form10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010

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

                       For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

Commission File Number 0-32637

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

IOWA
 
42-1039071
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
 
(I. R. S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
 
Identification Number)
     
405 FIFTH STREET
AMES, IOWA 50010
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

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

NOT APPLICABLE
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x    No 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 (Section 232.405 of this Chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes o     No o

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

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer x   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o

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

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

COMMON STOCK, $2.00 PAR VALUE
 
9,432,915
(Class)
 
(Shares Outstanding at July 30, 2010)
 


 
 

 
 
AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION

INDEX
     
Page
       
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
       
Item 1.
 
3
       
   
3
       
   
4
       
   
5
       
   
7
       
Item 2.
 
15
       
Item 3.
 
34
       
Item 4.
 
34
       
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
   
       
Item 1.
 
35
       
Item 1.A.
 
35
       
Item 2.
 
35
       
Item 3.
 
35
       
Item 4.
 
35
       
Item 5.
 
35
       
Item 6.
 
35
       
   
36

 
2


 
             
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(unaudited)
 
             
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
Cash and due from banks
  $ 16,671,320     $ 18,796,664  
Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions
    25,357,030       24,776,088  
Securities available-for-sale
    436,928,802       418,655,018  
Loans receivable, net
    410,432,696       415,434,236  
Loans held for sale
    2,510,258       1,023,200  
Bank premises and equipment, net
    11,666,390       11,909,404  
Accrued income receivable
    5,918,291       5,710,226  
Deferred income taxes
    2,513,174       3,867,523  
Other real estate owned
    10,630,371       10,480,449  
Other assets
    4,350,105       4,916,991  
                 
Total assets
  $ 926,978,437     $ 915,569,799  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
                 
LIABILITIES
               
Deposits
               
Demand, noninterest bearing
  $ 91,706,784     $ 99,918,848  
NOW accounts
    208,779,142       197,393,459  
Savings and money market
    179,879,101       184,631,343  
Time, $100,000 and over
    86,614,339       87,054,194  
Other time
    148,225,335       153,166,105  
Total deposits
    715,204,701       722,163,949  
                 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    50,279,602       40,489,505  
Short-term borrowings
    6,819       138,874  
FHLB advances and other long-term borrowings
    38,500,000       36,500,000  
Dividend payable
    1,037,620       943,292  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    3,251,797       2,994,291  
Total liabilities
    808,280,539       803,229,911  
                 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Common stock, $2 par value, authorized 18,000,000 shares; 9,432,915 shares issued and outstanding
    18,865,830       18,865,830  
Additional paid-in capital
    22,651,222       22,651,222  
Retained earnings
    72,024,066       67,703,701  
Accumulated other comprehensive income-net unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale
    5,156,780       3,119,135  
Total stockholders' equity
    118,697,898       112,339,888  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 926,978,437     $ 915,569,799  
                 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
               

 
3


                         
 
                         
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
(unaudited)
 
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Month Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Interest and dividend income:
                       
Loans, including fees
  $ 6,023,730     $ 6,389,627     $ 12,123,209     $ 13,000,802  
Securities:
                               
Taxable
    1,770,707       2,055,441       3,598,228       4,166,936  
Tax-exempt
    1,429,568       1,291,796       2,795,150       2,570,452  
Federal funds sold
    -       8,253       -       19,328  
Interest bearing deposits
    129,198       81,151       259,311       186,222  
                                 
Total interest and dividend income
    9,353,203       9,826,268       18,775,898       19,943,740  
                                 
Interest expense:
                               
Deposits
    1,563,610       2,183,150       3,225,964       4,624,680  
Other borrowed funds
    402,304       476,498       805,462       944,882  
                                 
Total interest expense
    1,965,914       2,659,648       4,031,426       5,569,562  
                                 
Net interest income
    7,387,289       7,166,620       14,744,472       14,374,178  
                                 
Provision for loan losses
    170,416       326,670       494,214       556,324  
                                 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    7,216,873       6,839,950       14,250,258       13,817,854  
                                 
Noninterest income:
                               
Trust department income
    465,298       390,882       996,014       773,434  
Service fees
    435,365       449,382       835,188       870,832  
Securities gains (losses), net
    134,830       255,088       671,813       (95,587 )
Gain on loans held for sale
    171,453       256,776       324,989       519,682  
Merchant and ATM fees
    195,137       153,159       360,524       299,169  
Other
    209,460       223,337       380,780       367,066  
                                 
Total noninterest income
    1,611,543       1,728,624       3,569,308       2,734,596  
                                 
Noninterest expense:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    2,706,545       2,703,106       5,304,584       5,049,865  
Data processing
    494,681       541,678       945,645       1,020,313  
Occupancy expenses
    364,955       302,240       766,109       695,044  
FDIC insurance assessments
    278,109       557,091       591,466       1,037,002  
Other real estate owned
    62,954       727,793       119,307       1,154,637  
Other operating expenses
    728,405       705,236       1,441,477       1,406,703  
                                 
Total noninterest expense
    4,635,649       5,537,144       9,168,588       10,363,564  
                                 
Income before income taxes
    4,192,767       3,031,430       8,650,978       6,188,886  
                                 
Provision for income taxes
    1,066,761       622,525       2,255,372       1,338,841  
                                 
Net income
  $ 3,126,006     $ 2,408,905     $ 6,395,606     $ 4,850,045  
                                 
Basic and diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.33     $ 0.26     $ 0.68     $ 0.51  
                                 
Declared dividends per share
  $ 0.11     $ 0.10     $ 0.22     $ 0.20  
                                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 4,413,196     $ 4,360,628     $ 8,433,251     $ 5,406,674  
                                 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
                               

 
4


 
             
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(unaudited)
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income
  $ 6,395,606     $ 4,850,045  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
    494,214       556,324  
Provision (credit) for off-balance sheet commitments
    13,000       (5,000 )
Amortization and (accretion), net
    1,389,789       184,623  
Depreciation
    381,534       432,738  
Provision for deferred taxes
    157,636       1,316,262  
Securities losses (gains), net
    (671,813 )     95,587  
Other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities
    -       29,565  
Impairment of other real estate owned
    14,900       931,533  
(Gain) loss on sale of other real estate owned
    (35,922 )     1,096  
Change in assets and liabilities:
               
Increase in loans held for sale
    (1,487,058 )     (1,505,549 )
(Increase) decrease in accrued income receivable
    (208,065 )     1,171,957  
Decrease in other assets
    560,326       449,373  
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
    244,506       427,866  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    7,248,653       8,936,420  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchase of securities available-for-sale
    (109,570,798 )     (136,151,556 )
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale
    16,353,562       33,751,830  
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available-for-sale
    77,459,834       46,069,180  
Net increase in interest bearing deposits in financial institutions
    (580,942 )     (26,902,623 )
Net decrease in federal funds sold
    -       16,533,000  
Net decrease in loans
    3,805,797       28,563,420  
Net proceeds for the sale of other real estate owned
    571,028       702,137  
Purchase of bank premises and equipment, net
    (131,960 )     (65,221 )
Improvements in other real estate owned
    1,601       2,250  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (12,091,878 )     (37,497,583 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Increase (decrease) in deposits
    (6,959,248 )     19,326,615  
Increase in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    9,790,097       7,951,847  
Payments on short-term borrowings, net
    (132,055 )     (738,587 )
Proceeds from FHLB advances
    2,500,000       2,500,000  
Payments on FHLB advances
    (500,000 )     (5,500,000 )
Dividends paid
    (1,980,913 )     (3,584,507 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    2,717,881       19,955,368  
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (2,125,344 )     (8,605,795 )
                 
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS
               
Beginning
    18,796,664       24,697,591  
Ending
  $ 16,671,320     $ 16,091,796  
                 
Continued
 

 
5


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
 
(unaudited)
 
             
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
           
Cash payments (receipt) for:
           
Interest
  $ 4,128,891     $ 5,809,507  
Income taxes
    2,107,614       (566,065 )
                 
SUPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned
  $ 701,529     $ 1,499,411  
                 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
               

 
6


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1.
Significant Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 are unaudited. In the opinion of the management of Ames National Corporation (the "Company"), these financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly these consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for an entire year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in complete financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted in accordance with the requirements for interim financial statements. The interim financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the year-end audited financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (the “Annual Report”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned banking subsidiaries (the “Banks”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  Certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to previously presented financial statements to conform to the 2010 presentation.

