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

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2015

Commission File Number 0-18082

GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
 
43-1524856
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
 
 
1451 E. Battlefield, Springfield, Missouri
 
65804
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
(417) 887-4400
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  
Yes /X/     No /  /
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data file required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes/X/   No /  /
 
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 /  /
Accelerated filer /X/
Non-accelerated filer /  /
Smaller reporting company /  /
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company) 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). 
Yes /  /   No /X/
 
The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock: 13,869,823 shares of common stock, par value $.01, outstanding at November 4, 2015.
 


 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(In thousands, except number of shares)

   
SEPTEMBER 30,
   
DECEMBER 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(Unaudited)
     
ASSETS
       
Cash
 
$
107,194
   
$
109,052
 
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions
   
125,450
     
109,595
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
232,644
     
218,647
 
Available-for-sale securities
   
273,245
     
365,506
 
Held-to-maturity securities (fair value $389  – September 2015;
               
     $499 - December 2014)
   
353
     
450
 
Mortgage loans held for sale
   
9,806
     
14,579
 
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses of
               
     $39,878 – September 2015; $38,435 - December 2014
   
3,269,963
     
3,038,848
 
FDIC indemnification asset
   
27,572
     
44,334
 
Interest receivable
   
11,041
     
11,219
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
56,151
     
60,452
 
Other real estate owned, net
   
35,125
     
45,838
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
127,948
     
124,841
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
   
6,196
     
7,508
 
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
11,444
     
16,893
 
Current and deferred income taxes
   
9,150
     
2,219
 
          Total Assets
 
$
4,070,638
   
$
3,951,334
 
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Liabilities:
               
Deposits
 
$
3,246,740
   
$
2,990,840
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
164,569
     
271,641
 
Securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements with customers
   
148,117
     
168,993
 
Short-term borrowings
   
1,307
     
42,451
 
Subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts
   
25,774
     
30,929
 
Accrued interest payable
   
961
     
1,067
 
Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance
   
8,007
     
4,929
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
27,566
     
20,739
 
          Total Liabilities
   
3,623,041
     
3,531,589
 
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Capital stock
               
Serial preferred stock – $.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000 shares; issued
     and outstanding September 2015 and December 2014 - 57,943 shares,
     $1,000 liquidation amount
   
57,943
     
57,943
 
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares;
issued and outstanding September 2015  – 13,861,037 shares;
               
December 2014 - 13,754,806 shares
   
139
     
138
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
24,136
     
22,345
 
Retained earnings
   
359,224
     
332,283
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
6,155
     
7,036
 
          Total Stockholders' Equity
   
447,597
     
419,745
 
          Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
$
4,070,638
   
$
3,951,334
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2

 
 
GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
INTEREST INCOME
   
Loans
 
$
44,103
   
$
44,948
 
Investment securities and other
   
1,652
     
2,659
 
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME
   
45,755
     
47,607
 
INTEREST EXPENSE
               
Deposits
   
3,500
     
2,884
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
468
     
461
 
Short-term borrowings and repurchase agreements
   
14
     
13
 
Subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts
   
248
     
143
 
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE
   
4,230
     
3,501
 
NET INTEREST INCOME
   
41,525
     
44,106
 
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
   
1,703
     
945
 
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
   
39,822
     
43,161
 
                 
NON-INTEREST INCOME
               
Commissions
   
400
     
284
 
Service charges and ATM fees
   
5,162
     
5,168
 
Net realized gains on sales of loans
   
1,079
     
1,543
 
Net realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities
   
2
     
321
 
Late charges and fees on loans
   
371
     
248
 
Gain (loss) on derivative interest rate products
   
(133
)
   
10
 
Amortization of income/expense related to business acquisitions
   
(3,326
)
   
(6,463
)
Other income
   
1,565
     
667
 
TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME
   
5,120
     
1,778
 
                 
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
               
Salaries and employee benefits
   
15,078
     
14,884
 
Net occupancy and equipment expense
   
7,546
     
6,172
 
Postage
   
1,042
     
935
 
Insurance
   
837
     
940
 
Advertising
   
545
     
522
 
Office supplies and printing
   
328
     
393
 
Telephone
   
806
     
695
 
Legal, audit and other professional fees
   
586
     
1,389
 
Expense on foreclosed assets
   
616
     
982
 
Partnership tax credit investment amortization
   
420
     
420
 
Other operating expenses
   
2,210
     
2,066
 
TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
   
30,014
     
29,398
 
                 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
   
14,928
     
15,541
 
                 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
   
3,732
     
3,951
 
                 
NET INCOME
   
11,196
     
11,590
 
                 
Preferred stock dividends
   
145
     
145
 
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
 
$
11,051
   
$
11,445
 


3


 
THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
 
$
0.80
   
$
0.84
 
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
 
$
0.79
   
$
0.83
 
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
 
$
0.22
   
$
0.20
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

























4


 
GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
   
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
INTEREST INCOME
   
Loans
 
$
133,999
   
$
125,669
 
Investment securities and other
   
5,396
     
8,617
 
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME
   
139,395
     
134,286
 
INTEREST EXPENSE
               
Deposits
   
9,794
     
8,297
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
1,331
     
2,446
 
Short-term borrowings and repurchase agreements
   
51
     
1,082
 
Subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts
   
560
     
418
 
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE
   
11,736
     
12,243
 
NET INTEREST INCOME
   
127,659
     
122,043
 
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
   
4,303
     
4,099
 
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
   
123,356
     
117,944
 
                 
NON-INTEREST INCOME
               
Commissions
   
981
     
910
 
Service charges and ATM fees
   
14,833
     
14,064
 
Net realized gains on sales of loans
   
3,078
     
2,700
 
Net realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities
   
2
     
963
 
Late charges and fees on loans
   
1,482
     
827
 
Gain (loss) on derivative interest rate products
   
(112
)
   
(223
)
Initial gain recognized on business acquisition
   
     
10,805
 
Amortization of income/expense related to business acquisitions
   
(15,380
)
   
(20,061
)
Other income
   
3,638
     
3,347
 
TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME
   
8,522
     
13,332
 
                 
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
               
Salaries and employee benefits
   
44,261
     
41,371
 
Net occupancy and equipment expense
   
19,715
     
16,786
 
Postage
   
2,843
     
2,572
 
Insurance
   
2,672
     
2,820
 
Advertising
   
1,728
     
1,690
 
Office supplies and printing
   
1,043
     
1,050
 
Telephone
   
2,338
     
2,112
 
Legal, audit and other professional fees
   
1,873
     
3,230
 
Expense on foreclosed assets
   
1,319
     
3,173
 
Partnership tax credit investment amortization
   
1,260
     
1,300
 
Other operating expenses
   
6,153
     
13,585
 
TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
   
85,205
     
89,689
 
                 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
   
46,673
     
41,587
 
                 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
   
11,821
     
10,125
 
                 
NET INCOME
   
34,852
     
31,462
 
                 
Preferred stock dividends
   
435
     
435
 
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
 
$
34,417
   
$
31,027
 


5

 
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
 
$
2.49
   
$
2.27
 
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
 
$
2.46
   
$
2.25
 
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
 
$
0.64
   
$
0.60
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements






























6


 
GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)

   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Net Income
 
$
11,196
   
$
11,590
 
                 
Unrealized appreciation on available-for-sale securities, net
               
of taxes of $160 and $127, for 2015 and 2014, respectively
   
281
     
236
 
                 
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income,
               
net of taxes of $(1) and $(112), for 2015 and 2014, respectively
   
(1
)
   
(209
)
                 
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of taxes of $6
               
and $29, for 2015 and 2014, respectively
   
10
     
53
 
                 
Comprehensive Income
 
$
11,486
   
$
11,670
 
                 


   
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Net Income
 
$
34,852
   
$
31,462
 
                 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities, net
               
of taxes (credit) of $(221) and $2,805, for 2015 and 2014, respectively
   
(785
)
   
5,209
 
                 
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income,
               
net of taxes of $(1) and $(337), for 2015 and 2014, respectively
   
(1
)
   
(626
)
                 
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of taxes (credit) of $(59)
               
and $(67), for 2015 and 2014, respectively
   
(95
)
   
(90
)
                 
Comprehensive Income
 
$
33,971
   
$
35,955
 
                 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


7



GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
   
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
       
Net income
 
$
34,852
   
$
31,462
 
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
   
126,859
     
101,872
 
Originations of loans held for sale
   
(122,166
)
   
(122,252
)
Items not requiring (providing) cash:
               
Depreciation
   
8,088
     
6,410
 
Amortization of other assets
   
2,572
     
2,385
 
Compensation expense for stock option grants
   
395
     
409
 
Provision for loan losses
   
4,303
     
4,099
 
Net gains on loan sales
   
(3,078
)
   
(2,700
)
Net gains on sale of available-for-sale investment securities
   
(2
)
   
(963
)
Net gains on sale of premises and equipment
   
(561
)
   
(46
)
(Gain) loss on sale of foreclosed assets
   
(694
)
   
1,360
 
Gain on redemption of trust preferred securities
   
(1,115
)
   
 
Initial gain recognized on business acquisition
   
     
(10,805
)
Amortization of deferred income, premiums, discounts
               
and fair value adjustments
   
8,711
     
17,023
 
Loss on derivative interest rate products
   
112
     
223
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(7,357
)
   
(4,370
)
Changes in:
               
Interest receivable
   
178
     
1,232
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
8,370
     
4,187
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
4,781
     
2,685
 
Income taxes refundable/payable
   
707
     
1,744
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
64,955
     
33,955
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Net increase in loans
   
(139,782
)
   
(243,837
)
Purchase of loans
   
(95,720
)
   
(73,244
)
Cash received from acquisitions
   
     
189,437
 
Cash received from FDIC loss sharing reimbursements
   
2,390
     
7,532
 
Purchase of premises and equipment
   
(12,839
)
   
(11,598
)
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
   
2,205
     
198
 
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets
   
17,888
     
17,661
 
Capitalized costs on foreclosed assets
   
(20
)
   
(95
)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investment securities
   
56,167
     
179,204
 
Proceeds from maturing investment securities
   
110
     
110
 
Proceeds from called investment securities
   
6,143
     
6,235
 
Principal reductions on mortgage-backed securities
   
48,137
     
78,228
 
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
   
(21,339
)
   
(40,661
)
Redemption (purchase) of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
5,449
     
(2,191
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
(131,211
)
   
106,979
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Net increase (decrease) in certificates of deposit
   
199,842
     
(89,219
)
Net increase (decrease) in checking and savings deposits
   
56,502
     
(106,924
)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
5,277,500
     
2,517,000
 
Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
(5,384,548
)
   
(2,450,300
)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings
   
(62,020
)
   
36,307
 
Repayments of structured repurchase agreements
   
     
(50,000
)
Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance
   
3,078
     
3,395
 
Redemption of trust preferred securities
   
(3,885
)
   
 
Dividends paid
   
(8,976
)
   
(8,371
)
Purchase of company stock
   
     
(512
)
Stock options exercised
   
2,760
     
1,151
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
80,253
     
(147,473
)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
   
13,997
     
(6,539
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
218,647
     
227,925
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
 
$
232,644
   
$
221,386
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


8

 
GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company" or "Great Southern") have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The financial statements presented herein reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented. Those adjustments consist only of normal recurring adjustments. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. The consolidated statement of financial condition of the Company as of December 31, 2014, has been derived from the audited consolidated statement of financial condition of the Company as of that date.   Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.  These reclassifications had no effect on net income.

Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the Company's annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

NOTE 2: NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND OPERATING SEGMENTS

The Company operates as a one-bank holding company.  The Company's business primarily consists of the operations of Great Southern Bank (the "Bank"), which provides a full range of financial services to customers primarily located in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska and Arkansas.  In addition, the Company operates commercial loan production offices in Dallas, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma.  The Company and the Bank are subject to the regulation of certain federal and state agencies and undergo periodic examinations by those regulatory agencies.
The Company's banking operation is its only reportable segment.  The banking operation is principally engaged in the business of originating residential and commercial real estate loans, construction loans, commercial business loans and consumer loans and funding these loans through attracting deposits from the general public, accepting brokered deposits and borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Bank and others.  The operating results of this segment are regularly reviewed by management to make decisions about resource allocations and to assess performance.  Selected information is not presented separately for the Company's reportable segment, as there is no material difference between that information and the corresponding information in the consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 3: RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04 to amend FASB ASC Topic 310, Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors.  The objective of the amendments in this Update is to reduce diversity by clarifying when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized.  The amendments in this Update clarify that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additionally, the amendments require interim and annual disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction.  The Update was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2015, and did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
 
9


 
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures. The guidance in this Update changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase financing arrangements. It also requires enhanced disclosures about repurchase agreements and similar transactions. The accounting changes in this Update are effective for public companies for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. In addition, for public companies, the disclosure for certain transactions accounted for as a sale is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and the disclosure for transactions accounted for as secured borrowings is required to be presented for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. Early application is not permitted for public companies. The adoption of this Update did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606):  Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09.  In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Summary and Amendments that Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40). The guidance in this Update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the codification. For public companies, the original Update was to be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  The current ASU states that the provisions of ASU 2014-09 should be applied to annual reporting periods, including interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2017.  The Company is currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis.  The update changes the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (VIE) or voting interest entities (VOE), and consolidation conclusions could change for entities that are already considered VIEs.  The update also eliminates both the consolidation model specific to limited partnerships and the current presumption that a general partner controls a limited partnership.  The Company is currently assessing the impact that this guidance may have, if any, on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share.  The guidance in this update removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The amendments also remove the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Rather, those disclosures are limited to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. The new authoritative guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 4: STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Previously, the Company's stockholders approved the Company's reincorporation to the State of Maryland. Under Maryland law, there is no concept of "Treasury Shares." Instead, shares purchased by the Company constitute authorized but unissued shares under Maryland law. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America state that accounting for treasury stock shall conform to state law. The cost of shares purchased by the Company has been allocated to Common Stock and Retained Earnings balances.

