nonaccrual loans and leases not covered by loss share agreements at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
 
Accruing Loans and Leases
 
 
 
 
 
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
90 Days or
More Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 
Current
 
Nonaccrual
 
Total Loans
and Leases
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
5,163

 
$
124

 
$

 
$
5,287

 
$
1,013,124

 
$
6,301

 
$
1,024,712

Commercial real estate
941

 
101

 

 
1,042

 
1,670,756

 
13,034

 
1,684,832

Total commercial and commercial real estate
6,104

 
225

 

 
6,329

 
2,683,880

 
19,335

 
2,709,544

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
89

 

 

 
89

 
402,319

 
2,015

 
404,423

Residential real estate
1,626

 
120

 

 
1,746

 
352,362

 
6,201

 
360,309

Consumer
2,915

 
990

 

 
3,905

 
319,664

 
2,579

 
326,148

Total gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity
$
10,734

 
$
1,335

 
$

 
$
12,069

 
$
3,758,225

 
$
30,130

 
$
3,800,424

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
697

 
$
741

 
$

 
$
1,438

 
$
935,508

 
$
13,251

 
$
950,197

Commercial real estate
3,042

 
199

 
24

 
3,265

 
1,511,618

 
14,800

 
1,529,683

Total commercial and commercial real estate
3,739

 
940

 
24

 
4,703

 
2,447,126

 
28,051

 
2,479,880

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
818

 

 

 
818

 
369,907

 
6,010

 
376,735

Residential real estate
1,199

 
56

 

 
1,255

 
342,735

 
5,359

 
349,349

Consumer
2,624

 
1,089

 

 
3,713

 
287,458

 
2,974

 
294,145

Total gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity
$
8,380

 
$
2,085

 
$
24

 
$
10,489

 
$
3,447,226

 
$
42,394

 
$
3,500,109







The majority of Heartland's impaired loans are those that are nonaccrual or have had their terms restructured in a troubled debt restructuring. The following tables present, for impaired loans not covered by loss share agreements and by category of loan, the unpaid contractual balance at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013; the outstanding loan balance recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013; any related allowance recorded for those loans as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013; the average outstanding loan balance recorded on the consolidated balance sheets during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and year ended December 31, 2013; and the interest income recognized on the impaired loans during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and year ended December 31, 2013, in thousands:
 
Unpaid
Contractual
Balance
 
Loan
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
Recorded
 
Quarter-to-
Date
Avg.
Loan
Balance
 
Quarter-to-
Date
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Year-to-
Date
Avg.
Loan
Balance
 
Year-to-
Date
Interest
Income
Recognized
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with a related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
4,751

 
$
4,675

 
$
451

 
$
6,960

 
$

 
$
7,022

 
$
10

Commercial real estate
4,092

 
3,832

 
1,176

 
11,645

 
7

 
6,294

 
40

Total commercial and commercial real estate
8,843

 
8,507

 
1,627

 
18,605

 
7

 
13,316

 
50

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
3,368

 
3,368

 
67

 
4,021

 
12

 
4,176

 
67

Residential real estate
2,024

 
1,939

 
424

 
6,308

 
8

 
3,604

 
17

Consumer
4,339

 
4,330

 
1,287

 
5,489

 
21

 
4,710

 
81

Total loans held to maturity
$
18,574

 
$
18,144

 
$
3,405

 
$
34,423

 
$
48

 
$
25,806

 
$
215

Impaired loans without a related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
4,222

 
$
3,603

 
$

 
$
2,620

 
$
20

 
$
3,519

 
$
60

Commercial real estate
33,626

 
29,448

 

 
23,937

 
595

 
23,325

 
883

Total commercial and commercial real estate
37,848

 
33,051

 

 
26,557

 
615

 
26,844

 
943

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
3,749

 
2,321

 

 
2,100

 
3

 
3,731

 
10

Residential real estate
6,616

 
6,248

 

 
6,449

 

 
6,055

 
64

Consumer
1,820

 
1,820

 

 
1,627

 
17

 
1,722

 
34

Total loans held to maturity
$
50,033

 
$
43,440

 
$

 
$
36,733

 
$
635

 
$
38,352

 
$
1,051

Total impaired loans held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
8,973

 
$
8,278

 
$
451

 
$
9,580

 
$
20

 
$
10,541

 
$
70

Commercial real estate
37,718

 
33,280

 
1,176

 
35,582

 
602

 
29,619

 
923

Total commercial and commercial real estate
46,691

 
41,558

 
1,627

 
45,162

 
622

 
40,160

 
993

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
7,117

 
5,689

 
67

 
6,121

 
15

 
7,907

 
77

Residential real estate
8,640

 
8,187

 
424

 
12,757

 
8

 
9,659

 
81

Consumer
6,159

 
6,150

 
1,287

 
7,116

 
38

 
6,432

 
115

Total impaired loans held to maturity
$
68,607

 
$
61,584

 
$
3,405

 
$
71,156

 
$
683

 
$
64,158

 
$
1,266







 
Unpaid
Contractual
Balance
 
Loan
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
Recorded
 
Year-to-
Date
Avg.
Loan
Balance
 
Year-to-
Date
Interest
Income
Recognized
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with a related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
7,901

 
$
7,901

 
$
2,817

 
$
5,343

 
$
38

Commercial real estate
9,164

 
8,909

 
818

 
7,686

 
282

Total commercial and commercial real estate
17,065

 
16,810

 
3,635

 
13,029

 
320

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
13,818

 
13,818

 
756

 
7,537

 
354

Residential real estate
2,460

 
2,460

 
605

 
3,179

 
13

Consumer
3,485

 
3,485

 
1,721

 
3,490

 
100

Total loans held to maturity
$
36,828

 
$
36,573

 
$
6,717

 
$
27,235

 
$
787

Impaired loans without a related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
7,724

 
$
6,743

 
$

 
$
9,394

 
$
89

Commercial real estate
24,830

 
19,390

 

 
25,676

 
538

Total commercial and commercial real estate
32,554

 
26,133

 

 
35,070

 
627

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
2,849

 
2,849

 

 
9,985

 
189

Residential real estate
5,345

 
4,754

 

 
4,198

 
80

Consumer
1,652

 
1,652

 

 
1,515

 
37

Total loans held to maturity
$
42,400

 
$
35,388

 
$

 
$
50,768

 
$
933

Total impaired loans held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
15,625

 
$
14,644

 
$
2,817

 
$
14,737

 
$
127

Commercial real estate
33,994

 
28,299

 
818

 
33,362

 
820

Total commercial and commercial real estate
49,619

 
42,943

 
3,635

 
48,099

 
947

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
16,667

 
16,667

 
756

 
17,522

 
543

Residential real estate
7,805

 
7,214

 
605

 
7,377

 
93

Consumer
5,137

 
5,137

 
1,721

 
5,005

 
137

Total impaired loans held to maturity
$
79,228

 
$
71,961

 
$
6,717

 
$
78,003

 
$
1,720


On July 2, 2009, Heartland acquired all deposits of The Elizabeth State Bank in Elizabeth, Illinois through its subsidiary Galena State Bank & Trust Co. based in Galena, Illinois, in a whole bank loss sharing transaction facilitated by the FDIC. As of July 2, 2009, The Elizabeth State Bank had loans of $42.7 million. The estimated fair value of the loans acquired was $37.8 million.

The acquired loans and other real estate owned are covered by two loss share agreements between the FDIC and Galena State Bank & Trust Co., which affords Galena State Bank & Trust Co. significant loss protection. Under the loss share agreements, the FDIC covers 80% of the covered loan and other real estate owned losses (referred to as covered assets) up to $10 million and 95% of losses in excess of that amount. The term for loss sharing on non-residential real estate losses is five years with respect to losses and eight years with respect to recoveries, while the term for loss sharing on residential real estate loans is ten years with respect to losses and recoveries. The reimbursable losses from the FDIC are based on the book value of the relevant loan as determined by the FDIC at the date of the transaction. New loans made after the acquisition are not covered by the loss share agreements.

The Elizabeth State Bank acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” Purchased loans acquired in a business combination, which include loans purchased in The Elizabeth State Bank acquisition, are recorded at estimated fair value on their purchase date, but the purchaser cannot carry over the related allowance for loan and lease losses. Purchased loans are accounted for under ASC 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities with Deteriorated Credit Quality,” when the loans have evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it is probable at the date of the acquisition that Heartland will not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments. Evidence of credit quality deterioration at the purchase date included statistics such as past due and nonaccrual status. Generally, acquired loans that meet Heartland’s definition for nonaccrual status fall within the scope of ASC 310-30. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the nonaccretable difference which is included in the carrying value of the loans. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows will generally result in a provision for loan and lease losses. Subsequent increases in cash flows result in a





reversal of the provision for loan and lease losses to the extent of prior charges, or a reclassification of the difference from nonaccretable to accretable with a positive impact on future interest income. Further, any excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan when there is a reasonable expectation about the amount and timing of such cash flows.

The carrying amount of the loans covered by these loss share agreements at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, consisted of purchased impaired and nonimpaired loans as summarized in the following table, in thousands:
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Impaired
Purchased
Loans
 
Non
 Impaired
Purchased
Loans
 
Total
Covered
Loans
 
Impaired
Purchased
Loans
 
Non
Impaired
Purchased
Loans
 
Total
Covered
Loans
Commercial and commercial real estate
$

 
$
1,188

 
$
1,188

 
$
549

 
$
1,765

 
$
2,314

Agricultural and agricultural real estate

 
573

 
573

 

 
543

 
543

Residential real estate

 
1,762

 
1,762

 

 
2,280

 
2,280

Consumer loans
266

 
61

 
327

 
538

 
74

 
612

Total Covered Loans
$
266

 
$
3,584

 
$
3,850

 
$
1,087

 
$
4,662

 
$
5,749


On the acquisition date, the preliminary estimate of the contractually required payments receivable for all loans with evidence of credit deterioration since origination acquired in the acquisition was $13.8 million and the estimated fair value of the loans was $9.0 million. At September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, a majority of these loans were valued based upon the liquidation value of the underlying collateral, because the expected cash flows are primarily based on the liquidation of underlying collateral and the timing and amount of the cash flows could not be reasonably estimated. There was no allowance for loan and lease losses related to these ASC 310-30 loans at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.

On the acquisition date, the preliminary estimate of the contractually required payments receivable for all nonimpaired loans acquired in the acquisition was $28.9 million and the estimated fair value of the loans was $28.7 million.

NOTE 4: ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES

Changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and September 30, 2013, were as follows, in thousands:
 
Commercial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Agricultural
 
Residential
Real Estate
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Balance at June 30, 2014
$
11,927

 
$
14,680

 
$
2,788

 
$
3,815

 
$
7,516

 
$
166

 
$
40,892

Charge-offs
(875
)
 
(295
)
 
(338
)
 
(21
)
 
(1,120
)
 

 
(2,649
)
Recoveries
145

 
539

 
5

 
29

 
184

 

 
902

Provision
158

 
1,221

 
661

 
(200
)
 
673

 
40

 
2,553

Balance at September 30, 2014
$
11,355

 
$
16,145

 
$
3,116

 
$
3,623

 
$
7,253

 
$
206

 
$
41,698

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Agricultural
 
Residential
Real Estate
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
13,099

 
$
14,152

 
$
2,992

 
$
3,720

 
$
7,722

 
$

 
$
41,685

Charge-offs
(7,940
)
 
(1,379
)
 
(1,974
)
 
(225
)
 
(3,189
)
 

 
(14,707
)
Recoveries
552

 
1,833

 
9

 
85

 
606

 

 
3,085

Provision
5,644

 
1,539

 
2,089

 
43

 
2,114

 
206

 
11,635

Balance at September 30, 2014
$
11,355

 
$
16,145

 
$
3,116

 
$
3,623

 
$
7,253

 
$
206

 
$
41,698






 
Commercial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Agricultural
 
Residential
Real Estate
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Balance at June 30, 2013
$
9,436

 
$
13,671

 
$
3,055

 
$
3,580

 
$
7,881

 
$

 
$
37,623

Charge-offs
(163
)
 
(630
)
 

 
(450
)
 
(1,270
)
 

 
(2,513
)
Recoveries
78

 
514

 
1

 
76

 
383

 

 
1,052

Provision
3,745

 
488

 
(240
)
 
331

 
825

 

 
5,149

Balance at September 30, 2013
$
13,096

 
$
14,043

 
$
2,816

 
$
3,537

 
$
7,819

 
$

 
$
41,311

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Agricultural
 
Residential
Real Estate
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
11,388

 
$
14,473

 
$
2,138

 
$
3,543

 
$
7,173

 
$

 
$
38,715

Charge-offs
(1,422
)
 
(2,561
)
 
(23
)
 
(856
)
 
(3,488
)
 

 
(8,350
)
Recoveries
983

 
1,279

 
100

 
102

 
834

 

 
3,298

Provision
2,147

 
852

 
601

 
748

 
3,300

 

 
7,648

Balance at September 30, 2013
$
13,096

 
$
14,043

 
$
2,816

 
$
3,537

 
$
7,819

 
$

 
$
41,311


Management allocates the allowance for loan and lease losses by pools of risk within each loan portfolio. The allocation of the allowance for loan and lease losses by loan portfolio is made for analytical purposes and is not necessarily indicative of the trend of future loan and lease losses in any particular category. The total allowance for loan and lease losses is available to absorb losses from any segment of the loan portfolio.

NOTE 5: GOODWILL, CORE DEPOSIT PREMIUM AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Heartland had goodwill of $35.6 million at both September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013. Heartland conducts its annual internal assessment of the goodwill both collectively and at its subsidiaries as of September 30.

Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangibles, mortgage servicing rights and customer relationship intangible. The gross carrying amount of other intangible assets and the associated accumulated amortization at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are presented in the table below, in thousands:
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
Amortizing intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core deposit intangibles
$
21,069

 
$
12,049

 
$
9,020

 
$
21,069

 
$
10,345

 
$
10,724

Mortgage servicing rights
36,193

 
12,228

 
23,965

 
32,160

 
10,372

 
21,788

Customer relationship intangible
1,177

 
763

 
414

 
1,177

 
730

 
447

Total
$
58,439

 
$
25,040

 
$
33,399

 
$
54,406

 
$
21,447

 
$
32,959


The following table shows the estimated future amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets, in thousands:
 
Core
Deposit
Intangibles
 
Mortgage
Servicing
Rights
 
Customer
Relationship
Intangible
 
 
 
Total
Three months ending December 31, 2014
$
476

 
$
1,424

 
$
11

 
$
1,911

Year ending December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
1,780

 
5,635

 
42

 
7,457

2016
1,575

 
4,830

 
41

 
6,446

2017
1,393

 
4,025

 
40

 
5,458

2018
1,232

 
3,220

 
39

 
4,491

2019
1,056

 
2,415

 
38

 
3,509

Thereafter
1,508

 
2,416

 
203

 
4,127







Projections of amortization expense for mortgage servicing rights are based on existing asset balances and the existing interest rate environment as of September 30, 2014. Heartland's actual experience may be significantly different depending upon changes in mortgage interest rates and market conditions. Mortgage loans serviced for others were $3.36 billion and $3.05 billion as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively. The fair value of Heartland's mortgage servicing rights was estimated at $33.3 million at September 30, 2014, and $32.0 million at December 31, 2013.

Heartland's mortgage servicing rights portfolio is comprised of loans serviced for the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and the Government National Mortgage Association. The servicing rights portfolio is separated into 15- and 30-year tranches. At both September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, no valuation allowance was required for any of the tranches.

The fair value of mortgage servicing rights is calculated based upon a discounted cash flow analysis. Cash flow assumptions, including prepayment speeds, servicing costs and escrow earnings are considered in the calculation. The average constant prepayment rate was 11.00% and 9.65% for the September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, valuations, respectively. The discount rate was 9.68% and 10.15% for the September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, valuations, respectively. The average capitalization rate for the first nine months of 2014 ranged from 0.75% to 1.39% compared to 0.79% and 1.39% for 2013. Fees collected for the servicing of mortgage loans for others were $6.4 million and $4.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, and September 30, 2013, respectively.

The following table summarizes, in thousands, the changes in capitalized mortgage servicing rights for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at January 1
$
21,788

 
$
15,653

Originations
5,955

 
10,595

Amortization
(3,778
)
 
(5,548
)
Valuation adjustment

 
496

Balance at September 30
$
23,965

 
$
21,196

Fair value of mortgage servicing rights
$
33,260

 
$
31,179

Mortgage servicing rights, net to servicing portfolio
0.71
%
 
0.73
%

NOTE 6: DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Heartland uses derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. As part of the strategy, Heartland considers the use of interest rate swaps, caps, floors and collars and certain interest rate lock commitments and forward sales of securities related to mortgage banking activities. Heartland's current strategy includes the use of interest rate swaps, interest rate lock commitments, and forward sales of mortgage securities. Heartland's objectives are to add stability to its net interest margin and to manage its exposure to movements in interest rates. The contract or notional amount of a derivative is used to determine, along with the other terms of the derivative, the amounts to be exchanged between the counterparties. Heartland is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to financial instruments. Heartland minimizes this risk by entering into derivative contracts with large, stable financial institutions. Heartland has not experienced any losses from nonperformance by these counterparties. Heartland monitors counterparty risk in accordance with the provisions of ASC 815. In addition, interest rate-related derivative instruments generally contain language outlining collateral pledging requirements for each counterparty. Collateral must be posted when the market value exceeds certain threshold limits which are determined by credit ratings of each counterparty. Heartland was required to pledge $3.8 million and $5.4 million of cash as collateral at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively. Heartland's counterparties were required to pledge $0 and $540,000 at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Heartland's derivative and hedging instruments are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 7, “Fair Value,” for additional fair value information and disclosures.

Cash Flow Hedges

Heartland has variable rate funding which creates exposure to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates. To manage the interest rate risk related to the variability of interest payments, Heartland has entered into various interest rate swap agreements. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are received or made on Heartland's variable-rate liabilities. For the nine





months ended September 30, 2014, the change in net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges reflects changes in the fair value of the swaps and reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense totaling $1.7 million. For the next twelve months, Heartland estimates that cash payments and reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense will total $2.3 million.

Heartland executed an interest rate swap transaction on April 5, 2011, with an effective date of April 20, 2011, and an expiration date of April 20, 2016, to effectively convert $15.0 million of its newly issued variable rate amortizing debt to fixed rate debt. For accounting purposes, this swap transaction is designated as a cash flow hedge of the changes in cash flows attributable to changes in one-month LIBOR, the benchmark interest rate being hedged, associated with the interest payments made on an amount of Heartland's debt principal equal to the then-outstanding swap notional amount. At inception, Heartland asserted that the underlying principal balance would remain outstanding throughout the hedge transaction making it probable that sufficient LIBOR-based interest payments would exist through the maturity date of the swap.

Heartland entered into three forward-starting interest rate swap transactions during 2009 to effectively convert Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV, V and VII, which are variable interest rate subordinated debentures, to fixed interest rate debt. During the first quarter of 2014, the interest rate swap transaction on Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV expired. Prior to the expiration of the swap, Heartland entered into a new forward-starting interest rate swap to replace the expiring swap. In addition, Heartland added two new forward starting interest rate swap transactions to effectively convert Morrill Statutory Trust I and Morrill Statutory Trust II, which total $16.6 million, from variable interest rate subordinated debentures to fixed interest rate debt. For accounting purposes, these five swap transactions are designated as cash flow hedges of the changes in cash flows attributable to changes in LIBOR, the benchmark interest rate being hedged, associated with the interest payments made on $85.0 million of Heartland's subordinated debentures that reset quarterly on a specified reset date. At inception, Heartland asserted that the underlying principal balance would remain outstanding throughout the hedge transaction making it probable that sufficient LIBOR-based interest payments would exist through the maturity date of the swaps.

The table below identifies the balance sheet category and fair values of Heartland's derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance
Sheet
Category
 
Receive
Rate
 
Weighted
Average
Pay Rate
 
Maturity
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
$
10,713

 
$
(295
)
 
Other Liabilities
 
2.904
%
 
5.140
%
 
04/20/2016
Interest rate swap
25,000

 
(117
)
 
Other Liabilities
 
0.235
%
 
2.255
%
 
03/17/2021
Interest rate swap
20,000

 
(1,120
)
 
Other Liabilities
 
0.234
%
 
3.220
%
 
03/01/2017
Interest rate swap
20,000

 
(1,579
)
 
Other Liabilities
 
0.232
%
 
3.355
%
 
01/07/2020
Interest rate swap
10,000

 
48

 
Other Assets
 
0.235
%
 
1.674
%
 
03/26/2019
Interest rate swap
10,000

 
48

 
Other Assets
 
0.235
%
 
1.658
%
 
03/18/2019
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
$
11,719

 
$
(457
)
 
Other Liabilities
 
2.917
%
 
5.140
%
 
04/20/2016
Interest rate swap
25,000

 
(146
)
 
Other Liabilities
 
0.244
%
 
2.580
%
 
03/17/2014
Interest rate swap
20,000

 
(1,507
)
 
Other Liabilities
 
0.239
%
 
3.220
%
 
03/01/2017
Interest rate swap
20,000

 
(1,587
)
 
Other Liabilities
 
0.243
%
 
3.355
%
 
01/07/2020






The table below identifies the gains and losses recognized on Heartland's derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and September 30, 2013, in thousands:
 
Effective Portion
 
Ineffective Portion
 
Recognized in OCI
 
Reclassified from AOCI into Income
 
Recognized in Income on Derivatives
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
 
Category
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
 
Category
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
$
68

 
Interest Expense
 
$
(63
)
 
Other Income
 
$

Interest rate swap
193

 
Interest Expense
 
(129
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
208

 
Interest Expense
 
(153
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
248

 
Interest Expense
 
(158
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
89

 
Interest Expense
 
(37
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
88

 
Interest Expense
 
(37
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap

 
Interest Expense
 

 
Other Income
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
$
162

 
Interest Expense
 
$
(192
)
 
Other Income
 
$

Interest rate swap
(117
)
 
Interest Expense
 
(258
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
387

 
Interest Expense
 
(455
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
8

 
Interest Expense
 
(473
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
48

 
Interest Expense
 
(74
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
48

 
Interest Expense
 
(73
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
146

 
Interest Expense
 
(146
)
 
Other Income
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
$
27

 
Interest Expense
 
$
(69
)
 
Other Income
 
$

Interest rate swap
138

 
Interest Expense
 
(147
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
7

 
Interest Expense
 
(151
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
(15
)
 
Interest Expense
 
(156
)
 
Other Income
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
$
203

 
Interest Expense
 
$
(210
)
 
Other Income
 
$

Interest rate swap
419

 
Interest Expense
 
(436
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
548

 
Interest Expense
 
(446
)
 
Other Income
 

Interest rate swap
1,115

 
Interest Expense
 
(460
)
 
Other Income
 


Mortgage Derivatives

Heartland also has entered into interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans and mortgage backed securities that are considered derivative instruments. The fair value of these commitments is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets with the changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of income as a component of gains on sale of loans held for sale. These derivative contracts are designated as free standing derivative contracts and are not designated against specific assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets or forecasted transactions and therefore do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.






The table below identifies the balance sheet category and fair values of Heartland's derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
 
Balance Sheet
Category
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate lock commitments (mortgage)
Other Assets
 
$
103,933

 
$
3,291

Forward commitments
Other Assets
 
114,988

 
222

Forward commitments
Other Liabilities
 
179,044

 
(623
)
December 31, 2013
 
 


 


Interest rate lock commitments (mortgage)
Other Assets
 
$
63,370

 
$
1,809

Forward commitments
Other Assets
 
117,637

 
1,206

Forward commitments
Other Liabilities
 
53,277

 
(133
)

The table below identifies the income statement category of the gains and losses recognized in income on Heartland's derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and September 30, 2013, in thousands:
 
Income Statement
Category
 
Year-to-Date
Gain (Loss) Recognized
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Interest rate lock commitments (mortgage)
Gains on sale of loans held for sale
 
$
(1,924
)
Forward commitments
Gains on sale of loans held for sale
 
1,505

 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Interest rate lock commitments (mortgage)
Gains on sale of loans held for sale
 
$
3,393

Forward commitments
Gains on sale of loans held for sale
 
(1,474
)
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
 
Interest rate lock commitments (mortgage)
Gains on sale of loans held for sale
 
$
5,219

Forward commitments
Gains on sale of loans held for sale
 
(11,430
)
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
 
Interest rate lock commitments (mortgage)
Gains on sale of loans held for sale
 
$
(6,047
)
Forward commitments
Gains on sale of loans held for sale
 
(1,289
)

NOTE 7: FAIR VALUE

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

Fair Value Hierarchy

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

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






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

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

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis.

Assets

Securities Available for Sale and Held to Maturity
Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Securities held to maturity are generally recorded at cost and are recorded at fair value only to the extent a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security's credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury securities. Level 2 securities include U.S. government and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities and private collateralized mortgage obligations, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Level 3 securities consist primarily of Z-TRANCHE mortgage-backed securities. On a quarterly basis, a secondary independent pricing service is used for a sample of securities to validate the pricing from Heartland's primary pricing service.

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

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

Loans Held to Maturity
Heartland does not record loans held to maturity at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with ASC 310. The fair value of impaired loans is measured using one of the following impairment methods: 1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or 2) the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. In accordance with ASC 820, impaired loans measured at fair value are classified as nonrecurring Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage Servicing Rights
Mortgage servicing rights assets represent the value associated with servicing residential real estate loans that have been sold to outside investors with servicing retained. Heartland uses the amortization method (i.e., the lower of amortized cost or estimated fair value measured on a nonrecurring basis), not fair value measurement accounting, to determine the carrying value of its mortgage servicing rights. The fair value for servicing assets is determined through discounted cash flow analysis and utilizes discount rates, prepayment speeds and delinquency rate assumptions as inputs. All of these assumptions require a significant degree of management estimation and judgment. Mortgage servicing rights are subject to impairment testing. The carrying values of these rights are reviewed quarterly for impairment based upon the calculation of fair value as performed by an outside third party. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified into certain risk characteristics including note type and note term. If the valuation model reflects a fair value less than the carrying value, mortgage servicing rights are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance. Heartland classifies mortgage servicing rights as nonrecurring with Level 3 measurement inputs.






Derivative Financial Instruments
Heartland's current interest rate risk strategy includes interest rate swaps. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, Heartland incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty's nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, Heartland has considered the impact of netting any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.

Although Heartland has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, Heartland has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, Heartland has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Interest rate lock commitments
Heartland uses an internal valuation model that relies on internally developed inputs to estimate the fair value of its interest rate lock commitments which is based on unobservable inputs that reflect management's assumptions and specific information about each borrower. Interest rate lock commitments are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Forward commitments
The fair value of forward commitments are estimated using an internal valuation model, which includes current trade pricing for similar financial instruments in active markets that Heartland has the ability to access and are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other Real Estate Owned
Other real estate owned ("OREO") represents property acquired through foreclosures and settlements of loans. Property acquired is carried at the fair value of the property at the time of acquisition (representing the property's cost basis), plus any acquisition costs, or the estimated fair value of the property, less disposal costs. Heartland considers third party appraisals, as well as independent fair value assessments from realtors or persons involved in selling OREO, in determining the fair value of particular properties. Accordingly, the valuation of OREO is subject to significant external and internal judgment. Heartland periodically reviews OREO to determine if the fair value of the property, less disposal costs, has declined below its recorded book value and records any adjustments accordingly. OREO is classified as nonrecurring Level 3.