Fair value of financial instruments:  The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair value disclosures:
 
Cash and due from banks and interest bearing deposits in financial institutions:  The recorded amount of these assets approximates fair value.
 
Securities available-for-sale:  Fair value measurement 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 securities credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions.
 
Loans receivable:  The fair value of loans is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates, which reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan.  The estimate of maturity is based on the historical experience, with repayments for each loan classification modified, as required, by an estimate of the effect of current economic and lending conditions.  The effect of nonperforming loans is considered in assessing the credit risk inherent in the fair value estimate.
 
Loans held for sale:  The fair value of loans held for sale is based on prevailing market prices.
 
Deposit liabilities:  Fair values of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings, NOW accounts and money market accounts, are equal to the amount payable on demand as of the respective balance sheet date.  Fair values of certificates of deposit are based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows.  The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.  The fair value estimates do not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market.
 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:  The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase approximate fair value because of the generally short-term nature of the instruments.

 
7

 
Short-term borrowings:  The carrying amounts of short-term borrowings approximate fair value because of the generally short-term nature of the instruments.

FHLB advances and other long-term borrowings:  Fair values of FHLB advances and other long-term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates currently being offered with similar terms.
 
Accrued income receivable and accrued interest payable:  The carrying amounts of accrued income receivable and interest payable approximate fair value.

New Accounting Pronouncements

On December 23, 2009 the FASB issued guidance which modifies certain aspects contained in the Transfers and Servicing topic of FASB ASC 860.  This standard enhances information reported to users of financial statements by providing greater transparency about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and where companies have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets.  This standard was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2010 with adoption applied prospectively for transfers that occur on or after that date.  The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In January, 2010, the FASB issued guidance which modifies certain aspects contained in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure topic of FAS ASC 820.  This standard enhances information reported to users of the financial statements by providing additional and enhanced disclosures about the fair value measurements.  This standard was effective for the company as of January 1, 2010; except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which will be effective on January 1, 2011.  The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In July, 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2010-20, Disclosure about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses.  The new guidance will increase disclosures made about the credit quality of loans and the allowance for credit losses.  The disclosures will provide additional information about the nature of credit risk inherent in the Company’s loans, how credit risk is analyzed and assessed, and the reasons for the change in the allowance for loan losses.  The requirements will be effective for the Company’s year ending December 31, 2010.  The company has not yet determined the impact the requirements will have on the consolidated financial statements.

2.
Dividends

On May 12, 2010, the Company declared a cash dividend on its common stock, payable on August 16, 2010 to stockholders of record as of August 2, 2010, equal to $0.11 per share.

3.
Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share amounts were calculated using the weighted average shares outstanding during the periods presented. The weighted average outstanding shares for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were 9,432,915.  The Company had no potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the periods presented.

 
8


4.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet.  No material changes in the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements have occurred since December 31, 2009.

5.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments (as described in Note 1) were as follows:

   
June 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
   
Amount
   
Value
   
Amount
   
Value
 
                         
Financial assets:
                       
Cash and due from banks
  $ 16,671,320     $ 16,671,000     $ 18,796,664     $ 18,797,000  
Interest-bearing deposits
    25,357,030       25,357,000       24,776,088       24,766,000  
Securities available-for-sale
    436,928,802       436,929,000       418,655,018       418,655,000  
Loans receivable, net
    410,432,696       413,659,000       415,434,236       411,344,000  
Loans held for sale
    2,510,258       2,510,000       1,023,200       1,023,000  
Accrued income receivable
    5,918,291       5,918,000       5,710,226       5,710,000  
Financial liabilities:
                               
Deposits
  $ 715,204,701     $ 717,737,000     $ 722,163,949     $ 725,840,000  
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    50,279,602       50,280,000       40,489,505       40,490,000  
Other short-term borrowings
    6,819       7,000       138,874       139,000  
Long-term borrowings
    38,500,000       41,902,000       36,500,000       41,504,000  
Accrued interest payable
    994,726       995,000       1,092,191       1,092,000  

The methodology used to determine fair value as of June 30, 2010 did not change from the methodology used in the Annual Report.

6.
Fair Value Measurements

Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are required to be classified and disclosed according to the process for determining fair value.  There are three levels of determining fair value.
   
Level 1:
Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices, unadjusted, for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and shall be used to measure fair value whenever available.

 
9


Level 2:
Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or inputs to the valuation methodology that are derived principally from or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
   
Level 3:
Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using discounted cash flow methodologies, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

The following table presents the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
 
         
Quoted Prices in
Active markets for
Identical Assets
   
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Description
 
Total
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
                         
June 30, 2010
                       
                         
U.S. treasury
  $ 515,000     $ 515,000     $ -     $ -  
U.S. government agencies
    104,562,000       -       104,562,000       -  
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
    102,376,000       -       102,376,000       -  
State and political subdivisions
    201,881,000       -       201,881,000       -  
Corporate bonds
    20,822,000       -       20,822,000       -  
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
    2,310,000       2,310,000       -       -  
Equity securities, other
    4,463,000       1,230,000       3,233,000       -  
                                 
    $ 436,929,000     $ 4,055,000     $ 432,874,000     $ -  
                                 
December 31, 2009
                               
                                 
U.S. treasury
  $ 525,000     $ 525,000     $ -     $ -  
U.S. government agencies
    106,640,000       -       106,640,000       -  
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
    101,589,000       -       101,589,000       -  
State and political subdivisions
    178,052,000       -       178,052,000       -  
Corporate bonds
    24,300,000       -       24,300,000       -  
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
    2,347,000       2,347,000       -       -  
Equity securities, other
    5,202,000       2,023,000       3,179,000       -  
                                 
    $ 418,655,000     $ 4,895,000     $ 413,760,000     $ -  
 
(a)
Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the securities 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 that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets.  Level 2 securities include U.S. government agency securities, mortgage-backed securities (including pools and collateralized mortgage obligations), municipal bonds, and corporate debt securities.   There were no transfers between level one and two classifications.  The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.

 
10


Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).  The following table presents the assets carried on the balance sheet (after specific reserves) by caption and by level with the required valuation hierarchy as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
 
                       
 
       
Quoted Prices in
Active markets for
Identical Assets
   
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Description
 
Total
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
                         
June 30, 2010
                       
                         
Loans
  $ 4,380,000     $ -     $ -     $ 4,380,000  
                                 
Other real estate owned
    10,630,000       -       -       10,630,000  
                                 
Total
  $ 15,010,000     $ -     $ -     $ 15,010,000  
                                 
December 31, 2009
                               
                                 
Loans
  $ 4,807,000     $ -     $ -     $ 4,807,000  
                                 
Other real estate owned
    10,480,000       -       -       10,480,000  
                                 
Total
  $ 15,287,000     $ -     $ -     $ 15,287,000  
 
Loans in the tables above consist of impaired credits held for investment.  Impaired loans are valued by management based on collateral values underlying the loans.  Management uses original appraised values and adjusts for trends observed in the market to determine the value of impaired loans.  Other real estate owned in the table above consists of real estate obtained through foreclosure.  Management uses appraised values and adjusts for trends observed in the market and for disposition costs in determining the value of other real estate owned.