NOTE 5: EARNINGS PER SHARE
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
Basic:
       
Average shares outstanding
   
13,840
     
13,696
 
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
11,051
   
$
11,445
 
Per common share amount
 
$
0.80
   
$
0.84
 
                 
Diluted:
               
Average shares outstanding
   
13,840
     
13,696
 
Net effect of dilutive stock options – based on the treasury
               
stock method using average market price
   
178
     
89
 
Diluted shares
   
14,018
     
13,785
 
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
11,051
   
$
11,445
 
Per common share amount
 
$
0.79
   
$
0.83
 
 
10


 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
Basic:
       
Average shares outstanding
   
13,815
     
13,693
 
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
34,417
   
$
31,027
 
Per common share amount
 
$
2.49
   
$
2.27
 
                 
Diluted:
               
Average shares outstanding
   
13,815
     
13,693
 
Net effect of dilutive stock options – based on the treasury
               
stock method using average market price
   
178
     
75
 
Diluted shares
   
13,993
     
13,768
 
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
34,417
   
$
31,027
 
Per common share amount
 
$
2.46
   
$
2.25
 
                 

Options outstanding at September 30, 2015 and 2014, to purchase 7,250 and 118,600 shares of common stock, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for each of the three and nine month periods because such options' exercise prices were greater than the average market prices of the common shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

NOTE 6: INVESTMENT SECURITIES
 
   
September 30, 2015
 
       
Gross
   
Gross
       
Tax
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Equivalent
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Yield
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                     
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES:
                 
U.S. government agencies
 
$
20,000
   
$
   
$
17
   
$
19,983
     
2.00
%
Mortgage-backed securities
   
169,293
     
2,756
     
119
     
171,930
     
1.97
 
States and political subdivisions
   
72,984
     
4,876
     
7
     
77,853
     
5.71
 
Equity securities
   
847
     
2,632
     
     
3,479
     
 
   
$
263,124
   
$
10,264
   
$
143
   
$
273,245
     
3.00
%
                                         
HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES:
                                 
States and political subdivisions
 
$
353
   
$
36
   
$
   
$
389
     
7.37
%

   
December 31, 2014
 
       
Gross
   
Gross
       
Tax
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Equivalent
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Yield
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                     
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES:
                 
U.S. government agencies
 
$
20,000
   
$
   
$
486
   
$
19,514
     
2.00
%
Mortgage-backed securities
   
254,294
     
4,325
     
821
     
257,798
     
1.97
 
States and political subdivisions
   
79,237
     
5,810
     
7
     
85,040
     
5.76
 
Equity securities
   
847
     
2,307
     
     
3,154
     
 
   
$
354,378
   
$
12,442
   
$
1,314
   
$
365,506
     
2.82
%
                                         
HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES:
                                 
States and political subdivisions
 
$
450
   
$
49
   
$
   
$
499
     
7.37
%
 
11

 
The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities at September 30, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
One year or less
 
$
   
$
 
After one through five years
   
616
     
652
 
After five through ten years
   
3,290
     
3,455
 
After ten years
   
89,078
     
93,729
 
Securities not due on a single maturity date
   
169,293
     
171,930
 
Equity securities
   
847
     
3,479
 
                 
   
$
263,124
   
$
273,245
 
                 

The held-to-maturity securities at September 30, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
After one through five years
 
$
353
   
$
389
 

Certain investments in debt securities are reported in the financial statements at an amount less than their historical cost. Total fair value of these investments at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, was approximately $32.0 million and $106.0 million, which is approximately 11.7% and 29.0% of the Company's combined available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment portfolio, respectively.

Based on an evaluation of available evidence, including recent changes in market interest rates, credit rating information and information obtained from regulatory filings, management believes the declines in fair value for these debt securities are temporary at September 30, 2015.

The following table shows the Company's gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

   
September 30, 2015
 
   
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
Description of Securities
 
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
U.S. government agencies
 
$
20,000
   
$
(17
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
20,000
   
$
(17
)
Mortgage-backed securities
   
1,402
     
(19
)
   
9,693
     
(100
)
   
11,095
     
(119
)
State and political
                                               
subdivisions
   
     
     
913
     
(7
)
   
913
     
(7
)
   
$
21,402
   
$
(36
)
 
$
10,606
   
$
(107
)
 
$
32,008
   
$
(143
)


12

 

   
December 31, 2014
 
   
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
Description of Securities
 
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
U.S. government agencies
 
$
     
   
$
20,000
   
$
(486
)
 
$
20,000
   
$
(486
)
Mortgage-backed securities
   
40,042
     
(328
)
   
45,056
     
(493
)
   
85,098
     
(821
)
State and political
                                               
subdivisions
   
     
     
925
     
(7
)
   
925
     
(7
)
   
$
40,042
   
$
(328
)
 
$
65,981
   
$
(986
)
 
$
106,023
   
$
(1,314
)

Gross gains of $503,000 and $503,000 and gross losses of $501,000 and $501,000 resulting from sales of available-for-sale securities were realized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.  Gross gains of $656,000 and $1.3 million and gross losses of $335,000 and $335,000 resulting from sales of available-for-sale securities were realized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.  Gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on the specific-identification method.

Other-than-temporary Impairment.  Upon acquisition of a security, the Company decides whether it is within the scope of the accounting guidance for beneficial interests in securitized financial assets or will be evaluated for impairment under the accounting guidance for investments in debt and equity securities.

The accounting guidance for beneficial interests in securitized financial assets provides incremental impairment guidance for a subset of the debt securities within the scope of the guidance for investments in debt and equity securities.  Where the security is a beneficial interest in securitized financial assets, the Company uses the beneficial interests in securitized financial asset impairment model.  Where the security is not a beneficial interest in securitized financial assets, the Company uses the debt and equity securities impairment model.  The Company does not currently have securities within the scope of this guidance for beneficial interests in securitized financial assets.

The Company conducts periodic reviews to identify and evaluate each investment security to determine whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred.  The Company considers the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position, the relative amount of the unrealized loss compared to the carrying value of the security, the type of security and other factors.  If certain criteria are met, the Company performs additional review and evaluation using observable market values or various inputs in economic models to determine if an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary.  The Company uses quoted market prices for marketable equity securities and uses broker pricing quotes based on observable inputs for equity investments that are not traded on a stock exchange.  For non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations, to determine if the unrealized loss is other-than-temporary, the Company projects total estimated defaults of the underlying assets (mortgages) and multiplies that calculated amount by an estimate of realizable value upon sale in the marketplace (severity) in order to determine the projected collateral loss.  The Company also evaluates any current credit enhancement underlying these securities to determine the impact on cash flows.  If the Company determines that a given security position will be subject to a write-down or loss, the Company records the expected credit loss as a charge to earnings.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, no securities were determined to have impairment that was other than temporary.

Credit Losses Recognized on Investments.  There were no debt securities that have experienced fair value deterioration due to credit losses, as well as due to other market factors, but are not otherwise other-than-temporarily impaired.

13

 
Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income and the affected line items in the statements of income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, were as follows:

   
Amounts Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
Affected Line Item in the Statements of Income
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
   
              
Unrealized gains on available-
       
Net realized gains on available-
for-sale securities
 
$
2
   
$
321
 
for-sale securities
                 
(Total reclassified amount before tax)
Income Taxes
   
(1
)
   
(112
)
Provision for income taxes
Total reclassifications out of accumulated
                   
other comprehensive income
 
$
1
   
$
209
   


   
Amounts Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
Affected Line Item in the Statements of Income
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
   
              
Unrealized gains on available-
       
Net realized gains on available-
for-sale securities
 
$
2
   
$
963
 
for-sale securities
                 
(Total reclassified amount before tax)
Income Taxes
   
(1
)
   
(337
)
Provision for income taxes
Total reclassifications out of accumulated
                   
other comprehensive income
 
$
1
   
$
626
   





14



NOTE 7: LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
One- to four-family residential construction
 
$
39,160
   
$
40,361
 
Subdivision construction
   
44,008
     
28,593
 
Land development
   
47,165
     
52,096
 
Commercial construction
   
448,571
     
392,929
 
Owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
99,730
     
87,549
 
Non-owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
150,410
     
143,051
 
Commercial real estate
   
1,041,645
     
945,876
 
Other residential
   
407,945
     
392,414
 
Commercial business
   
411,258
     
354,012
 
Industrial revenue bonds
   
38,241
     
41,061
 
Consumer auto
   
403,677
     
323,353
 
Consumer other
   
76,647
     
78,029
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
75,768
     
66,272
 
Acquired FDIC-covered loans, net of discounts
   
249,544
     
286,608
 
Acquired loans no longer covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements,
               
net of discounts
   
36,642
     
49,945
 
Acquired non-covered loans, net of discounts
   
100,345
     
121,982
 
     
3,670,756
     
3,404,131
 
Undisbursed portion of loans in process
   
(357,789
)
   
(323,572
)
Allowance for loan losses
   
(39,878
)
   
(38,435
)
Deferred loan fees and gains, net
   
(3,126
)
   
(3,276
)
   
$
3,269,963
   
$
3,038,848
 
                 
Weighted average interest rate
   
4.54
%
   
4.66
%






15


Classes of loans by aging were as follows:
   
September 30, 2015
 
                           
Total Loans
 
           
Past Due
               
> 90 Days
 
   
30-59 Days
   
60-89 Days
   
90 Days
   
Total Past
       
Total Loans
   
Past Due and
 
   
Past Due
   
Past Due
   
or More
   
Due
   
Current
   
Receivable
   
Still Accruing
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
One- to four-family
                           
residential construction
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
39,160
   
$
39,160
   
$
 
Subdivision construction
   
     
     
     
     
44,008
     
44,008
     
 
Land development
   
4,028
     
     
113
     
4,141
     
43,024
     
47,165
     
 
Commercial construction
   
     
     
     
     
448,571
     
448,571
     
 
Owner occupied one- to four-
                                                       
family residential
   
198
     
394
     
769
     
1,361
     
98,369
     
99,730
     
127
 
Non-owner occupied one- to
                                                       
four-family residential
   
103
     
96
     
559
     
758
     
149,652
     
150,410
     
254
 
Commercial real estate
   
6,590
     
     
3,955
     
10,545
     
1,031,100
     
1,041,645
     
 
Other residential
   
     
     
     
     
407,945
     
407,945
     
 
Commercial business
   
238
     
     
287
     
525
     
410,733
     
411,258
     
 
Industrial revenue bonds
   
     
     
     
     
38,241
     
38,241
     
 
Consumer auto
   
2,566
     
612
     
632
     
3,810
     
399,867
     
403,677
     
 
Consumer other
   
1,040
     
115
     
528
     
1,683
     
74,964
     
76,647
     
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
182
     
87
     
261
     
530
     
75,238
     
75,768
     
 
Acquired FDIC-covered
                                                       
loans, net of discounts
   
837
     
1,539
     
13,119
     
15,495
     
234,049
     
249,544
     
761
 
Acquired loans no longer
                                                       
covered by loss sharing
                                                       
agreements, net of
                                                       
discounts
   
117
     
     
38
     
155
     
36,487
     
36,642
     
 
Acquired non-covered loans,
                                                       
net of discounts
   
405
     
450
     
5,756
     
6,611
     
93,734
     
100,345
     
74
 
     
16,304
     
3,293
     
26,017
     
45,614
     
3,625,142
     
3,670,756
     
1,216
 
Less FDIC-supported loans,
                                                       
and acquired non-covered
                                                       
loans, net of discounts
   
1,359
     
1,989
     
18,913
     
22,261
     
364,270
     
386,531
     
835
 
                                                         
Total
 
$
14,945
   
$
1,304
   
$
7,104
   
$
23,353
   
$
3,260,872
   
$
3,284,225
   
$
381
 






16



   
December 31, 2014
 
                           
Total Loans
 
                       
Total
   
> 90 Days Past
 
   
30-59 Days
   
60-89 Days
   
Over 90
   
Total Past
       
Loans
   
Due and
 
   
Past Due
   
Past Due
   
Days
   
Due
   
Current
   
Receivable
   
Still Accruing
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
One- to four-family
                           
residential construction
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
40,361
   
$
40,361
   
$
 
Subdivision construction
   
109
     
     
     
109
     
28,484
     
28,593
     
 
Land development
   
110
     
     
255
     
365
     
51,731
     
52,096
     
 
Commercial construction
   
     
     
     
     
392,929
     
392,929
     
 
Owner occupied one- to four-
                                                       
family residential
   
2,037
     
441
     
1,029
     
3,507
     
84,042
     
87,549
     
170
 
Non-owner occupied one- to
                                                       
four-family residential
   
583
     
     
296
     
879
     
142,172
     
143,051
     
 
Commercial real estate
   
6,887
     
     
4,699
     
11,586
     
934,290
     
945,876
     
187
 
Other residential
   
     
     
     
     
392,414
     
392,414
     
 
Commercial business
   
59
     
     
411
     
470
     
353,542
     
354,012
     
 
Industrial revenue bonds
   
     
     
     
     
41,061
     
41,061
     
 
Consumer auto
   
1,801
     
244
     
316
     
2,361
     
320,992
     
323,353
     
 
Consumer other
   
1,301
     
260
     
801
     
2,362
     
75,667
     
78,029
     
397
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
89
     
     
340
     
429
     
65,843
     
66,272
     
22
 
Acquired FDIC-covered loans,
     net of discounts
   
6,236
     
1,062
     
16,419
     
23,717
     
262,891
     
286,608
     
194
 
Acquired loans no longer covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements,
                                                       
net of discounts
   
754
     
46
     
243
     
1,043
     
48,902
     
49,945
     
 
Acquired non-covered loans, net of discounts
   
2,638
     
640
     
11,248
     
14,526
     
107,456
     
121,982
     
 
     