The table below presents Heartland's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall:
 
Total Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Securities available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government corporations and agencies
13,946

 
2,536

 
11,410

 

Mortgage-backed securities
1,164,877

 

 
1,160,029

 
4,848

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
185,811

 

 
185,811

 

Equity securities
5,069

 

 
5,069

 

Derivative financial instruments
96

 

 
96

 

Interest rate lock commitments
3,291

 

 

 
3,291

Forward commitments
222

 

 
222

 

Total assets at fair value
$
1,373,312

 
$
2,536

 
$
1,362,637

 
$
8,139

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
$
3,111

 
$

 
$
3,111

 
$

Forward commitments
623

 

 
623

 

Total liabilities at fair value
$
3,734

 
$

 
$
3,734

 
$

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities
$
1,801

 
$
1,801

 
$

 
$

Securities available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government corporations and agencies
218,303

 
4,084

 
214,219

 

Mortgage-backed securities
1,143,947

 

 
1,140,649

 
3,298

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
266,624

 

 
266,624

 

Equity securities
5,028

 

 
5,028

 

Interest rate lock commitments
1,809

 

 

 
1,809

Forward commitments
1,206

 

 
1,206

 

Total assets at fair value
$
1,638,718

 
$
5,885

 
$
1,627,726

 
$
5,107

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
$
3,697

 
$

 
$
3,697

 
$

Forward commitments
133

 

 
133

 

Total liabilities at fair value
$
3,830

 
$

 
$
3,830

 
$


As of March 31, 2014, Heartland revised the classification of interest rate lock commitments from previous filings. In previous filings, interest rate lock commitments were classified as Level 2 under ASC 820. The resulting change in presentation does not have a material impact on the financial statements and did not affect the method by which Heartland estimates fair value, nor the resulting fair values.






The tables below present Heartland's assets that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, in thousands:
 
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2014
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
 Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Year-to-
Date
Losses
Collateral dependent impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
1,545

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,545

 
$
112

Commercial real estate
7,058

 

 

 
7,058

 
470

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
827

 

 

 
827

 
1,428

Residential real estate
2,503

 

 

 
2,503

 

Consumer
3,043

 

 

 
3,043

 
9

Total collateral dependent impaired loans
$
14,976

 
$

 
$

 
$
14,976

 
$
2,019

Other real estate owned
$
20,475

 
$

 
$

 
$
20,475

 
$
1,365


 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
 Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Year-to-
Date
Losses
Collateral dependent impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
7,229

 
$

 
$

 
$
7,229

 
$
919

Commercial real estate
7,749

 

 

 
7,749

 
1,881

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
13,062

 

 

 
13,062

 

Residential real estate
3,396

 

 

 
3,396

 

Consumer
1,763

 

 

 
1,763

 

Total collateral dependent impaired loans
$
33,199

 
$

 
$

 
$
33,199

 
$
2,800

Other real estate owned
$
29,852

 
$

 
$

 
$
29,852

 
$
2,799






The following tables present additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value and for which Heartland has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value, in thousands:
 
Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
Fair Value
at 9/30/14
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
Z-TRANCHE Securities
$
4,848

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Pretax discount rate
 
6.50 - 8.00%
 
 
 
 
 
Actual defaults
 
12.71-20.14% (15.52%)
 
 
 
 
 
Actual deferrals
 
  6.25-22.35% (11.32%)
Interest rate lock commitments
3,291

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Closing ratio
 
(1) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateral dependent impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
1,545

 
Modified appraised value
 
Third party appraisal
 
(2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal discount
 
(2) 
Commercial real estate
7,058

 
Modified appraised value
 
Third party appraisal
 
(2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal discount
 
(2) 
Agricultural and agricultural real estate
827

 
Modified appraised value
 
Third party appraisal
 
(2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal discount
 
(2) 
Residential real estate
2,503

 
Modified appraised value
 
Third party appraisal
 
(2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal discount
 
(2) 
Consumer
3,043

 
Modified appraised value
 
Third party appraisal
 
(2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal discount
 
(2) 
Other real estate owned
20,475

 
Modified appraised value
 
Third party appraisal
 
(2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal discount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement is the closing ratio, which represents the percentage of loans currently in a lock position which management estimates will ultimately close. The closing ratio calculation takes into consideration historical data and loan-level data; therefore providing a range would not be meaningful. The weighted average closing ratio at September 30, 2014 was 84%.
(2) Third party appraisals are obtained as to the value of the underlying asset, but disclosure of this information would not provide meaningful information, as the range will vary widely from loan to loan. Types of discounts considered included age of the appraisal, local market conditions, current condition of the property, and estimated sales costs. These discounts will also vary from loan to loan, thus providing range would not be meaningful.






 
Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
Fair Value
at 12/31/13
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
Z-TRANCHE Securities
$
3,298

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Pretax discount rate
 
7.00 - 9.00%
 
 
 
 
 
Actual defaults
 
12.50-28.20% (20.80%)
 
 
 
 
 
Actual deferrals
 
  6.10-16.00% (11.10%)
Interest rate lock commitments
1,809

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Closing ratio
 
(1) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateral dependent impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
7,229

 
Modified appraised value
 
Third party appraisal
 
(2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal discount
 
(2) 
Commercial real estate
7,749

 
Modified appraised value
 
Third party appraisal
 
(2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal discount
 
(2) 
Agricultural and agricultural real estate
13,062

 
Modified appraised value
 
Third party appraisal
 
(2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal discount
 
(2) 
Residential real estate
3,396

 
Modified appraised value
 
Third party appraisal
 
(2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal discount
 
(2) 
Consumer
1,763

 
Modified appraised value
 
Third party appraisal
 
(2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal discount
 
(2) 
Other real estate owned
29,852

 
Modified appraised value
 
Third party appraisal
 
(2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal discount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement is the closing ratio, which represents the percentage of loans currently in a lock position which management estimates will ultimately close. The closing ratio calculation takes into consideration historical data and loan-level data; therefore providing a range would not be meaningful. The weighted average closing ratio at December 31, 2013 was 87%.
(2) Third party appraisals are obtained as to the value of the underlying asset, but disclosure of this information would not provide meaningful information, as the range will vary widely from loan to loan. Types of discounts considered included age of the appraisal, local market conditions, current condition of the property, and estimated sales costs. These discounts will also vary from loan to loan, thus providing range would not be meaningful.






The changes in fair value of the Z-TRANCHE, a Level 3 asset, that is measured on a recurring basis is summarized in the following table, in thousands:
 
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2013
Balance at January 1,
$
3,298

 
$
4,089

Total gains (losses):
 
 


  Included in earnings

 
(1,587
)
  Included in other comprehensive income
1,669

 
826

Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
 
 

  Purchases

 

  Sales
(119
)
 
(30
)
  Settlements

 

Balance at period end
$
4,848

 
$
3,298


The changes in fair value of the interest rate lock commitments, which are Level 3 financial instruments and are measured on a recurring basis, are summarized in the following table, in thousands:
 
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2013
Balance at January 1,
$
1,809

 
$
9,353

Total gains (losses) included in earnings
3,393

 
(10,518
)
Issuances
1,798

 
9,821

Settlements
(3,709
)
 
(6,847
)
Balance at period end
$
3,291

 
$
1,809


Gains included in gains (losses) on sales of loans held for sale attributable to interest rate lock commitments held at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were $3.3 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

The tables below summarize the estimated fair value of Heartland's financial instruments as defined by ASC 825 as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands. The carrying amounts in the following tables are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets under the indicated captions. In accordance with ASC 825, the assets and liabilities that are not financial instruments are not included in the disclosure, such as the value of the mortgage servicing rights, premises, furniture and equipment, goodwill and other intangibles and other liabilities.

Heartland does not believe that the estimated information presented herein is representative of the earnings power or value of Heartland. The following analysis, which is inherently limited in depicting fair value, also does not consider any value associated with either existing customer relationships or the ability of Heartland to create value through loan origination, deposit gathering or fee generating activities. Many of the estimates presented herein are based upon the use of highly subjective information and assumptions and, accordingly, the results may not be precise. Management believes that fair value estimates may not be comparable between financial institutions due to the wide range of permitted valuation techniques and numerous estimates which must be made. Furthermore, because the disclosed fair value amounts were estimated as of the balance sheet date, the amounts actually realized or paid upon maturity or settlement of the various financial instruments could be significantly different.





 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at
September 30, 2014
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
 Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
67,836

 
$
67,836

 
$
67,836

 
$

 
$

Time deposits in other financial institutions
2,605

 
2,605

 
2,605

 

 

Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading

 

 

 

 

Available for sale
1,369,703

 
1,369,703

 
2,536

 
1,362,319

 
4,848

Held to maturity
255,312

 
266,641

 

 
266,641

 

Other investments
20,514

 
20,514

 

 
20,279

 
235

Loans held for sale
93,054

 
93,054

 

 
93,054

 

Loans, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
1,012,918

 
1,004,481

 

 
1,002,936

 
1,545

Commercial real estate
1,668,969

 
1,682,042

 

 
1,674,984

 
7,058

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
401,785

 
388,171

 

 
387,344

 
827

Residential real estate
357,658

 
329,916

 

 
327,413

 
2,503

Consumer
319,126

 
312,399

 

 
309,356

 
3,043

Total Loans, net
3,760,456

 
3,717,009

 

 
3,702,033

 
14,976

Derivative financial instruments
96

 
96

 

 
96

 

Interest rate lock commitments
3,291

 
3,291

 

 

 
3,291

Forward commitments
222

 
222

 

 
222

 

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
1,274,439

 
1,274,439

 

 
1,274,439

 

Savings deposits
2,599,850

 
2,599,850

 

 
2,599,850

 

Time deposits
852,430

 
852,430

 

 
852,430

 

Short term borrowings
348,305

 
348,305

 

 
348,305

 

Other borrowings
334,513

 
339,338

 

 
339,338

 

Derivative financial instruments
3,111

 
3,111

 

 
3,111

 

Forward commitments
623

 
623

 

 
623

 







 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2013
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
 Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
125,270

 
$
125,270

 
$
125,270

 
$

 
$

Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading
1,801

 
1,801

 
1,801

 

 

Available for sale
1,633,902

 
1,633,902

 
4,084

 
1,626,520

 
3,298

Held to maturity
237,498

 
237,437

 

 
237,437

 

Other investments
21,843

 
21,843

 

 
21,608

 
235

Loans held for sale
46,665

 
46,665

 

 
46,665

 

Loans, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
936,305

 
930,501

 

 
923,272

 
7,229

Commercial real estate
1,516,352

 
1,512,773

 

 
1,505,024

 
7,749

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
374,203

 
378,086

 

 
365,024

 
13,062

Residential real estate
347,266

 
335,362

 

 
331,966

 
3,396

Consumer
286,890

 
273,139

 

 
271,376

 
1,763

Total Loans, net
3,461,016

 
3,429,861

 

 
3,396,662

 
33,199

Derivative financial instruments

 

 

 

 

Interest rate lock commitments
1,809

 
1,809

 

 

 
1,809

Forward commitments
1,206

 
1,206

 

 
1,206

 

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
1,238,581

 
1,238,581

 

 
1,238,581

 

Savings deposits
2,535,242

 
2,535,242

 

 
2,535,242

 

Time deposits
892,676

 
892,676

 

 
892,676

 

Short term borrowings
408,756

 
408,756

 

 
408,756

 

Other borrowings
350,109

 
355,923

 

 
355,923

 

Derivative financial instruments
3,697

 
3,697

 

 
3,697

 

Forward commitments
133

 
133

 

 
133

 


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

Time Deposits in Other Financial Institutions — The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

Securities — For securities either held to maturity, available for sale or trading, fair value equals quoted market price if available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities. For Level 3 securities, Heartland utilizes independent pricing provided by third party vendors or brokers.

Other Investments — Fair value measurement of other investments, which consists primarily of FHLB stock, are based on their redeemable value, which is at cost due to the restrictions placed on their transferability. The market for these securities is restricted to the issuer of the stock and subject to impairment evaluation.






Loans and Leases The fair value of loans is estimated using an entrance price concept by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. The fair value of impaired loans is measured using the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or the fair value of the underlying collateral. The fair value of loans held for sale is estimated using quoted market prices.

Interest Rate Lock Commitments — The fair value of interest rate lock commitments is estimated using an internal valuation model, which includes grouping the interest rate lock commitments by interest rate and terms, applying an estimated closing ratio based on historical experience, and then multiplying by quoted investor prices determined to be reasonably applicable to the loan commitment groups based on interest rate, terms, and rate lock expiration dates of the loan commitment group.

Forward Commitments — The fair value of these instruments is estimated using an internal valuation model, which includes current trade pricing for similar financial instruments.

