form10-q.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 March 31, 2010

 
or

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:  0-49677


WEST BANCORPORATION, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


IOWA
42-1230603
(State of Incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


1601 22nd Street, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266

Telephone Number:  (515) 222-2300


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  x                      No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes  o                      No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “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

As of April 28, 2010, there were 17,403,882 shares of common stock, no par value outstanding.
 

 
1

 


WEST BANCORPORATION, INC.

INDEX

   
Page Number
     
 
     
3
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
6
     
 
7
     
 
8
     
 
10
     
20
     
33
     
33
     
 
     
33
     
33
     
33
     
 
34
     
 
35


 
2


PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements


West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
           
Consolidated Balance Sheets
           
(unaudited)
           
             
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
ASSETS
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 26,786     $ 27,923  
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
    269,625       103,572  
Cash and cash equivalents
    296,411       131,495  
Securities available for sale
    320,660       340,478  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
    10,191       10,791  
Loans held for sale
    1,381       332  
Loans
    992,101       1,020,710  
Allowance for loan losses
    (20,273 )     (19,126 )
Loans, net
    971,828       1,001,584  
Premises and equipment, net
    5,392       5,290  
Accrued interest receivable
    6,255       5,502  
Bank-owned life insurance
    25,618       25,400  
Other real estate owned
    26,974       25,350  
Deferred tax assets
    11,929       12,823  
Other assets
    14,686       16,009  
Total assets
  $ 1,691,325     $ 1,575,054  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
LIABILITIES
               
Deposits:
               
Noninterest-bearing demand
  $ 220,019     $ 206,412  
Interest-bearing demand
    162,790       162,305  
Savings
    576,090       442,137  
Time of $100,000 or more
    275,298       271,145  
Other time
    121,757       164,618  
Total deposits
    1,355,954       1,246,617  
                 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    64,385       40,342  
Other short-term borrowings
    2,081       2,553  
Subordinated notes
    20,619       20,619  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    105,000       125,000  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    6,312       6,864  
Total liabilities
    1,554,351       1,441,995  
                 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, with a liquidation preference of $1,000
     per share; authorized 50,000,000 shares; 36,000 shares issued and
     outstanding at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009
    34,143       34,024  
Common stock, no par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; 17,403,882 shares
     issued and outstanding at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009
    3,000       3,000  
Additional paid-in capital
    34,387       34,387  
Retained earnings
    68,729       65,959  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
    (3,285 )     (4,311 )
Total stockholders' equity
    136,974       133,059  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 1,691,325     $ 1,575,054  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

 
3


 
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
           
Consolidated Statements of Operations
           
(unaudited)
           
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Interest income:
           
Loans, including fees
  $ 13,706     $ 15,022  
Securities:
               
U.S. Treasury, government agencies and corporations
    745       612  
States and political subdivisions
    889       1,100  
Corporate notes and other investments
    342       125  
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
    147       103  
Total interest income
    15,829       16,962  
Interest expense:
               
Demand deposits
    596       477  
Savings deposits
    1,541       384  
Time deposits
    1,903       4,404  
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    56       91  
Subordinated notes
    363       363  
Long-term borrowings
    1,236       1,306  
Total interest expense
    5,695       7,025  
Net interest income
    10,134       9,937  
Provision for loan losses
    2,000       3,500  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    8,134       6,437  
Noninterest income:
               
Service charges on deposit accounts
    838       969  
Trust services
    208       180  
Gains and fees on sales of residential mortgages
    187       298  
Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance
    218       182  
Gain from bank-owned life insurance
    -       840  
Other income
    821       504  
Total noninterest income
    2,272       2,973  
Investment securities gains (losses), net:
               
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
    -       (1,415 )
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes
    -       -  
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
    -       (1,415 )
Realized securities gains, net
    46       1,453  
Investment securities gains, net
    46       38  
Noninterest expense:
               
Salaries and employee benefits
    2,592       2,727  
Occupancy
    801       815  
Data processing
    433       410  
FDIC insurance expense
    562       453  
Other expenses
    1,608       1,689  
Total noninterest expense
    5,996       6,094  
Income before income taxes
    4,456       3,354  
Income taxes
    1,117       417  
Income from continuing operations
    3,339       2,937  
 
(Continued on next page)
 
 
 
4


 
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
           
Consolidated Statements of Operations (continued)
           
(unaudited)
           
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Discontinued operations:
           
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes
    -       7  
Income taxes
    -       3  
Income from discontinued operations
    -       4  
Net income
    3,339       2,941  
Preferred stock dividends and accretion of discount
    (569 )     (567 )
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 2,770     $ 2,374  
                 
Earnings per common share:
               
Basic and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations
  $ 0.16     $ 0.14  
Basic and diluted earnings per common share from discontinued operations
  $ -     $ -  
Basic and diluted earnings per common share
  $ 0.16     $ 0.14  
Cash dividends per common share
  $ -     $ 0.08  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


 
5


 
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
           
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
           
(unaudited)
           
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Net income
  $ 3,339     $ 2,941  
Other comprehensive income:
               
Securities for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been
        recorded in earnings:
               
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period
    19       -  
Loss recognized in earnings
    -       -  
Net unrealized gains on securities with other-than-temporary
        impairment before tax benefit
    19       -  
Tax expense
    (7 )     -  
Net unrealized gains on securities with other-than-temporary
     impairment, net of tax in other comprehensive income
    12       -  
Other securities:
               
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period
    1,682       404  
Realized net (gains) recognized into net income
    (46 )     (1,453 )
Realized impairment losses reclassified into net income
    -       1,415  
Net unrealized gains on other securities before tax (expense) benefit
    1,636       366  
            Tax expense
    (622 )     (139 )
Net unrealized gains on other securities, net of tax in other
     comprehensive income
    1,014       227  
  Other comprehensive income
  $ 4,365     $ 3,168  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
6



West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
                                   
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
                                   
(unaudited)
                                   
                                     
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Preferred
Stock
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
Balance, January 1, 2009
  $ 33,548     $ 3,000     $ 34,452     $ 82,793     $ (3,730 )   $ 150,063  
Net income
    -       -       -       2,941       -       2,941  
Other comprehensive income, unrealized gains on
     securities, net of reclassification adjustment, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       227       227  
Preferred stock discount accretion
    117       -       -       (117 )     -       -  
Preferred stock issuance costs
    -       -       (63 )     -       -       (63 )
Cash dividends declared, $0.08 per common share
    -       -       -       (1,392 )     -       (1,392 )
Preferred stock dividends declared
    -       -       -       (450 )     -       (450 )
Balance, March 31, 2009
  $ 33,665     $ 3,000     $ 34,389     $ 83,775     $ (3,503 )   $ 151,326  
                                                 
Balance, January 1, 2010
  $ 34,024     $ 3,000     $ 34,387     $ 65,959     $ (4,311 )   $ 133,059  
Net income
    -       -       -       3,339       -       3,339  
Other comprehensive income, unrealized gains on
     securities, net of reclassification adjustment, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       1,026       1,026  
Preferred stock discount accretion
    119       -       -       (119 )     -       -  
Preferred stock dividends declared
    -       -       -       (450 )     -       (450 )
Balance, March 31, 2010
  $ 34,143     $ 3,000     $ 34,387     $ 68,729     $ (3,285 )   $ 136,974  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


 
7


 
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
           
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
           
(unaudited)
           
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 3,339     $ 2,941  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
    2,000       3,500  
Net amortization and accretion
    235       134  
(Gain) loss on disposition of premises and equipment
    (5 )     1  
Securities gains, net
    (46 )     (1,453 )
Investment securities impairment losses
    -       1,415  
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
    10,463       19,762  
Originations of loans held for sale
    (11,512 )     (19,727 )
Gain from bank-owned life insurance
    -       (840 )
Increase in value of bank-owned life insurance
    (218 )     (182 )
Depreciation
    150       167  
Deferred income taxes
    265       (1,373 )
Other
    -       (4 )
Change in assets and liabilities:
               
Increase in accrued interest receivable
    (753 )     (454 )
Decrease in other assets
    1,283       675  
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (552 )     1,610  
Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations
    4,649       6,172  
Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations
    -       51  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    4,649       6,223  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from sales, calls, and maturities of securities available for sale
    71,416       65,971  
Purchases of securities available for sale
    (50,092 )     (59,802 )
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    (224 )     (804 )
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    824       -  
Net decrease (increase) in loans
    21,812       (23,675 )
Net proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned
    4,320       2,161  
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment
    5       -  
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (252 )     (543 )
Proceeds of principal and earnings from bank-owned life insurance
    -       1,493  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - continuing operations
    47,809       (15,199 )
Net cash provided by investing activities - discontinued operations
    -       -  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    47,809       (15,199 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Net increase in deposits
    109,337       39,091  
Net increase in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    24,043       16,967  
Net decrease in other short-term borrowings
    (472 )     (195 )
Principal payments on long-term borrowings
    (20,000 )     -  
Common stock cash dividends
    -       (1,392 )
Preferred stock dividends paid
    (450 )     (225 )
Preferred stock issuance costs
    -       (63 )
Net cash provided by financing activities - continuing operations
    112,458       54,183  
Net cash provided by financing activities - discontinued operations
    -       -  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    112,458       54,183  

(Continued on next page)
 
 
 
8



West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
           
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
           
(unaudited)
           
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    164,916       45,207  
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
               
Beginning
    131,495       196,969  
Ending
  $ 296,411     $ 242,176  
                 
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
               
Cash payments for:
               
Interest
  $ 5,831     $ 6,720  
Income taxes
    -       190  
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
               
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned
  $ 5,944     $ 1,069  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
9

 
 
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share information)

1.  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, include the accounts of West Bancorporation, Inc. (the Company), West Bank, West Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, WB Funding Corporation (which owns an interest in a partnership), and West Bank’s 99.99 percent owned subsidiary, ICD IV, LLC (a community development partnership).  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), West Bancorporation Capital Trust I is recorded on the books of the Company using the equity method of accounting and is not consolidated.