22,604
     
2,693
     
36,057
     
61,354
     
3,342,777
     
3,404,131
     
970
 
Less FDIC-supported loans,
                                                       
and acquired non-covered
loans, net of discounts
   
9,628
     
1,748
     
27,910
     
39,286
     
419,249
     
458,535
     
194
 
                                                         
Total
 
$
12,976
   
$
945
   
$
8,147
   
$
22,068
   
$
2,923,528
   
$
2,945,596
   
$
776
 

Nonaccruing loans (excluding FDIC-supported loans, net of discount and acquired non-covered loans, net of discount) are summarized as follows:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
One- to four-family residential construction
 
$
   
$
 
Subdivision construction
   
     
 
Land development
   
113
     
255
 
Commercial construction
   
     
 
Owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
642
     
859
 
Non-owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
305
     
296
 
Commercial real estate
   
3,955
     
4,512
 
Other residential
   
     
 
Commercial business
   
287
     
411
 
Industrial revenue bonds
   
     
 
Consumer auto
   
632
     
316
 
Consumer other
   
528
     
404
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
261
     
318
 
                 
Total
 
$
6,723
   
$
7,371
 
 
17

 
The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.  Also presented are the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans based on portfolio segment and impairment method as of September 30, 2015:

   
One- to Four-
                         
   
Family
                         
   
Residential and
   
Other
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
         
   
Construction
   
Residential
   
Real Estate
   
Construction
   
Business
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Allowance for loan losses
                           
Balance July 1, 2015
 
$
3,886
   
$
3,342
   
$
20,191
   
$
3,288
   
$
3,992
   
$
4,999
   
$
39,698
 
Provision (benefit) charged to expense
   
515
     
162
     
(284
)
   
(158
)
   
728
     
740
     
1,703
 
Losses charged off
   
     
     
(803
)
   
(132
)
   
(193
)
   
(1,312
)
   
(2,440
)
Recoveries
   
36
     
12
     
32
     
81
     
45
     
711
     
917
 
Balance September 30, 2015
 
$
4,437
   
$
3,516
   
$
19,136
   
$
3,079
   
$
4,572
   
$
5,138
   
$
39,878
 
                                                         
Balance January 1, 2015
 
$
3,455
   
$
2,941
   
$
19,773
   
$
3,562
   
$
3,679
   
$
5,025
   
$
38,435
 
Provision (benefit) charged to expense
   
961
     
546
     
(45
)
   
(348
)
   
1,618
     
1,571
     
4,303
 
Losses charged off
   
(66
)
   
(2
)
   
(807
)
   
(329
)
   
(968
)
   
(3,394
)
   
(5,566
)
Recoveries
   
87
     
31
     
215
     
194
     
243
     
1,936
     
2,706
 
Balance September 30, 2015
 
$
4,437
   
$
3,516
   
$
19,136
   
$
3,079
   
$
4,572
   
$
5,138
   
$
39,878
 
                                                         
Ending balance:
                                                       
                                                         
Individually evaluated for
                                                       
impairment
 
$
763
   
$
   
$
3,340
   
$
1,405
   
$
473
   
$
311
   
$
6,292
 
Collectively evaluated for
                                                       
impairment
 
$
2,907
   
$
3,497
   
$
15,398
   
$
1,491
   
$
3,943
   
$
4,509
   
$
31,745
 
Loans acquired and
                                                       
accounted for under ASC
                                                       
310-30
 
$
767
   
$
19
   
$
398
   
$
183
   
$
156
   
$
318
   
$
1,841
 
                                                         
                                                         
Loans
                                                       
Individually evaluated for
                                                       
impairment
 
$
8,558
   
$
9,567
   
$
32,232
   
$
7,416
   
$
2,701
   
$
2,016
   
$
62,490
 
Collectively evaluated for
                                                       
impairment
 
$
324,750
   
$
398,378
   
$
1,009,413
   
$
488,320
   
$
446,798
   
$
554,076
   
$
3,221,735
 
Loans acquired and
                                                       
accounted for under ASC
                                                       
310-30
 
$
199,047
   
$
43,268
   
$
81,832
   
$
6,149
   
$
11,617
   
$
44,618
   
$
386,531
 
                                                         

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014:
   
One- to Four-
                         
   
Family
                         
   
Residential and
   
Other
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
         
   
Construction
   
Residential
   
Real Estate
   
Construction
   
Business
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Allowance for loan losses
                           
Balance July 1, 2014
 
$
5,073
   
$
1,723
   
$
16,476
   
$
8,249
   
$
2,582
   
$
3,979
   
$
38,082
 
Provision (benefit) charged to expense
   
(1,647
)
   
545
     
2,838
     
(2,499
)
   
632
     
1,076
     
945
 
Losses charged off
   
(106
)
   
     
(520
)
   
(1
)
   
(50
)
   
(1,107
)
   
(1,784
)
Recoveries
   
120
     
14
     
170
     
24
     
     
510
     
838
 
Balance September 30, 2014
 
$
3,440
   
$
2,282
   
$
18,964
   
$
5,773
   
$
3,164
   
$
4,458
   
$
38,081
 
                                                         
Balance January 1, 2014
 
$
6,235
   
$
2,678
   
$
16,939
   
$
4,464
   
$
6,451
   
$
3,349
   
$
40,116
 
Provision (benefit) charged to expense
   
(1,280
)
   
(423
)
   
2,704
     
1,263
     
(619
)
   
2,454
     
4,099
 
Losses charged off
   
(1,803
)
   
(2
)
   
(1,239
)
   
(131
)
   
(2,737
)
   
(2,891
)
   
(8,803
)
Recoveries
   
288
     
29
     
560
     
177
     
69
     
1,546
     
2,669
 
Balance September 30, 2014
 
$
3,440
   
$
2,282
   
$
18,964
   
$
5,773
   
$
3,164
   
$
4,458
   
$
38,081
 


18


The following table presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans based on portfolio segment and impairment method as of December 31, 2014:

   
One- to Four-
                         
   
Family
                         
   
Residential and
   
Other
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
         
   
Construction
   
Residential
   
Real Estate
   
Construction
   
Business
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Allowance for loan losses
                           
Individually evaluated for
                           
impairment
 
$
829
   
$
   
$
1,751
   
$
1,507
   
$
823
   
$
232
   
$
5,142
 
Collectively evaluated for
                                                       
impairment
 
$
2,532
   
$
2,923
   
$
16,671
   
$
1,905
   
$
2,805
   
$
4,321
   
$
31,157
 
Loans acquired and
                                                       
accounted for under ASC
                                                       
310-30
 
$
94
   
$
18
   
$
1,351
   
$
150
   
$
51
   
$
472
   
$
2,136
 
                                                         
Loans
                                                       
Individually evaluated for
                                                       
impairment
 
$
11,488
   
$
9,804
   
$
28,641
   
$
7,601
   
$
2,725
   
$
1,480
   
$
61,739
 
Collectively evaluated for
                                                       
impairment
 
$
288,066
   
$
382,610
   
$
917,235
   
$
437,424
   
$
392,348
   
$
466,174
   
$
2,883,857
 
Loans acquired and
                                                       
accounted for under ASC
                                                       
310-30
 
$
234,158
   
$
48,470
   
$
107,278
   
$
1,937
   
$
17,789
   
$
48,903
   
$
458,535
 

The portfolio segments used in the preceding three tables correspond to the loan classes used in all other tables in Note 7 as follows:
·
The one-to four-family residential and construction segment includes the one- to four-family residential construction, subdivision construction, owner occupied one- to four-family residential and non-owner occupied one- to four-family residential classes
·
The other residential segment corresponds to the other residential class
·
The commercial real estate segment includes the commercial real estate and industrial revenue bonds classes
·
The commercial construction segment includes the land development and commercial construction classes
·
The commercial business segment corresponds to the commercial business class
·
The consumer segment includes the consumer auto, consumer other and home equity lines of credit classes

A loan is considered impaired, in accordance with the impairment accounting guidance (FASB ASC 310-10-35-16), when based on current information and events, it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. Impaired loans include not only nonperforming loans but also include loans modified in troubled debt restructurings where concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties.



19


Impaired loans (excluding FDIC-supported loans, net of discount and acquired non-covered loans, net of discount), are summarized as follows:

   
September 30, 2015
 
       
Unpaid
     
   
Recorded
   
Principal
   
Specific
 
   
Balance
   
Balance
   
Allowance
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
One- to four-family residential construction
 
$
712
   
$
712
   
$
 
Subdivision construction
   
2,531
     
2,535
     
218
 
Land development
   
7,416
     
7,421
     
1,405
 
Commercial construction
   
     
     
 
Owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
3,462
     
3,732
     
411
 
Non-owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
1,853
     
2,064
     
134
 
Commercial real estate
   
32,232
     
33,618
     
3,340
 
Other residential
   
9,567
     
9,567
     
 
Commercial business
   
2,701
     
2,783
     
473
 
Industrial revenue bonds
   
     
     
 
Consumer auto
   
725
     
762
     
109
 
Consumer other
   
861
     
993
     
129
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
430
     
456
     
73
 
                         
Total
 
$
62,490
   
$
64,643
   
$
6,292
 

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2015
   
September 30, 2015
 
   
Average
       
Average
     
   
Investment
   
Interest
   
Investment
   
Interest
 
   
in Impaired
   
Income
   
in Impaired
   
Income
 
   
Loans
   
Recognized
   
Loans
   
Recognized
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                 
One- to four-family residential construction
 
$
634
   
$
7
   
$
755
   
$
35
 
Subdivision construction
   
3,749
     
32
 
   
4,218
     
99
 
Land development
   
7,425
     
72
     
7,425
     
204
 
Commercial construction
   
     
     
     
 
Owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
3,424
     
44
     
3,696
     
132
 
Non-owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
1,739
     
30
     
1,737
     
75
 
Commercial real estate
   
28,026
     
559
     
26,979
     
1,189
 
Other residential
   
9,612
     
106
     
9,711
     
286
 
Commercial business
   
2,058
     
62
     
2,163
     
109
 
Industrial revenue bonds
   
     
     
     
 
Consumer auto
   
626
     
19
     
502
     
40
 
Consumer other
   
732
     
30
     
628
     
63
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
395
     
7
     
402
     
20
 
                                 
Total
 
$
58,420
   
$
968
   
$
58,216
   
$
2,252
 


20



  At or for the Year Ended December 31, 2014  
               
Average
     
       
Unpaid
       
Investment
   
Interest
 
   
Recorded
   
Principal
   
Specific
   
in Impaired
   
Income
 
   
Balance
   
Balance
   
Allowance
   
Loans
   
Recognized
 
   
(In Thousands)
     
                     
One- to four-family residential construction
 
$
1,312
   
$
1,312
   
$
   
$
173
   
$
76
 
Subdivision construction
   
4,540
     
4,540
     
344
     
2,593
     
226
 
Land development
   
7,601
     
8,044
     
1,507
     
9,691
     
292
 
Commercial construction
   
     
     
     
     
 
Owner occupied one- to four-family
                                       
      residential
   
3,747
     
4,094
     
407
     
4,808
     
212
 
Non-owner occupied one- to four-family
                                       
      residential
   
1,889
     
2,113
     
78
     
4,010
     
94
 
Commercial real estate
   
28,641
     
30,781
     
1,751
     
29,808
     
1,253
 
Other residential
   
9,804
     
9,804
     
     
10,469
     
407
 
Commercial business
   
2,725
     
2,750
     
823
     
2,579
     
158
 
Industrial revenue bonds
   
     
     
     
2,644
     
 
Consumer auto
   
420
     
507
     
63
     
219
     
37
 
Consumer other
   
629
     
765
     
94
     
676
     
71
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
431
     
476
     
75
     
461
     
25
 
                                         
Total
 
$
61,739
   
$
65,186
   
$
5,142
   
$
68,131
   
$
2,851
 

   
September 30, 2014
 
       
Unpaid
     
   
Recorded
   
Principal
   
Specific
 
   
Balance
   
Balance
   
Allowance
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
One- to four-family residential construction
 
$
   
$
   
$
 
Subdivision construction
   
2,304
     
4,716
     
373
 
Land development
   
7,791
     
8,224
     
1,514
 
Commercial construction
   
     
     
 
Owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
4,366
     
5,064
     
517
 
Non-owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
4,614
     
4,837
     
450
 
Commercial real estate
   
28,899
     
30,210
     
1,736
 
Other residential
   
10,203
     
10,203
     
 
Commercial business
   
2,150
     
2,173
     
596
 
Industrial revenue bonds
   
2,976
     
4,288
     
 
Consumer auto
   
175
     
227
     
26
 
Consumer other
   
635
     
764
     
95
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
446
     
473
     
77
 
                         
Total
 
$
64,559
   
$
71,179
   
$
5,384
 



21



   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2014
   
September 30, 2014
 
   
Average
       
Average
     
   
Investment
   
Interest
   
Investment
   
Interest
 
   
in Impaired
   
Income
   
in Impaired
   
Income
 
   
Loans
   
Recognized
   
Loans
   
Recognized
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                 
One- to four-family residential construction
 
$
121
   
$
   
$
59
   
$
 
Subdivision construction
   
2,207
     
8
     
2,549
     
38
 
Land development
   
7,650
     
70
     
10,403
     
213
 
Commercial construction
   
     
     
     
 
Owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
4,665
     
56
     
5,100
     
168
 
Non-owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
4,550
     
53
     
4,137
     
163
 
Commercial real estate
   
29,531
     
298
     
30,204
     
988
 
Other residential
   
10,304
     
86
     
10,665
     
296
 
Commercial business
   
2,163
     
31
     
2,657
     
99
 
Industrial revenue bonds
   
3,362
     
192
     
2,998
     
192
 
Consumer auto
   
216
     
4
     
182
     
11
 
Consumer other
   
678
     
15
     
690
     
57
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
415
     
6
     
461
     
20
 
                                 
Total
 
$
65,862
   
$
819
   
$
70,105
   
$
2,245
 

At September 30, 2015, $24.7 million of impaired loans had specific valuation allowances totaling $6.3 million.  At December 31, 2014, $20.0 million of impaired loans had specific valuation allowances totaling $5.1 million.