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

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

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

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






NOTE 8: SEGMENT REPORTING

Heartland has identified two operating segments for purposes of financial reporting: community and other banking and retail mortgage banking. These segments were determined based on the products and services provided or the type of customers served and are consistent with the information used by Heartland's key decision makers to make operating decisions and to assess Heartland's performance. The following tables present financial information from Heartland's operating segments for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, and 2013, in thousands.
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Community
and Other
Banking
 
Retail
Mortgage
Banking
 
Total
 
Community
and Other
Banking
 
Retail
Mortgage
Banking
 
Total
Net interest income
$
50,790

 
$
701

 
$
51,491

 
$
39,292

 
$
588

 
$
39,880

Provision for loan losses
2,553

 

 
2,553

 
5,149

 

 
5,149

Total noninterest income
11,124

 
9,038

 
20,162

 
11,971

 
8,408

 
20,379

Total noninterest expense
42,784

 
11,427

 
54,211

 
35,511

 
11,297

 
46,808

Income (loss) before taxes
$
16,577

 
$
(1,688
)
 
$
14,889

 
$
10,603

 
$
(2,301
)
 
$
8,302

Average Loans, for the period
$
3,736,917

 
$
75,301

 
$
3,812,218

 
$
2,867,933

 
$
69,575

 
$
2,937,508

Segment Assets, at period end
$
5,817,427

 
$
117,382

 
$
5,934,809

 
$
4,825,781

 
$
86,949

 
$
4,912,730

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Community
and Other
Banking
 
Retail
Mortgage
Banking
 
Total
 
Community
and Other
Banking
 
Retail
Mortgage
Banking
 
Total
Net interest income
$
148,930

 
$
1,972

 
$
150,902

 
$
115,968

 
$
1,503

 
$
117,471

Provision for loan losses
11,635

 

 
11,635

 
7,648

 

 
7,648

Total noninterest income
33,720

 
25,906

 
59,626

 
35,190

 
34,414

 
69,604

Total noninterest expense
127,743

 
32,744

 
160,487

 
104,199

 
36,021

 
140,220

Income (loss) before taxes
$
43,272

 
$
(4,866
)
 
$
38,406

 
$
39,311

 
$
(104
)
 
$
39,207

Average Loans, for the period
$
3,629,822

 
$
62,896

 
$
3,692,718

 
$
2,820,418

 
$
86,552

 
$
2,906,970

Segment Assets, at period end
$
5,817,427

 
$
117,382

 
$
5,934,809

 
$
4,825,781

 
$
86,949

 
$
4,912,730







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

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This document (including information incorporated by reference) contains, and future oral and written statements of Heartland and its management may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of such term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Heartland. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of Heartland's management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should" or other similar expressions. Although Heartland has made these statements based on management's experience and best estimate of future events, there may be events or factors that management has not anticipated, and the accuracy and achievement of such forward-looking statements and estimates are subject to a number of risks, including those identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and Heartland undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. These estimates are based upon historical experience and on various other assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The estimates and judgments that management believes have the most effect on Heartland's reported financial position and results of operations are described as critical accounting policies in Heartland's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There have been no significant changes in the critical accounting policies or the assumptions and judgments utilized in applying these policies since the year ended December 31, 2013.

OVERVIEW

Heartland's results of operations depend primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between interest income from interest earning assets and interest expense on interest bearing liabilities. Noninterest income, which includes service charges and fees, loan servicing income, trust income, brokerage and insurance commissions, securities gains and gains on sale of loans held for sale, also affects Heartland's results of operations. Heartland's principal operating expenses, aside from interest expense, consist of the provision for loan and lease losses, salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment costs, professional fees, FDIC insurance premiums, advertising and other real estate and loan collection expenses.

Net income available to common stockholders was $11.8 million, or $0.63 per diluted common share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, compared to $6.5 million, or $0.38 per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2013. Return on average common equity was 11.86% and return on average assets was 0.79% for the third quarter of 2014, compared to 8.38% and 0.53%, respectively, for the same quarter in 2013.

Positively affecting net income for the quarter as compared to the same quarter last year was a $11.6 million increase in net interest income, largely due to strong loan growth and the acquisition of Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company completed during the last quarter of 2013. This improvement was partially offset by a $7.4 million increase in noninterest expenses, primarily due to the added expenses at Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company.

Net income available to common stockholders for the first nine months of 2014 was $29.0 million, or $1.55 per diluted common share, compared to $28.0 million, or $1.63 per diluted common share, recorded during the first nine months of 2013. Return on average common equity was 10.21% and return on average assets was 0.67% for the first nine months of 2014, compared to 11.63% and 0.76%, respectively, for the same period in 2013.

Positively affecting net income for the first nine months of 2014 was a $33.4 million or 28% increase in net interest income, largely due to strong loan growth and the acquisition of Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company. This improvement was offset by a $11.3 million or 32% decrease in gains on sale of loans held for sale, resulting from weaker mortgage loan volumes, and a $20.3 million or 14% increase in noninterest expenses, primarily due to the added expenses of Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company.






Total assets were $5.93 billion at September 30, 2014, an increase of $11.1 million since year-end 2013. Securities represented 28% of total assets at September 30, 2014, compared to 32% at year-end 2013, as a portion of the proceeds from maturities, paydowns and sales were used to fund loan growth.

Total loans and leases held to maturity were $3.80 billion at September 30, 2014, compared to $3.50 billion at year-end 2013, an increase of $301.4 million or 11% annualized, with $103.6 million of this growth occurring in the third quarter, $117.0 million in the second quarter and $80.8 million during the first quarter. All of the loan growth during the first nine months of 2014 was organic, with commercial and commercial real estate loans representing the largest portion.

Total deposits were $4.73 billion as of September 30, 2014, compared to $4.67 billion at year-end 2013, an increase of $60.2 million or 2% annualized. The composition of Heartland's deposits remained favorable as no-cost demand deposits as a percentage of total deposits was 27% at September 30, 2014, while higher-cost certificates of deposit as a percentage of total deposits was 18% at September 30, 2014.

Common stockholders' equity was $401.7 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $357.8 million at year-end 2013. Book value per common share was $21.74 at September 30, 2014, compared to $19.44 at year-end 2013. Heartland's unrealized gains on securities available for sale, net of applicable taxes, were $1.9 million at September 30, 2014, compared to unrealized losses of $15.1 million at December 31, 2013.

Subsequent to the quarter-end, Heartland entered into a merger agreement with Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc., the parent company of Community Bank & Trust in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Under the agreement and subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, Heartland will acquire Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc. in an all stock transaction expected to close during the first quarter of 2015. Simultaneous with the closing, Community Bank & Trust will be merged into Heartland's Wisconsin Bank & Trust subsidiary. Community Bank & Trust had total assets of approximately $525.0 million as of September 30, 2014.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income

Net interest margin, expressed as a percentage of average earning assets, was 3.96% during the third quarter of 2014 compared to 4.04% during the second quarter of 2014 and 3.81% during the third quarter of 2013. For the first nine months of 2014, net interest margin was 3.97% compared to 3.77% for the first nine months of 2013. Net interest margin during 2014 benefited from loan growth, better asset mix, improved yield on securities and a continued decrease in deposit costs. With deposit rates at close to the bottom of their manageable range and reinvestment rates on maturing securities at dramatically lower levels, the sustainability of net interest margin as a percentage at current levels will be contingent on management's ability to shift dollars from the securities portfolio into the loan portfolio. Management believes net interest margin in dollars will continue to increase as the amount of earning assets grows.

Interest income increased $11.7 million or 24% to $60.1 million in the third quarter of 2014 from the $48.4 million recorded in the third quarter of 2013. After adjustment to add $2.6 million for the third quarter of 2014 and $2.4 million for the third quarter of 2013 for income taxes saved on the interest earned on nontaxable securities and loans, on a tax-equivalent basis, interest income in the third quarter of 2014 was $62.7 million compared to $50.8 million in the third quarter of 2013. Interest income increased $32.8 million or 23% to $176.7 million for the first nine months of 2014 from the $143.9 million recorded in the first nine months of 2013. After adjustment to add $7.7 million for the first nine months of 2014 and $7.0 million for the first nine months of 2013 for income taxes saved on the interest earned on nontaxable securities and loans, on a tax-equivalent basis, interest income in the first nine months of 2014 was $184.4 million compared to $150.9 million in the first nine months of 2013. These increases in interest income were primarily due to increases in average earning assets combined with small increases in the interest rate earned on those assets. The average interest rate earned on total earning assets was 4.59% during the third quarter of 2014 compared to 4.58% during the third quarter of 2013, and 4.61% during the first nine months of 2014 compared to 4.56% during the first nine months of 2013. Average earning assets increased $1.03 billion or 23% during the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013, with approximately $816.9 million attributable to the Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company acquisition completed during the fourth quarter of 2013. Average earning assets increased $921.8 million or 21% during the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013, with approximately $810.7 million attributable to the Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company. The composition of average earning assets shifted to a more favorable mix as loans, generally a higher-yielding asset, comprised 69% of total average earning assets during the third quarter of 2014 compared to 66% during the third quarter of 2013 and 68% during the first nine months of 2014 compared to 65% during the first nine months of 2013.






Interest expense for the third quarter of 2014 was $8.6 million, an increase of $100,000 or 1% from $8.5 million in the third quarter of 2013. For the first nine months of 2014, interest expense was $25.7 million compared to $26.4 million during the first nine months of 2013, a decrease of $671,000 or 3%. Even though average interest bearing liabilities increased $686.3 million or 20% for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, as compared to the same quarter in 2013, the average interest rate paid on Heartland's interest bearing deposits and borrowings declined 16 basis points decreasing from 0.99% in the third quarter of 2013 to 0.83% in the third quarter of 2014. For the nine months ended on September 30, average interest bearing liabilities increased $674.6 million or 20% for 2014 as compared to 2013 and the average interest rate paid on these interest bearing deposits and borrowings declined 19 basis points decreasing from 1.03% in the first nine months of 2013 to 0.84% in the first nine months of 2014. Contributing to these improvements in interest expense was a continued favorable change in the mix of deposits. Average savings balances, the lowest cost interest-bearing deposits, as a percentage of total average interest bearing deposits were 75% during the third quarter of 2014, compared to 71% for the third quarter of 2013 and 75% during the first nine months of 2014 compared to 70% during the first nine months of 2013. The average interest rate paid on savings deposits was 0.31% during the third quarter of 2014 compared to 0.30% during the third quarter of 2013 and the average interest rate paid on time deposits was 1.22% during the third quarter of 2014 compared to 1.59% during the third quarter of 2013. The average interest rate paid on savings deposits was 0.32% during the first nine months of 2014 compared to 0.31% during the first nine months of 2013 and the average interest rate paid on time deposits was 1.19% during the first nine months of 2014 compared to 1.63% during the first nine months of 2013. Management continues to look for opportunities to reduce Heartland's funding costs. The greatest potential resides in the certificates of deposit portfolio with approximately $100 million maturing next quarter at average interest rates around 1.10%. For the past several months, the average renewal interest rate on maturing certificates of deposit has been ranging between 0.40% and 0.50%. The rates currently paid on Heartland's non-maturity deposits are effectively approaching a floor and management believes there is less flexibility to pay lower rates on these deposits in the future.

Net interest income increased $11.6 million or 29% to $51.5 million in the third quarter of 2014 from the $39.9 million recorded in the third quarter of 2013. Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis totaled $54.1 million during the third quarter of 2014, an increase of $11.8 million or 28% from the $42.3 million recorded during the third quarter of 2013. For the first nine months of 2014, net interest income increased $33.4 million or 28% to $150.9 million in 2014 from the $117.5 million recorded in 2013. Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis totaled $158.6 million during the first nine months of 2014, an increase of $34.1 million or 27% from the $124.5 million recorded during the first nine months of 2013.

Heartland attempts to manage its balance sheet to minimize the effect that a change in interest rates has on its net interest margin. Heartland plans to continue to work toward improving both its earning assets and funding mix through targeted organic growth strategies, which management believes will result in additional net interest income. Heartland believes its net interest income simulations reflect a well-balanced and manageable interest rate posture. Approximately 35% of Heartland's commercial and agricultural loan portfolios consist of floating rate loans that reprice based upon a change in the national prime or LIBOR interest rate. Since approximately 65% of these floating rate loans have interest rate floors that are currently in effect, an upward movement in LIBOR or the national prime interest rate would not have an immediate positive effect on Heartland's interest income. Item 3 of this Form 10-Q contains additional information about the results of Heartland's most recent net interest income simulations. Note 6 to the quarterly consolidated financial statements contains a detailed discussion of the derivative instruments Heartland has utilized to manage its interest rate risk.

The following table sets forth certain information relating to Heartland's average consolidated balance sheets and reflects the yield on average earning assets and the cost of average interest bearing liabilities for the periods indicated, in thousands. Dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities derives such yields and costs. Average balances are derived from daily balances, and nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale are included in each respective loan category. Assets with tax favorable treatment are evaluated on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 35%. Tax favorable assets generally have lower contractual pre-tax yields than fully taxable assets. A tax-equivalent yield is calculated by adding the tax savings to the interest earned on tax favorable assets and dividing by the average balance of the tax favorable assets.