 
11


7.
Debt and Equity Securities
 
The amortized cost of securities available for sale and their approximate fair values are summarized below:
                         
         
Gross
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Estimated
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
June 30, 2010:
                       
U.S. treasury
  $ 499,420     $ 15,594     $ -     $ 515,014  
U.S. government agencies
    102,844,632       1,759,112       (41,529 )     104,562,215  
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
    99,300,541       3,123,017       (47,661 )     102,375,897  
State and political subdivisions
    198,372,229       3,739,900       (231,582 )     201,880,547  
Corporate bonds
    19,600,975       1,235,709       (14,269 )     20,822,415  
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
    3,402,389       -       (1,092,388 )     2,310,001  
Equity securities, other
    4,723,251       2,300       (262,838 )     4,462,713  
    $ 428,743,437     $ 9,875,632     $ (1,690,267 )   $ 436,928,802  
                                 
           
Gross
   
Gross
         
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Estimated
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
December 31, 2009:
                               
U.S. treasury
  $ 498,972     $ 26,219     $ -     $ 525,191  
U.S. government agencies
    105,903,470       969,583       (233,169 )     106,639,884  
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
    100,106,597       1,724,922       (242,033 )     101,589,486  
State and political subdivisions
    175,298,674       3,109,322       (355,571 )     178,052,425  
Corporate bonds
    23,094,417       1,253,157       (47,880 )     24,299,694  
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
    3,402,389       -       (1,056,088 )     2,346,301  
Equity securities, other
    5,399,493       58,400       (255,856 )     5,202,037  
    $ 413,704,012     $ 7,141,603     $ (2,190,597 )   $ 418,655,018  
 
Non-interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was primarily impacted by net security gains of approximately $135,000 and $255,000, respectively.  Non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was primarily impacted by net security gains (losses) of approximately $672,000 and ($96,000), respectively.

 
12


Unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, are summarized as follows:

   
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
 
June 30, 2010:
                                   
                                     
Securities available for sale:
                                   
U.S. government agencies
  $ 4,659,087     $ (31,899 )   $ 436,904     $ (9,630 )   $ 5,095,991     $ (41,529 )
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
    2,996,377       (47,661 )     -       -       2,996,377       (47,661 )
State and political subsidivisions
    22,887,523       (207,528 )     2,230,126       (24,054 )     25,117,649       (231,582 )
Corporate obligations
    993,971       (5,269 )     743,243       (9,000 )     1,737,214       (14,269 )
Equity securities, financial  industry common stock
    -       -       2,310,001       (1,092,388 )     2,310,001       (1,092,388 )
Equity securities, other
    -       -       1,230,114       (262,838 )     1,230,114       (262,838 )
    $ 31,536,958     $ (292,357 )   $ 6,950,388     $ (1,397,910 )   $ 38,487,346     $ (1,690,267 )
                                                 
                                                 
   
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
 
December 31, 2009:
                                               
                                                 
Securities available for sale:
                                               
U.S. government agencies
  $ 20,945,895     $ (221,061 )   $ 493,118     $ (12,108 )   $ 21,439,013     $ (233,169 )
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
    35,520,408       (242,033 )     -       -       35,520,408       (242,033 )
State and political subsidivisions
    25,536,025       (292,017 )     2,701,961       (63,554 )     28,237,986       (355,571 )
Corporate obligations
    998,971       (764 )     2,687,426       (47,116 )     3,686,397       (47,880 )
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
    -       -       2,346,301       (1,056,088 )     2,346,301       (1,056,088 )
Equity securities, other
    -       -       1,932,636       (255,856 )     1,932,636       (255,856 )
    $ 83,001,299     $ (755,875 )   $ 10,161,442     $ (1,434,722 )   $ 93,162,741     $ (2,190,597 )

At June 30, 2010, debt securities have unrealized losses of $335,041.  These losses are generally due to changes in interest rates or general market conditions.  In analyzing an issuers’ financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond ratings agencies have occurred and industry analysts’ reports.  Unrealized losses on equity securities totaled $1,355,226 as of June 30, 2010.  Management analyzed the financial condition of the equity issuers and considered the general market conditions and other factors in concluding that the unrealized losses on equity securities were not other-than-temporary.  Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible changes in fair values and management’s assessments will occur in the near term and that such changes could lead to additional impairment charges, thereby materially affecting the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements.

 
13


8.
Impaired Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payment of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  The Company will apply its normal loan review procedures to identify loans that should be evaluated for impairment.  Impairment of $892,000 and $999,000 is included in the allowance for loan losses as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  The following is a recap of impaired loans at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
                         
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
             
   
2010
   
2009
             
                         
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance
  $ 2,454,000     $ 4,381,000              
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
    5,272,000       5,806,000              
Total impaired loans
  $ 7,726,000     $ 10,187,000              
                             
Valuation related to impaired loans
  $ 892,000     $ 999,000              
                             
Total nonaccrual loans
  $ 7,754,000     $ 10,187,000              
                             
Total loans past due ninety days or more and still accruing
  $ 7,000     $ 121,000              
                             
                             
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
      2010       2009       2010       2009  
                                 
Average investments in impaired loans
  $ 7,898,000     $ 9,402,000     $ 8,661,000     $ 8,438,000  
Interest income that would have been recognized on  impaired loans
  $ 108,000     $ 56,000     $ 226,000     $ 192,000  
Interest income recorded on impaired loans
  $ 9,000     $ 34,000     $ 107,000     $ 55,000  

Changes in the allowance for loan losses were as follows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Balance, beginning
  $ 7,682,000     $ 6,932,000     $ 7,652,000     $ 6,779,000  
Loans charged-off
    (27,000 )     (582,000 )     (342,000 )     (679,000 )
Recoveries of loans charged-off
    25,000       11,000       46,000       32,000  
Net charge offs
    (2,000 )     (571,000 )     (296,000 )     (647,000 )
Provision for loan losses
    170,000       327,000       494,000       556,000  
Balance, ending
  $ 7,850,000     $ 6,688,000     $ 7,850,000     $ 6,688,000  

 
14


9.
Subsequent Events

Management evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.  There were no significant events or transactions occurring after June 30, 2010, but prior to August 6, 2010 that provided additional evidence about conditions that existed at June 30, 2010.  There were no events or transactions that provided evidence about conditions that did not exist at June 30, 2010.

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

Overview

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

The Company does not engage in any material business activities apart from its ownership of the Banks.  Products and services offered by the Banks are for commercial and consumer purposes including loans, deposits and trust services.  The Banks also offer investment services through a third-party broker dealer.  The Company employs eleven individuals to assist with financial reporting, human resources, audit, compliance, marketing, technology systems and the coordination of management activities, in addition to 184 full-time equivalent individuals employed by the Banks.

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

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

The Company had net income of $3,126,000, or $0.33 per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to net income of $2,409,000, or $0.26 per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  Total equity capital as of June 30, 2010 totaled $118.7 million or 12.8% of total assets.

 
15


The Company’s earnings for the second quarter increased $717,000 from the $2,409,000 earned a year ago.  The higher quarterly earnings can be primarily attributed to lower other real estate owned expenses, lower FDIC insurance assessments and higher net interest income.  The decrease in other real estate costs of $665,000 is due primarily to write downs in 2009, with no significant write downs in 2010.  The decrease in the FDIC insurance assessments of $279,000 is due primarily to lower quarterly deposit assessments.  FDIC insurance assessments are expected to negatively impact future operating results if bank failures continue to erode the FDIC insurance fund.  Through June 30, 2010, 89 banks have failed compared to 140 bank failures for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Net loan charge-offs for the quarter totaled $2,000, compared to net charge-offs of $571,000 in the second quarter of 2009.  The provision for loan losses for the second quarter of 2010 totaled $170,000 compared to the provision for loan losses of $327,000 for the same period in 2009.  This decrease in the provision for loan losses was due primarily to a decrease in outstanding loans, lower net charge offs and improving asset quality.

The Company had net income of $6,396,000, or $0.68 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to net income of $4,850,000, or $0.51 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2009.