The accounts of WB Capital Management Inc. (WB Capital) are included in the accompanying financial statements as discontinued operations for all periods through the sale date of December 31, 2009.  Accordingly, certain items in the prior period financial statements were reclassified to be consistent with the classifications used in the March 31, 2010, financial statements.  The reclassifications had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity.  See Note 4 for additional details.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Although management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented understandable, it is suggested that these interim consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the Company's most recent audited financial statements and notes thereto.  In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2010, and the results of operations, and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.  The results for these interim periods may not be indicative of results for the entire year or for any other period.

2.  Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).  References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™, sometimes referred to as the Codification or ASC.  In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term are the fair value of financial instruments and other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI), the valuation of other real estate owned, and the allowance for loan losses.

3.  Current Accounting Developments

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance on accounting for transfers of financial assets to improve the reporting for the transfer of financial assets resulting from (1) practices that have developed since the issuance of the prior standard that are not consistent with the original intent and key requirements of the prior standard, and (2) concerns of financial statement users that many of the financial assets (and related obligations) that have been derecognized should continue to be reported in the financial statements of transferors.  This guidance is included in the Codification as ASC 860.  The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2010.  The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or statement of operations.

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities and to provide more relevant and reliable information to users of financial statements.  This guidance is included in the Codification as part of ASC 810.  The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2010.  The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or statement of operations.
 
 
 
10

 
 
4.  Discontinued Operations

A former subsidiary, WB Capital, was sold effective December 31, 2009.  The results of operations and cash flows of WB Capital have been reflected on those statements as discontinued operations for the prior year periods reported.

The results of discontinued operations consist of the following for the period shown:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2009
 
Revenue from discontinued operations:
     
Interest income
  $ -  
Interest expense
    -  
Net interest income
    -  
Noninterest income
    1,459  
Noninterest expense
    1,452  
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes
    7  
Income taxes
    3  
Income from discontinued operations
  $ 4  

WB Capital was the only activity in the Company’s previously reported investment advisory segment disclosures.  The remainder of the Company was reported in the banking segment.  Therefore, the Company is no longer disclosing segment information.

5.  Critical Accounting Policies

Management has identified its most critical accounting policies to be those related to asset impairment judgments, including fair value and OTTI of available for sale investment securities, the valuation of other real estate owned, and the allowance for loan losses.

Securities available for sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes.  The Company evaluates its debt securities for OTTI on an ongoing basis for those securities with a fair value below amortized cost.  The review takes into consideration current market conditions, issuer rating changes and trends, the credit worthiness of the obligator of the security, current analysts’ evaluations, failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments, the Company’s lack of intent to sell the security or whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery, as well as other qualitative factors.  The term OTTI is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospect for a near-term recovery of value is not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value of the investment.  Any portion of such a decline in value associated with credit loss is recognized in earnings as an impairment loss with the remaining noncredit-related component being recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.  A credit loss is determined by assessing whether the amortized cost basis of the security will be recovered by comparing the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security, computed using original yield as the discount rate, to the amortized cost basis of the security. The shortfall of the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected in relation to the amortized cost basis is considered to be the “credit loss.”  In addition to credit losses, losses are recognized for a security having an unrealized loss if the Company has the intent to sell the security or if it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before collection of the principal amount.

Other real estate owned includes real estate properties acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure.  They are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs.  After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management during the holding period by obtaining updated appraisals or other market information.  Any subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to operations.

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense.  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 areas and the expected trend of those economic conditions.  While management uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic conditions or the other factors relied upon.  To the extent actual results differ from forecasts and management’s judgment, the allowance for loan losses may be greater or less than future charge-offs.


 
11

 
 
6.  Securities Available for Sale

For securities available for sale, the following table shows the amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses (pre-tax) included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss), and estimated fair value by security type as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009.  Included in gross unrealized losses as of March 31, 2010, is an OTTI loss of $3,436 relating to a pooled trust preferred security, which represents the noncredit-related portion of the overall impairment.
 
   
March 31, 2010
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
   
Fair
Value
 
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 175,772     $ 224     $ (211 )   $ 175,785  
State and political subdivisions
    84,046       934       (1,279 )     83,701  
Mortgage-backed securities (1)
    50,428       257       (112 )     50,573  
Trust preferred securities
    6,929       -       (4,730 )     2,199  
Corporate notes and other investments
    8,784       25       (407 )     8,402  
    $ 325,959     $ 1,440     $ (6,739 )   $ 320,660  
                                 
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
   
Fair
Value
 
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 177,940     $ 190     $ (240 )   $ 177,890  
State and political subdivisions
    88,831       823       (1,719 )     87,935  
Mortgage-backed securities (1)
    64,897       141       (460 )     64,578  
Trust preferred securities
    6,926       -       (4,859 )     2,067  
Corporate notes and other investments
    8,839       28       (859 )     8,008  
    $ 347,433     $ 1,182     $ (8,137 )   $ 340,478  
 
(1)  
All mortgage-backed securities consist of residential mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by GNMA or issued by FNMA, and real estate mortgage investment conduits guaranteed by FHLMC or GNMA.

Securities with an amortized cost of $160,203 and $170,211 as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, respectively, were pledged as collateral on the securities sold under agreements to repurchase, other short-term borrowings, and for other purposes as required or permitted by law or regulation.  Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are held in safekeeping on behalf of the Company.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale as of March 31, 2010, are shown by contractual maturity in the following table.  Certain securities have call features which allow the issuer to call the securities prior to maturity.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities in mortgage-backed securities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.  Therefore, mortgage-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories in the following maturity summary.
 
   
March 31, 2010
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 24,516     $ 24,581  
Due after one year through five years
    150,199       149,811  
Due after five years through ten years
    52,336       52,528  
Due after ten years
    48,480       43,167  
      275,531       270,087  
Mortgage-backed securities
    50,428       50,573  
    $ 325,959     $ 320,660  

 
 
12

 
 
Realized gains and losses on sales of securities available for sale are computed on a specific identification basis and are based on amortized cost.  The details of the sales of securities are summarized in the following table:
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Proceeds from sales
  $ 15,450     $ 54,343  
Gross gains on sales
    46       1,453  
Gross losses on sales
    -       -  


See Note 5 for a discussion of financial reporting for securities with unrealized losses.

The following tables show the fair value and gross unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009.  The table includes one trust preferred security for which a portion of an OTTI has been recognized in other comprehensive income.
 
   
March 31, 2010
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
   
Fair
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
   
Fair
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
 
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 89,808     $ (211 )   $ -     $ -     $ 89,808     $ (211 )
State and political subdivisions
    26,112       (822 )     9,436       (457 )     35,548       (1,279 )
Mortgage-backed securities
    39,405       (112 )     -       -       39,405       (112 )
Trust preferred securities
    -       -       2,199       (4,730 )     2,199       (4,730 )
Corporate notes and other investments
    -       -       3,580       (407 )     3,580       (407 )
    $ 155,325     $ (1,145 )   $ 15,215     $ (5,594 )   $ 170,540     $ (6,739 )
                                                 
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
   
Fair
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
   
Fair
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
 
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 42,535     $ (240 )   $ -     $ -     $ 42,535     $ (240 )
State and political subdivisions
    31,433       (1,159 )     11,652       (560 )     43,085       (1,719 )
Mortgage-backed securities
    47,644       (460 )     -       -       47,644       (460 )
Trust preferred securities
    -       -       2,067       (4,859 )     2,067       (4,859 )
Corporate notes and other investments
    -       -       3,128       (859 )     3,128       (859 )
    $ 121,612     $ (1,859 )   $ 16,847     $ (6,278 )   $ 138,459     $ (8,137 )

As of March 31, 2010, the available for sale investment portfolio included 19 municipal securities, 3 trust preferred securities, and 1 corporate note with current unrealized losses that have existed for longer than one year.