ANALYSIS OF AVERAGE BALANCES, TAX-EQUIVALENT YIELDS AND RATES(1)
For the Quarters Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
Earning Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
$
1,279,612

 
$
7,547

 
2.34
%
 
$
1,086,302

 
$
4,803

 
1.75
%
Nontaxable(1)
367,791

 
4,997

 
5.39

 
401,083

 
5,297

 
5.24

Total securities
1,647,403

 
12,544

 
3.02

 
1,487,385

 
10,100

 
2.69

Interest bearing deposits
8,098

 
6

 
0.29

 
9,054

 
3

 
0.13

Federal funds sold
344

 
1

 
1.15

 
237

 

 

Loans and leases:(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and commercial real estate(1)
2,656,438

 
32,249

 
4.82

 
2,020,895

 
25,461

 
5.00

Residential mortgage
435,965

 
4,589

 
4.18

 
327,185

 
3,423

 
4.15

Agricultural and agricultural real estate(1)
398,571

 
5,030

 
5.01

 
327,266

 
4,274

 
5.18

Consumer
321,244

 
6,704

 
8.28

 
262,162

 
6,144

 
9.30

Fees on loans

 
1,603

 

 

 
1,377

 

Less: allowance for loan and lease losses
(41,727
)
 

 

 
(38,044
)
 

 

Net loans and leases
3,770,491

 
50,175

 
5.28

 
2,899,464

 
40,679

 
5.57

Total earning assets
5,426,336

 
62,726

 
4.59
%
 
4,396,140

 
50,782

 
4.58
%
Nonearning assets
456,456

 
 
 
 
 
505,832

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
5,882,792

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,901,972

 
 
 
 
Interest Bearing Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings
$
2,592,630

 
$
2,032

 
0.31
%
 
$
1,985,496

 
$
1,495

 
0.30
%
Time, $100,000 and over
320,849

 
924

 
1.14

 
301,633

 
1,056

 
1.39

Other time deposits
534,544

 
1,699

 
1.26

 
517,826

 
2,218

 
1.70

Short-term borrowings
316,874

 
227

 
0.28

 
277,041

 
131

 
0.19

Other borrowings
334,629

 
3,741

 
4.44

 
331,209

 
3,623

 
4.34

Total interest bearing liabilities
4,099,526

 
8,623

 
0.83
%
 
3,413,205

 
8,523

 
0.99
%
Noninterest bearing liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest bearing deposits
1,262,154

 
 
 
 
 
1,056,669

 
 
 
 
Accrued interest and other liabilities
45,674

 
 
 
 
 
40,928

 
 
 
 
Total noninterest bearing liabilities
1,307,828

 
 
 
 
 
1,097,597

 
 
 
 
Stockholders' Equity
475,438

 
 
 
 
 
391,170

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
$
5,882,792

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,901,972

 
 
 
 
Net interest income(1)
 
 
$
54,103

 
 
 
 
 
$
42,259

 
 
Net interest spread(1)
 
 
 
 
3.76
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.59
%
Net interest income to total earning assets(1)
 
 
 
 
3.96
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.81
%
Interest bearing liabilities to earning assets
75.55
%
 
 
 
 
 
77.64
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Tax-equivalent basis is calculated using an effective tax rate of 35%.
(2) Nonaccrual loans are included in average loans outstanding.





ANALYSIS OF AVERAGE BALANCES, TAX-EQUIVALENT YIELDS AND RATES(1)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
Earning Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
$
1,303,152

 
$
22,755

 
2.33
%
 
$
1,153,876

 
$
14,174

 
1.64
%
Nontaxable(1)
380,154

 
15,506

 
5.45

 
388,195

 
15,386

 
5.30

Total securities
1,683,306

 
38,261

 
3.04

 
1,542,071

 
29,560

 
2.56

Interest bearing deposits
7,256

 
20

 
0.37

 
9,216

 
9

 
0.13

Federal funds sold
450

 
1

 
0.30

 
672

 

 

Loans and leases:(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and commercial real estate(1)
2,580,868

 
93,978

 
4.87

 
2,000,590

 
76,288

 
5.10

Residential mortgage
421,571

 
13,554

 
4.30

 
331,854

 
10,334

 
4.16

Agricultural and agricultural real estate(1)
381,406

 
14,508

 
5.09

 
321,671

 
12,843

 
5.34

Consumer
308,873

 
19,372

 
8.39

 
252,855

 
17,894

 
9.46

Fees on loans

 
4,704

 

 

 
4,009

 

Less: allowance for loan and lease losses
(41,249
)
 

 

 
(38,230
)
 

 

Net loans and leases
3,651,469

 
146,116

 
5.35

 
2,868,740

 
121,368

 
5.66

Total earning assets
5,342,481

 
184,398

 
4.61
%
 
4,420,699

 
150,937

 
4.56
%
Nonearning assets
475,679

 
 
 
 
 
486,737

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
5,818,160

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,907,436

 
 
 
 
Interest Bearing Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings
$
2,572,492

 
$
6,184

 
0.32
%
 
$
1,986,083

 
$
4,637

 
0.31
%
Time, $100,000 and over
329,976

 
2,641

 
1.07

 
310,333

 
3,395

 
1.46

Other time deposits
548,171

 
5,185

 
1.26

 
532,291

 
6,879

 
1.73

Short-term borrowings
308,000

 
655

 
0.28

 
250,326

 
387

 
0.21

Other borrowings
334,881

 
11,084

 
4.43

 
339,923

 
11,122

 
4.37

Total interest bearing liabilities
4,093,520

 
25,749

 
0.84
%
 
3,418,956

 
26,420

 
1.03
%
Noninterest bearing liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest bearing deposits
1,219,431

 
 
 
 
 
1,016,413

 
 
 
 
Accrued interest and other liabilities
43,346

 
 
 
 
 
67,650

 
 
 
 
Total noninterest bearing liabilities
1,262,777

 
 
 
 
 
1,084,063

 
 
 
 
Stockholders' Equity
461,863

 
 
 
 
 
404,417

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
$
5,818,160

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,907,436

 
 
 
 
Net interest income(1)
 
 
$
158,649

 
 
 
 
 
$
124,517

 
 
Net interest spread(1)
 
 
 
 
3.77
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.53
%
Net interest income to total earning assets(1)
 
 
 
 
3.97
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.77
%
Interest bearing liabilities to earning assets
76.62
%
 
 
 
 
 
77.34
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Tax-equivalent basis is calculated using an effective tax rate of 35%.
(2) Nonaccrual loans are included in average loans outstanding.

Provision For Loan And Lease Losses

The allowance for loan and lease losses is established through a provision charged to expense to provide, in Heartland management's opinion, an appropriate allowance for loan and lease losses. The provision for loan losses was $2.6 million for the third quarter of 2014 compared to $5.1 million for the third quarter of 2013. Included in the provision for loan and lease losses during the third quarter of 2013 was a $2.2 million impairment reserve on one credit. For the first nine months of 2014, the provision for loan losses was $11.6 million compared to $7.6 million for the first nine months of 2013. The first quarter 2014 provision included approximately $4.5 million to compensate for a charge-off on a single large credit.






In determining that the allowance for loan and lease losses is appropriate, management uses factors that include the overall composition of the loan portfolio, general economic conditions, types of loans, loan collateral values, past loss experience, loan delinquencies, substandard credits, and doubtful credits. For additional details on the specific factors considered, refer to the discussion of critical accounting policies set forth in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in Heartland's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and under the caption "Allowance For Loan and Lease Losses" in this report. Heartland believes the allowance for loan and lease losses as of September 30, 2014, was at a level commensurate with the overall risk exposure of the loan portfolio. However, if economic conditions should become more unfavorable, certain borrowers may experience difficulty and the level of nonperforming loans, charge-offs and delinquencies could rise and require further increases in the provision for loan and lease losses.

Noninterest Income

The tables below show Heartland's noninterest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, in thousands:
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
Service charges and fees
$
4,857

 
$
4,487

 
$
370

 
8
 %
Loan servicing income
1,319

 
598

 
721

 
121

Trust fees
3,194

 
2,918

 
276

 
9

Brokerage and insurance commissions
1,044

 
1,277

 
(233
)
 
(18
)
Securities gains, net
825

 
1,118

 
(293
)
 
(26
)
Gain (loss) on trading account securities, net

 
263

 
(263
)
 
(100
)
Gains on sale of loans held for sale
8,384

 
8,637

 
(253
)
 
(3
)
Loss on sales/valuations of other real estate and repossessed assets, net
(444
)
 
(339
)
 
(105
)
 
(31
)
Valuation adjustment on mortgage servicing rights

 

 

 

Income on bank owned life insurance
371

 
409

 
(38
)
 
(9
)
Other noninterest income
612

 
1,011

 
(399
)
 
(39
)
  Total noninterest income
$
20,162

 
$
20,379

 
$
(217
)
 
(1
)%

 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
Service charges and fees
$
15,007

 
$
12,775

 
$
2,232

 
17
 %
Loan servicing income
4,223

 
865

 
3,358

 
388

Trust fees
9,747

 
8,764

 
983

 
11

Brokerage and insurance commissions
3,325

 
3,315

 
10

 

Securities gains, net
2,460

 
6,612

 
(4,152
)
 
(63
)
Gain (loss) on trading account securities, net
(38
)
 
839

 
(877
)
 
(105
)
Gains on sale of loans held for sale
23,559

 
34,842

 
(11,283
)
 
(32
)
Loss on sales/valuations of other real estate and repossessed assets, net
(1,365
)
 
(2,440
)
 
1,075

 
44

Valuation adjustment on mortgage servicing rights

 
496

 
(496
)
 
(100
)
Income on bank owned life insurance
1,073

 
1,129

 
(56
)
 
(5
)
Other noninterest income
1,635

 
2,407

 
(772
)
 
(32
)
  Total noninterest income
$
59,626

 
$
69,604

 
$
(9,978
)
 
(14
)%

During 2014, Heartland made reclassification changes to two components of noninterest income. These reclassifications are presented in both the current and prior reporting periods and did not affect the financial results. Heartland believes these reclassifications are more consistent with industry reporting practices. The first change was the reclassification of mortgage servicing rights income from loan servicing income to gain on sale of loans held for sale. For the three-month period ended on





September 30, 2013, $3.4 million was reclassified from loan servicing income to gain on sale of loans held for sale. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, $10.6 million was reclassified from loan servicing income to gain on sale of loans held for sale. The second change was the reclassification of loss on sales/valuations of other real estate and repossessed assets, net, from other real estate and loan collection expenses to a new noninterest income category. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, losses of $339,000 were reclassified from other real estate and loan collection expenses to loss on sales/valuations of other real estate and repossessed assets, net. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, losses of $2.4 million were reclassified from other real estate and loan collection expenses to loss on sales/valuations of other real estate and repossessed assets, net.

Noninterest income of $20.2 million during the third quarter of 2014 was consistent with the $20.4 million recorded during the third quarter of 2013. For the nine-month period ended on September 30, noninterest income was $59.6 million in 2014 compared to $69.6 million in 2013, a decrease of $10.0 million or 14%. These decreases were primarily due to reductions in the amount of gains on sale of loans held for sale and securities gains. The negative impact of these decreases was partially offset by higher service charges and fees, loan servicing income, trust fees and brokerage and insurance commissions.

Service charges and fees increased $370,000 or 8% during the quarters under comparison and $2.2 million or 17% during the nine-month periods under comparison, with approximately $254,000 for the quarter and $1.8 million for the nine-month period attributable to the service charges and fees collected at Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company. Service charges on checking and savings accounts recorded during the third quarter of 2014 were $1.3 million compared to $1.2 million during the third quarter of 2013, an increase of $12,000 or 1%. For the nine months ended September 30, service charges on checking and savings accounts totaled $3.8 million during 2014 compared to $3.6 million during 2013, an increase of $221,000 or 6%. Overdraft fees were $1.7 million during the third quarter of 2014 compared to $1.5 million during the third quarter of 2013, an increase of $164,000 or 11%. For the nine months ended September 30, overdraft fees totaled $4.6 million during 2014 compared to $4.2 million during 2013, an increase of $358,000 or 8%. Interchange revenue from activity on bank debit cards, along with surcharges on ATM activity, resulted in service charges and fees of $1.9 million during the third quarter of 2014 compared to $1.5 million during the third quarter of 2013, an increase of $334,000 or 22%. These same fees were $5.4 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to $4.4 million during the first nine months of 2013, an increase of $988,000 or 23%. These increases are primarily attributable to a larger demand deposit customer base in 2014, a portion of which is due to the Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company acquisition completed during the last quarter of 2013. Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company contributed $212,000 to these fees for credit card services during the third quarter of 2014 and $705,000 during the first nine months of 2014. During the fourth quarter of 2014, Heartland will begin to provide the enhanced credit card services provided by Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company at its other bank subsidiaries.

Loan servicing income totaled $1.3 million during the third quarter of 2014 compared to $598,000 during the third quarter of 2013. On a nine-month comparative basis, loan servicing income totaled $4.2 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to $865,000 during the same period in 2013. Loan servicing income includes the fees collected for the servicing of mortgage loans for others, which are dependent upon the aggregate outstanding balance of these loans, rather than quarterly production and sales of mortgage loans. Fees collected for the servicing of mortgage loans for others were $2.2 million during the third quarter of 2014 compared to $1.9 million during the third quarter of 2013, an increase of $320,000 or 17%. For the first nine months of the year, the fees collected for the servicing of mortgage loans for others were $6.4 million compared to $4.9 million during the same period in 2013, an increase of $1.5 million or 30%. The portfolio of mortgage loans serviced for others by Heartland totaled $3.36 billion at September 30, 2014, compared to $2.89 billion at September 30, 2013. Also included in loan servicing income is the amortization of mortgage servicing rights which was $1.4 million during the third quarter of 2014 compared to $1.8 million during the third quarter of 2013, a decrease of $387,000 or 21%. For the first nine months of the year, the amortization of mortgage servicing rights was $3.8 million during 2014 compared to $5.5 million during 2013, a decrease of $1.8 million or 32%. As the average life of Heartland’s mortgage servicing rights increased during the first quarter of 2014 to 84 months from 60 months one year ago and continued at that level during the second and third quarters of 2014, the monthly amortization expense was lower during the first nine months of 2014 in comparison with the first nine months of 2013.