The Company’s earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2010 increased $1,546,000 from the $4,850,000 earned a year ago.  The higher year-to-date earnings can be primarily attributed to increased securities gains, lower other real estate owned expenses, lower FDIC insurance assessments and higher net interest income.  For the six months ended June 30, 2010, securities gains were $672,000 as compared to securities losses of $96,000 for the six month ended June 30, 2009.  The decrease in other real estate costs of $1,035,000 is due primarily to write downs in 2009, with no significant write downs in 2010.  The decrease in the FDIC insurance assessments of $446,000 is due primarily to lower quarterly deposit assessments.

Net loan charge-offs for the six months ended June 30, 2010 totaled $296,000, compared to net charge-offs of $647,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The provision for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2010 totaled $494,000 compared to the provision for loan losses of $556,000 for the same period in 2009.  This decrease in the provision for loan losses was due primarily to a decrease in outstanding loans, lower net charge offs and improving asset quality.

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

·
Challenges
·
Key Performance Indicators and Industry Results
·
Critical Accounting Policies
·
Income Statement Review
·
Balance Sheet Review
·
Asset Quality and Credit Risk Management
·
Liquidity and Capital Resources
·
Forward-Looking Statements and Business Risks

Challenges

Management has identified certain challenges that may negatively impact the Company’s revenues in the future and is attempting to position the Company to best respond to those challenges.

 
16


·           In March of 2009, the OCC imposed individual minimum capital ratios requiring First National to maintain, on an ongoing basis, Tier One Leverage Capital of 9% of Adjusted Total Assets and Total Risk Based Capital of 11% of Risk Weighted Assets.  As of June 30, 2010, First National exceeded these capital ratios.  Failure to maintain the individual minimum capital ratios could result in additional regulatory action against First National.

·           Interest rates are likely to increase as the economy continues its gradual recovery and an increasing interest rate environment may present a challenge to the Company.  Increases in interest rates may negatively impact the Company’s net interest margin if interest expense increases more quickly than interest income.  The Company’s earning assets (primarily its loan and investment portfolio) have longer maturities than its interest bearing liabilities (primarily deposits and other borrowings); therefore, in a rising interest rate environment, interest expense may increase more quickly than interest income as the interest bearing liabilities reprice more quickly than earning assets.  In response to this challenge, the Banks model quarterly the changes in income that would result from various changes in interest rates.  Management believes Bank earning assets have the appropriate maturity and repricing characteristics to optimize earnings and the Banks’ interest rate risk positions.

·           The Company’s market in central Iowa has numerous banks, credit unions, and investment and insurance companies competing for similar business opportunities.  This competitive environment will continue to put downward pressure on the Banks’ net interest margins and thus affect profitability.  Strategic planning efforts at the Company and Banks continue to focus on capitalizing on the Banks’ strengths in local markets while working to identify opportunities for improvement to gain competitive advantages.

·           The Company’s equity securities portfolio (held at the holding company level and excluding equity holdings by the Banks) is $3.5 million as of June 30, 2010.  The Company invests a portion of its’ capital that may be utilized for future expansion in a portfolio of primarily financial and utility stocks.  The Company has focused on stocks that have historically paid dividends in an effort to lessen the negative effects of a bear market.  The strategy, however, did not prove successful in 2010 and 2009 as problems due to the national recession caused a significant decline in the market value and dividend rates of the Company’s equity securities.  Unrealized losses in the Company’s equity portfolio totaled $1,355,000 and $1,312,000 (at the holding company level on an unconsolidated basis) as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  The Company had realized gains of $3,000 in its equity portfolio during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to realized losses of $55,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2009 (at the holding company level on an unconsolidated basis).  Additionally, the Company recognized no impairment losses in the equity portfolio during the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.  It is possible that the Company may incur impairment losses in the remainder of 2010 which would have a negative impact on the Company’s earnings for the year.

·           Loans amounted to $410.4 million and $415.4 million as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  The loan portfolio decreased 1.2% during the six months ended June 30, 2010.  The decline in the loan portfolio is primarily due to the decrease in loan volume due to a weakening of loan demand as payments and prepayments exceeded originations.  The declines in the loan portfolio occurred primarily in the commercial real estate and commercial operating loan portfolios, offset in part by increases in one-to-four family real estate, agricultural operating and agricultural real estate loan portfolios.

·           The economic conditions for commercial real estate developers in the Des Moines metropolitan area deteriorated in recent years and significantly contributed to the Company’s increased level of non-performing loans, other real estate owned and related costs since 2007.  The Company has $8,880,000 in other real estate owned in the Des Moines market.  The Company has $3.4 million in impaired loans with two Des Moines development companies with specific reserves totaling $338,000.  The Company has additional customer relationships with real estate developers in the Des Moines area that may become impaired in the future if economic conditions do not improve or become worse.  The Company has a limited number of such credits and is actively engaged with the customers to minimize credit risk.

 
17


·           Other real estate owned amounted to $10.6 million and $10.5 million as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  Other real estate owned costs amounted to $119,000 and $1,155,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Management obtains independent appraisals or performs evaluations to determine that these properties are carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less cost to sell.  It is at least reasonably possible that change in fair values will occur in the near term and that such changes could have a negative impact on the Company’s earnings.

·           The FDIC imposes an assessment against all depository institutions for deposit insurance.  Notably, the FDIC has the authority to increase insurance assessments.  FDIC insurance assessments amounted to $591,000 and $1,037,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  For the six months ended June 30, 2010, 89 banks failed as compared 140 bank failures for the year ended December 31, 2009.  In 2011, the FDIC has a scheduled assessment increase for all FDIC insured institutions.  An increase in FDIC deposit assessments will have a negative impact on the Company’s earnings.

·           The Company operates in a highly regulated environment and is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination.  Applicable laws and regulations may change, and there is no assurance that such changes will not adversely affect the Company’s business.  In this respect potentially landscape-changing legislative proposals have been introduced in Congress and by regulatory agencies with respect to their respective regulatory powers.  Such regulation and supervision govern the activities in which an institution may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of the Bank, its depositors and the FDIC.  Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including but not limited to the imposition of restrictions on the operation of an institution, the classification of assets by the institution and the adequacy of an institution’s allowance for loan losses.  Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of restrictions on activities, regulatory policy, regulations, or legislation, including but not limited to changes in the regulations governing banks, could have a material impact on the Company’s operations.  In particular, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was recently signed into law by the President.  The effect of this new law on the banking industry and on the Company is uncertain at the present time given that many of the changes will be implemented through regulatory rules that have yet to be proposed or adopted.

Key Performance Indicators and Industry Results

Certain key performance indicators for the Company and the industry are presented in the following chart.  The industry figures are compiled by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and are derived from 7,932 commercial banks and savings institutions insured by the FDIC.  Management reviews these indicators on a quarterly basis for purposes of comparing the Company’s performance from quarter to quarter against the industry as a whole.

 
18


Selected Indicators for the Company and the Industry
   
 
                                           
   
June 30, 2010
   
March 31, 2010
   
 
             
   
3 Months
   
6 Months
   
3 Months
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Company
   
Company
   
Company
   
Industry *
   
Company
   
Industry
   
Company
   
Industry
 
                                                 
Return on average assets
    1.35 %     1.39 %     1.43 %     0.54 %     1.02 %     0.09 %     0.74 %     0.12 %
                                                                 
Return on average equity
    10.73 %     11.09 %     11.46 %     4.96 %     8.31 %     0.90 %     5.89 %     1.24 %
                                                                 
Net interest margin
    3.73 %     3.76 %     3.78 %     3.83 %     3.78 %     3.47 %     3.94 %     3.18 %
                                                                 
Efficiency ratio
    51.51 %     50.06 %     48.66 %     54.39 %     63.87 %     55.53 %     67.40 %     59.02 %
                                                                 
Capital ratio
    12.56 %     12.54 %     12.51 %     8.57 %     12.32 %     8.65 %     12.57 %     7.49 %
*Latest available data

Key performances indicators include:

·   Return on Assets

This ratio is calculated by dividing net income by average assets.  It is used to measure how effectively the assets of the Company are being utilized in generating income.  The Company's annualized return on average assets was 1.35% and 1.08%, respectively, for the three month periods ending June 30, 2010 and 2009.  The increase in this ratio in 2010 from the previous period is primarily the result of higher net income, offset in part by an increase in average assets.