Included in certain loan categories in the impaired loans are troubled debt restructurings that were classified as impaired. Troubled debt restructurings are loans that are modified by granting concessions to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties.  These concessions could include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions intended to maximize collection.  The types of concessions made are factored into the estimation of the allowance for loan losses for troubled debt restructurings primarily using a discounted cash flows or collateral adequacy approach.

The following tables present newly restructured loans during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 by type of modification:
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
               
Total
 
   
Interest Only
   
Term
   
Combination
   
Modification
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
Mortgage loans on real estate:
               
One -to four- family residential
 
$
   
$
48
   
$
158
   
$
206
 
Commercial business
   
     
1,095
     
     
1,095
 
Consumer
   
     
21
     
     
21
 
                                 
   
$
   
$
1,164
   
$
158
   
$
1,322
 

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
               
Total
 
   
Interest Only
   
Term
   
Combination
   
Modification
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
Mortgage loans on real estate:
               
One -to four- family residential
 
$
   
$
257
   
$
158
   
$
415
 
Commercial real estate
   
     
115
     
     
115
 
Commercial business
   
     
1,095
     
     
1,095
 
Consumer
   
     
69
     
     
69
 
                                 
   
$
   
$
1,536
   
$
158
   
$
1,694
 


22

 
At September 30, 2015, the Company had $46.2 million of loans that were modified in troubled debt restructurings and impaired, as follows:  $7.9 million of construction and land development loans, $13.5 million of single family and multi-family residential mortgage loans, $22.5 million of commercial real estate loans, $2.0 million of commercial business loans and $299,000 of consumer loans.  Of the total troubled debt restructurings at September 30, 2015, $42.8 million were accruing interest and $11.2 million were classified as substandard using the Company's internal grading system, which is described below.  The Company had no troubled debt restructurings which were modified in the previous 12 months and subsequently defaulted during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  When loans modified as troubled debt restructuring have subsequent payment defaults, the defaults are factored into the determination of the allowance for loan losses to ensure specific valuation allowances reflect amounts considered uncollectible.  At December 31, 2014, the Company had $47.6 million of loans that were modified in troubled debt restructurings and impaired, as follows:  $8.3 million of construction and land development loans, $13.8 million of single family and multi-family residential mortgage loans, $23.3 million of commercial real estate loans, $1.9 million of commercial business loans and $324,000 of consumer loans.  Of the total troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2014, $39.2 million were accruing interest and $18.3 million were classified as substandard using the Company's internal grading system.

During the three months ended September 30, 2015, loans designated as troubled debt restructurings totaling $17,000 of consumer loans met the criteria for placement back on accrual status.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, loans designated as troubled debt restructurings totaling $785,000 met the criteria for placement back on accrual status.  The $785,000 consisted of $711,000 of residential mortgage loans, $29,000 of commercial business loans, $39,000 of consumer loans and $6,000 of construction and land development loans.  The criteria is generally a minimum of six months of payment performance under original or modified terms.
The Company reviews the credit quality of its loan portfolio using an internal grading system that classifies loans as "Satisfactory," "Watch," "Special Mention," "Substandard" and "Doubtful."  Substandard loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if certain deficiencies are not corrected.  Doubtful loans are those having all the weaknesses inherent to those classified Substandard with the added characteristics that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.  Special mention loans possess potential weaknesses that deserve management's close attention but do not expose the Bank to a degree of risk that warrants substandard classification.  Loans classified as watch are being monitored because of indications of potential weaknesses or deficiencies that may require future classification as special mention or substandard.  Loans not meeting any of the criteria previously described are considered satisfactory.  The FDIC-covered loans are evaluated using this internal grading system.  These loans are accounted for in pools and are currently substantially covered through loss sharing agreements with the FDIC.  Minimal adverse classification in the loan pools was identified as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  The acquired non-covered loans are also evaluated using this internal grading system.  These loans are accounted for in pools and minimal adverse classification in the loan pools was identified as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  See Note 8 for further discussion of the acquired loan pools and loss sharing agreements.
The Company evaluates the loan risk internal grading system definitions and allowance for loan loss methodology on an ongoing basis.  In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company began using a three-year average of historical losses for the general component of the allowance for loan loss calculation.  The Company had previously used a five-year average.  For interim periods, the Company uses three full years plus the interim period's annualized average losses for the general component of the allowance for loan loss calculation.  The Company believes that the three-year average provides a better representation of the current risks in the loan portfolio.  This change was made after consultation with our regulators and other third-party consultants, as well as a review of the practices used by the Company's peers.  This change did not materially affect the level of the allowance for loan losses.  The general component of the allowance for loan losses is affected by several factors, including, but not limited to, average historical losses, the average life of the loan, the current composition of the loan portfolio, current and expected economic conditions, collateral values and internal risk ratings.  Management considers all these factors in determining the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses.  No other significant changes were made to the loan risk grading system definitions and allowance for loan loss methodology during the past year.


23



The loan grading system is presented by loan class below:

   
September 30, 2015
 
           
Special
             
   
Satisfactory
   
Watch
   
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
One- to four-family residential
                       
construction
 
$
38,449
   
$
   
$
   
$
711
   
$
   
$
39,160
 
Subdivision construction
   
40,120
     
1,996
     
     
1,892
     
     
44,008
 
Land development
   
36,204
     
5,324
     
     
5,637
     
     
47,165
 
Commercial construction
   
448,571
     
     
     
     
     
448,571
 
Owner occupied one- to four-
                                               
family residential
   
97,614
     
592
     
     
1,524
     
     
99,730
 
Non-owner occupied one- to four-
                                               
family residential
   
148,744
     
518
     
     
1,148
     
     
150,410
 
Commercial real estate
   
1,005,628
     
18,438
     
     
17,579
     
     
1,041,645
 
Other residential
   
395,512
     
10,477
     
     
1,956
     
     
407,945
 
Commercial business
   
409,198
     
1,302
     
     
758
     
     
411,258
 
Industrial revenue bonds
   
38,241
     
     
     
     
     
38,241
 
Consumer auto
   
403,008
     
     
     
669
     
     
403,677
 
Consumer other
   
75,928
     
     
     
719
     
     
76,647
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
75,343
     
     
     
425
     
     
75,768
 
Acquired FDIC-covered loans,
                                               
 net of discounts
   
249,515
     
     
     
29
     
     
249,544
 
Acquired loans no longer covered
                                               
 by FDIC loss sharing
                                               
agreements, net of discounts
   
36,506
     
     
     
136
     
     
36,642
 
Acquired non-covered loans,
                                               
net of discounts
   
98,493
     
     
     
1,852
     
     
100,345
 
                                                 
Total
 
$
3,597,074
   
$
38,647
   
$
   
$
35,035
   
$
   
$
3,670,756
 

   
December 31, 2014
 
           
Special
             
   
Satisfactory
   
Watch
   
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
One- to four-family residential
                       
construction
 
$
39,049
   
$
   
$
   
$
1,312
   
$
   
$
40,361
 
Subdivision construction
   
24,269
     
21
     
     
4,303
     
     
28,593
 
Land development
   
41,035
     
5,000
     
     
6,061
     
     
52,096
 
Commercial construction
   
392,929
     
     
     
     
     
392,929
 
Owner occupied one- to-four-
                                               
family residential
   
85,041
     
745
     
     
1,763
     
     
87,549
 
Non-owner occupied one- to-
                                               
four-family residential
   
141,198
     
580
     
     
1,273
     
     
143,051
 
Commercial real estate
   
901,167
     
32,155
     
     
12,554
     
     
945,876
 
Other residential
   
380,811
     
9,647
     
     
1,956
     
     
392,414
 
Commercial business
   
351,744
     
423
     
     
1,845
     
     
354,012
 
Industrial revenue bonds
   
40,037
     
1,024
     
     
     
     
41,061
 
Consumer auto
   
323,002
     
     
     
351
     
     
323,353
 
Consumer other
   
77,507
     
3
     
     
519
     
     
78,029
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
65,841
     
     
     
431
     
     
66,272
 
Acquired FDIC-covered loans,
                                               
net of discounts
   
286,049
     
     
     
559
     
     
286,608
 
Acquired loans no longer covered
                                               
by FDIC loss sharing
                                               
agreements, net of discounts
   
48,592
     
     
     
1,353
     
     
49,945
 
Acquired non-covered loans,
                                               
net of discounts
   
121,982
     
     
     
     
     
121,982
 
                                                 
Total
 
$
3,320,253
   
$
49,598
   
$
   
$
34,280
   
$
   
$
3,404,131
 
 
24


NOTE 8: ACQUIRED LOANS, LOSS SHARING AGREEMENTS AND FDIC INDEMNIFICATION ASSETS

On March 20, 2009, Great Southern Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with loss share with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to assume all of the deposits (excluding brokered deposits) and acquire certain assets of TeamBank, N.A., a full service commercial bank headquartered in Paola, Kansas.

The loans, commitments and foreclosed assets purchased in the TeamBank transaction are covered by a loss sharing agreement between the FDIC and Great Southern Bank.  Under the loss sharing agreement, the Bank shares in the losses on assets covered under the agreement (referred to as covered assets). On losses up to $115.0 million, the FDIC agreed to reimburse the Bank for 80% of the losses. On losses exceeding $115.0 million, the FDIC agreed to reimburse the Bank for 95% of the losses.  Realized losses covered by the loss sharing agreement include loan contractual balances (and related unfunded commitments that were acquired), accrued interest on loans for up to 90 days, the book value of foreclosed real estate acquired, and certain direct costs, less cash or other consideration received by the Bank.  This agreement extends for ten years for 1-4 family real estate loans and for five years for other loans, which five-year period ended March 31, 2014.  The value of this loss sharing agreement was considered in determining fair values of loans and foreclosed assets acquired.  The loss sharing agreement is subject to the Bank following servicing procedures as specified in the agreement with the FDIC.  The expected reimbursements under the loss sharing agreement were recorded as an indemnification asset at their preliminary estimated fair value on the acquisition date.  Based upon the acquisition date fair values of the net assets acquired, no goodwill was recorded.
On September 4, 2009, Great Southern Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with loss share with the FDIC to assume all of the deposits and acquire certain assets of Vantus Bank, a full service thrift headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa.
The loans, commitments and foreclosed assets purchased in the Vantus Bank transaction are covered by a loss sharing agreement between the FDIC and Great Southern Bank.  Under the loss sharing agreement, the Bank shares in the losses on assets covered under the agreement (referred to as covered assets). On losses up to $102.0 million, the FDIC agreed to reimburse the Bank for 80% of the losses. On losses exceeding $102.0 million, the FDIC agreed to reimburse the Bank for 95% of the losses. Realized losses covered by the loss sharing agreement include loan contractual balances (and related unfunded commitments that were acquired), accrued interest on loans for up to 90 days, the book value of foreclosed real estate acquired, and certain direct costs, less cash or other consideration received by the Bank.  This agreement extends for ten years for 1-4 family real estate loans and for five years for other loans, which five year period ended on September 30, 2014.  The value of this loss sharing agreement was considered in determining fair values of loans and foreclosed assets acquired.  The loss sharing agreement is subject to the Bank following servicing procedures as specified in the agreement with the FDIC.  The expected reimbursements under the loss sharing agreement were recorded as an indemnification asset at their preliminary estimated fair value on the acquisition date.  Based upon the acquisition date fair values of the net assets acquired, no goodwill was recorded.

On October 7, 2011, Great Southern Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with loss share with the FDIC to assume all of the deposits and acquire certain assets of Sun Security Bank, a full service bank headquartered in Ellington, Missouri.
The loans and foreclosed assets purchased in the Sun Security Bank transaction are covered by a loss sharing agreement between the FDIC and Great Southern Bank.  Under the loss sharing agreement, the FDIC agreed to cover 80% of the losses on the loans (excluding approximately $4 million of consumer loans at the date of the acquisition) and foreclosed assets purchased subject to certain limitations.  Realized losses covered by the loss sharing agreement include loan contractual balances (and related unfunded commitments that were acquired), accrued interest on loans for up to 90 days, the book value of foreclosed real estate acquired, and certain direct costs, less cash or other consideration received by Great Southern.  This agreement extends for ten years for 1-4 family real estate loans and for five years for other loans.  The value of this loss sharing agreement was considered in determining fair values of loans and foreclosed assets acquired.  The loss sharing agreement is subject to the Bank following servicing procedures as specified in the agreement with the FDIC.  The expected reimbursements under the loss sharing agreement were recorded as an indemnification asset at their preliminary estimated fair value on the acquisition date.  Based upon the acquisition date fair values of the net assets acquired, no goodwill was recorded.  A discount was recorded in conjunction with the fair value of the acquired loans and no amount was accreted to yield during either of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.  The amount accreted to yield during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $-0- and $105,000, respectively.