Gains on sale of loans held for sale totaled $8.4 million during the third quarter of 2014 compared to $8.6 million during the third quarter of 2013, a decrease of $253,000 or 3%. During the first nine months of 2014, gains on sale of loans held for sale totaled $23.6 million compared to $34.8 million during the same period in 2013, a decrease of $11.3 million or 32%. These decreases were related to the flat or moderately increasing interest rate environment that existed throughout much of the first nine months of 2014, as opposed to a low interest rate environment that existed throughout much of the first nine months of 2013 that encouraged mortgage loan refinancings. The volume of mortgage loans sold totaled $283.7 million during the third quarter of 2014, a 16% decrease from the $336.8 million sold during the third quarter of 2013. The following table summarizes Heartland's residential mortgage loan activity during the most recent five quarters, in thousands:
 
As Of and For the Quarter Ended
 
9/30/2014
 
6/30/2014
 
3/31/2014
 
12/31/2013
 
9/30/2013
Mortgage Servicing Fees
$
2,225

 
$
2,119

 
$
2,067

 
$
1,951

 
$
1,903

Mortgage Servicing Rights Amortization
(1,424
)
 
(1,276
)
 
(1,079
)
 
(1,766
)
 
(1,811
)
  Total Residential Mortgage Loan Servicing Income
$
801

 
$
843

 
$
988

 
$
185

 
$
92

Valuation Adjustment on Mortgage Servicing Rights
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Gains On Sale of Residential Mortgage Loans
$
8,260

 
$
8,583

 
$
6,341

 
$
2,503

 
$
8,665

Total Residential Mortgage Loan Applications
$
445,039

 
$
460,533

 
$
316,829

 
$
293,115

 
$
416,128

Residential Mortgage Loans Originated
$
312,428

 
$
277,895

 
$
175,249

 
$
232,150

 
$
349,012

Residential Mortgage Loans Sold
$
283,677

 
$
208,429

 
$
149,993

 
$
214,334

 
$
336,780

Residential Mortgage Loan Servicing Portfolio
$
3,362,717

 
$
3,198,510

 
$
3,107,589

 
$
3,045,893

 
$
2,887,667


Trust fees increased $276,000 or 9% during the third quarter of 2014 compared to the same quarter in 2013. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, trust fees increased $983,000 or 11% compared to the same nine-month period in 2013. A large portion of trust fees is based upon the market value of the trust assets under management, which was $1.82 billion at September 30, 2014, compared to $1.54 billion at September 30, 2013. Those values fluctuate throughout the year as market conditions improve or decline.

Securities gains totaled $825,000 during the third quarter of 2014 compared to $1.1 million during the third quarter of 2013, and totaled $2.5 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to $6.6 million during the first nine months of 2013.
These decreases were related to the flat or moderately increasing interest rate environment that existed throughout much of the first nine months of 2014, as opposed to a low interest rate environment that existed throughout the first nine months of 2013 that encouraged rebalancing of the securities portfolio.

Trading securities contributed a net loss of $38,000 during the first nine months of 2014 compared to a net gain of $839,000 during the first nine months of 2013. The net gains in 2013 were primarily attributable to shares of Fannie Mae preferred stock Heartland held in its trading securities portfolio from 2008 until they were sold during the first quarter of 2014.






Noninterest Expenses

The tables below show Heartland's noninterest expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, in thousands:
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
Salaries and employee benefits
$
33,546

 
$
28,847

 
$
4,699

 
16
 %
Occupancy
3,807

 
3,387

 
420

 
12

Furniture and equipment
2,033

 
1,917

 
116

 
6

Professional fees
4,429

 
4,486

 
(57
)
 
(1
)
FDIC insurance assessments
888

 
745

 
143

 
19

Advertising
1,383

 
1,360

 
23

 
2

Intangible assets amortization
521

 
196

 
325

 
166

Other real estate and loan collection expenses
215

 
730

 
(515
)
 
(71
)
Other noninterest expenses
7,389

 
5,140

 
2,249

 
44

  Total Noninterest Expenses
$
54,211

 
$
46,808

 
$
7,403

 
16
 %
Efficiency ratio, fully taxable equivalent(1)
72.67
%
 
75.35
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) See the reconciliation of Non-GAAP measure below.

 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
% Change
Salaries and employee benefits
$
98,428

 
$
88,103

 
$
10,325

 
12
 %
Occupancy
11,841

 
9,796

 
2,045

 
21

Furniture and equipment
6,008

 
6,033

 
(25
)
 

Professional fees
13,169

 
12,262

 
907

 
7

FDIC insurance assessments
2,848

 
2,508

 
340

 
14

Advertising
4,082

 
3,836

 
246

 
6

Intangible assets amortization
1,736

 
594

 
1,142

 
192

Other real estate and loan collection expenses
1,785

 
2,446

 
(661
)
 
(27
)
Other noninterest expenses
20,590

 
14,642

 
5,948

 
41

  Total Noninterest Expenses
$
160,487

 
$
140,220

 
$
20,267

 
14
 %
Efficiency ratio, fully taxable equivalent(1)
73.10
%
 
73.51
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) See the reconciliation of Non-GAAP measure below.






Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measure
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Efficiency ratio(1)
76.54
 %
 
79.15
 %
 
77.13
 %
 
77.70
 %
Intangible assets amortization
(0.74
)%
 
(0.33
)%
 
(0.83
)%
 
(0.33
)%
Loss on sales/valuations of repossessed assets, net
(0.48
)%
 
(0.45
)%
 
(0.50
)%
 
(1.04
)%
Taxable equivalent yield adjustment
(2.65
)%
 
(3.02
)%
 
(2.70
)%
 
(2.82
)%
Efficiency ratio, fully taxable equivalent(2)
72.67
 %
 
75.35
 %
 
73.10
 %
 
73.51
 %
 
(1) Efficiency ratio is defined by the Federal Reserve guidance as noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus noninterest income, excluding investment securities gains (losses), net.
(2) Efficiency ratio, fully taxable equivalent, is noninterest expense, divided by the sum of taxable equivalent net interest income plus noninterest income, excluding investment securities gains (losses), net, loss on sales/valuations of repossessed assets, net, and intangible assets amortization. This efficiency ratio is presented on a taxable equivalent basis, which adjusts net interest income for the tax favored status of certain loans and investment securities. Management believes this measure to be the preferred industry measurement of net interest income as it enhances the comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax exempt sources, and it excludes certain specific revenue items (such as investment securities gains (losses), net). This is a non-GAAP measure.

As discussed earlier under the Noninterest Income heading of this report, losses of $339,000 were reclassified from other real estate and loan collection expenses to loss on sales/valuations of other real estate and repossessed assets, net, for the three months ended September 30, 2013. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, losses of $2.4 million were reclassified from other real estate and loan collection expenses to loss on sales/valuations of other real estate and repossessed assets, net. This reclassification results in other real estate and loan collection expenses for the third quarter of 2013 decreasing from $1.1 million as previously reported to $730,000. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, this reclassification resulted in other real estate and loan collection expenses decreasing from $3.8 million to $2.4 million.

For the third quarter of 2014, noninterest expense totaled $54.2 million, an increase of $7.4 million or 16% from the same quarter of 2013. For the first nine months of 2014, noninterest expenses totaled $160.5 million, an increase of $20.3 million or 14% from the first nine months of 2013. These increases were largely due to expenses at the Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company, which was acquired during the last quarter of 2013, totaling $4.9 million for the third quarter of 2014 and $14.5 million for the first nine months of 2014. Included in the 2014 third quarter noninterest expenses were $1.4 million in costs associated with partnership investments in a commercial and a residential real estate project, both of which qualify for historic rehabilitation tax credits. These credits are included as a reduction to income tax expense. The net result of these transactions positively impacted net income and negatively impacted the efficiency ratio. Excluding the effect of the acquisition and the costs associated with tax credit investments, other noninterest expenses increased $1.1 million or 2% during the third quarter of 2014 in comparison to the third quarter of 2013 and $4.4 million or 3% during the first nine months of 2014 in comparison to the first nine months of 2013. One of Heartland's top priorities for 2014 is improving its efficiency ratio to achieve a ratio of 65% in 2016. To that end, four banking centers were closed in the past twelve months and management has undertaken a company-wide process improvement initiative covering all subsidiaries and business lines. The systems conversion of Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company, which was completed in June 2014, and the planned combination of Heartland's Illinois subsidiary banks Riverside Community Bank and Galena State Bank and Trust Company under one charter named Illinois Bank & Trust, which is expected to occur in January 2015, are also expected to contribute to improvement in Heartland's efficiency ratio.

The largest component of noninterest expenses, salaries and employee benefits, increased $4.7 million or 16% during the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the same quarter in 2013 and $10.3 million or 12% for the nine-month period ended on September 30, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The salaries and employee benefits at Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company comprised $1.8 million of the increase for the quarterly comparative period and $6.4 million for the nine-month comparative period. Full-time equivalent employees totaled 1,646 on September 30, 2014, of which 89 were at Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company, compared to 1,655 on September 30, 2013.

Intangible assets amortization was $521,000 during the third quarter of 2014 compared to $196,000 during the third quarter of 2013, and $1.7 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to $594,000 during the first nine months of 2013. These increases are primarily a result of the core deposit intangibles attributable to the Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company acquisition completed in the last quarter of 2013.






For the third quarter of 2014, other noninterest expenses increased $2.2 million or 44% over the third quarter of 2013, primarily as a result of the previously discussed $1.4 million in costs associated with partnership investments in real estate projects that qualify for historic rehabilitation tax credits and $762,000 of other noninterest expenses at Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company. For the nine-month comparative periods ended on September 30, other noninterest expenses increased $5.9 million or 41%. Exclusive of the $1.4 million in costs associated with the tax credit partnerships and $2.2 million of other noninterest expenses at Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company, other noninterest expenses increased $2.3 million or 16%, with $925,000 of this increase attributable to increased software maintenance and amortization expense and $581,000 attributable to non-recurring writedowns on two bank-owned properties.

Income Taxes

Heartland's effective tax rate was 19.58% for the third quarter of 2014 compared to 17.97% for the third quarter of 2013. Included in Heartland's income taxes for the third quarter of 2014 were federal historic rehabilitation tax credits totaling $1.8 million associated with Heartland's ownership interest in qualifying real estate projects. Federal low-income housing tax credits included in Heartland's income taxes totaled $166,000 during the third quarter of 2014 compared to $200,000 during the third quarter of 2013. Heartland's effective tax rate is also affected by the level of tax-exempt interest income which, as a percentage of pre-tax income, was 32.59% during the third quarter of 2014 compared to 53.31% during the third quarter of 2013. The tax-equivalent adjustment for this tax-exempt interest income was $2.6 million during the third quarter of 2014 compared to $2.4 million during the third quarter of 2013.

Heartland's effective tax rate was 22.83% for the first nine months of 2014 compared to 26.24% for the first nine months of 2013. Included in Heartland's income taxes for the first nine months of 2014 was the $1.8 million of historic rehabilitation tax credits recorded during the third quarter. Also included in Heartland's income taxes for the nine-month comparative periods ended on September 30, were federal low-income housing tax credits of $566,000 during 2014 and $599,000 during 2013. The level of tax-exempt interest income which, as a percentage of pre-tax income, was 37.46% during the first nine months of 2014 compared to 33.37% during the first nine months of 2013. The tax-equivalent adjustment for this tax-exempt interest income was $7.7 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to $7.0 million during the first nine months of 2013.

Segment Reporting

Heartland has two reportable segments: community and other banking and retail mortgage banking. Revenues from community and other banking operations consist primarily of interest earned on loans and investment securities and fees from deposit services. Retail mortgage banking operating revenues consist of interest earned on mortgage loans held for sale, gains on sales of loans into the secondary market, the servicing of mortgage loans for various investors and loan origination fee income. See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding our segment reporting.

Income before taxes for the community and other banking segment for the third quarter of 2014 was $16.6 million compared to $10.6 million for the third quarter of 2013, a $6.0 million or 56% increase, primarily as a result of increased net interest income and reduced provision for loan and lease losses, the effect of which was partially offset by increased noninterest expenses. Net interest income from the community and other banking segment improved by $11.5 million or 29% for the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the third quarter of 2013, primarily as a result of strong loan growth and the acquisition of the Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company completed during the fourth quarter of 2013. Noninterest expenses allocable to the community and other banking segment increased $7.3 million or 20% during the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the third quarter of 2013, a large portion of which was a result of the added expenses at Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company. Income before taxes for the community and other banking segment for the nine months ended September 30 was $43.3 million for 2014 compared to $39.3 million for 2013, a $4.0 million or 10% increase. The increase was primarily a result of increased net interest income, which was partially offset by an increase in noninterest expenses. Driven by strong loan growth and the Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company acquisition, net interest income from the community and other banking segment increased $32.9 million or 28% from $116.0 million during the first nine months of 2013 to $148.9 million during the first nine months of 2014. Provision for loan and lease losses for the community and other banking segment was $11.6 million for the first nine months of 2014 compared of $7.6 million for the first nine months of 2013, an increase of $4.0 million, primarily as a result of a charge-off on one significant credit during the first quarter of 2014. Noninterest expenses allocable to the community and other banking segment totaled $127.7 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to $104.2 million during the first nine months of 2013, an increase of $23.5 million or 23%, primarily a result of the added expenses at Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company.

The retail mortgage banking segment recorded a loss before taxes of $1.7 million for the third quarter of 2014 compared to a loss before taxes of $2.3 million for the third quarter of 2013. For the nine-month comparative period ended on September 30, the retail mortgage banking segment recorded a loss before taxes of $4.9 million in 2014 compared to a loss before taxes of





$100,000 in 2013. These losses were reflective of the change in long-term interest rates and the effect higher interest rates have on the volume of residential mortgage loans originated for sale and the associated gains on sale of these loans into the secondary market. Noninterest income from the retail mortgage banking segment totaled $9.0 million during the third quarter of 2014 compared to $8.4 million during the third quarter of 2013, a $630,000 or 7% increase. For the nine-month comparative periods ended September 30, noninterest income from the retail mortgage banking segment totaled $25.9 million in 2014 compared to $34.4 million in 2013, an $8.5 million or 25% decrease. Noninterest expenses allocable to the retail mortgage banking segment were $11.4 million during the third quarter of 2014 compared to $11.3 million during the third quarter of 2013. For the nine-month comparative period ended September 30, noninterest expenses allocable to the retail mortgage banking segment totaled $32.7 million during 2014 compared to $36.0 million during 2013, a $3.3 million or 9% decrease.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Total assets were $5.93 billion at September 30, 2014, an increase of $11.1 million since year-end 2013.

Lending Activities

Total loans and leases held to maturity were $3.80 billion at September 30, 2014, compared to $3.50 billion at year-end 2013, an increase of $301.4 million or 11% annualized, with $103.6 million of this growth occurring in the third quarter, $117.0 million in the second quarter and $80.8 million during the first quarter. All of the loan growth during the first nine months of 2014 was organic with commercial and commercial real estate loans representing the largest portion. Heartland management expects loan growth for the last quarter of 2014 to soften a bit, to approximately $50 million.