The Company’s unrealized losses on investments in state and political subdivisions are due to market conditions, not reduced estimated cash flows.  The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities, does not anticipate that these securities will be required to be sold before anticipated recovery, and expects full principal and interest to be collected.  Therefore, the Company does not consider these investments to be OTTI at March 31, 2010.

The unrealized losses in two single-issuer trust preferred securities totaling $1,294 are due to reduced demand for these securities, and interest rate fluctuations and illiquid markets, not estimated cash flows.  The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities, does not anticipate that these securities will be required to be sold before anticipated recovery, and expects full principal and interest will be collected.  Therefore, the Company does not consider these investments to be OTTI at March 31, 2010.
 
 
 
13

 
 
As of March 31, 2010, the Company had one pooled trust preferred security it considered to be OTTI.  The Company engaged an independent consulting firm to assist in the valuation of this security.  Based on the consulting firm’s findings, management determined the security had an estimated market value of $1,155 which resulted in $3,436 of total impairment.  To determine any credit loss on this security for the quarter, the investment consulting firm projected cash flows for the security and discounted the cash flows at the original purchased yield.  The consulting firm analyzed each underlying bank or insurance company and assigned a probability of default.  Those default assumptions were then used to determine the projected cash flows of the security.  In addition, the consulting firm assumed no prepayments of the underlying debt.  If the net present value of the cash flows was less than the cost basis of the security, the difference would have been considered credit-related and recorded through earnings.  Based on the consulting firm’s findings and this calculation, no additional impairment was recorded and no additional credit loss was recognized in 2010 first quarter earnings.  The unrealized loss of $3,436 is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive (loss), net of taxes of $1,306.  The Company will continue to periodically estimate the present value of cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the security.

The Company’s unrealized loss on an investment in one corporate bond is due to market conditions, not estimated cash flows.  The Company does not have the intent to sell this security, does not anticipate that this security will be required to be sold before anticipated recovery, and expects full principal and interest to be collected.  Therefore, the Company does not consider this investment to be OTTI at March 31, 2010.

The following table provides a roll forward of the amount of credit-related losses recognized in earnings for which a portion of OTTI has been recognized in other comprehensive income through March 31, 2010:
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2010
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 310  
Current period credit loss recognized in earnings
    -  
Reductions for securities sold during the period
    -  
Reductions for securities where there is an intent to sell or requirement to sell
    -  
Reductions for increases in cash flows expected to be collected
    -  
Balance as of March 31, 2010
  $ 310  

The components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss), presented net of taxes, are shown in the following table:
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss):
           
Unrealized (losses) on available for sale securities for which a portion of
     other-than-temporary impairment has been recorded in earnings, net
     of tax of $1,306 and $1,313, respectively
  $ (2,130 )   $ (2,142 )
Unrealized (losses) on available for sale securities which are not
     other-than-temporarily impaired, net of tax of $708 and $1,330, respectively
    (1,155 )     (2,169 )
    $ (3,285 )   $ (4,311 )

7.  Impaired Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

A loan is impaired when it is probable that West Bank will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement.  Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  The following is a recap of impaired loans at the dates shown:
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
Impaired loans without an allowance
  $ 20,432     $ 16,809  
Impaired loans with an allowance
    22,674       24,745  
Total impaired loans
  $ 43,106     $ 41,554  
Allowance for loan losses related to impaired loans
  $ 4,782     $ 4,935  

 
 
14

 
 
The following table reconciles the balance of nonaccrual loans with impaired loans carried at fair value as of the dates shown.
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
Nonaccrual loans
  $ 11,450     $ 12,350  
Restructured loans
    16,554       12,817  
Other impaired loans still accruing interest
    15,102       16,387  
Total impaired loans
  $ 43,106     $ 41,554  

Changes in the allowance for loan losses were as follows for the periods shown below:
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 19,126     $ 15,441  
Charge-offs
    (1,022 )     (1,187 )
Recoveries
    169       261  
Net charge-offs
    (853 )     (926 )
Provision charged to operations
    2,000       3,500  
Balance at end of period
  $ 20,273     $ 18,015  


8.  Fair Value Measurements

Accounting guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities using a hierarchy system, and expands disclosures about fair value measurement.  It clarifies that fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts business.

The Company’s balance sheet contains securities available for sale that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  The three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value is as follows:

Level 1 uses quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 uses observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3 uses unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

When available, quoted market prices are used to determine the fair value of investment securities and such items are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  An example is U.S. Treasury securities.  For other securities, the Company determines fair value based on various sources and may apply matrix pricing with observable prices for similar bonds where a price for the identical bond is not observable.  Securities measured at fair value by such methods are classified as Level 2.  Certain securities are not valued based on observable transactions and are, therefore, classified as Level 3.  The fair value of these securities is based on management’s best estimates.
 
 
 
15



The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

   
March 31, 2010
 
Description
 
Total
   
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 175,785     $ -     $ 175,785     $ -  
State and political subdivisions
    83,701       -       83,701       -  
Mortgage-backed securities
    50,573       -       50,573       -  
Trust preferred securities
    2,199       -       1,044       1,155  
Corporate notes and other investments
    8,402       -       8,402       -  
Total
  $ 320,660     $ -     $ 319,505     $ 1,155  
                                 
                                 
   
December 31, 2009
 
Description
 
Total
   
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Assets:
                               
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 177,890     $ -     $ 177,890     $ -  
State and political subdivisions
    87,935       -       87,935       -  
Mortgage-backed securities
    64,578       -       64,578       -  
Trust preferred securities
    2,067       -       931       1,136  
Corporate notes and other investments
    8,008       -       8,008       -  
Total
  $ 340,478     $ -     $ 339,342     $ 1,136  

The following table presents changes in securities available for sale with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2010:
 
   
Securities
Available for Sale
 
Beginning balance
  $ 1,136  
Transfer into level 3
    -  
Total gains or (losses):
       
Included in earnings
    -  
Included in other comprehensive income
    19  
Principal payments
    -  
Ending balance
  $ 1,155  

The table above includes one pooled trust preferred security.  Market pricing for this security varies widely from one pricing service to another based on a lack of trading so it was considered to no longer have readily observable market data.  The fair value as of March 31, 2010, was determined by discounting the expected cash flows over the life of the security.  The discount rate included an estimate for illiquidity, credit risk, and the time value of money.  No additional credit loss was recognized during the quarter ended March 31, 2010.


 
16

 
 
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 by caption and by level within the valuation hierarchy as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009:
 
   
March 31, 2010
 
Description
 
Total
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
Loans
  $ 17,892     $ -     $ -     $ 17,892  
Other real estate owned
    26,974       -       -       26,974  
Total
  $ 44,866     $ -     $ -     $ 44,866  
                                 
                                 
   
December 31, 2010
 
Description
 
Total
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Assets:
                               
Loans
  $ 19,810     $ -     $ -     $ 19,810  
Other real estate owned
    25,350       -       -       25,350  
Total
  $ 45,160     $ -     $ -     $ 45,160  

Loans in the table above consist of impaired loans for which a fair value adjustment has been recorded.  Impaired loans are evaluated and valued at the time the loan is identified as impaired, at the lower of cost or fair value.  Fair value is measured based on the value of the collateral securing these loans, which are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.  Collateral may be real estate and/or business assets including equipment, inventory and/or accounts receivable and fair value is determined based on appraisals by qualified licensed appraisers hired by the Company.  Appraised and reported values may be discounted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation, and/or management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business.  Other real estate owned in the table above consists of property acquired through foreclosures and settlements of loans.  Property acquired is carried at fair value of the property, less estimated disposal costs, and is classified as a Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

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

Cash and due from banks:  The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Federal funds sold and other short-term investments:  The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Federal Home Loan Bank stock:  The fair value of this restricted stock is estimated at its carrying value and redemption price of $100 per share.

Loans held for sale:  The fair values of loans held for sale are based on estimated selling prices.

Loans:  The fair values of loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on observable market interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers with similar credit quality.

Deposits:  The carrying amounts for demand and savings deposits, which represent the amounts payable on demand, approximate their fair values.  The fair values for fixed-rate and variable-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on observable market interest rates currently being offered on certificates with similar terms.

Accrued interest receivable and payable:  The fair values of both accrued interest receivable and payable approximate their carrying amounts.
 
 
 
17



Short-term and other borrowings:  The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase and certain other short-term borrowings approximate their fair values.  The fair values of long-term borrowings including subordinated notes and Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on observable market interest rates currently being offered with similar terms.

Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit:  The approximate fair values of commitments and standby letters of credit are based on the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and creditworthiness of the counterparties.

The carrying amounts and approximate fair values are as follows as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Approximate
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Approximate
Fair Value
 
Financial assets:
                       
Cash and due from banks
  $ 26,786     $ 26,786     $ 27,923     $ 27,923  
Federal funds sold and other
     short-term investments
    269,625       269,625       103,572       103,572  
Securities available for sale
    320,660       320,660       340,478       340,478  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    10,191       10,191       10,791       10,791  
Loans held for sale
    1,381       1,386       332       332  
Loans, net
    971,828       974,561       1,001,584       1,006,217  
Accrued interest receivable
    6,255       6,255       5,502       5,502  
Financial liabilities:
                               
Deposits
    1,355,954       1,359,366       1,246,617       1,250,163  
Federal funds purchased and securities
     sold under agreements to repurchase
    64,385       64,385       40,342       40,342  
Other short-term borrowings
    2,081       2,081       2,553       2,553  
Accrued interest payable
    1,620       1,620       1,756       1,756  
Subordinated notes
    20,619       14,362       20,619       14,387  
FHLB advances
    105,000       104,147       125,000       122,177  
Off-balance-sheet financial instruments:
                               
Commitments to extend credit
    -       -       -       -  
Standby letters of credit
    -       -       -       -  

 
 
18



9.  Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share from continuing and discontinued operations are computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Income available to common stockholders is net income less preferred stock dividends and accretion of discount on preferred stock, which is treated as preferred stock dividends.  Diluted earnings per common share from continuing and discontinued operations reflect the potential dilution that could occur if the Company’s outstanding stock warrant was exercised and converted into common stock.  The dilutive effect is computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes all outstanding warrants are exercised.  The incremental shares, to the extent they would have been dilutive, are included in the denominator of the diluted earnings per common share calculation.  The calculation of earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, is presented below.
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 3,339     $ 2,937  
Income from discontinued operations
    -       4  
Net income
    3,339       2,941  
Preferred stock dividends
    (450 )     (450 )
Preferred stock discount accretion
    (119 )     (117 )
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 2,770     $ 2,374  
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    17,404       17,404  
Common stock warrant*
    -       -  
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    17,404       17,404  
                 
Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations
  $ 0.16     $ 0.14  
Basic earnings per common share from discontinued operations
  $ -     $ -  
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 0.16     $ 0.14  
                 
Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations
  $ 0.16     $ 0.14  
Diluted earnings per common share from discontinued operations
  $ -     $ -  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 0.16     $ 0.14  

*The average closing price of the Company’s common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, was $5.38 and $8.33, respectively.  This was less than the $11.39 exercise price of the common stock warrant to purchase 474,100 shares of common stock; therefore, the warrant was not dilutive.

10.  Deferred Income Taxes

Tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to net deferred tax assets consist of the following as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009:
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 7,704     $ 7,268  
Intangibles
    2,454       2,517  
Net unrealized losses on securities available for sale
    2,014       2,643  
Equity security impairment
    144       144  
Alternative minimum tax credit and other credits
    415       909  
State net operating loss carryforward
    318       296  
Capital loss carryforward
    3,298       3,269  
Other
    (686 )     (514 )
Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance
    15,661       16,532  
Valuation allowance
    (3,732 )     (3,709 )
Net deferred tax assets
  $ 11,929     $ 12,823  


The decline in deferred tax assets since December 31, 2009, is primarily the result of lower unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale and utilization of alternative minimum and other tax credit carryforwards.
 
 
 
19



Management believes the deferred tax asset related to unrealized losses on securities available for sale is recoverable because the Company does not have the intent to sell the related securities and it is more likely than not the Company will not be required to sell the securities until recovery of the unrealized loss amounts.  The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against the tax effect of the state net operating loss carryforward, federal and state capital loss carryforwards, and equity security impairment as management believes it is more likely than not that such carryforwards will expire without being utilized.

11.  Commitments

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into commitments to extend credit in the form of loan commitments and standby letters of credit to meet the financing needs of its customers.  These commitments expose the Company to varying degrees of credit and market risk and are subject to the same credit policies as are loans recorded on the balance sheet.  For additional information on credit extension commitments and the characteristics of these obligations, see Note 14 of the Company’s 2009 consolidated financial statements (pages 60-62 of the Appendix to the Proxy Statement).  The Company’s commitments as of the dates shown are approximately as follows:
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
Commitments to extend credit
  $ 195,102     $ 202,217  
Standby letters of credit
    17,602       18,350  
    $ 212,704     $ 220,567  

West Bank has executed a Mortgage Partnership Finance (MPF) Master Commitment (the Commitment) with the FHLB of Des Moines to deliver mortgage loans and to guarantee the payment of any realized losses that exceed the FHLB’s first loss account for mortgages delivered under the Commitment.  West Bank receives credit enhancement fees from the FHLB for providing this guarantee and continuing to assist with managing the credit risk of the MPF Program mortgage loans.  The term of the current Commitment and guarantee per the Master Commitment is through March 18, 2011.  At March 31, 2010, any liability represented by the present value of the credit enhancement fees less any expected losses in the mortgages delivered under the Commitment was immaterial.  West Bank has not experienced any losses under these guarantees.

12.  Subsequent Events

Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date financial statements are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Through that date, there has been one event requiring financial statement disclosure.  West Bank entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Iowa Division of Banking (IDOB) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on April 28, 2010.  West Bank is required by the memorandum to obtain prior approval from the IDOB for any dividend which would be used to fund Company common stock dividends.  West Bank also agreed to maintain a tier 1 capital ratio of at least 8.0 percent of total assets and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 12.0 percent of total risk-weighted assets.  West Bank is currently exceeding those ratios.  The Company believes West Bank can comply with the agreement without any substantial impact on its operations or material impact on its financial results.


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

"SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT

The information contained in this report may contain forward-looking statements about the Company’s growth and acquisition strategies, new products and services, and future financial performance, including earnings and dividends per share, return on average assets, return on average equity, efficiency ratio, and capital ratios.  Certain statements in this report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “should,” or “anticipates,” or similar references or references to estimates or predictions.  Such forward-looking statements are based upon certain underlying assumptions, risks, and uncertainties.  Because of the possibility of change in the underlying assumptions, actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements.  Risks and uncertainties that may affect future results include: interest rate risk; competitive pressures; pricing pressures on loans and deposits; 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; actions of bank and non-bank competitors; changes in local and national economic conditions; changes in regulatory requirements and costs, including but not limited to, actions of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the United States Department of the Treasury, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or the Iowa Division of Banking; changes in the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program; and customers’ acceptance of the Company’s products and services.  The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update such forward-looking statements to reflect current or future events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
 
 
 
20



THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

OVERVIEW

The following discussion describes the consolidated operations of the Company, including West Bank, West Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, WB Funding Corporation (which owns an interest in SmartyPig, LLC), and West Bank’s 99.99 percent owned subsidiary, ICD IV, LLC (a community development partnership).  Consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010, are compared to the results for the same periods in 2009 and the consolidated financial condition of the Company at March 31, 2010, is compared to the December 31, 2009, position.

The accounts of WB Capital Management Inc. (WB Capital) are included in the accompanying financial statements as discontinued operations for all periods through the sale date of December 31, 2009.  Accordingly, certain items in the prior period financial statements were reclassified to be consistent with the classifications used in the March 31, 2010, financial statements.  The reclassifications had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity.

Total net income available to common stockholders was $2,770 for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, compared to $2,374 for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.  Total basic and diluted earnings per common share were $0.16 and $0.14, respectively, for the quarters ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.  The Company’s annualized return on average equity and return on average assets for the three months ended March 31, 2010, were 10.04 and 0.83 percent, respectively, compared to 7.84 and 0.75 percent, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

Results for continuing operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, were $402 higher than the same period last year primarily due to a $1,500 decline in provision for loan losses.  Prior year first quarter results included a tax-exempt gain of $840 from bank-owned life insurance proceeds as the result of the death of one of West Bank’s officers.  Lower tax-exempt income caused income tax expense to increase by $700 in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans outstanding as of March 31, 2010, was 2.04 percent compared to 1.87 percent as of December 31, 2009.  During the first quarter of 2010, total loans declined $28,609 compared to total loans outstanding as of year end 2009.  Total nonperforming assets increased by $3,512, with the increase attributed to the restructured loan and other real estate owned categories.

As of the issuance of this report, we believe the Company will be profitable for the remainder of 2010.  The amount of the profit, if any, will depend in large part on the amount of loan losses we incur during the last three quarters of the year.  The loan portfolio still presents substantially greater than normal risks.  A significant portion of our portfolio is comprised of loans secured by commercial real estate.  We also believe the dollar amount of the loan portfolio will remain at its current level or possibly decline somewhat further by the end of 2010.  Demand for new loans is not anticipated to significantly exceed the amount of loan payments and payoffs expected this year.