·   Return on Equity

This ratio is calculated by dividing net income by average equity.  It is used to measure the net income or return the Company generated for the shareholders’ equity investment in the Company. The Company's return on average equity was 10.73% and 9.09%, respectively for the three month periods ending June 30, 2010 and 2009.  The increase in this ratio in 2010 from the previous period is primarily the result of higher net income, offset in part by an increase in average equity.

·   Net Interest Margin

The net interest margin for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was 3.73%.  The ratio is calculated by dividing net interest income by average earning assets.  Earning assets are primarily made up of loans and investments that earn interest.  This ratio is used to measure how well the Company is able to maintain interest rates on earning assets above those of interest-bearing liabilities, which is the interest expense paid on deposits and other borrowings.  Although no change in the net interest margin occurred, higher interest earning assets and lower cost of funds on interest bearing deposits were offset by higher interest bearing liabilities and higher yields on interest earning assets.  The lower yields and cost of funds were due primarily to lower market interest rates as interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are repricing.

 
19


·   Efficiency Ratio

This ratio is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by net interest income and noninterest income.  The ratio is a measure of the Company’s ability to manage noninterest expenses.  The Company’s efficiency ratio was 51.51% and 62.25% for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The improvement in the efficiency ratio in 2010 from the previous period is primarily the result of decreased expenses related to other real estate owned and FDIC insurance assessments.

·   Capital Ratio

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

Industry Results

The FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile reported the following results for the first quarter of 2010:

Earnings Post Significant Increase

First quarter results for insured commercial banks and savings institutions contained positive signs of recovery for the industry. While new accounting rules had a major effect on several components of the industry’s balance sheet and income statement, there was clear improvement in certain performance indicators. Lower provisions for loan losses and reduced expenses for goodwill impairment lifted the earnings of FDIC-insured commercial banks and savings institutions to $18.0 billion. While still low by historical standards, first quarter earnings represented a significant improvement from the $5.6 billion the industry earned in first quarter 2009 and are the highest quarterly total since first quarter 2008. The largest year-over-year increases occurred at the biggest banks, but a majority of institutions (52.2%) reported net income growth. This is the highest percentage of institutions reporting increased quarterly earnings in more than three years (since third quarter 2006).

Reduced Loan-Loss Provisions Help Drive Earnings Improvement

Insured institutions set aside $51.3 billion in provisions for loan and lease losses in the first quarter, a $10.2 billion (16.6%) decline from a year earlier. However, only about one-third of insured institutions reported year-over-year declines in loss provisions, with much of the overall reduction concentrated among a few of the largest banks. Another positive factor in the earnings improvement at larger institutions was a $2.2 billion (2.3%) decline in noninterest expenses that was caused by lower goodwill impairment losses. Total noninterest income was $6.6 billion (9.7%) lower than a year earlier because of the declines in securitization and servicing income and a $1.5 billion (15.1%) reduction in trading revenue. The average return on assets (ROA) rose to 0.54%, compared to 0.16% in first quarter 2009. This is the highest quarterly ROA for the industry since first quarter 2008. Almost half of all institutions—48.1%—reported improved ROAs.

Rise in Average Margin Reflects Impact of New Rules

The sharp increase in net interest income caused by adoption of the new accounting rules significantly boosted the industry’s net interest margin (NIM). The average margin increased to a seven-year high of 3.83%, from 3.53% in fourth quarter 2009 and 3.41% in first quarter 2009. Most of the improvement occurred at a few large credit card lenders; only 40.7% of institutions reported higher NIMs compared to the fourth quarter, although 57.8% reported year-over-year improvement.

 
20


C&I Charge-Offs Decline for First Time in Four Years

Loan losses posted a year-over-year increase for a 13th consecutive quarter. Net charge-offs totaled $52.4 billion, an increase of $14.5 billion (38.4%) from a year earlier. Credit cards accounted for almost three quarters ($10.4 billion) of the growth in charge-offs, reflecting the securitized receivables brought back onto balance sheets by the new accounting rules. Charge-offs were up from a year ago in most major loan categories, although the increases were smaller than in recent quarters. Most non-consumer loan categories were not affected by the new accounting rules. A notable exception to the rising trend was loans to commercial and industrial (C&I) borrowers, where charge-offs fell for the first time since first quarter 2006, declining by $675 million (10.2%). Net charge-offs of real estate loans secured by nonfarm nonresidential real estate properties increased by $1.6 billion (155.5%). Charge-offs of residential mortgage loans were $1.6 billion (22.9%) higher than a year earlier, while charged-off home equity loans rose by $1.2 billion (29.9%).

Increase in Noncurrent Loans Is Smallest in Three Years

The amount of loans and leases that were noncurrent (90 days or more past due or in nonaccrual status) increased for a 16th consecutive quarter, rising by $17.4 billion (4.4%) from the level at the end of 2009.  This is the smallest quarterly increase in noncurrent loans since third quarter 2007, and all of the increase consisted of loans and leases 90 days or more past due. Loans and leases in nonaccrual status fell for the first time in four years, declining by $65 million. Noncurrent credit card loans increased during the quarter by $7.6 billion (51.9%), reflecting the inclusion of securitized credit card receivables. Noncurrent residential mortgage loans rose by $12.9 billion (7.2%), and noncurrent nonfarm nonresidential real estate loans increased by $3.7 billion (8.8%). In contrast, noncurrent C&I loans declined by $5.1 billion (12.2%), and noncurrent real estate construction and development loans fell by $1.8 billion (2.5%). It was the second consecutive quarterly decline in noncurrent levels for both loan categories.

Internal Capital Generation Turns Positive for First Time in Two Years

Total equity capital increased by $15.1 billion (1.0%) in the first quarter. The increase would have been larger, but institutions reported almost $22 billion in reductions in equity capital stemming from the application of FAS 167. More than three-quarters of all institutions (76.6%) increased their equity capital by a combined total of $30 billion during the quarter, but these increases were partially offset by the accounting related equity declines noted above. Retained earnings were positive for the first time since first quarter 2008, as net income exceeded dividends by $13.6 billion. Insured institutions paid $4.4 billion in dividends in the first quarter, down $2.9 billion (39.4%) from a year earlier.

Securitized Consumer Loans Return to Balance Sheets

The increase in loan balances was mirrored by declines in loans securitized and sold. Securitized credit card receivables declined by $347.4 billion (95.6%) during the quarter, while securitized other consumer loans fell by $25.7 billion (80.5%), and securitized home equity lines of credit dropped by $5.8 billion (97.2%). In all, securitized assets posted a $403.1 billion (22.2%) decline in the first quarter.

 
21


Secured Borrowings Register Sharp Increase

A substantial amount of short-term secured borrowings accompanied securitized loans onto bank balance sheets in the first quarter. Total deposits fell for the first time in a year, declining by $28.6 billion (0.3%).  Nondeposit liabilities increased by $262.9 billion (10.9%). Federal Home Loan Bank advances fell for a sixth consecutive quarter, declining by $52.9 billion (9.9%), while other nondeposit borrowings increased by $294.3 billion (52.8%).

“Problem List” Continues to Grow

The number of institutions reporting quarterly financial results declined by 80 in the first quarter of 2010, from 8,012 to 7,932. Forty-one FDIC-insured institutions failed during the quarter, while 37 institutions were merged into other charters. Only three new charters were added during the quarter, and all three were charters formed to acquire failed banks. The number of insured commercial banks and savings institutions on the FDIC’s “Problem List” increased from 702 to 775 during the quarter, and total assets of “problem” institutions increased from $403 billion to $431 billion.