25

 
On April 27, 2012, Great Southern Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with loss share with the FDIC to assume all of the deposits and acquire certain assets of Inter Savings Bank, FSB ("InterBank"), a full service bank headquartered in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
The loans and foreclosed assets purchased in the InterBank transaction are covered by a loss sharing agreement between the FDIC and Great Southern Bank.  Under the loss sharing agreement, the FDIC agreed to cover 80% of the losses on the loans (excluding approximately $60,000 of consumer loans) and foreclosed assets purchased subject to certain limitations.  Realized losses covered by the loss sharing agreement include loan contractual balances (and related unfunded commitments that were acquired), accrued interest on loans for up to 90 days, the book value of foreclosed real estate acquired, and certain direct costs, less cash or other consideration received by Great Southern.  This agreement extends for ten years for 1-4 family real estate loans and for five years for other loans.  The value of this loss sharing agreement was considered in determining fair values of loans and foreclosed assets acquired.  The loss sharing agreement is subject to the Bank following servicing procedures as specified in the agreement with the FDIC.  The expected reimbursements under the loss sharing agreement were recorded as an indemnification asset at their preliminary estimated fair value on the acquisition date.  Based upon the acquisition date fair values of the net assets acquired, no goodwill was recorded.  A premium was recorded in conjunction with the fair value of the acquired loans and the amount amortized to yield during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $113,000 and $351,000, respectively.  The amount amortized to yield during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $133,000 and $417,000, respectively.
On June 20, 2014, Great Southern Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC to purchase a substantial portion of the loans and investment securities, as well as certain other assets, and assume all of the deposits, as well as certain other liabilities, of Valley Bank ("Valley"), a full-service bank headquartered in Moline, Illinois, with significant operations in Iowa.  This transaction did not include a loss sharing agreement.
Based upon the acquisition date fair values of the net assets acquired, no goodwill was recorded. A premium was recorded in conjunction with the fair value of the acquired loans and the amount amortized to yield during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $195,000 and $615,000, respectively.  The amount amortized to yield during each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $263,000.
Fair Value and Expected Cash Flows.  At the time of these acquisitions, the Company determined the fair value of the loan portfolios based on several assumptions. Factors considered in the valuations were projected cash flows for the loans, type of loan and related collateral, classification status, fixed or variable interest rate, term of loan, current discount rates and whether or not the loan was amortizing. Loans were grouped together according to similar characteristics and were treated in the aggregate when applying various valuation techniques. Management also estimated the amount of credit losses that were expected to be realized for the loan portfolios. The discounted cash flow approach was used to value each pool of loans. For non-performing loans, fair value was estimated by calculating the present value of the recoverable cash flows using a discount rate based on comparable corporate bond rates. This valuation of the acquired loans is a significant component leading to the valuation of the loss sharing assets recorded.

The amount of the estimated cash flows expected to be received from the acquired loan pools in excess of the fair values recorded for the loan pools is referred to as the accretable yield.  The accretable yield is recognized as interest income over the estimated lives of the loans.  The Company continues to evaluate the fair value of the loans including cash flows expected to be collected.  Increases in the Company's cash flow expectations are recognized as increases to the accretable yield while decreases are recognized as impairments through the allowance for loan losses.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, increases in expected cash flows related to the acquired loan portfolios resulted in adjustments of $3.4 million and $11.6 million, respectively, to the accretable yield to be spread over the estimated remaining lives of the loans on a level-yield basis. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, similar such adjustments totaling $5.1 million and $25.0 million, respectively, were made to the accretable yield.  The current year increases in expected cash flows also reduced the amount of expected reimbursements under the loss sharing agreements.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, this resulted in corresponding adjustments of $-0- and $4.4 million, respectively, to the indemnification assets to be amortized on a level-yield basis over the remainder of the loss sharing agreements or the remaining expected lives of the loan pools, whichever is shorter.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, corresponding adjustments of $4.1 million and $20.0 million, respectively, were made to the indemnification assets.

Because these adjustments will be recognized over the remaining lives of the loan pools and the remainder of the loss sharing agreements, respectively, they will impact future periods as well.  The remaining accretable yield adjustment that will affect interest income is $15.6 million and the remaining adjustment to the indemnification assets, including
 
26

 
the effects of the clawback liability related to Interbank, that will affect non-interest income (expense) is $(11.2) million.  Of the remaining adjustments, we expect to recognize $4.9 million of interest income and $(3.1) million of non-interest income (expense) during the remainder of 2015.  Additional adjustments may be recorded in future periods from the FDIC-assisted acquisitions, as the Company continues to estimate expected cash flows from the acquired loan pools.

The impact of adjustments on the Company's financial results is shown below:

   
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
   
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
   
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data
   
and Basis Points Data)
                 
Impact on net interest income/
              
net interest margin (in basis points)
 
$
6,661
 
71 bps
 
$
8,848
 
98 bps
Non-interest income
   
(4,139
)
     
(7,438
)
 
Net impact to pre-tax income
 
$
2,522
     
$
1,410
   
Net impact net of taxes
 
$
1,639
     
$
917
   
Impact to diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.12
     
$
0.07
   

   
Nine Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
   
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
   
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data
   
and Basis Points Data)
                 
Impact on net interest income/
              
net interest margin (in basis points)
 
$
22,882
 
82 bps
 
$
25,836
 
101 bps
Non-interest income
   
(16,191
)
     
(21,915
)
 
Net impact to pre-tax income
 
$
6,691
     
$
3,921
   
Net impact net of taxes
 
$
4,349
     
$
2,549
   
Impact to diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.31
     
$
0.19
   

The loss sharing asset is measured separately from the loan portfolio because it is not contractually embedded in the loans and is not transferable with the loans should the Bank choose to dispose of them. Fair value was estimated using projected cash flows available for loss sharing based on the credit adjustments estimated for each loan pool (as discussed above) and the loss sharing percentages outlined in the applicable Purchase and Assumption Agreement with the FDIC. These cash flows were discounted to reflect the uncertainty of the timing and receipt of the loss sharing reimbursement from the FDIC. The loss sharing asset is also separately measured from the related foreclosed real estate.

The loss sharing agreement on the InterBank transaction includes a clawback provision whereby if credit loss performance is better than certain pre-established thresholds, then a portion of the monetary benefit is shared with the FDIC.  The pre-established threshold for credit losses is $115.7 million for this transaction.  The monetary benefit required to be paid to the FDIC under the clawback provision, if any, will occur shortly after the termination of the loss sharing agreement, which in the case of InterBank is 10 years from the acquisition date.
At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Bank's internal estimate of credit performance was expected to be better than the threshold set by the FDIC in the loss sharing agreement.  Therefore, a separate clawback liability totaling $6.5 million and $6.1 million was recorded as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  As changes in the fair values of the loans and foreclosed assets are determined due to changes in expected cash flows, changes in the amount of the clawback liability will occur.
In addition, beginning in the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company's net interest margin has been impacted by additional yield accretion recognized in conjunction with updated estimates of the fair value of the loan
 
27

 
pools acquired in the June 2014 Valley Bank FDIC-assisted transaction. Beginning with the three months ended December 31, 2014, the cash flow estimates have increased for certain of the Valley Bank loan pools primarily based on significant loan repayments and also due to collection of certain loans, thereby reducing loss expectations on certain of the loan pools. This resulted in increased income that was spread on a level-yield basis over the remaining expected lives of these loan pools. The Valley Bank transaction does not include a loss sharing agreement with the FDIC. Therefore, there is no related indemnification asset. The entire amount of the discount adjustment will be accreted to interest income over time with no offsetting impact to non-interest income.  The amount of the Valley Bank discount adjustment accreted to interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $1.8 million and $3.9 million, respectively, and is included in the impact on net interest income/net interest margin amount in the table above.  Based on current estimates, we anticipate recording additional interest income accretion of $1.3 million in the remainder of 2015 related to these Valley Bank loan pools.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
28


TeamBank Loans, Foreclosed Assets and Indemnification Asset.  The following tables present the balances of the FDIC indemnification asset related to the TeamBank transaction at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Gross loan balances (due from the borrower) were reduced approximately $403.7 million since the transaction date because of $270.7 million of repayments from borrowers, $61.7 million in transfers to foreclosed assets and $71.3 million in charge-offs to customer loan balances.  Based upon the collectability analyses performed during the acquisition, we expected certain levels of foreclosures and charge-offs and actual results have been better than our expectations in this regard.  As a result, cash flows expected to be received from the acquired loan pools have increased, resulting in adjustments that were made to the related accretable yield as described above.
 
   
September 30, 2015
 
       
Foreclosed
 
   
Loans
   
Assets
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Initial basis for loss sharing determination,
       
net of activity since acquisition date
 
$
32,421
   
$
 
Reclassification from nonaccretable discount to accretable discount
               
due to change in expected losses (net of accretion to date)
   
(1,439
)
   
 
Original estimated fair value of assets, net of activity since
               
acquisition date
   
(30,815
)
   
 
                 
Expected loss remaining
   
167
     
 
Assumed loss sharing recovery percentage
   
90
%
   
%
                 
Estimated loss sharing value
   
151
     
 
Indemnification asset to be amortized resulting from
               
change in expected losses
   
286
     
 
FDIC indemnification asset
 
$
437
   
$
 

   
December 31, 2014
 
       
Foreclosed
 
   
Loans
   
Assets
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Initial basis for loss sharing determination,
       
net of activity since acquisition date
 
$
43,855
   
$
132
 
Reclassification from nonaccretable discount to accretable discount
               
due to change in expected losses (net of accretion to date)
   
(1,923
)
   
 
Original estimated fair value of assets, net of activity since
               
acquisition date
   
(41,560
)
   
(119
)
                 
Expected loss remaining
   
372
     
13
 
Assumed loss sharing recovery percentage
   
85
%
   
77
%
                 
Estimated loss sharing value
   
315
     
10
 
Indemnification asset to be amortized resulting from
               
change in expected losses
   
359
     
 
FDIC indemnification asset
 
$
674
   
$
10
 
 

 
29


Vantus Bank Loans, Foreclosed Assets and Indemnification Asset.  The following tables present the balances of the FDIC indemnification asset related to the Vantus Bank transaction at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Gross loan balances (due from the borrower) were reduced approximately $298.3 million since the transaction date because of $252.4 million of repayments from borrowers, $16.6 million in transfers to foreclosed assets and $29.3 million in charge-offs to customer loan balances.  Based upon the collectability analyses performed during the acquisition, we expected certain levels of foreclosures and charge-offs and actual results have been better than our expectations in this regard.  As a result, cash flows expected to be received from the acquired loan pools have increased, resulting in adjustments that were made to the related accretable yield as described above.

   
September 30, 2015
 
       
Foreclosed
 
   
Loans
   
Assets
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Initial basis for loss sharing determination,
       
net of activity since acquisition date
 
$
33,283
   
$
669
 
Reclassification from nonaccretable discount to accretable discount
               
due to change in expected losses (net of accretion to date)
   
(556
)
   
 
Original estimated fair value of assets, net of activity since
               
acquisition date
   
(32,472
)
   
(479
)
                 
Expected loss remaining
   
255
     
190
 
Assumed loss sharing recovery percentage
   
61
%
   
%
                 
Estimated loss sharing value(1)
   
155
     
 
Indemnification asset to be amortized resulting from
               
change in expected losses
   
383
     
 
FDIC indemnification asset
 
$
538
   
$
 

(1)
Includes $152,000 impairment of indemnification asset for foreclosed assets.  Resolution of certain items related to commercial foreclosed assets did not occur prior to the expiration of the non-single-family loss sharing agreement for Vantus Bank on September 30, 2014.

 
   
December 31, 2014
 
       
Foreclosed
 
   
Loans
   
Assets
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Initial basis for loss sharing determination,
       
net of activity since acquisition date
 
$
42,138
   
$
1,084
 
Reclassification from nonaccretable discount to accretable discount
               
due to change in expected losses (net of accretion to date)
   
(504
)
   
 
Original estimated fair value of assets, net of activity since
               
acquisition date
   
(40,997
)
   
(894
)
                 
Expected loss remaining
   
637
     
190
 
Assumed loss sharing recovery percentage
   
72
%
   
%
                 
Estimated loss sharing value
   
461
     
 
Indemnification asset to be amortized resulting from
               
change in expected losses
   
324
     
 
FDIC indemnification asset
 
$
785
   
$
 


30


Sun Security Bank Loans, Foreclosed Assets and Indemnification Asset.  The following tables present the balances of the FDIC indemnification asset related to the Sun Security Bank transaction at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  Gross loan balances (due from the borrower) were reduced approximately $188.1 million since the transaction date because of $128.8 million of repayments from borrowers, $28.1 million in transfers to foreclosed assets and $31.2 million of charge-offs to customer loan balances.  Based upon the collectability analyses performed during the acquisition, we expected certain levels of foreclosures and charge-offs and actual results have been better than our expectations in this regard.  As a result, cash flows expected to be received from the acquired loan pools have increased, resulting in adjustments that were made to the related accretable yield as described above.  Of the $2.1 million expected loss remaining at September 30, 2015, $259,000 is non-loss share discount.
   