Commercial and commercial real estate loans, which totaled $2.71 billion at September 30, 2014, increased $229.7 million or 12% annualized since year-end 2013, with $59.0 million of this growth occurring during the third quarter, $102.9 million during the second quarter and $67.8 million during the first quarter. Residential mortgage loans, which totaled $360.3 million at September 30, 2014, increased $11.0 million or 4% annualized since year-end 2013. Agricultural and agricultural real estate loans, which totaled $404.4 million at September 30, 2014, increased $27.7 million or 10% annualized since year-end 2013. Consumer loans, which totaled $326.1 million at September 30, 2014, increased $32.0 million or 15% annualized since year-end 2013. Within the commercial and agricultural portfolios, 35% of the new loan production during the third quarter of 2014 was in commercial and industrial and 29% was in commercial real estate, of which 34% is owner-occupied.

The table below presents the composition of the loan portfolio as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
LOAN PORTFOLIO
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
Loans and leases receivable held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
1,024,712

 
26.96
%
 
$
950,197

 
27.16
%
Commercial real estate
1,684,832

 
44.34

 
1,529,683

 
43.70

Agricultural and agricultural real estate
404,423

 
10.64

 
376,735

 
10.76

Residential mortgage
360,309

 
9.48

 
349,349

 
9.98

Consumer
326,148

 
8.58

 
294,145

 
8.40

Gross loans and leases receivable held to maturity
3,800,424

 
100.00
%
 
3,500,109

 
100.00
%
Unearned discount
(98
)
 
 
 
(168
)
 
 
Deferred loan fees
(2,021
)
 
 
 
(2,989
)
 
 
Total net loans and leases receivable held to maturity
3,798,305

 
 
 
3,496,952

 
 
Loans covered under loss share agreements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and commercial real estate
1,188

 
30.86
%
 
2,314

 
40.24
%
Agricultural and agricultural real estate
573

 
14.88

 
543

 
9.45

Residential mortgage
1,762

 
45.77

 
2,280

 
39.66

Consumer
327

 
8.49

 
612

 
10.65

Total loans covered under loss share agreements
3,850

 
100.00
%
 
5,749

 
100.00
%
Allowance for loan and lease losses
(41,698
)
 
 
 
(41,685
)
 
 
Loans and leases receivable, net
$
3,760,457

 
 
 
$
3,461,016

 







Loans and leases secured by real estate, either fully or partially, totaled $2.44 billion or 64% of gross loans and leases at September 30, 2014. Of the non-farm, nonresidential real estate loans, 55% are owner occupied. The largest categories within Heartland's real estate secured loans at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are listed below, in thousands:
LOANS SECURED BY REAL ESTATE
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Residential real estate, excluding residential construction and residential lot loans
$
696,175

 
$
566,397

Industrial, manufacturing, business and commercial
327,975

 
240,502

Agriculture
243,886

 
199,998

Retail
186,246

 
154,786

Office
214,959

 
160,343

Land development and lots
123,792

 
98,157

Hotel, resort and hospitality
101,831

 
97,514

Multi-family
142,236

 
98,214

Food and beverage
78,301

 
73,588

Warehousing
73,402

 
65,724

Health services
58,937

 
49,070

Residential construction
76,822

 
36,865

All other
116,902

 
99,396

Loans acquired during fourth quarter 2013

 
272,157

Total loans secured by real estate
$
2,441,464

 
$
2,212,711


Allowance For Loan and Lease Losses

The process utilized by Heartland to determine the appropriateness of the allowance for loan and lease losses is considered a critical accounting practice for Heartland. The allowance for loan and lease losses represents management's estimate of identified and unidentified probable losses in the existing loan portfolio. For additional details on the specific factors considered, refer to the critical accounting policies section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Exclusive of loans covered under loss sharing agreements, the allowance for loan and lease losses at September 30, 2014, was 1.10% of loans and leases and 138.40% of nonperforming loans compared to 1.19% of loans and leases and 98.27% of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2013, and 1.42% of loans and leases and 87.73% of nonperforming loans at September 30, 2013.

Net charge-offs on loans during the third quarter of 2014 were $1.7 million compared to $1.5 million during the third quarter of 2013. For the first nine months of 2014, net charge-offs on loans were $11.6 million, up $6.5 million as compared to $5.1 million recorded during the first nine months of 2013. This increase was primarily due to a $6.8 million credit which was fully charged off during the first quarter of 2014.

Nonperforming loans, exclusive of those covered under the loss sharing agreements, were $30.1 million or 0.79% of total loans and leases at September 30, 2014, compared to $42.4 million or 1.21% of total loans and leases at December 31, 2013. Approximately 34%, or $10.1 million, of Heartland's nonperforming loans have individual loan balances exceeding $1.0 million, the largest of which is $3.8 million. These nonperforming loans with individual loan balances exceeding $1.0 million, to an aggregate of four borrowers, are spread over three different industry classifications with 66% located in Heartland's Western markets and the remainder in the Midwest. The portion of Heartland's nonperforming loans covered by government guarantees was $1.8 million at September 30, 2014.

Other real estate owned was $20.5 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $29.9 million at December 31, 2013. Liquidation strategies have been identified for all the assets held in other real estate owned. Management continues to market these properties through an orderly liquidation process instead of a quick liquidation process in order to avoid discounts greater than the projected carrying costs.






Delinquencies in each of the loan portfolios continue to be well managed. Loans delinquent 30 to 89 days as a percent of total loans were 0.32% at September 30, 2014, compared to 0.30% at December 31, 2013.

The table below presents the changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses during the periods indicated, in thousands:
ANALYSIS OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of period
$
41,685

 
$
38,715

Provision for loan and lease losses
11,635

 
7,648

Recoveries on loans and leases previously charged off
3,022

 
3,298

Recoveries on loans and leases covered by loss share agreements
63

 

Charge-offs on loans and leases not covered by loss share agreements
(14,658
)
 
(8,237
)
Charge-offs on loans and leases covered by loss share agreements
(49
)
 
(113
)
Balance at end of period
$
41,698

 
$
41,311

Annualized ratio of net charge offs to average loans and leases
0.42
%
 
0.23
%

The table below presents the amounts of nonperforming loans and leases and other nonperforming assets on the dates indicated, in thousands:
NONPERFORMING ASSETS
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2013
 
2012
Not covered under loss share agreements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans and leases
$
30,130

 
$
47,088

 
$
42,394

 
$
43,156

Loan and leases contractually past due 90 days or more

 

 
24

 

Total nonperforming loans and leases
30,130

 
47,088

 
42,418

 
43,156

Other real estate
19,873

 
32,753

 
29,794

 
35,470

Other repossessed assets
506

 
469

 
397

 
542

Total nonperforming assets not covered under loss share agreements
$
50,509

 
$
80,310

 
$
72,609

 
$
79,168

Covered under loss share agreements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans and leases
$
297

 
$
805

 
$
783

 
$
1,259

Loan and leases contractually past due 90 days or more

 

 

 

Total nonperforming loans and leases
297

 
805

 
783

 
1,259

Other real estate
602

 
265

 
58

 
352

Other repossessed assets

 
4

 

 

Total nonperforming assets covered under loss share agreements
$
899

 
$
1,074

 
$
841

 
$
1,611

Performing troubled debt restructured loans(1)
$
11,994

 
$
19,371

 
$
19,353

 
$
21,121

Nonperforming loans and leases not covered under loss share agreements to total loans and leases
0.79
%
 
1.62
%
 
1.21
%
 
1.53
%
Nonperforming assets not covered under loss share agreements to total loans and leases plus repossessed property
1.32
%
 
2.74
%
 
2.06
%
 
2.77
%
Nonperforming assets not covered under loss share agreements to total assets
0.85
%
 
1.63
%
 
1.23
%
 
1.59
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Represents accruing troubled debt restructured loans performing according to their restructured terms.






The schedules below summarize the changes in Heartland's nonperforming assets, including those covered by loss share agreements, during the third quarter of 2014 and the first nine months of 2014, in thousands:
 
Nonperforming
Loans
 
Other
Real Estate
Owned
 
Other
Repossessed
Assets
 
Total
Nonperforming
Assets
June 30, 2014
$
29,373

 
$
24,395

 
$
414

 
$
54,182

Loan foreclosures
(431
)
 
424

 
7

 

Net loan charge-offs
(1,747
)
 

 

 
(1,747
)
New nonperforming loans
5,911

 

 

 
5,911

Reduction of nonperforming loans(1)
(2,679
)
 

 

 
(2,679
)
OREO/Repossessed assets sales proceeds

 
(4,306
)
 
(7
)
 
(4,313
)
OREO/Repossessed assets writedowns, net

 
(38
)
 

 
(38
)
Net activity at Citizens Finance Co.

 

 
92

 
92

September 30, 2014
$
30,427

 
$
20,475

 
$
506

 
$
51,408

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes principal reductions and transfers to performing status.
 
Nonperforming
Loans
 
Other
Real Estate
Owned
 
Other
Repossessed
Assets
 
Total
Nonperforming
Assets
December 31, 2013
$
43,201

 
$
29,852

 
$
397

 
$
73,450

Loan foreclosures
(6,528
)
 
6,521

 
7

 

Net loan charge-offs
(11,622
)
 

 

 
(11,622
)
New nonperforming loans
15,503

 

 

 
15,503

Reduction of nonperforming loans(1)
(10,127
)
 

 

 
(10,127
)
OREO/Repossessed assets sales proceeds

 
(14,876
)
 
(46
)
 
(14,922
)
OREO/Repossessed assets writedowns, net

 
(1,022
)
 
2

 
(1,020
)
Net activity at Citizens Finance Co.

 

 
146

 
146

September 30, 2014
$
30,427

 
$
20,475

 
$
506

 
$
51,408

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes principal reductions and transfers to performing status.

Securities

The composition of Heartland's securities portfolio is managed to maximize the return on the portfolio while considering the impact it has on Heartland's asset/liability position and liquidity needs. Securities represented 28% of total assets at September 30, 2014, compared to 32% at year-end 2013, as a portion of the proceeds from maturities, paydowns and sales were used to fund loan growth. Total available for sale securities as of September 30, 2014, were $1.37 billion, a decrease of $264.2 million or 16% from $1.63 billion at December 31, 2013.

The table below presents the composition of the securities portfolio, including trading, available for sale and held to maturity, by major category, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, in thousands:
SECURITIES PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
U.S. government corporations and agencies
$
13,946

 
0.86
%
 
$
218,303

 
11.52
%
Mortgage-backed securities
1,170,682

 
71.14

 
1,149,920

 
60.68

Obligation of states and political subdivisions
435,318

 
26.45

 
498,149

 
26.29

Other securities
25,583

 
1.55

 
28,672

 
1.51

Total securities
$
1,645,529

 
100.00
%
 
$
1,895,044

 
100.00
%

The composition of the securities portfolio changed slightly as a larger portion of the securities sales and maturities were in the lower-yielding U.S. government corporations and agency securities. The percentage of Heartland's securities portfolio comprised of mortgage-backed securities was 71% at September 30, 2014, and 61% at December 31, 2013. Approximately





97% of Heartland's mortgage-backed securities were issuances of government-sponsored enterprises at September 30, 2014. Heartland's securities portfolio had an expected duration of 4.30 years as of September 30, 2014, compared to 4.50 years at year-end 2013.
The Volcker Rule prohibits insured depository institutions and their holding companies from engaging in proprietary trading except in limited circumstances, and prohibits them from owning equity interests in excess of 3% of Tier 1 Capital in private equity and hedge funds. The Volcker Rule will not have a material impact on Heartland’s investment securities portfolio.

At September 30, 2014, Heartland had $25.6 million of other securities, including capital stock in the various Federal Home Loan Banks of which its bank subsidiaries are members and all of which were classified as other securities held at cost.

Deposits And Borrowed Funds

Total deposits were $4.73 billion as of September 30, 2014, compared to $4.67 billion at year-end 2013, an increase of $60.2 million or 2% annualized. Demand deposits totaled $1.27 billion at September 30, 2014, an increase of $35.9 million or 4% annualized since year-end 2013. Savings deposits grew to $2.60 billion, an increase of $64.6 million or 3% annualized, during the first nine months of 2014. Certificates of deposit totaled $852.4 million at September 30, 2014, a decrease of $40.2 million or 6% annualized.

Short-term borrowings generally include federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, short-term FHLB advances and discount window borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank. These funding alternatives are utilized in varying degrees depending on their pricing and availability. All of Heartland's bank subsidiaries own FHLB stock in either the Chicago, Dallas, Des Moines, Seattle, San Francisco or Topeka FHLB, enabling them to borrow funds from their respective FHLB for short- or long-term purposes under a variety of programs. The amount of short-term borrowings was $348.3 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $408.8 million at year-end 2013, including short-term FHLB advances of $76.0 million at September 30, 2014, in comparison with $105.0 million at December 31, 2013.

All of the Heartland bank subsidiaries provide retail repurchase agreements to their customers as a cash management tool, sweeping excess funds from demand deposit accounts into these agreements. This source of funding does not increase the bank's reserve requirements. Although the aggregate balance of these retail repurchase agreements is subject to variation, the account relationships represented by these balances are principally local. The balances of retail repurchase agreements were $220.6 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $234.7 million at December 31, 2013.

Also included in short-term borrowings is the revolving credit line Heartland has with an unaffiliated bank, primarily to provide liquidity to Heartland. On June 14, 2013, Heartland replaced its $5.0 million unsecured revolving credit line with a $20.0 million unsecured revolving credit line with the same unaffiliated bank. There was no balance outstanding on Heartland's revolving credit line at both September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013. This credit agreement contains specific covenants, with which Heartland was in compliance on September 30, 2014.