Critical Accounting Policies

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

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained in the Company’s Annual Report.  Based on its consideration of accounting policies that involve the most complex and subjective estimates and judgments, management has identified its most critical accounting policies to be those related to the allowance for loan losses, valuation of other real estate owned and the assessment of other-than-temporary impairment of certain financial instruments.

Allowance for Loan Losses

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

 
22


Other Real Estate Owned

Real estate properties acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure are initially recorded at the fair value less estimated selling cost at the date of foreclosure.  Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses.  After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and property held for sale is carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less cost to sell.  Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a property exceeds its fair value.  Costs of significant property improvements are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding property are expensed.  The portion of interest costs relating to development of real estate is capitalized.  Independent appraisals or evaluations are periodically performed by management, and any subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to operations, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of a property to the lower of its cost basis or fair value less cost to sell. These appraisals or evaluations are inherently subjective and require estimates that are susceptible to significant revisions as more information becomes available.  Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in fair values will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Investment Securities

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

 
23


Income Statement Review for the Three Months ended June 30, 2010

The following highlights a comparative discussion of the major components of net income and their impact for the three month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:

AVERAGE BALANCES AND INTEREST RATES

The following two tables are used to calculate the Company’s net interest margin.  The first table includes the Company’s average assets and the related income to determine the average yield on earning assets.  The second table includes the average liabilities and related expense to determine the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.  The net interest margin is equal to the interest income less the interest expense divided by average earning assets.
 
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES
 
                                     
 
 
Three Months ended June 30,
 
                                     
   
2010
   
2009
 
                                     
   
Average
   
Revenue/
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
Revenue/
   
Yield/
 
   
balance
   
expense
   
rate
   
balance
   
expense
   
rate
 
ASSETS
                                   
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Interest-earning assets
                                   
Loans 1
                                   
Commercial
  $ 69,555     $ 926       5.32 %   $ 70,798     $ 919       5.19 %
Agricultural
    42,852       625       5.83 %     34,907       526       6.02 %
Real estate
    285,482       4,157       5.82 %     308,549       4,587       5.95 %
Consumer and other
    22,981       316       5.50 %     25,121       358       5.70 %
                                                 
Total loans (including fees)
    420,870       6,024       5.73 %     439,375       6,390       5.82 %
                                                 
Investment securities
                                               
Taxable
    236,131       1,771       3.00 %     207,743       2,055       3.96 %
Tax-exempt  2
    181,940       2,195       4.83 %     149,303       1,980       5.31 %
Total investment securities
    418,071       3,966       3.79 %     357,046       4,036       4.52 %
                                                 
Interest bearing deposits with banks
    35,692       129       1.45 %     25,908       81       1.25 %
Federal funds sold
    -       -       0.00 %     18,910       8       0.17 %
                                                 
Total interest-earning assets
    874,633     $ 10,119       4.63 %     841,239     $ 10,515       4.99 %
                                                 
Noninterest-earning assets
    52,670                       48,401                  
                                                 
                                                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 927,303                     $ 889,640                  
                                                 
                                                 
1 Average loan balance includes nonaccrual loans, if any. Interest income collected on nonaccrual loans has been included.
 
2 Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using an incremental tax rate of 35%.
         

 
24


AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES
 
                                     
 
 
Three Months ended June 30,
 
                                     
   
2010
   
2009
 
                                     
   
Average
   
Revenue/
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
Revenue/
   
Yield/
 
   
balance
   
expense
   
rate
   
balance
   
expense
   
rate
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                    
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                   
Deposits
                                   
Savings, NOW accounts, and money markets
  $ 395,083     $ 359       0.36 %   $ 370,835     $ 438       0.47 %
Time deposits < $100,000
    148,493       791       2.13 %     158,393       1,164       2.94 %
Time deposits > $100,000
    88,119       414       1.88 %     81,935       581       2.84 %
Total deposits
    631,695       1,564       0.99 %     611,163       2,183       1.43 %
Other borrowed funds
    84,056       403       1.92 %     86,866       477       2.19 %
                                                 
Total Interest-bearing liabilities
    715,751       1,967       1.10 %     698,029       2,660       1.52 %
                                                 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
                                               
Demand deposits
    90,330                       80,177                  
Other liabilities
    4,711                       5,378                  
                                                 
Stockholders' equity
    116,511                       106,056                  
                                                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 927,303                     $ 889,640                  
                                                 
                                                 
Net interest income
          $ 8,152       3.73 %           $ 7,855       3.73 %
                                                 
Spread Analysis
                                               
Interest income/average assets
  $ 10,119       4.37 %           $ 10,515       4.72 %        
Interest expense/average assets
  $ 1,967       0.85 %           $ 2,660       1.20 %        
Net interest income/average assets
  $ 8,152       3.52 %           $ 7,855       3.52 %        

Net Interest Income

For the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company's net interest margin adjusted for tax exempt income was 3.73%.  Net interest income, prior to the adjustment for tax-exempt income, for the three months ended March 31, 2010 totaled $7,387,000 compared to $7,167,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009.

For the three months ended June 30, 2010, interest income decreased $473,000 or 4.8% when compared to the same period in 2009.  The decrease from 2009 was primarily attributable to lower investment securities average yields and lower average balances of loans in the current period, offset in part by higher average balances of investment securities.

 
25


Interest expense decreased $694,000 or 26.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009.  The lower interest expense for the period is primarily attributable to lower average rates paid on certificate of deposits.

Provision for Loan Losses

The Company’s provision for loan losses for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $170,000 compared to a provision for loan losses of $327,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  This decrease in the provision for loan losses was due primarily to a decrease in outstanding loans, lower net charge offs and improving asset quality.  Net charge-offs of $2,000 were realized in the three months ended June 30, 2010 and compare to net charge-offs of $571,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009.

Non-interest Income and Expense

Non-interest income decreased $117,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 primarily as the result of securities gains of $135,000 in 2010 as compared to securities gains of $255,000 in 2009 and a decrease in gain on sale of loans held for sale, offset in part by an increase in trust department income.  The increase in trust department income is primarily due to an increase in assets under management.  The decrease in loan and secondary market fees is due to a decline in loans sold on the secondary market.  Excluding net security gains for the three months ending June 30, 2010 and 2009, non-interest income increased $3,000, or 0.2%.

Non-interest expense decreased $901,000 or 16.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 primarily as the result of $15,000 of write-downs of other real estate owned and lower quarterly FDIC insurance assessments for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to $645,000 of write downs for the three months ended June 30, 2009.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes expense for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was $1,067,000 and $623,000, representing an effective tax rate of 25% and 21%, respectively.  The higher pretax earnings in 2010 and the reduced effect of income from tax exempt securities lead to the higher effective tax rate in comparison to same period in 2009.

 
26


Income Statement Review for the Six Months ended June 30, 2010

The following highlights a comparative discussion of the major components of net income and their impact for the six month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:

AVERAGE BALANCES AND INTEREST RATES

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

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES
 
                                     
 
 
Six Months ended June 30,
 
                                     
   
2010
   
2009
 
                                     
   
Average
   
Revenue/
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
Revenue/
   
Yield/
 
   
balance
   
expense
   
rate
   
balance
   
expense
   
rate
 
ASSETS
                                   
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Interest-earning assets
                                   
Loans 1
                                   
Commercial
  $ 68,802     $ 1,918       5.58 %   $ 71,953     $ 1,842       5.12 %
Agricultural
    41,272       1,207       5.85 %     35,503       1,082       6.10 %
Real estate
    285,766       8,360       5.85 %     312,982       9,360       5.98 %
Consumer and other
    23,556       638       5.42 %     24,829       717       5.78 %
                                                 
Total loans (including fees)
    419,396       12,123       5.78 %     445,267       13,001       5.84 %
                                                 
Investment securities
                                               
Taxable
    237,936       3,598       3.02 %     192,111       4,167       4.34 %
Tax-exempt  2
    176,234       4,291       4.87 %     142,077       3,936       5.54 %
Total investment securities
    414,170       7,889       3.81 %     334,188       8,103       4.85 %
                                                 
Interest bearing deposits with banks
    31,195       259       1.66 %     19,615       186       1.90 %
Federal funds sold
    -       -       0.00 %     20,053       19       0.19 %
                                                 
Total interest-earning assets
    864,761     $ 20,271       4.69 %     819,123     $ 21,309       5.19 %
                                                 
Noninterest-earning assets
    55,104                       48,601                  
                                                 
                                                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 919,865                     $ 867,724                  
                                                 
                                                 
1 Average loan balance includes nonaccrual loans, if any. Interest income collected on nonaccrual loans has been included.
 