Effective April 1, 2010, David Nelson began his employment with the Company as the Chief Executive Officer and President.  Mr. Nelson brings with him significant leadership experience in commercial lending.

West Bank entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Iowa Division of Banking (IDOB) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on April 28, 2010.  The details of the agreement are described in a Form 8-K filing made by the Company on April 29, 2010.  The Company believes West Bank can comply with the agreement without any substantial impact on its operations or material impact on its financial results.
 
 
 
21

 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table shows selected financial results and measures for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared with the same period in 2009.
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
Change
   
Change %
 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 3,339     $ 2,937     $ 402       13.7 %
Income from discontinued operations
    -       4       (4 )     -100.0 %
Net income
  $ 3,339     $ 2,941     $ 398       13.5 %
                                 
Average assets
  $ 1,636,430     $ 1,582,010     $ 54,420       3.4 %
Average stockholders' equity
    134,854       152,138       (17,284 )     -11.4 %
                                 
Return on average assets
    0.83 %     0.75 %     0.08 %        
                                 
Return on average equity
    10.04 %     7.84 %     2.20 %        
                                 
Efficiency ratio
    46.05 %     45.03 %     1.02 %        
                                 
Dividend payout ratio
 
NM
      47.34 %  
NM
         
                                 
Average equity to average assets ratio
    8.24 %     9.62 %     -1.38 %        
                                 
Equity to assets ratio - end of period
    8.10 %     9.38 %     -1.28 %        
                                 
Tangible common equity ratio - end of period
    6.07 %     6.50 %     -0.43 %        


Definitions of ratios:

 
Return on average assets – annualized net income divided by average assets.
 
Return on average equity – annualized net income divided by average stockholders’ equity.
 
Efficiency ratio – noninterest expense (excluding discontinued operations) divided by noninterest income (excluding securities gains and net impairment losses and discontinued operations) plus taxable equivalent net interest income.
 
Dividend payout ratio – dividends paid divided by net income.
 
Equity to assets ratio – equity divided by assets.
 
Tangible common equity ratio – common equity less intangible assets divided by tangible assets.
 
NM – not meaningful.

Net Interest Income

The following table shows average balances and related interest income or interest expense, with the resulting average yield or rate by category of interest-earning assets or interest-bearing liabilities.  Interest income and the resulting net interest income are shown on a fully taxable basis.
 
 
 
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Data for the three months ended March 31:
 
   
Average Balance
   
Interest Income/Expense
   
Yield/Rate
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
Change
   
Change-%
   
2010
   
2009
   
Change
   
Change-%
   
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                                                 
Loans:
                                                                 
Commercial
  $ 350,876     $ 396,806     $ (45,930 )     -11.57 %   $ 4,283     $ 4,751     $ (468 )     -9.85 %     4.95 %     4.86 %     0.09 %
Real estate
    643,943       707,597       (63,654 )     -9.00 %     9,495       10,252       (757 )     -7.38 %     5.98 %     5.88 %     0.10 %
Consumer and other
    10,406       11,734       (1,328 )     -11.32 %     131       184       (53 )     -28.80 %     5.11 %     6.34 %     -1.23 %
Total loans
    1,005,225       1,116,137       (110,912 )     -9.94 %     13,909       15,187       (1,278 )     -8.42 %     5.61 %     5.52 %     0.09 %
                                                                                         
Investment securities:
                                                                                       
Taxable
    252,041       86,438       165,603       191.59 %     1,110       831       279       33.57 %     1.76 %     3.85 %     -2.09 %
Tax-exempt
    82,467       95,163       (12,696 )     -13.34 %     1,277       1,464       (187 )     -12.77 %     6.19 %     6.16 %     0.03 %
Total investment securities
    334,508       181,601       152,907       84.20 %     2,387       2,295       92       4.01 %     2.85 %     5.06 %     -2.21 %
                                                                                         
Federal funds sold and
     short-term investments
    197,216       193,884       3,332       1.72 %     147       103       44       42.72 %     0.30 %     0.22 %     0.08 %
Total interest-earning assets
  $ 1,536,949     $ 1,491,622     $ 45,327       3.04 %     16,443       17,585       (1,142 )     -6.49 %     4.34 %     4.78 %     -0.44 %
                                                                                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                                                       
Deposits:
                                                                                       
Checking with interest, savings
     and money markets
  $ 666,939     $ 341,464     $ 325,475       95.32 %     2,137       861       1,276       148.20 %     1.30 %     1.02 %     0.28 %
Time deposits
    419,872       653,899       (234,027 )     -35.79 %     1,903       4,404       (2,501 )     -56.79 %     1.84 %     2.73 %     -0.89 %
Total deposits
    1,086,811       995,363       91,448       9.19 %     4,040       5,265       (1,225 )     -23.27 %     1.51 %     2.15 %     -0.64 %
Other borrowed funds
    197,099       242,264       (45,165 )     -18.64 %     1,655       1,760       (105 )     -5.97 %     3.41 %     2.95 %     0.46 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
  $ 1,283,910     $ 1,237,627     $ 46,283       3.74 %     5,695       7,025       (1,330 )     -18.93 %     1.80 %     2.30 %     -0.50 %
                                                                                         
Tax-equivalent net interest income
                            $ 10,748     $ 10,560     $ 188       1.78 %                        
Net interest spread
                                                                    2.54 %     2.48 %     0.06 %
Net interest margin
                                                                    2.84 %     2.87 %     -0.03 %

Fluctuations in net interest income can result from the combination of changes in the balances of asset and liability categories and changes in interest rates.  Interest rates earned and paid are also affected by general economic conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, and by competitive factors, government policies, and the actions of regulatory authorities.  Net interest margin is a measure of the net return on interest-earning assets and is computed by dividing annualized tax-equivalent net interest income by the average of total interest-earning assets for the period.  The net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2010, was 2.84 percent, a decline of 3 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2009.  The decline from the prior year was due to the change in the mix of average earning assets.

The net interest margin is expected to improve in the second quarter of 2010 as the result of implementation of tiered pricing within the SmartyPig® savings program, which was announced on April 19, 2010, and will become effective on May 19, 2010.  SmartyPig® is an innovative, internet-based savings and rewards program developed by SmartyPig, LLC.  The rate will increase from 2.00 percent to 2.15 percent for accounts with balances up to $50 and the rate for balances above $50 will be reduced to 0.50 percent.  As of March 31, 2010, the approximately 11,750 active customers in this program include 1,300 customers who have balances exceeding $50, which totaled approximately $105,000.  Management of West Bank and SmartyPig, LLC felt the majority of the high balance account holders are not using the program as intended to build their savings over a period of time.  Total deposits for this group of depositors should decline as a result of the tiered pricing.

As previously reported, the amount of the SmartyPig® savings program (approximately $231,000 as of March 31, 2010) is larger than West Bank desires.  At this time it is anticipated that the SmartyPig® deposits will transfer to a regional or larger bank by the end of the second quarter of 2010.  This transfer is anticipated to have a positive effect on net interest margin in the second half of the year.

The Company’s tax-equivalent net interest income increased $188 for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2009, as the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities declined slightly more than the yields on earning assets.

Tax-equivalent interest income and fees on loans declined $1,278 in the first three months of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 due to the decline in the average volume of outstanding loans.  The average yield on loans increased to 5.61 percent for the first three months of 2010, compared to 5.52 percent for the same period in 2009.  The yield on the Company’s loan portfolio is affected by the mix of the portfolio, the effects of competition, the interest rate environment, the level of nonaccrual loans, and reversals of previously accrued interest on charged-off loans.  The interest rate environment can influence the volume of new loan originations and the mix of variable rate versus fixed rate loans.  Loan pricing in the Company’s market areas remains competitive, while the demand for new loans has declined.
 
 
 
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For the first three months of 2010, the average balance of investment securities was $152,907 higher than in the first three months of 2009, while the yield declined 221 basis points.  The decline in yield was caused by adding significant amounts to the portfolio during the year ended December 31, 2009, during the low interest rate environment, and reducing the credit risk within the portfolio.  Investment securities totaling $71,416 were sold, called, or matured in the first three months of 2010, and $50,092 of investment securities were purchased during the same period.

The average rate paid on deposits for the first three months of 2010 declined to 1.51 percent from 2.15 percent for the same period last year.  The drop in rates paid caused interest expense to decline by $1,225, despite a 9.19 percent increase in average balances.  The average balance of interest-bearing demand and savings accounts grew significantly due to an approximate $195,100 increase in average SmartyPig® savings account balances, an approximate $38,000 increase in average Reward Me Checking balances, and an approximate $57,900 increase in preferred money market accounts.  Both of the first two types of accounts pay interest at rates in excess of rates paid on short-term certificates of deposit.  The average balance of time deposits declined approximately $234,000 in the first three months of 2010 compared to the same time period in 2009, with the majority of the decline in certificates of deposit in excess of $100,000 and maturities of wholesale brokered deposits.  West Bank consciously decided to allow brokered certificates of deposit to run off.