Other borrowings include all debt arrangements Heartland and its subsidiaries have entered into with original maturities that extend beyond one year, including long-term FHLB borrowings, term borrowings under term notes and senior notes, and obligations under trust preferred capital securities. As of September 30, 2014, the amount of other borrowings was $334.5 million, a decrease of $15.6 million or 4% since year-end 2013.

Long-term FHLB borrowings with an original term beyond one year totaled $113.8 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $113.5 million at December 31, 2013, an increase of $300,000. Total long-term FHLB borrowings at September 30, 2014, had an average rate of 2.67% and an average maturity of 1 year. The interest rate on $74.5 million of these advances changes quarterly at a spread over 3-month LIBOR. When considering the earliest possible call date on these advances, the average maturity is shortened to .70 years. Structured wholesale repurchase agreements totaled $45.0 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $60.0 million at December 31, 2013, a decrease of $15.0 million or 25%, due to the maturity of one contract.

The outstanding balance on Heartland's amortizing term loan with an unaffiliated bank was $10.7 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $11.7 million at December 31, 2013. Heartland also had senior notes totaling $37.5 million outstanding at both September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.






A schedule of Heartland's trust preferred securities outstanding as of September 30, 2014, is as follows, in thousands:
 
Amount
Issued
 
Issuance
Date
 
Interest
Rate
 
Interest
Rate as of
9/30/14(1)
 
Maturity
Date
 
Callable
Date
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust III
$
20,619

 
10/10/2003
 
8.25%
 
8.25%
 
10/10/2033
 
09/30/2014
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV
25,774

 
03/17/2004
 
2.75% over LIBOR
 
2.98%(2)
 
03/17/2034
 
09/17/2014
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust V
20,619

 
01/31/2006
 
1.33% over LIBOR
 
1.56%(3)
 
04/07/2036
 
10/07/2014
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VI
20,619

 
06/21/2007
 
6.75%
 
6.75%(4)
 
09/15/2037
 
09/15/2014
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VII
20,619

 
06/26/2007
 
1.48% over LIBOR
 
1.71%(5)
 
09/01/2037
 
09/01/2014
Morrill Statutory Trust I
8,524

 
12/26/2002
 
3.25% over LIBOR
 
3.49%(6)
 
12/26/2032
 
09/26/2014
Morrill Statutory Trust II
8,086

 
12/17/2003
 
2.85% over LIBOR
 
3.08%(7)
 
12/17/2033
 
09/17/2014
 
$
124,860

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Effective weighted average interest rate as of September 30, 2014, was 5.91% due to interest rate swap transactions on the variable rate securities as discussed in Note 6 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
(2) Effective interest rate as of September 30, 2014, was 5.00% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 6 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
(3) Effective interest rate as of September 30, 2014, was 4.69% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 6 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
(4) Interest rate is fixed at 6.75% through June 15, 2017, then resets to 1.48% over LIBOR for the remainder of the term.
(5) Effective interest rate as of September 30, 2014, was 4.70% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 6 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
(6) Effective interest rate as of September 30, 2014, was 4.92% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 6 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.
(7) Effective interest rate as of September 30, 2014, was 4.51% due to an interest rate swap transaction as discussed in Note 6 to Heartland's consolidated financial statements.

CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

Bank regulatory agencies have adopted capital standards by which all bank holding companies will be evaluated, including requirements to maintain certain core capital amounts included as Tier 1 capital at minimum levels relative to total assets (the “Tier 1 Leverage Capital Ratio”) and at minimum levels relative to “risk-weighted assets” which is calculated by assigning value to assets, and off balance sheet commitments, based on their risk characteristics (the “Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio”), and to maintain total capital at minimum levels relative to risk-weighted assets (the “Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio”). Starting in 2015, bank holding companies will also be subject to a new Common Tier 1 Capital Ratio, and to increasing capital ratios for the other three measures based upon the new Basel III rules. Heartland and its bank subsidiaries have been, and will continue to be, managed so they meet the well-capitalized requirements under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized under the regulatory framework, bank holding companies and banks must maintain a Tier 1 Leverage Capital Ratio of 4%, a Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 6% and a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 10%. The most recent notification from the FDIC categorized Heartland and each of its bank subsidiaries as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, and Heartland and its bank subsidiaries would have continued to be well capitalized had the Basel III rules been effective for the period covered by such notification. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed each institution's category.






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

CAPITAL RATIOS
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
Risk-Based Capital Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 capital
$
566,367

 
13.07
%
 
$
537,964

 
13.19
%
Tier 1 capital minimum requirement
173,280

 
4.00
%
 
163,126

 
4.00
%
Excess
$
393,087

 
9.07
%
 
$
374,838

 
9.19
%
Total capital
$
623,444

 
14.39
%
 
$
599,038

 
14.69
%
Total capital minimum requirement
346,560

 
8.00
%
 
326,252

 
8.00
%
Excess
$
276,884

 
6.39
%
 
$
272,786

 
6.69
%
Total risk-adjusted assets
$
4,331,997

 
 
 
$
4,078,154

 
 
Leverage Capital Ratios
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Tier 1 capital
$
566,367

 
9.70
%
 
$
537,964

 
9.67
%
Tier 1 capital minimum requirement(1)
233,641

 
4.00
%
 
222,432

 
4.00
%
Excess
$
332,726

 
5.70
%
 
$
315,532

 
5.67
%
Average adjusted assets (less goodwill and other intangible assets)
$
5,841,037

 
 
 
$
5,560,796

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

Heartland filed a universal shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 28, 2013, which became effective on September 9, 2013, to register up to $75.0 million in securities. The shelf registration statement provides Heartland with increased flexibility to raise capital, subject to Securities and Exchange Commission rules and limitations, if Heartland’s board of directors decides to do so.

Common stockholders' equity was $401.7 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $357.8 million at December 31, 2013. Book value per common share was $21.74 at September 30, 2014, compared to $19.44 at year-end 2013. Changes in common stockholders' equity and book value per common share are the result of earnings, dividends paid, stock transactions and mark-to-market adjustment for unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale. Heartland's unrealized gains on securities available for sale, net of applicable taxes, were $1.9 million at September 30, 2014, compared to unrealized losses of $15.1 million at December 31, 2013.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Heartland banks evaluate the creditworthiness of customers to which they extend a credit commitment on a case-by-case basis and may require collateral to secure any credit extended. The amount of collateral obtained is based upon management's credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment and income-producing commercial properties. Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional commitments issued by the Heartland banks to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. At September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, commitments to extend credit aggregated $1.40 billion and $1.14 billion, and standby letters of credit aggregated $36.6 million and $39.7 million, respectively.

Contractual obligations and other commitments were presented in Heartland's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There have been no other material changes in Heartland's contractual obligations and other commitments since that report was filed.

On October 22, 2014, Heartland entered into a merger agreement with Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc., parent company of Community Bank & Trust in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Under the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc. will, subject to certain conditions,





including receipt of regulatory approvals and approval by shareholders of Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc., be merged with and into Heartland as the surviving corporation, and the shareholders of Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc. will receive shares of Heartland common stock. The transaction is intended to be a tax-free reorganization with respect to the stock consideration received by the stockholders of Community Banc-Corp of Sheboygan, Inc. The aggregate purchase price is estimated at approximately $52.0 million. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2015. Simultaneous with closing of the transaction, Community Bank & Trust, with total assets of approximately $525.0 million as of September 30, 2014, will be merged into Heartland’s Wisconsin Bank & Trust subsidiary. Upon completion of this merger, Heartland expects Wisconsin to become its third state with banking assets greater than $1 billion.

Heartland has committed to sell one branch of its Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company subsidiary. The branch sale is expected to close on November 7, 2014. The branch had loans of approximately $9.0 million and deposits of $28.0 million at September 30, 2014. The anticipated premium on the branch sale is 2% of average deposits.

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

On a consolidated basis, Heartland maintains a large balance of short-term securities that, when combined with cash from operations, management believes are adequate to meet Heartland's funding obligations.

At the parent company level, routine funding requirements consist primarily of dividends paid to stockholders, including the U.S. Treasury, which holds Heartland Series C Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual preferred stock, debt service on revolving credit arrangements and trust preferred securities issuances, debt repayment obligations under other obligations and payments for acquisitions. The parent company obtains the funding to meet these obligations from dividends collected from its subsidiaries and the issuance of debt securities. Heartland believes that the regulatory permissible dividends from its subsidiary banks are adequate to meet these funding obligations for the next 12 months and maintains a revolving credit agreement with an unaffiliated bank that provides a maximum borrowing capacity of $20.0 million, of which none has been used during the past 9 months. The credit agreement contains specific financial covenants, all of which Heartland was in compliance with as of September 30, 2014.

LIQUIDITY

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

Operating activities provided $29.1 million of cash during the first nine months of 2014 compared to $95.9 million during the first nine months of 2013. The biggest contributor to this change was the activity in loans originated for sale and the proceeds on sales of loans held for sale, which used cash of $46.4 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to providing cash of $34.8 million during the first nine months of 2013.

Investing activities used cash of $64.7 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to using cash of $103.3 million during the first nine months of 2013. Cash used for the purchase of securities totaled $573.2 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to $545.8 million during the first nine months of 2013. The proceeds from securities sales, paydowns and maturities were $817.1 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to $540.8 million during the first nine months of 2013. A net increase in loans and leases used $317.6 million of cash during the first nine months of 2014 compared to $97.7 million during the first nine months of 2013.

Financing activities used cash of $21.8 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to providing cash of $4.3 million during the first nine months of 2013. The net increase in demand and savings deposits provided cash of $100.5 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to $138.4 million during the first nine months of 2013. Activity in short-term borrowings used cash of $60.4 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to using $578,000 of cash during the first nine months of 2013. Repayment of other borrowings used cash of $20.6 million during the first nine months of 2014 compared to $66.6 million during the first nine months of 2013.






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

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

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

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

Management continually develops and applies strategies to mitigate market risk. Exposure to market risk is reviewed on a regular basis by the asset/liability committees of the banks and, on a consolidated basis, by Heartland's executive management and board of directors. Darling Consulting Group, Inc. has been engaged to provide asset/liability management position assessment and strategy formulation services to Heartland and its bank subsidiaries. At least quarterly, a detailed review of the balance sheet risk profile is performed for Heartland and each of its bank subsidiaries. Included in these reviews are interest rate sensitivity analyses, which simulate changes in net interest income in response to various interest rate scenarios. These analyses consider current portfolio rates, existing maturities, repricing opportunities and market interest rates, in addition to prepayments and growth under different interest rate assumptions. Selected strategies are modeled prior to implementation to determine their effect on Heartland's interest rate risk profile and net interest income. Management does not believe that Heartland's primary market risk exposures have changed significantly in the first nine months of 2014.

The core interest rate risk analysis utilized by Heartland examines the balance sheet under increasing and decreasing interest scenarios that are neither too modest nor too extreme. All rate changes are ramped over a 12-month horizon based upon a parallel shift in the yield curve and then maintained at those levels over the remainder of the simulation horizon. Using this approach, management is able to see the effect that both a gradual change of rates (year 1) and a rate shock (year 2 and beyond) could have on Heartland's net interest income. Starting balances in the model reflect actual balances on the “as of” date, adjusted for material and significant transactions. Pro-forma balances remain static. This enables interest rate risk embedded within the existing balance sheet structure to be isolated from the interest rate risk often caused by growth in assets and liabilities. Due to the low interest rate environment, the simulations under a decreasing interest rate scenario were prepared using a 100 basis point shift in rates. The most recent reviews at September 30, 2014, and September 30, 2013, provided the following results, in thousands:
 
2014
 
2013
 
Net Interest
Margin
 
% Change
From Base
 
Net Interest
Margin
 
% Change
From Base
Year 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Down 100 Basis Points
$
182,980

 
(0.65
)%
 
$
153,787

 
(1.17
)%
Base
$
184,171

 
 
 
$
155,613

 
 
Up 200 Basis Points
$
189,081

 
2.67
 %
 
$
155,500

 
(0.07
)%
Year 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Down 100 Basis Points
$
177,377

 
(3.69
)%
 
$
147,662

 
(5.11
)%
Base
$
184,924

 
0.41
 %
 
$
154,341

 
(0.82
)%
Up 200 Basis Points
$
201,276

 
9.29
 %
 
$
161,017

 
3.47
 %

Heartland uses derivative financial instruments to manage the impact of changes in interest rates on its future interest income or interest expense. Heartland is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to these derivative instruments, but believes it has minimized the risk of these losses by entering into the contracts with large, stable





financial institutions. The estimated fair market values of these derivative instruments are presented in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

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

Heartland periodically holds a securities trading portfolio that would also be subject to elements of market risk. These securities are carried on the balance sheet at fair value. At September 30, 2014, Heartland held no securities in its securities trading portfolio. At December 31, 2013, the securities held in Heartland's securities trading portfolio had a carrying value of $1.8 million, which was less than 2% of total assets.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of September 30, 2014. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no significant changes to Heartland's disclosure controls or internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2014, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect Heartland's internal control over financial reporting.





PART II

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in the risk factors applicable to Heartland from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in Heartland's 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Please refer to that section of Heartland's Form 10-K for disclosures regarding the risks and uncertainties related to Heartland's business.

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

Heartland's board of directors has authorized management to acquire and hold up to 500,000 shares of common stock as treasury shares at any one time. Heartland and its affiliated purchasers made no purchases of its common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibits

101
Financial statement formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.





SIGNATURES

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



HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
(Registrant)
 
Principal Executive Officer
 
/s/ Lynn B. Fuller
By: Lynn B. Fuller
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
 
/s/ Bryan R. McKeag
By: Bryan R. McKeag
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
Dated: November 7, 2014