September 30, 2015
 
       
Foreclosed
 
   
Loans
   
Assets
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Initial basis for loss sharing determination,
       
net of activity since acquisition date
 
$
46,362
   
$
669
 
Reclassification from nonaccretable discount to accretable discount
   due to change in expected losses (net of accretion to date)
   
(2,098
)
   
 
Original estimated fair value of assets, net of activity since
               
acquisition date
   
(42,165
)
   
(573
)
                 
Expected loss remaining
   
2,099
     
96
 
Assumed loss sharing recovery percentage
   
51
%
   
80
%
                 
Estimated loss sharing value
   
1,068
     
77
 
Indemnification asset to be amortized resulting from
               
change in expected losses
   
1,668
     
 
Accretable discount on FDIC indemnification asset
   
(81
)
   
(63
)
FDIC indemnification asset
 
$
2,655
   
$
14
 

   
December 31, 2014
 
       
Foreclosed
 
   
Loans
   
Assets
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Initial basis for loss sharing determination,
       
net of activity since acquisition date
 
$
59,618
   
$
2,325
 
Reclassification from nonaccretable discount to accretable discount
               
due to change in expected losses (net of accretion to date)
   
(3,341
)
   
 
Original estimated fair value of assets, net of activity since
               
acquisition date
   
(52,166
)
   
(1,488
)
                 
Expected loss remaining
   
4,111
     
837
 
Assumed loss sharing recovery percentage
   
65
%
   
80
%
                 
Estimated loss sharing value
   
2,676
     
670
 
Indemnification asset to be amortized resulting from
               
change in expected losses
   
2,662
     
 
Accretable discount on FDIC indemnification asset
   
(267
)
   
(64
)
FDIC indemnification asset
 
$
5,071
   
$
606
 


31


InterBank Loans, Foreclosed Assets and Indemnification Asset.  The following table presents the balances of the FDIC indemnification asset related to the InterBank transaction at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  Gross loan balances (due from the borrower) were reduced approximately $185.9 million since the transaction date because of $151.1 million of repayments by the borrower, $13.7 million in transfers to foreclosed assets and $21.1 million of charge-offs to customer loan balances.  Based upon the collectability analyses performed during the acquisition, we expected certain levels of foreclosures and charge-offs and actual results have been better than our expectations in this regard.  As a result, cash flows expected to be received from the acquired loan pools have increased, resulting in adjustments that were made to the related accretable yield as described above.
 
   
September 30, 2015
 
       
Foreclosed
 
   
Loans
   
Assets
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Initial basis for loss sharing determination,
       
net of activity since acquisition date
 
$
207,398
   
$
2,670
 
Non-credit premium/(discount), net of activity since acquisition date
   
1,010
     
 
Reclassification from nonaccretable discount to accretable discount
               
due to change in expected losses (net of accretion to date)
   
(7,695
)
   
 
Original estimated fair value of assets, net of activity since
               
acquisition date
   
(180,734
)
   
(1,959
)
                 
Expected loss remaining
   
19,979
     
711
 
Assumed loss sharing recovery percentage
   
83
%
   
80
%
                 
Estimated loss sharing value(1)
   
16,538
     
569
 
FDIC loss share clawback
   
2,690
     
 
Indemnification asset to be amortized resulting from
               
change in expected losses
   
6,155
     
 
Accretable discount on FDIC indemnification asset
   
(1,991
)
   
(33
)
FDIC indemnification asset
 
$
23,392
   
$
536
 

(1)
Includes $400,000 impairment of indemnification asset for loans

   
December 31, 2014
 
       
Foreclosed
 
   
Loans
   
Assets
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Initial basis for loss sharing determination,
       
net of activity since acquisition date
 
$
244,977
   
$
4,494
 
Non-credit premium/(discount), net of activity since acquisition date
   
1,361
     
 
Reclassification from nonaccretable discount to accretable discount
               
due to change in expected losses (net of accretion to date)
   
(19,566
)
   
 
Original estimated fair value of assets, net of activity since
               
acquisition date
   
(201,830
)
   
(3,986
)
                 
Expected loss remaining
   
24,942
     
508
 
Assumed loss sharing recovery percentage
   
82
%
   
80
%
                 
Estimated loss sharing value
   
20,509
     
406
 
FDIC loss share clawback
   
3,620
     
 
Indemnification asset to be amortized resulting from
               
change in expected losses
   
15,652
     
 
Accretable discount on FDIC indemnification asset
   
(2,967
)
   
(33
)
FDIC indemnification asset
 
$
36,814
   
$
373
 

 
32


 
Valley Bank Loans and Foreclosed Assets.  The following tables present the balances of the loans and discount related to the Valley Bank transaction at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  Gross loan balances (due from the borrower) were reduced approximately $74.3 million since the transaction date because of $67.0 million of repayments by the borrower, $5.8 million of charge-offs to customer loan balances and $1.5 million in transfers to foreclosed assets.  The Valley Bank transaction did not include a loss sharing agreement; however, the loans were recorded at a discount, which is accreted to yield over the life of the loans.  Based upon the collectability analyses performed during the acquisition, we expected certain levels of foreclosures and charge-offs and actual results have been better than our expectations in this regard. As a result, cash flows expected to be received from the acquired loan pools have increased, resulting in adjustments that were made to the related accretable yield as described above.

   
September 30, 2015
 
       
Foreclosed
 
   
Loans
   
Assets
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
Initial basis, net of activity since acquisition date
 
$
118,864
   
$
1,100
 
Non-credit premium/(discount), net of activity since acquisition date
   
899
     
 
Reclassification from nonaccretable discount to accretable discount
               
due to change in expected losses (net of accretion to date)
   
(3,727
)
   
 
Original estimated fair value of assets, net of activity since
               
acquisition date
   
(100,345
)
   
(1,078
)
                 
Expected loss remaining
 
$
15,691
   
$
22
 

   
December 31, 2014
 
       
Foreclosed
 
   
Loans
   
Assets
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
Initial basis, net of activity since acquisition date
 
$
145,845
   
$
778
 
Non-credit premium/(discount), net of activity since acquisition date
   
1,514
     
 
Reclassification from nonaccretable discount to accretable discount
               
due to change in expected losses (net of accretion to date)
   
(1,519
)
   
 
Original estimated fair value of assets, net of activity since
               
acquisition date
   
(121,982
)
   
(778
)
                 
Expected loss remaining
 
$
23,858
   
$
 
 

 
33


Changes in the accretable yield for acquired loan pools were as follows for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
           
Sun Security
         
   
TeamBank
   
Vantus Bank
   
Bank
   
InterBank
   
Valley Bank
 
   
(In Thousands)
     
                     
Balance, July 1, 2014
 
$
7,434
   
$
4,578
   
$
9,427
   
$
41,108
   
$
22,811
 
Accretion
   
(887
)
   
(859
)
   
(2,119
)
   
(10,002
)
   
(2,062
)
Reclassification from
                                       
nonaccretable yield(1)
   
725
     
916
     
789
     
4,857
     
 
                                         
Balance, September 30, 2014
 
$
7,272
   
$
4,635
   
$
8,097
   
$
35,963
   
$
20,749
 
                                         
Balance July 1, 2015
 
$
4,740
   
$
3,975
   
$
6,684
   
$
24,727
   
$
9,366
 
Accretion
   
(669
)
   
(576
)
   
(1,090
)
   
(6,464
)
   
(3,136
)
Reclassification from
                                       
nonaccretable yield(1)
   
301
     
231
     
860
     
634
     
3,504
 
                                         
Balance, September 30, 2015
 
$
4,372
   
$
3,630
   
$
6,454
   
$
18,897
   
$
9,734
 

(1)
Represents increases in estimated cash flows expected to be received from the acquired loan pools, primarily due to lower estimated credit losses.  The amounts also include changes in expected accretion of the loan pools for TeamBank, Vantus Bank, Sun Security Bank, InterBank and Valley Bank for the three months ended September 30, 2015, totaling $301,000, $231,000, $860,000, $634,000 and $154,000, respectively, and for the three months ended September 30, 2014, totaling $522,000, $831,000, $139,000, $707,000 and $-0-, respectively.

Changes in the accretable yield for acquired loan pools were as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
           
Sun Security
         
   
TeamBank
   
Vantus Bank
   
Bank
   
InterBank
   
Valley Bank
 
   
(In Thousands)
     
                     
Balance January 1, 2014
 
$
7,402
   
$
5,725
   
$
11,113
   
$
40,095
   
$
 
Additions
   
     
     
     
     
22,976
 
Accretion
   
(3,169
)
   
(2,990
)
   
(7,343
)
   
(28,404
)
   
(2,227
)
Reclassification from
                                       
nonaccretable yield(1)
   
3,039
     
1,900
     
4,327
     
24,272
     
 
                                         
Balance, September 30, 2014
 
$
7,272
   
$
4,635
   
$
8,097
   
$
35,963
   
$
20,749
 
                                         
Balance January 1, 2015
 
$
6,865
   
$
4,453
   
$
7,952
   
$
36,092
   
$
11,132
 
Accretion
   
(2,783
)
   
(1,967
)
   
(4,408
)
   
(23,461
)
   
(7,997
)
Reclassification from
                                       
nonaccretable yield(1)
   
290
     
1,144
     
2,910
     
6,266
     
6,599
 
                                         
Balance, September 30, 2015
 
$
4,372
   
$
3,630
   
$
6,454
   
$
18,897
   
$
9,734
 

(1)
Represents increases in estimated cash flows expected to be received from the acquired loan pools, primarily due to lower estimated credit losses.  The amounts also include changes in expected accretion of the loan pools for TeamBank, Vantus Bank, Sun Security Bank, InterBank and Valley Bank for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, totaling $125,000, $758,000, $2.0 million, $2.3 million and $499,000, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, totaling $2.8 million, $1.8 million, $1.5 million, $2.4 million and $-0-, respectively.

34


 
NOTE 9: OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

Major classifications of other real estate owned were as follows:
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Foreclosed assets held for sale
       
One- to four-family construction
 
$
   
$
223
 
Subdivision construction
   
7,514
     
9,857
 
Land development
   
13,411
     
17,168
 
Commercial construction
   
     
 
One- to four-family residential
   
1,863
     
3,353
 
Other residential
   
2,150
     
2,625
 
Commercial real estate
   
3,551
     
1,632
 
Commercial business
   
48
     
59
 
Consumer
   
905
     
624
 
     
29,442
     
35,541
 
FDIC-supported foreclosed assets, net of discounts
   
2,533
     
5,695
 
Acquired foreclosed assets no longer covered by FDIC loss
     sharing agreements, net of discounts
   
478
     
879
 
Acquired foreclosed assets not covered by FDIC loss sharing
     agreements, net of discounts
   
1,078
     
778
 
                 
Foreclosed assets held for sale, net
   
33,531
     
42,893
 
                 
Other real estate owned not acquired through foreclosure
   
1,594
     
2,945
 
                 
Other real estate owned
 
$
35,125
   
$
45,838
 

Other real estate owned not acquired through foreclosure includes 10 properties, 9 of which were branch locations that have been closed and are held for sale, and one of which is land which was acquired for a potential branch location.  During the three months ended September 30, 2015, two former branch locations, which had previously been part of other real estate owned not acquired through foreclosure, were sold at a net gain of $285,000, which was included in the gain on sale of foreclosed assets amount in the table below.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, three properties were sold which had previously been part of other real estate owned not acquired through for foreclosure at a net gain of $612,000.  The properties sold included the two former branch locations noted above in the three month period, as well as vacant land which was sold at a gain of $327,000.

At September 30, 2015, residential mortgage loans totaling $1.9 million were in the process of foreclosure, $1.6 million of which were acquired loans.  Of the $1.6 million of acquired loans, $875,000 are covered by loss sharing agreements and $684,000 were acquired in the Valley Bank transaction.

Expenses applicable to foreclosed assets included the following:
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Net (gain) loss on sales of foreclosed assets
 
$
(99
)
 
$
126
 
Valuation write-downs
   
194
     
158
 
Operating expenses, net of rental income
   
521
     
698
 
                 
   
$
616
   
$
982
 
 
35


 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Net (gain) loss on sales of foreclosed assets
 
$
(709
)
 
$
72
 
Valuation write-downs
   
385
     
1,357
 
Operating expenses, net of rental income
   
1,643
     
1,744
 
                 
   
$
1,319
   
$
3,173
 

NOTE 10: DEPOSITS

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Time Deposits:
       
0.00% - 0.99%
 
$
914,635
   
$
798,932
 
1.00% - 1.99%
   
336,226
     
227,476
 
2.00% - 2.99%
   
42,953
     
61,146
 
3.00% - 3.99%
   
1,401
     
8,065
 
4.00% - 4.99%
   
1,364
     
1,435
 
5.00% and above
   
293
     
420
 
Total time deposits (0.82% - 0.78%)
   
1,296,872
     
1,097,474
 
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
   
539,919
     
518,266
 
Interest-bearing demand and savings deposits (0.23% - 0.19%)
   
1,409,949
     
1,375,100
 
Total Deposits
 
$
3,246,740
   
$
2,990,840
 

NOTE 11: ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank advances) at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following:
   
September 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
       
Weighted
       
Weighted
 
       
Average
       
Average
 
       
Interest
       
Interest
 
Due In
 
Amount
   
Rate
   
Amount
   
Rate
 
   
(In Thousands)
       
(In Thousands)
     
                 
2015
 
$
133,017
     
0.52
%
 
$
240,065
     
0.41
%
2016
   
70
     
5.14
     
70
     
5.14
 
2017
   
30,826
     
3.26
     
30,826
     
3.26
 
2018
   
81
     
5.14
     
81
     
5.14
 
2019
   
28
     
5.14
     
28
     
5.14
 
2020 and thereafter
   
500
     
5.54
     
500
     
5.54
 
                                 
     
164,522
     
1.05
     
271,570
     
0.75
 
                                 
Unamortized fair value adjustment
   
47
             
71
         
                                 
   
$
164,569
           
$
271,641
         


Included in the Bank's FHLBank advances at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, was a $10.0 million advance with a maturity date of October 26, 2015.  The interest rate on this advance was 3.86%.
36

 
Also included in the Bank's FHLBank advances at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, was a $30.0 million advance with a maturity date of November 24, 2017.  The interest rate on this advance is 3.20%.  The advance has a call provision that allows the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to call the advance quarterly.
In June 2014, the Company prepaid $80 million of its Federal Home Loan Bank advances and $50 million of structured repurchase agreements as part of a strategy to utilize the Bank's liquidity and improve net interest margin.  As a result, the Company incurred one-time prepayment penalties totaling $7.4 million, which were included in other operating expenses beginning in the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014.
NOTE 12: SECURITIES SOLD UNDER REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

The Bank enters into sales of securities under agreements to repurchase (reverse repurchase agreements).  Reverse repurchase agreements are treated as financings, and the obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the statements of financial condition.  The dollar amount of securities underlying the agreements remains in the asset accounts.  Securities underlying the agreements are being held by the Bank during the agreement period.  All agreements are written on a term of one-month or less.
The following table represents the Company's securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements, by collateral type and remaining contractual maturity.
   