The average rate paid on other borrowings increased by 46 basis points compared to the first three months of 2009 due to the change in the composition of borrowings.  The average balance of borrowings for the first three months of 2010 was $45,165 lower than a year ago.  Overnight borrowings in the form of federal funds purchased from correspondent banks and securities sold under agreements to repurchase averaged approximately $42,100 less than during the first three months of last year.  The balance of federal funds purchased from correspondent banks can fluctuate, depending on the loan demand and liquidity needs of those banks.  The average rate paid on overnight borrowings declined 4 basis points in 2010 compared to the first three months of 2009.  Average long-term borrowings declined $4,900 due to the March 2010 maturity of a $20,000 FHLB advance with a rate of 5.96 percent.

Provision for Loan Losses and the Related Allowance for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses represents charges made to earnings to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses.  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.

The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is evaluated quarterly by management and reviewed by West Bank’s Board of Directors.  This evaluation focuses on factors such as specific loan reviews, changes in the components of the loan portfolio given the current and forecasted economic conditions, and historical loss experience.  Any one of the following conditions may result in the review of a specific loan: concern about whether the customer’s cash flow or net worth is sufficient to repay the loan; delinquency status; criticism of the loan in a regulatory examination; the suspension of interest accrual; or other factors, including whether the loan has other special or unusual characteristics that suggest special monitoring is warranted.

While management uses available information to recognize potential losses on loans, further reduction in the carrying amounts of loans may be necessary based on changes in circumstances or later acquired information.  Furthermore, changes in future economic activity are always uncertain.  Identifiable sectors within the general economy are subject to additional volatility, which at any time may have a substantial impact on the loan portfolio.  In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the estimated losses on loans.  Such agencies may require West Bank to recognize additional losses based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.
 
 
 
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West Bank’s policy is to charge off loans when, in management’s opinion, the loan is deemed uncollectible, although concerted efforts are made to maximize future recoveries.  The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, as well as common ratios related to the allowance for loan losses.
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 19,126     $ 15,441     $ 3,685  
Charge-offs
    (1,022 )     (1,187 )     165  
Recoveries
    169       261       (92 )
Net charge-offs
    (853 )     (926 )     73  
Provision charged to operations
    2,000       3,500       (1,500 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 20,273     $ 18,015     $ 2,258  
                         
Average loans outstanding
  $ 1,005,225     $ 1,116,137          
                         
Ratio of net charge-offs during the
     period to average loans outstanding
    0.08 %     0.08 %        
Ratio of allowance for loan losses
     to average loans outstanding
    2.02 %     1.61 %        

The 2010 year-to-date provision is $1,500 lower than in 2009 but remains higher than historic levels as a result of continuing problems in the economy.  Difficulty is still being experienced in the construction and real estate development, commercial real estate, and commercial business sectors.  Net charge-offs in the first quarter of 2010 included $645 of commercial loans and $106 of construction and land development loans.

The allowance for loan losses represented 71.9 percent of nonperforming loans at March 31, 2010, compared to 72.7 percent at December 31, 2009.

Noninterest Income

The following table shows the variance from the prior year in the noninterest income categories shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  In addition, accounts within the “Other” category that represent significant variances are shown.
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Noninterest income:
 
2010
   
2009
   
Change
   
Change %
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 838     $ 969     $ (131 )     -13.5 %
Trust services
    208       180       28       15.6 %
Gains and fees on sales of residential mortgages
    187       298       (111 )     -37.2 %
Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance
    218       182       36       19.8 %
Gain from bank-owned life insurance
    -       840       (840 )     -100.0 %
Other:
                               
Debit card usage fees
    308       248       60       24.2 %
Service fee from SmartyPig, LLC
    267       -       267       N/A  
All other
    246       256       (10 )     -3.9 %
Total other
    821       504       317       62.9 %
Total noninterest income
  $ 2,272     $ 2,973     $ (701 )     -23.6 %

Service charges on deposit accounts declined for the first quarter of 2010 due to a $76 reduction in overdraft and return check charges and a $47 drop in commercial account fees.  In the last few years, customers have become more conscientious about monitoring their checking account balances to avoid overdraft and return check charges.  Service charges on commercial accounts declined due to revised fee schedules implemented in the third quarter of 2009.

Trust fees increased for the first quarter of 2010 due to new business and higher asset values due to positive movement in the stock market.


 
25

 
 
The volume of originations of residential mortgages sold into the secondary market in the first quarter of 2010 declined approximately 42 percent compared to the first quarter of 2009.  The level of home sales remains low and many consumers refinanced existing mortgage loans in 2009 while rates were at historic lows.  While we expect mortgage interest rates to increase only slightly through the remainder of 2010, loan volume is expected to remain below 2009.

The 2010 year-to-date improvement in the increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance was due to slightly higher yields.  As previously discussed, West Bank received tax-exempt income from life insurance proceeds as the result of the death of one of its officers in the first quarter of 2009.

Debit card usage fees continued to increase in the first three months of 2010 as the Reward Me Checking and other checking product customers expanded the use of this convenient payment method.  The service fee from SmartyPig, LLC was established to compensate West Bank for maintaining the rate paid on the SmartyPig® savings deposits at a rate which exceeds other internet-based savings accounts.  This fee will remain in place until the deposits have been transferred to a larger institution.  As previously mentioned, this transfer is expected to occur by the end of the second quarter.

Investment Securities Gains (Losses)

During the first quarter of 2009, the Company recognized impairment losses of $1,415 on two trust preferred securities held by West Bank and one unit investment trust at the Company.  During March of 2009, West Bank sold agency and municipal available-for-sale investment securities with a book value of approximately $52,890 to take advantage of gains within the portfolio.

Noninterest Expense

The following table shows the variance from the prior year in the noninterest expense categories shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  In addition, accounts within the “Other expenses” category that represent significant variances are shown.
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
Noninterest expense:
 
2010
   
2009
   
Change
   
Change %
 
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 2,592     $ 2,727     $ (135 )     -5.0 %
Occupancy
    801       815       (14 )     -1.7 %
Data processing
    433       410       23       5.6 %
FDIC insurance expense
    562       453       109       24.1 %
Other:
                               
Marketing
    97       163       (66 )     -40.5 %
Professional fees
    248       262       (14 )     -5.3 %
Consulting fees
    76       57       19       33.3 %
Director fees
    84       59       25       42.4 %
Insurance expense
    99       66       33       50.0 %
Bank service charges and fees
    153       73       80       109.6 %
Other real estate owned expense
    110       35       75       214.3 %
Charitable contributions
    38       200       (162 )     -81.0 %
All other
    703       774       (71 )     -9.2 %
Total other
    1,608       1,689       (81 )     -4.8 %
Total noninterest expense
  $ 5,996     $ 6,094     $ (98 )     -1.6 %

The decline in salaries and benefits resulted from freezing most salaries at 2009 levels until such time as management and the Board feel the current profitability levels are sustainable.  The Company is also accruing profit sharing expense at a lower level than was recorded in the first quarter of 2009.

FDIC insurance expense increased as a result of the 2009 rate increases, significantly higher average deposits, and an increase in the cost of the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee Program (TAG).  The TAG program was recently extended through the end of 2010.
 
 
 
26



Marketing expense for 2010 compared to 2009 declined as a result of the timing of planned projects and cost containment efforts.  Consulting fees increased due to fees paid in conjunction with the Company’s search for a new chief executive officer.  Insurance expense has increased 50.0 percent compared to the prior year due to additional directors and officers liability coverage, and costs are expected to rise in the third quarter as additional policies renew.  West Bank’s service charges and fees paid have increased for the first quarter of 2010 as a result of retaining an outside party to assist in managing West Bank’s investment portfolio effective September 2009.

Other real estate owned expense increased during the first quarter of 2010 due to increased operating and ownership costs for a higher number of properties held.

Charitable contributions decreased in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same time period in 2009 because first quarter 2009 included a contribution of $200 to the West Bancorporation Foundation.  A portion of the previously mentioned gain on bank-owned life insurance proceeds was used to fund the contribution.

All other expenses declined 9.2 percent as a result of cost containment efforts.