2 Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using an incremental tax rate of 35%.
         

 
27


AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES
 
                                     
 
 
Six Months ended June 30,
 
                                     
   
2010
   
2009
 
                                     
   
Average
   
Revenue/
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
Revenue/
   
Yield/
 
   
balance
   
expense
   
rate
   
balance
   
expense
   
rate
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                   
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                   
Deposits
                                   
Savings, NOW accounts, and money markets
  $ 386,570     $ 708       0.37 %   $ 350,810     $ 919       0.52 %
Time deposits < $100,000
    149,842       1,653       2.21 %     160,999       2,469       3.07 %
Time deposits > $100,000
    88,967       865       1.94 %     81,600       1,237       3.03 %
Total deposits
    625,379       3,226       1.03 %     593,409       4,625       1.56 %
Other borrowed funds
    84,065       805       1.92 %     82,855       945       2.28 %
                                                 
Total Interest-bearing liabilities
    709,444       4,031       1.14 %     676,264       5,570       1.65 %
                                                 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
                                               
Demand deposits
    90,325                       80,704                  
Other liabilities
    4,781                       5,360                  
                                                 
Stockholders' equity
    115,315                       105,396                  
                                                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 919,865                     $ 867,724                  
                                                 
                                                 
Net interest income
          $ 16,240       3.76 %           $ 15,739       3.83 %
                                                 
Spread Analysis
                                               
Interest income/average assets
  $ 20,271       4.41 %           $ 21,309       4.90 %        
Interest expense/average assets
  $ 4,031       0.88 %           $ 5,570       1.28 %        
Net interest income/average assets
  $ 16,240       3.53 %           $ 15,739       3.62 %        

Net Interest Income

For the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company's net interest margin adjusted for tax exempt income was 3.76% and 3.83%, respectively.  Net interest income, prior to the adjustment for tax-exempt income, for the six months ended March 31, 2010 totaled $14,744,000 compared to $14,374,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009.

For the six months ended June 30, 2010, interest income decreased $1,168,000 or 5.9% when compared to the same period in 2009.  The decrease from 2009 was primarily attributable to lower investment securities average yields and lower average balances of loans in the current period, offset in part by higher average balances of investment securities.

 
28


Interest expense decreased $1,538,000 or 27.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009.  The lower interest expense for the period is primarily attributable to lower average rates paid on certificates of deposits, offset in part by an increase in the average balance of savings, NOW and money market accounts.

Provision for Loan Losses

The Company’s provision for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $494,000 compared to a provision for loan losses of $556,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  This decrease in the provision for loan losses was due primarily to a decrease in outstanding loans, lower net charge offs and improving asset quality.  Net charge-offs of $296,000 were realized in the six months ended June 30, 2010 and compare to net charge-offs of $647,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009.

Non-interest Income and Expense

Non-interest income increased $835,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 primarily as the result of securities gains of $672,000 in 2010 as compared to securities losses of $96,000 in 2009 and an increase in trust department income, offset in part by a decrease in gain on sale of loans held for sale.  The increase in trust department income is primarily due to an increase in assets under management.  The decrease in loan and secondary market fees is due to a decline in loans sold on the secondary market.  Excluding net security gains for the six months ending June 30, 2010 and 2009, non-interest income increased $67,000, or 2.4%.

Non-interest expense decreased $1,195,000 or 11.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 primarily as the result of lower quarterly FDIC insurance assessments in 2010 and $15,000 of write-downs of other real estate owned for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to $966,000 of write downs for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  These decreases were partially offset by an increase in salaries and employee benefits.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes expense for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was $2,255,000 and $1,339,000, representing an effective tax rate of 26% and 22%, respectively.  The higher pretax earnings in 2010 and the reduced effect of income from tax exempt securities lead to the higher effective tax rate in comparison to same period in 2009.
 
Balance Sheet Review

As of June 30, 2010, total assets were $926,978,000, an $11,409,000 increase compared to December 31, 2009.  The increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase and a decrease in the loan portfolio, offset in part by a decrease in deposits funded an increase in securities available-for-sale.  The decrease in the loan portfolio is due in part to a decrease in loan demand, as payments and prepayments exceed originations.

Investment Portfolio

The investment portfolio totaled $436,929,000 as of June 30, 2010, 4.4% higher than the December 31, 2009 balance of $418,655,000.  The increase in the investment portfolio was primarily due an increase in the state and political subdivisions portfolio which was partially offset by the decreases in the corporate bonds and U.S, government agencies portfolios.

 
29

 
On a quarterly basis, the investment securities portfolio is reviewed for other-than-temporary impairment.  As of June 30, 2010, existing gross unrealized losses of $1,690,000 are considered to be temporary in nature due to market interest rate fluctuations and other factors, rather than deteriorations in the credit component of the securities.  As a result of the Company’s favorable liquidity position, the Company does not have the intent to sell impaired securities and management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will hold these securities until recovery of their cost basis to avoid considering an impairment to be other-than-temporary.

Loan Portfolio

The loan portfolio declined $5,002,000, or 1.2%, during the six months as net loans totaled $410,433,000 as of June 30, 2010 compared to $415,434,000 as of December 31, 2009.  The decline in the loan portfolio is primarily due to the decrease in loan volume due to a continuing weakness in loan demand as payments and prepayments exceeded originations.  The declines in the loan portfolio occurred primarily in the commercial real estate and commercial operating loan portfolios, offset in part by increases in one-to-four family real estate, agricultural operating and agricultural real estate loan portfolios.

Deposits

Deposits totaled $715,205,000 as of June 30, 2010, a decrease of $6,959,000 from December 31, 2009.  The decrease is primarily attributed to decreases in non public NOW and demand accounts, offset in part by increases in non public money market and certificate of deposits accounts and public funds accounts.  Public fund deposits increased in NOW accounts, offset by decreases in money market and certificate of deposit accounts.

Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $50,280,000 as of June 30, 2010, $9,790,000 higher than December 31, 2009.  This increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase is primarily due to an increase due to a new public funds customer, offset in part by a decrease in federal funds purchased.

Other Borrowed Funds

FHLB advances and other long-term borrowings totaled $38,500,000 as of June 30, 2010, $2,000,000 higher than December 31, 2009.  The increase is attributable to FHLB advance borrowings of $2,500,000, offset by FHLB advance maturities of $500,000.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet.  No material changes in the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements have occurred since December 31, 2009.

Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management

The Company’s credit risk is historically centered in the loan portfolio, which on June 30, 2010 totaled $410,433,000 compared to $415,434,000 as of December 31, 2009.  Net loans comprise 44% of total assets as of June 30, 2010.  The object in managing loan portfolio risk is to reduce the risk of loss resulting from a customer’s failure to perform according to the terms of a transaction and to quantify and manage credit risk on a portfolio basis.  The Company’s level of problem loans (consisting of non-accrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more) as a percentage of total loans was 1.86% at June 30, 2010, as compared to 2.45% at December 31, 2009 and 1.75% at June 30, 2009.  The Company’s level of problem loans as a percentage of total loans at June 30, 2010 of 1.86% is lower than the Company’s peer group (464 bank holding companies with assets of $500 million to $1 billion) of 3.36% as of March 31, 2010.