September 30,
2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
   
Overnight and
   
Overnight and
 
   
Continuous
   
Continuous
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
FHLBank CD
 
$
   
$
10,000
 
Mortgage-backed securities – GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC
   
148,117
     
158,993
 
                 
   
$
148,117
   
$
168,993
 
                 

NOTE 13: INCOME TAXES

Reconciliations of the Company's effective tax rates to the statutory corporate tax rates were as follows:

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Tax at statutory rate
   
35.0
%
   
35.0
%
Nontaxable interest and dividends
   
(2.5
)
   
(3.1
)
Tax credits
   
(8.1
)
   
(8.4
)
State taxes
   
1.0
     
1.7
 
Other
   
(0.4
)
   
0.2
 
                 
     
25.0
%
   
25.4
%

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Tax at statutory rate
   
35.0
%
   
35.0
%
Nontaxable interest and dividends
   
(2.4
)
   
(3.3
)
Tax credits
   
(8.1
)
   
(9.2
)
State taxes
   
1.1
     
1.5
 
Other
   
(0.3
)
   
0.4
 
                 
     
25.3
%
   
24.4
%

The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries have not been audited recently by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the state taxing authorities with respect to income or franchise tax returns, and as such, tax years through
 
37

 
December 31, 2005, have been closed without audit. The Company, through one of its subsidiaries, is a partner in two partnerships currently under IRS examination for 2006 and 2007. As a result, the Company's 2006 and subsequent tax years remain open for examination. The IRS audits of the two partnerships are ongoing.  The IRS has raised questions about the validity of the allocation of a portion of the credits by one of the partnerships.  At this time, the Company believes that the partnership has sufficient technical support for its allocation position regarding these credits and that it is more likely than not these allocations will ultimately be sustained; therefore, a reserve for uncertain tax positions is not required.

NOTE 14: DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  Topic 820 also specifies a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
·   Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1): Inputs that are quoted unadjusted prices in active markets for identical assets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. An active market for the asset is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
 
·   Other observable inputs (Level 2): Inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity including quoted prices for similar assets, quoted prices for securities in inactive markets and inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
 
·   Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): Inputs that reflect assumptions of a source independent of the reporting entity or the reporting entity's own assumptions that are supported by little or no market activity or observable inputs.
 
Financial instruments are broken down as follows by recurring or nonrecurring measurement status. Recurring assets are initially measured at fair value and are required to be remeasured at fair value in the financial statements at each reporting date. Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis are assets that, due to an event or circumstance, were required to be remeasured at fair value after initial recognition in the financial statements at some time during the reporting period.

The Company considers transfers between the levels of the hierarchy to be recognized at the end of related reporting periods.  From December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015, no assets for which fair value is measured on a recurring basis transferred between any levels of the hierarchy.

38


 Recurring Measurements

The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets recognized in the accompanying statements of financial condition measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
       
Fair value measurements using
 
       
Quoted prices
         
       
in active
         
       
markets
   
Other
   
Significant
 
       
for identical
   
observable
   
unobservable
 
       
assets
   
inputs
   
inputs
 
   
Fair value
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
September 30, 2015
               
U.S. government agencies
 
$
19,983
   
$
   
$
19,983
   
$
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
171,930
     
     
171,930
     
 
States and political subdivisions
   
77,853
     
     
77,853
     
 
Equity securities
   
3,479
     
     
3,479
     
 
Mortgage servicing rights
   
149
     
     
     
149
 
Interest rate derivative asset
   
3,705
     
     
     
3,705
 
Interest rate derivative liability
   
(3,827
)
   
     
     
(3,827
)
                                 
December 31, 2014
                               
U.S. government agencies
 
$
19,514
   
$
   
$
19,514
   
$
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
257,798
     
     
257,798
     
 
States and political subdivisions
   
85,040
     
     
85,040
     
 
Equity securities
   
3,154
     
     
3,154
     
 
Mortgage servicing rights
   
185
     
     
     
185
 
Interest rate derivative asset
   
2,502
     
     
     
2,502
 
Interest rate derivative liability
   
(2,187
)
   
     
     
(2,187
)

The following is a description of inputs and valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying statements of financial condition at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, as well as the general classification of such assets pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.  There have been no significant changes in the valuation techniques during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015.  For assets classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the process used to develop the reported fair value is described below.

Securities Available for Sale. Investment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values used by the Company are obtained from an independent pricing service, which represent either quoted market prices for the identical asset or fair values determined by pricing models, or other model-based valuation techniques, that consider observable market data, such as interest rate volatilities, LIBOR yield curve, credit spreads and prices from market makers and live trading systems.  Recurring Level 2 securities include U.S. government agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, state and municipal bonds and certain equity securities. Inputs used for valuing Level 2 securities include observable data that may include dealer quotes, benchmark yields, market spreads, live trading levels and market consensus prepayment speeds, among other things. Additional inputs include indicative values derived from the independent pricing service's proprietary computerized models.  There were no recurring Level 3 securities at September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

Mortgage Servicing Rights. Mortgage servicing rights do not trade in an active, open market with readily observable prices.  Accordingly, fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow models.  Due to the nature of the valuation inputs, mortgage servicing rights are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

 
39

Interest Rate Derivatives. The fair value is estimated using forward-looking interest rate curves and is calculated using discounted cash flows that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data and, therefore, are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Level 3 Reconciliation

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of recurring fair value measurements recognized in the accompanying statements of financial condition using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs.

   
Mortgage Servicing Rights
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
Balance, July 1
 
$
166
   
$
196
 
Additions
   
12
     
28
 
Amortization
   
(29
)
   
(35
)
Balance, September 30
 
$
149
   
$
189
 
                 

   
Mortgage Servicing Rights
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
Balance, January 1
 
$
185
   
$
211
 
Additions
   
54
     
81
 
Amortization
   
(90
)
   
(103
)
Balance, September 30
 
$
149
   
$
189
 
                 


   
Interest Rate Derivative Asset
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
Balance, July 1
 
$
2,166
   
$
1,722
 
Change in fair value through earnings
   
1,451
     
(210
)
Balance, September 30
 
$
3,617
   
$
1,512
 
                 
   
Interest Rate Derivative Asset
 
     
2015
     
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                 
Balance, January 1
 
$
2,087
   
$
1,859
 
Change in fair value through earnings
   
1,530
     
(347
)
Balance, September 30
 
$
3,617
   
$
1,512
 
                 

   
Interest Rate Cap Derivative Asset Designated as Hedging Instrument
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
Balance, July 1
 
$
207
   
$
462
 
Change in fair value through other
               
comprehensive income
   
     
81
 
Amortization of cost of interest rate cap
   
(119
)
   
(5
)
Balance, September 30
 
$
88
   
$
538
 
                 
 
 
40

   
Interest Rate Cap Derivative Asset Designated as Hedging Instrument
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
Balance, January 1
 
$
415
   
$
685
 
Change in fair value through other
               
comprehensive income
   
(171
)
   
(138
)
Amortization of cost of interest rate cap
   
(156
)
   
(9
)
Balance, September 30
 
$
88
   
$
538
 
                 

   
Interest Rate Swap Liability
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
Balance, July 1
 
$
2,244
   
$
1,711
 
Change in fair value through earnings
   
1,583
     
(222
)
Balance, September 30
 
$
3,827
   
$
1,489
 
                 

   
Interest Rate Swap Liability
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
Balance, January 1
 
$
2,187
   
$
1,613
 
Change in fair value through earnings
   
1,640
     
(124
)
Balance, September 30
 
$
3,827
   
$
1,489
 
                 

 

 
41


Nonrecurring Measurements

The following tables present the fair value measurements of assets measured on a nonrecurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 

       
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
       
Quoted prices
         
       
in active
         
       
markets
   
Other
   
Significant
 
       
for identical
   
observable
   
unobservable
 
       
assets
   
inputs
   
inputs
 
   
Fair value
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
September 30, 2015
               
Impaired loans
               
One- to four-family residential construction
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
 
Subdivision construction
   
194
     
     
     
194
 
Land development
   
968
     
     
     
968
 
Owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
270
     
     
     
270
 
Non-owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
161
     
     
     
161
 
Commercial real estate
   
4,547
     
     
     
4,547
 
Other residential
   
     
     
     
 
Commercial business
   
916
     
     
     
916
 
Consumer auto
   
146
     
     
     
146
 
Consumer other
   
343
     
     
     
343
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
210
     
     
     
210
 
Total impaired loans
 
$
7,755
   
$
   
$
   
$
7,755
 
                                 
Foreclosed assets held for sale
 
$
1,533
   
$
   
$
   
$
1,533
 
                                 

December 31, 2014
               
Impaired loans
               
One- to four-family residential construction
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
 
Subdivision construction
   
274
     
     
     
274
 
Land development
   
3,946
     
     
     
3,946
 
Owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
862
     
     
     
862
 
Non-owner occupied one- to four-family residential
   
288
     
     
     
288
 
Commercial real estate
   
5,333
     
     
     
5,333
 
Other residential
   
     
     
     
 
Commercial business
   
320
     
     
     
320
 
Consumer auto
   
38
     
     
     
38
 
Consumer other
   
399
     
     
     
399
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
198
     
     
     
198
 
Total impaired loans
 
$
11,658
   
$
   
$
   
$
11,658
 
                                 
Foreclosed assets held for sale
 
$
6,975
   
$
   
$
   
$
6,975
 

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and recognized in the accompanying statements of financial condition, as well as the general classification of such assets pursuant to the valuation hierarchyFor assets classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the process used to develop the reported fair value is described below.

 
42

 
Loans Held for Sale.  Mortgage loans held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value.  The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics.  As such, the Company classifies mortgage loans held for sale as Nonrecurring Level 2.  Write-downs to fair value typically do not occur as the Company generally enters into commitments to sell individual mortgage loans at the time the loan is originated to reduce market risk.  The Company typically does not have commercial loans held for sale.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the aggregate fair value of mortgage loans held for sale exceeded their cost.  Accordingly, no mortgage loans held for sale were marked down and reported at fair value.
Impaired Loans.  A loan is considered to be impaired when it is probable that all of the principal and interest due may not be collected according to its contractual terms. Generally, when a loan is considered impaired, the amount of reserve required under FASB ASC 310, Receivables, is measured based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. The Company makes such measurements on all material loans deemed impaired using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans. The fair value of collateral used by the Company is determined by obtaining an observable market price or by obtaining an appraised value from an independent, licensed or certified appraiser, using observable market data. This data includes information such as selling price of similar properties and capitalization rates of similar properties sold within the market, expected future cash flows or earnings of the subject property based on current market expectations, and other relevant factors. All appraised values are adjusted for market-related trends based on the Company's experience in sales and other appraisals of similar property types as well as estimated selling costs.  Each quarter management reviews all collateral dependent impaired loans on a loan-by-loan basis to determine whether updated appraisals are necessary based on loan performance, collateral type and guarantor support.  At times, the Company measures the fair value of collateral dependent impaired loans using appraisals with dates prior to one year from the date of review.  These appraisals are discounted by applying current, observable market data about similar property types such as sales contracts, estimations of value by individuals familiar with the market, other appraisals, sales or collateral assessments based on current market activity until updated appraisals are obtained.  Depending on the length of time since an appraisal was performed and the data provided through our reviews, these appraisals are typically discounted 10-40%.  The policy described above is the same for all types of collateral dependent impaired loans.

The Company records impaired loans as Nonrecurring Level 3. If a loan's fair value as estimated by the Company is less than its carrying value, the Company either records a charge-off of the portion of the loan that exceeds the fair value or establishes a reserve within the allowance for loan losses specific to the loan.  Loans for which such charge-offs or reserves were recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or the year ended December 31, 2014, are shown in the table above (net of reserves).

Foreclosed Assets Held for Sale.  Foreclosed assets held for sale are initially recorded at fair value less estimated cost to sell at the date of foreclosure.  Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated cost to sell.  Foreclosed assets held for sale are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  The foreclosed assets represented in the table above have been re-measured during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or the year ended December 31, 2014, subsequent to their initial transfer to foreclosed assets.

The following disclosure relates to financial assets for which it is not practicable for the Company to estimate the fair value at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

FDIC Indemnification Asset: As part of the Purchase and Assumption Agreements for each of the Bank's FDIC-assisted transactions other than the Valley Bank transaction, the Bank and the FDIC entered into loss sharing agreements. These agreements cover realized losses on loans and foreclosed real estate, subject to certain limitations which are more fully described in Note 8.

Under the TeamBank agreement, the FDIC agreed to reimburse the Bank for 80% of the first $115 million in realized losses and 95% for realized losses that exceed $115 million.  The indemnification asset was originally recorded at fair value on the acquisition date (March 20, 2009) and at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying value was $437,000 and $684,000, respectively.
Under the Vantus Bank agreement, the FDIC agreed to reimburse the Bank for 80% of the first $102 million in realized losses and 95% for realized losses that exceed $102 million.  The indemnification asset was originally recorded at fair value on the acquisition date (September 4, 2009) and at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying value of the FDIC indemnification asset was $538,000 and $785,000, respectively.
 