Income Tax Expense

The Company recorded income tax expense on continuing operations of $1,117 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared with expense of $417 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  The effective income tax rates as a percent of income before taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, were 25.1 and 12.4 percent, respectively.  The effective rate increased in 2010 due to having a lower level of tax-exempt income.  The Company’s consolidated income tax rate varies from the statutory rate primarily due to tax-exempt income, including interest on municipal securities, increase in the cash value of bank-owned life insurance, and the gain on life insurance proceeds in 2009.  The effective tax rate for both years was also impacted by West Bank’s 2007 investment in a qualified community development entity, which generated a federal new market tax credit.  The credit, which totals $2,730, is being recognized over a seven-year period.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Total assets were approximately $1,691,000 as of March 31, 2010, a 7.4 percent increase compared to December 31, 2009.  The increase was primarily due to deposit growth being invested in federal funds sold in anticipation of the transfer of the SmartyPig®-related deposits to a larger financial institution.  A summary of changes in the components of the balance sheet are described in the following paragraphs.

Investment Securities

Investment securities available for sale declined $19,818 from December 31, 2009, to $320,660 at March 31, 2010.  The reduction was primarily the result of maturing and called securities and the decision to retain a portion of those proceeds in short-term investments to have those funds readily available to facilitate the transfer of the SmartyPig®-related deposits.

On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the investment securities portfolio for those securities with a fair value below amortized cost.  The review takes into consideration current market conditions, issuer rating changes and trends, the credit-worthiness of the obligator of the security, current analysts’ evaluations, failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments, the Company’s lack of intent to sell the security or whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery, as well as other qualitative factors.  The term OTTI is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospect for a near-term recovery of value is not necessarily favorable.  Any portion of such a decline in value associated with credit loss is recognized in earnings as an impairment loss with the remaining noncredit-related component being recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.  As of March 31, 2010, existing unrealized losses of $3,303 for all securities except a pooled trust preferred security are considered to be temporary in nature due to market interest rate fluctuations and illiquid markets, not estimated cash flows, and the Company has the ability and the intent to hold securities with unrealized losses for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery, which may be at maturity.  The Company holds one pooled trust preferred security which has been considered OTTI and had an unrealized loss of $3,436 as of March 31, 2010.  The credit loss portion of the unrealized loss was recognized through earnings during 2009, and the remaining unrealized loss is included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss).
 
 
 
27



The Company engaged an independent consulting firm to assist in the valuation of this security.  Based on the consulting firm’s findings, management determined the security had a March 31, 2010, estimated market value of $1,155 which resulted in $3,436 of total impairment.  To determine the credit loss on this security, the investment consulting firm projected cash flows for the security and discounted the cash flows at the original purchased yield.  The consulting firm analyzed each underlying bank or insurance company and assigned a probability of default.  Those default assumptions were then used to determine the projected cash flows of the security.  In addition, the consulting firm assumed no prepayments of the underlying debt.  If the net present value of the cash flows was less than the cost basis of the security, the difference was considered credit-related and recorded through earnings.  Based on this calculation, no additional impairment was recorded and no additional credit loss was recognized in 2010 first quarter earnings.  The remaining change in fair market value of $3,436 is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) net of taxes of $1,306.  The Company will continue to periodically estimate the present value of cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the security.

At March 31, 2010, the most significant risk of a future impairment charge relates to West Bank’s investment in trust preferred securities of other banks.  As of quarter end, three trust preferred securities with a cost basis of $6,929 were valued at $2,199.  Management has concluded that only the pooled trust preferred security is considered to have OTTI.  Any potential future loss that would be considered a credit loss or an increase in the amount of the unrealized loss attributed to credit, would negatively impact net income and regulatory capital; however, as previously noted, the fair market value adjustment at March 31, 2010, has already been recorded against equity.

As of March 31, 2010, the available for sale investment securities portfolio consists of approximately 55 percent U.S. government agency securities, 26 percent municipal securities, 16 percent government agency-issued mortgage-backed securities, and 3 percent corporate and trust preferred securities.

Loans and Nonperforming Assets

Loans outstanding declined $28,609 from December 31, 2009, to March 31, 2010.  The reduction was primarily attributable to payoffs in all loan categories exceeding advances on new loans.  Despite its interest in making loans to credit-worthy borrowers, West Bank is receiving fewer new loan requests compared to a year ago.  Total loans are not expected to grow in the second quarter of 2010.

The following tables show a breakdown of West Bank’s three major components of its loan portfolio (commercial, construction, and commercial real estate) as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009.
 
Commercial loans:
                       
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
     $       %      $       %  
Finance and insurance
  $ 85,569       25 %   $ 88,960       25 %
Real estate and rental/leasing
    40,932       12 %     42,747       12 %
Manufacturing
    36,076       11 %     41,112       12 %
Publishing, broadcasting and information services
    28,823       8 %     28,987       8 %
Construction
    6,932       2 %     5,019       1 %
Wholesale trade
    10,367       3 %     10,946       3 %
Building trades
    20,544       6 %     20,121       6 %
Transportation and warehousing
    11,842       3 %     12,367       3 %
Retail
    10,569       3 %     10,125       3 %
Arts, entertainment and recreation
    13,233       4 %     11,091       3 %
Other
    81,044       23 %     85,545       24 %
    $ 345,931       100 %   $ 357,020       100 %


 
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Construction loans:
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
     $       %      $       %  
Land development:
                           
1-4 family
  $ 17,051       12 %   $ 17,486       12 %
Other construction and development
    14,894       11 %     19,596       13 %
Construction:
                               
1-4 family:
                               
Owner occupied
    9,597       7 %     4,325       3 %
Nonowner occupied
    13,477       10 %     20,466       14 %
Multifamily
    4,356       3 %     8,899       6 %
Industrial, commercial and other
    80,135       57 %     77,733       52 %
    $ 139,510       100 %   $ 148,505       100 %

Commercial real estate loans:
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
     $       %      $       %  
Owner occupied
  $ 203,090       50 %   $ 203,432       49 %
Nonowner occupied:
                               
Medical/retirement
    51,591       13 %     51,731       13 %
Retail
    45,186       11 %     47,225       12 %
Multifamily
    34,246       8 %     34,321       8 %
Office
    34,415       8 %     38,424       9 %
Warehouse
    14,945       4 %     15,123       4 %
Hotel
    8,541       2 %     8,440       2 %
Other
    14,340       4 %     13,743       3 %
Total nonowner occupied
    203,264       50 %     209,007       51 %
    $ 406,354       100 %   $ 412,439       100 %


The following table sets forth the amount of nonperforming loans and assets held by the Company and common ratio measurements of those items.

   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
Change
 
Nonaccrual loans
  $ 11,450     $ 12,350     $ (900 )
Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest
    173       1,150       (977 )
Restructured loans*
    16,554       12,817       3,737  
Total nonperforming loans
    28,177       26,317       1,860  
Other real estate owned
    26,974       25,350       1,624  
Nonaccrual investment securities
    1,310       1,282       28  
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 56,461     $ 52,949     $ 3,512  
                         
Nonperforming loans to total loans
    2.84 %     2.58 %     0.26 %
Nonperforming assets to total assets
    3.34 %     3.36 %     -0.02 %

* While restructured loans are reported as nonperforming, restructured loans as of March 31, 2010, were yielding 6.10 percent, which represents a decline from the original yield on these loans.
 
 
 
29



The following table sets forth the activity within each category of nonperforming loans and assets for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.
 
   
Nonaccrual
   
Loans Past Due 90 Days and Still Accruing Interest
   
Restructured
   
Total Nonperforming Loans
   
Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)
   
Nonaccrual lnvestment Securities
   
Total Nonperforming Assets
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 12,350     $ 1,150     $ 12,817     $ 26,317     $ 25,350     $ 1,282     $ 52,949  
Increase in fair market value
                                            28       28  
Additions
    2,699       175       3,846       6,720       4,784       -       11,504  
Transfers:
                                                       
    Past due to nonaccrual
    1,150       (1,150 )             -                       -  
    Nonaccrual to OREO
    (1,160 )                     (1,160 )     1,160               -  
Upgrade in classification
    (300 )     -       -       (300 )     -       -       (300 )
Sales
    -       -       -       -       (4,320 )     -       (4,320 )
Charge-offs
    (862 )     (2 )     -       (864 )     -       -       (864 )
Payments
    (2,427 )     -       (109 )     (2,536 )     -       -       (2,536 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 11,450     $ 173     $ 16,554     $ 28,177     $ 26,974     $ 1,310     $ 56,461  

Total nonperforming assets have increased 6.6 percent since the end of 2009.  As indicated in the tables above, the majority of the growth in nonperforming assets was in the restructured category, which are earning interest, but at a lower level than before the loans were restructured.  Management is devoting a great deal of effort to monitoring these nonperforming assets, and West Bank loan officers are in frequent contact with loan customers to aid in working through any potential problem loans.