 
30


Impaired loans, net of specific reserves, totaled $6,834,000 as of June 30, 2010 compared to impaired loans of $9,188,000 as of December 31, 2009.  The decrease in impaired loans from December 31, 2009 to June 30, 2010, is due primarily to payments on several loans.  A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payment of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  The Company applies its normal loan review procedures to identify loans that should be evaluated for impairment.  As of June 30, 2010, non-accrual loans totaled $7,754,000; loans past due 90 days and still accruing totaled $7,000.  This compares to non-accrual loans of $10,187,000 and loans past due 90 days and still accruing of $121,000 on December 31, 2009.  Other real estate owned totaled $10,630,000 as of June 30, 2010 and $10,480,000 as of December 31, 2009.

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of outstanding loans as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was 1.88% and 1.81%, respectively. The allowance for loan losses totaled $7,850,000 and $7,652,000 as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  Net charge-offs for the six months ended June 30, 2010 totaled $296,000 compared to net charge-offs of $647,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The increase in the general allowance for loan losses was due primarily to continuing weakness in the general economic conditions.

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity management is the process by which the Company, through its Banks’ Asset and Liability Committees (ALCO), ensures that adequate liquid funds are available to meet its financial commitments on a timely basis, at a reasonable cost and within acceptable risk tolerances. These commitments include funding credit obligations to borrowers, funding of mortgage originations pending delivery to the secondary market, withdrawals by depositors, maintaining adequate collateral for pledging for public funds, trust deposits and borrowings, paying dividends to shareholders, payment of operating expenses, funding capital expenditures and maintaining deposit reserve requirements.
 
Liquidity is derived primarily from core deposit growth and retention; principal and interest payments on loans; principal and interest payments, sale, maturity and prepayment of investment securities; net cash provided from operations; and access to other funding sources. Other funding sources include federal funds purchased lines, Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances and other capital market sources.
 
 
31


As of June 30, 2010, the level of liquidity and capital resources of the Company remain at a satisfactory level and compare favorably to that of other FDIC insured institutions.  Management believes that the Company's liquidity sources will be sufficient to support its existing operations for the foreseeable future.

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

·   Review of the Company’s Current Liquidity Sources
·   Review of Statements of Cash Flows
·   Company Only Cash Flows
·   Review of Commitments for Capital Expenditures, Cash Flow Uncertainties and Known Trends in Liquidity and Cash Flows Needs
·   Capital Resources

Review of the Company’s Current Liquidity Sources

Liquid assets of cash and due from banks and interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 totaled $42,028,000 and $43,573,000, respectively,  and provide a level of liquidity.

Other sources of liquidity available to the Banks as of June 30, 2010 include outstanding lines of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, Iowa of $70,042,000, with $18,500,000 of outstanding FHLB advances at June 30, 2010.  Federal funds borrowing capacity at correspondent banks was $105,430,000, with no outstanding federal fund balances as of June 30, 2010. The Company had securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaling $50,280,000 and long-term repurchase agreements of $20,000,000 as of June 30, 2010.

Total investments as of June 30, 2010 were $436,929,000 compared to $418,655,000 as of December 31, 2009.   These investments provide the Company with a significant amount of liquidity since all of the investments are classified as available-for-sale as of June 30, 2010.

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

Review of Statements of Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 totaled $7,248,000 compared to the $8,936,000 provided for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily related to changes in accrued interest receivable, provision for deferred taxes, other real estate owned and net securities gains, offset in part by an increase in net income and amortization and accretion, net.
 
Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $12,092,000 and compares to $37,498,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to changes in securities available-for-sale and interest bearing deposits in financial institutions, offset in part by changes in loans and federal funds sold.

 
32


Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 totaled $2,718,000 compared to $19,955,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The decrease in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to changes in deposits, offset in part by changes in borrowings.  As of June 30, 2010, the Company did not have any external debt financing, off-balance sheet financing arrangements, or derivative instruments linked to its stock.

Company Only Cash Flows

The Company’s liquidity on an unconsolidated basis is heavily dependent upon dividends paid to the Company by the Banks. The Company requires adequate liquidity to pay its expenses and pay stockholder dividends. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, dividends paid by the Banks to the Company amounted to $1,700,000 compared to $1,840,000 for the same period in 2009.  Various federal and state statutory provisions limit the amounts of dividends banking subsidiaries are permitted to pay to their holding companies without regulatory approval.  Federal Reserve policy further limits the circumstances under which bank holding companies may declare dividends. For example, a bank holding company should not continue its existing rate of cash dividends on its common stock unless its net income is sufficient to fully fund each dividend and its prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. In addition, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have issued policy statements, which provide that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings.  Federal and state banking regulators may also restrict the payment of dividends by order.  First National, which historically has paid a significant proportion of the dividends received by the Company, has not paid any dividends to the Company in 2010 and 2009.  However, dividends from First National are expected to resume in the latter half of 2010 if profitability and growth expectations are met.  The Company increased the quarterly dividend declared by the Company to $0.11 per share in 2010 from $0.10 per share in 2009.

The Company, on an unconsolidated basis, has interest bearing deposits and marketable investment securities totaling $9,281,000 as of June 30, 2010 that are presently available to provide additional liquidity to the Banks.

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

No material capital expenditures or material changes in the capital resource mix are anticipated at this time.  The primary cash flow uncertainty would be a sudden decline in deposits causing the Banks to liquidate securities.  Historically, the Banks have maintained an adequate level of short-term marketable investments to fund the temporary declines in deposit balances.  There are no known trends in liquidity and cash flow needs as of June 30, 2010 that are of concern to management.

Capital Resources

The Company’s total stockholders’ equity as of June 30, 2010 totaled $118,698,000 and was higher than the $112,340,000 recorded as of December 31, 2009.  At June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, stockholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets was 12.80% and 12.27%, respectively.  The capital levels of the Company currently exceed applicable regulatory guidelines as of June 30, 2010.

 
33


Forward-Looking Statements and Business Risks

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

Item 3.                    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company's market risk is comprised primarily of interest rate risk arising from its core banking activities of lending and deposit taking.  Interest rate risk results from the changes in market interest rates which may adversely affect the Company's net interest income.  Management continually develops and applies strategies to mitigate this risk.  Management does not believe that the Company's primary market risk exposure and how it has been managed year-to-date in 2010 changed significantly when compared to 2009.

Item 4.                    Controls and Procedures

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

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

 
34


PART II.                OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.                    Legal Proceedings
 
Not applicable

Item 1.A.                Risk Factors

The following paragraphs supplement the discussion under Items 1A “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report:

Regulatory concerns.

On March 16, 2009, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) informed the Company’s lead bank, First National, of the OCC’s decision to establish individual minimum capital ratios for First National in excess of the capital ratios that would otherwise be imposed under applicable regulatory standards.  The OCC is requiring First National to maintain, on an ongoing basis, Tier 1 Leverage Capital of 9% of Adjusted Total Assets and Total Risk Based Capital of 11% of Risk-Weighted Assets.  As of June 30, 2010, First National exceeded the 9% Tier 1 and 11% Total Risk Based capital requirements.  Failure to maintain the individual minimum capital ratios established by the OCC could result in additional regulatory action against First National.
 
Item 2.                    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable

Item 3.                    Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
Not applicable

Item 4.                    Removed and Reserved

Item 5.                    Other information

Not applicable

Item 6.                    Exhibits

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

 
35


SIGNATURES

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


         AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION  
       
DATE: August 6, 2010
 
By:  /s/ Thomas H. Pohlman
 
       
   
Thomas H. Pohlman, President
 
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
       
   
By:  /s/ John P. Nelson
 
       
   
John P. Nelson, Vice President
 
   
(Principal Financial Officer)
 

 
36


EXHIBIT INDEX
 
       
The following exhibits are filed herewith:
 
       
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
       
 
-Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
-Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
-Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
 
-Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
 
 
37