The following table provides the composition of other real estate owned as of the dates shown.
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
Construction, land development, and other land
  $ 13,916     $ 8,596  
1-4 family residential properties
    3,784       3,918  
Commercial properties
    9,274       12,836  
    $ 26,974     $ 25,350  

West Bank is actively marketing the assets included in the table above.  Unfortunately, demand for commercial real estate and development land is weak.  Valuations of other real estate owned are periodically performed by management so that the properties are carried at current market value less estimated disposal costs.  Market values are determined by obtaining updated appraisals or other market information.  At March 31, 2010, the construction and land development category includes seven properties in the Des Moines metropolitan area, one property in the Iowa City market, one property in the Kansas City, Missouri metropolitan area, and one property in northern Arkansas.  The 1-4 family properties consist of twelve homes and a 22-unit townhome project, with 14 of the townhome units currently rented.  Two homes with a total carrying value of $785 have been sold in April of 2010.  The commercial properties consist of five properties, including four commercial facilities and a private golf course.

Reference is also made to the information and discussion earlier in this report under the heading “Provision for Loan Losses and the Related Allowance for Loan Losses” and Notes 7 and 8 to the Financial Statements.

Deposits

Total deposits as of March 31, 2010, increased 8.8 percent compared to December 31, 2009, to $1,355,954.  All deposit categories except certificates of deposit of less than $100,000 increased during this time period.  The majority of the growth was in the preferred money market and SmartyPig® savings categories, which grew approximately $92,255 and $43,800, respectively, during the first quarter of 2010.  The significant increase in preferred money market deposits was due to two new accounts and significant increases in four existing customer accounts.  The increase in SmartyPig® deposits was due to the increasing popularity of this program.  See the Net Interest Margin heading for further information regarding the SmartyPig® savings program.

The decline in certificates of deposit of less than $100,000 consisted of a reduction in Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) deposits due to maturities.  By the end of the first quarter, virtually all of the Company’s wholesale deposits in this program had matured and were not renewed as West Bank did not have a need to use this funding source due to its current high level of liquidity.
 
 
 
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Borrowings

The balance of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase was $64,385 at March 31, 2010, compared to $40,342 at December 31, 2009.  The increase was principally in federal funds purchased, which consists of funds sold to West Bank by eight Iowa banks as part of the correspondent bank services provided by West Bank.  The balance of federal funds purchased from correspondent banks fluctuates depending upon the loan demand and investment strategy of those banks.  The balance of other short-term borrowings consisted of Treasury, Tax, and Loan Option Notes.  Federal Home Loan Bank advances declined $20,000 during March 2010, due to a maturity.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The objective of liquidity management is to ensure the availability of sufficient cash flows to meet all financial commitments and to capitalize on opportunities for profitable business expansion.  The Company’s principal source of funds is deposits.  Other sources include loan principal repayments, proceeds from the maturity and sale of investment securities, federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements, advances from the FHLB, and funds provided by operations.  Liquidity management is conducted on both a daily and a long-term basis.  Investments in liquid assets are adjusted based on expected loan demand, projected loan maturities and payments, expected deposit flows, and the objectives set by West Bank’s asset-liability management policy. The Company had liquid assets (cash and cash equivalents) of $296,411 as of March 31, 2010, compared with $131,495 as of December 31, 2009.  West Bank had additional borrowing capacity available from the FHLB of approximately $58,000 at March 31, 2010.  In addition, West Bank has $73,000 in borrowing capacity available through unsecured federal funds lines of credit with correspondent banks.  West Bank was not drawing on any of these lines of credit as of March 31, 2010.  Net cash from continuing operating activities contributed $4,649 and $6,172 to liquidity for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The combination of high levels of potentially liquid assets, cash flows from operations, and additional borrowing capacity provided strong liquidity for the Company at March 31, 2010.

As previously discussed, as of March 31, 2010, deposits included $231,164 related to the SmartyPig® savings program.  Due to the success of the program in gathering deposits, the growth has become a disproportionate percentage of West Bank’s total deposits.  Accordingly, West Bank has asked SmartyPig, LLC to move the program to a larger bank in 2010.  An agreement to do so is expected soon with a transfer of the deposits expected to occur by the end of the second quarter of 2010.  The high level of potentially liquid assets is sufficient to accommodate the upcoming transfer.

On December 31, 2008, the Company received $36 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury in exchange for 36,000 shares of cumulative senior preferred stock and a warrant to purchase 474,100 shares of common stock under the Capital Purchase Program (CPP).  The senior preferred shares qualify as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes, rank senior to common stock, and bear a cumulative dividend rate of five percent per annum for the first five years they are outstanding and a rate of nine percent per annum thereafter.  The Board of Directors and management believed it was prudent to participate in the CPP because (i) the cost of capital under the program was significantly lower than the cost of capital otherwise available to the Company at the time, and (ii) despite being well-capitalized, additional capital provided the Company and West Bank additional flexibility to meet future capital needs during the current uncertain economic environment.  Management does not anticipate repaying the CPP funds in 2010.

The Company’s total stockholders’ equity increased to $136,974 at March 31, 2010, from $133,059 at December 31, 2009.  Total equity increased due to the year-to-date net income less preferred stock dividends paid.  Total stockholders' equity was 8.10 and 8.45 percent of total assets as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, respectively.  No material capital expenditures or material changes in the capital resource mix are anticipated at this time.

The Company and West Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by Federal and State banking agencies.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators which, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and West Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  The Company’s and West Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and West Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and tier I capital to risk-weighted assets and of tier I capital to average assets.  West Bank has agreed with the IDOB to maintain a total capital ratio of at least 12.0 percent and a tier 1 capital ratio of at least 8.0 percent.  Management believes the Company and West Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject as of March 31, 2010.  Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to the Company.  West Bank’s ratios exceed the level required to be well-capitalized.
 
 
 
31



The Company’s and West Bank’s capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table:
 
   
Actual
   
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
   
To Be Well-
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
As of March 31, 2010:
                                   
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
                                   
Consolidated
  $ 172,947       14.8 %   $ 93,624       8.0 %     n/a       n/a  
West Bank
    168,255       14.4       93,164       8.0     $ 116,456       10.0 %
                                                 
Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
    158,137       13.5       46,812       4.0       n/a       n/a  
West Bank
    143,516       12.3       46,582       4.0       69,873       6.0  
                                                 
Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
    158,137       9.7       65,372       4.0       n/a       n/a  
West Bank
    143,516       8.8       65,437       4.0       81,796       5.0  
                                                 
As of December 31, 2009:
                                               
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 172,217       14.3 %   $ 96,441       8.0 %     n/a       n/a  
West Bank
    166,795       13.9       95,991       8.0     $ 119,989       10.0 %
                                                 
Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
    157,098       13.0       48,220       4.0       n/a       n/a  
West Bank
    141,745       11.8       47,995       4.0       71,993       6.0  
                                                 
Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
    157,098       9.8       64,180       4.0       n/a       n/a  
West Bank
    141,745       8.9       64,013       4.0       80,016       5.0  

Intangible assets ($235) are not included in capital or assets when calculating regulatory capital ratios.  The Company’s tangible common equity ratio at March 31, 2010, was 6.07 percent, compared to 6.27 percent at December 31, 2009.

Market Risk Management

Market risk is the risk of earnings volatility that results from adverse changes in interest rates and market prices. The Company's market risk is primarily interest rate risk arising from its core banking activities of lending and deposit taking. Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates may adversely affect the Company's net interest income.  Management continually develops and implements strategies to mitigate this risk.  The analysis of the Company’s interest rate risk was presented in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.  The Company has not experienced any material changes to its market risk position since December 31, 2009.  Management does not believe the Company's primary market risk exposures and how those exposures were managed in the first three months of 2010 changed when compared to 2009.

Effects of New Statements of Financial Accounting Standards

A discussion of the effects of new financial accounting standards and developments as they relate to the Company is located in Note 3 of the preceding unaudited financial statements.
 
 
 
32



Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The information appearing above under the heading “Market Risk Management” is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

a.  Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.  As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 240.13a-15(f)) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s current 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 the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

b.  Changes in internal controls over financial reporting.  There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

Neither the Company nor West Bank are parties to any material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary litigation incidental to West Bank’s business, and no property of these entities is the subject of any such proceeding.  The Company does not know of any proceeding contemplated by a governmental authority against the Company or West Bank or any of the companies’ property.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Management of the Company does not believe there have been any material changes in the risk factors that were disclosed in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2010.

Item 6.  Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

Exhibits
Description
12
Computation of Ratios of Earnings (Loss) to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


 
33

 
 
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.


West Bancorporation, Inc.
   
(Registrant)
   
     
     
April 29, 2010
 
By: /s/ David D. Nelson
Date
 
David D. Nelson
   
Chief Executive Officer and President
     
April 29, 2010
 
By: /s/ Douglas R. Gulling
Date
 
Douglas R. Gulling
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
(Principal Accounting Officer)
     

 
34


 
EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed herewith:

Exhibit No.
Description
Page Number
12
Ratios of Earnings (Loss) to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
36
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
37
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
38
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
39
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
40

 
 
35