43

 
Under the Sun Security Bank agreement, the FDIC agreed to reimburse the Bank for 80% of realized losses.  The indemnification asset was originally recorded at fair value on the acquisition date (October 7, 2011) and at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying value of the FDIC indemnification asset was $2.7 million and $5.7 million, respectively.
Under the InterBank agreement, the FDIC agreed to reimburse the Bank for 80% of realized losses.  The indemnification asset was originally recorded at fair value on the acquisition date (April 27, 2013) and at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying value of the FDIC indemnification asset was $23.9 million and $37.2 million, respectively.
From the dates of acquisition, each of the four loss sharing agreements extend ten years for 1-4 family real estate loans and five years for other loans.  The loss sharing assets are measured separately from the loan portfolios because they are not contractually embedded in the loans and are not transferable with the loans should the Bank choose to dispose of them.  Fair values on the acquisition dates were estimated using projected cash flows available for loss sharing based on the credit adjustments estimated for each loan pool and the loss sharing percentages.  These cash flows were discounted to reflect the uncertainty of the timing and receipt of the loss sharing reimbursements from the FDIC.  The loss sharing assets are also separately measured from the related foreclosed real estate.  Although the assets are contractual receivables from the FDIC, they do not have effective interest rates.  The Bank will collect the assets over the next several years.  The amount ultimately collected will depend on the timing and amount of collections and charge-offs on the acquired assets covered by the loss sharing agreements.  While the assets were recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition dates, it is not practicable to complete fair value analyses on a quarterly or annual basis.  Estimating the fair value of the FDIC indemnification asset would involve preparing fair value analyses of the entire portfolios of loans and foreclosed assets covered by the loss sharing agreements from all four acquisitions on a quarterly or annual basis.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following methods were used to estimate the fair value of all other financial instruments recognized in the accompanying statements of financial condition at amounts other than fair value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock. The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Loans and Interest Receivable.  The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.  Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations.  The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value.

Deposits and Accrued Interest Payable.  The fair value of demand deposits and savings accounts is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date, i.e., their carrying amounts.  The fair value of fixed maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.  The carrying amount of accrued interest payable approximates its fair value.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances.  Rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value of existing advances.

Short-Term Borrowings.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Subordinated Debentures Issued to Capital Trusts.  The subordinated debentures have floating rates that reset quarterly.  The carrying amount of these debentures approximates their fair value.

Commitments to Originate Loans, Letters of Credit and Lines of Credit.  The fair value of commitments is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties.  For fixed rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.  The fair value of letters of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date.
44

 
The following table presents estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments not recorded at fair value on the statements of financial condition.  The fair values of certain of these instruments were calculated by discounting expected cash flows, which method involves significant judgments by management and uncertainties.  Fair value is the estimated amount at which financial assets or liabilities could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale.  Because no market exists for certain of these financial instruments and because management does not intend to sell these financial instruments, the Company does not know whether the fair values shown below represent values at which the respective financial instruments could be sold individually or in the aggregate.

 
September 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Hierarchy
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Hierarchy
 
   
Amount
   
Value
   
Level
   
Amount
   
Value
   
Level
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
Financial assets
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
232,644
   
$
232,644
     
1
   
$
218,647
   
$
218,647
     
1
 
Held-to-maturity securities
   
353
     
389
     
2
     
450
     
499
     
2
 
Mortgage loans held for sale
   
9,806
     
9,806
     
2
     
14,579
     
14,579
     
2
 
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses
   
3,269,963
     
3,281,948
     
3
     
3,038,848
     
3,047,741
     
3
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
11,041
     
11,041
     
3
     
11,219
     
11,219
     
3
 
Investment in FHLBank stock
   
11,444
     
11,444
     
3
     
16,893
     
16,893
     
3
 
                                                 
Financial liabilities
                                               
Deposits
   
3,246,740
     
3,248,524
     
3
     
2,990,840
     
2,996,226
     
3
 
FHLBank advances
   
164,569
     
166,737
     
3
     
271,641
     
273,568
     
3
 
Short-term borrowings
   
149,424
     
149,424
     
3
     
211,444
     
211,444
     
3
 
Subordinated debentures
   
25,774
     
25,774
     
3
     
30,929
     
30,929
     
3
 
Accrued interest payable
   
961
     
961
     
3
     
1,067
     
1,067
     
3
 
 
Unrecognized financial instruments (net of
                                               
contractual value)
                                               
Commitments to originate loans
   
     
     
3
     
     
     
3
 
Letters of credit
   
163
     
163
     
3
     
92
     
92
     
3
 
Lines of credit
   
     
     
3
     
     
     
3
 


NOTE 15:  DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives
The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions.  The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities.  The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of its assets and liabilities.  In the normal course of business, the Company may use derivative financial instruments (primarily interest rate swaps) from time to time to assist in its interest rate risk management.  The Company has interest rate derivatives that result from a service provided to certain qualifying loan customers that are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Company's assets or liabilities and are not designated in a qualifying hedging relationship.  The Company manages a matched book with respect to its derivative instruments in order to minimize its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions.  In addition, the Company has interest rate derivatives that are designated in a qualified hedging relationship.
Nondesignated Hedges
The Company has interest rate swaps that are not designated in qualifying hedging relationships.  Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and result from a service the Company provides to certain loan customers, which the Company began offering during 2011.  The Company executes interest rate swaps with commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies.  Those interest rate swaps are simultaneously hedged by offsetting interest rate swaps that the Company executes with a third party, such that the Company
45

 
minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions.  As the interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings.
As part of the Valley Bank FDIC-assisted acquisition, the Company acquired seven loans with related interest rate swaps.  Valley's swap program differed from the Company's in that Valley did not have back to back swaps with the customer and a counterparty.  Two of the seven acquired loans with interest rate swaps have paid off.  The notional amount of the five remaining Valley swaps is $3.9 million at September 30, 2015.  As of September 30, 2015, the Company had 26 interest rate swaps totaling $112.8 million in notional amount with commercial customers, and 26 interest rate swaps with the same notional amount with third parties related to its program.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company had 28 interest rate swaps totaling $125.1 million in notional amount with commercial customers, and 28 interest rate swaps with the same notional amount with third parties related to its program.  During the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized a net loss of $133,000 and a net gain of $10,000, respectively, in noninterest income related to changes in the fair value of these swaps.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized a net loss of $112,000 and a net loss of $223,000, respectively, in noninterest income related to changes in the fair value of these swaps.
Cash Flow Hedges
As a strategy to maintain acceptable levels of exposure to the risk of changes in future cash flows due to interest rate fluctuations, the Company entered into two interest rate cap agreements for a portion of its floating rate debt associated with its trust preferred securities.  One agreement, with a notional amount of $25 million, states that the Company will pay interest on its trust preferred debt in accordance with the original debt terms at a rate of 3-month LIBOR + 1.60%.  Should interest rates rise above a certain threshold, the counterparty will reimburse the Company for interest paid such that the Company will have an effective interest rate on that portion of its trust preferred securities no higher than 2.37%.  The agreement became effective on August 1, 2013, and has a term of four years.  The other agreement, with a notional amount of $5 million, was terminated when the Company purchased the related trust preferred securities.  See Note 16 for more information on the trust preferred securities transaction.  The terminated agreement stated that the Company paid interest on its trust preferred debt in accordance with the original debt terms at a rate of 3-month LIBOR + 1.40%.  Should interest rates have risen above a certain threshold, the counterparty would reimburse the Company for interest paid such that the Company would have an effective interest rate on that portion of its trust preferred securities no higher than 2.17%.
The effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.  During each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized $-0- in noninterest income related to changes in the fair value of these derivatives. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized $119,000 and $5,000, respectively, in interest expense related to the amortization of the cost of these interest rate caps.   During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized $156,000 and $9,000, respectively, in interest expense related to the amortization of the cost of these interest rate caps.  During the three months ended September 30, 2015, one of the agreements was terminated as noted above.  As part of this termination, the remaining cost of the cash flow hedge, $95,000, was recognized as interest expense during the period.
46


 
The table below presents the fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition:
 
Location in
 
Fair Value
 
 
Consolidated Statements
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
of Financial Condition
 
2015
   
2014
 
        
(In Thousands)
 
Derivatives designated as
           
  hedging instruments
           
             
Interest rate caps
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
$
88
   
$
415
 
                     
Total derivatives designated
                   
  as hedging instruments
     
$
88
   
$
415
 
                     
Derivatives not designated
                   
  as hedging instruments
                   
                     
Asset Derivatives
                   
Interest rate products
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
$
3,617
   
$
2,087
 
                     
Total derivatives not designated
                   
  as hedging instruments
     
$
3,617
   
$
2,087
 
                     
Liability Derivatives
                   
Interest rate products
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
$
3,827
   
$
2,187
 
                     
Total derivatives not designated
                   
as hedging instruments
     
$
3,827
   
$
2,187
 
                     

The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments on the statements of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
Interest rate cap
 
$
10
   
$
53
 
                 
   
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Cash Flow Hedges
   
2015
     
2014
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                 
Interest rate cap
 
$
(95
)
 
$
(90
)
                 
Agreements with Derivative Counterparties
The Company has agreements with its derivative counterparties.  If the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.  If the Bank fails to maintain its status as a well-capitalized institution, then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and the Company would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements.  Similarly, the Company could be required to settle its obligations under certain of its agreements if certain regulatory events occurred, such as the issuance of a formal directive, or if the Company's credit rating is downgraded below a specified level.
47

 
As of September 30, 2015, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position, which included accrued interest but excluded any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $3.8 million.  The Company has minimum collateral posting thresholds with its derivative counterparties.  At September 30, 2015, the Company's activity with its derivative counterparties had met the level in which the minimum collateral posting thresholds take effect and the Company had posted $4.2 million of collateral to satisfy the agreements.  As of December 31, 2014, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position, which included accrued interest but excluded any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $2.1 million.  At December 31, 2014, the Company's activity with its derivative counterparties had met the level in which the minimum collateral posting thresholds take effect and the Company had posted $3.1 million of collateral to satisfy the agreements.  If the Company had breached any of these provisions at September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value.

NOTE 16:  REDEMPTION OF SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES ISSUED TO CAPITAL TRUST

On July 29, 2015, the Company was the successful bidder in an auction of the $5.0 million aggregate liquidation amount of floating rate cumulative trust preferred securities issued in 2007 by Great Southern Capital Trust III, a statutory trust formed by the Company for the purpose of issuing those securities and holding the Company's related floating rate junior subordinated debentures.  The Company purchased the trust preferred securities at a discount, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $1.1 million.  Subsequent to the purchase, which resulted in the Company's ownership of all of the outstanding common and preferred securities of Great Southern Capital Trust III, such securities were canceled and the principal amount of the Company's related debentures, which had equaled the aggregate liquidation amount of the outstanding common and preferred securities of Great Southern Capital Trust III, was reduced to zero.

NOTE 17:  CONSOLIDATION OF BANKING CENTERS

On September 24, 2015, the Company announced plans to consolidate operations of 16 banking centers into other nearby Great Southern banking center locations.  As part of an ongoing performance review of its entire banking center network, Great Southern evaluated each location for a number of criteria, including access and availability of services to affected customers, the proximity of other Great Southern banking centers, profitability and transaction volumes, and market dynamics. This review culminated in the approval of the consolidation of these banking centers by the Great Southern Board of Directors.  Subsequent to this announcement, the Bank entered into definitive agreements to sell two of the 16 banking centers, including all of the associated deposits. The offices are expected to be sold to bank purchasers in the first quarter of 2016, pending regulatory approval. These locations have total deposits of approximately $22 million.  The closing of the remaining 14 facilities, which will result in the transfer of approximately $150 million in deposits and banking center operations to other Great Southern locations, is expected to occur at the close of business on January 8, 2016.

Beginning in 2016, the Company expects a positive pre-tax income statement impact of approximately $3.2 million to $3.5 million on an annual basis primarily due to the anticipated reduction in non-interest expenses. In addition, the Company anticipates recording one-time expenses totaling approximately $500,000 to $750,000, primarily during the third and fourth quarters of 2015, in connection with severance costs for affected employees, shortened useful lives of certain leases and furniture and equipment and other costs related to the consolidations.  During the three months ended September 30, 2015, $220,000 of this expense was recognized for certain leases and furniture and equipment.   The affected premises will be marketed for sale. The Company has evaluated the carrying value of the affected premises (totaling approximately $7.5 million) to determine if any impairment of the value of these premises is warranted and has recorded a valuation allowance of $1.0 million related to the premises at September 30, 2015.

NOTE 18:  ACQUISITION OF LOANS, DEPOSITS AND BRANCHES

On September 30, 2015, the Company announced that it entered into a purchase and assumption agreement to acquire 12 branches and related deposits and loans in the St. Louis, Mo., area from Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank. The acquisition, at that time representing approximately $261 million in deposits and $155 million in loans, is expected to be completed early in the first quarter of 2016, pending regulatory approval. Based on the expected amount of loans to be acquired and deposits assumed, it is anticipated that beginning in 2016 this transaction will be accretive to earnings in the range of $900,000 to $1.3 million annually.

48

 
The deposits had a weighted average rate of approximately 0.31%, the composition of which was: demand deposits – 40%; money market and NOW accounts – 24%; savings accounts – 20%; and time deposits and IRAs – 16%.

The loans had a weighted average yield of approximately 3.8%, the composition of which was:  one- to four-family residential – 76%; commercial real estate – 8%; home equity lines – 8%; commercial business – 7%; and consumer and other – 1%.  The one- to four-family residential loans are primarily loans made to professional individuals in the St. Louis market, such as doctors and persons working in the field of medicine.  Approximately 55% of the total balance of these loans have fixed rates of interest for varying terms up to 30 years.  Approximately 45% of the total balance of these loans have rates of interest that are fixed for varying terms (generally three to seven years), with rates that adjust annually thereafter.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49

 

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

Forward-looking Statements

When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other documents filed or furnished by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in the Company's press releases or other public or stockholder communications, and in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimate," "project," "intends" or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, (i) non-interest expense reductions from Great Southern's banking center consolidations might be less than anticipated and the costs of the consolidation and impairment of the value of the affected premises might be greater than expected; (ii) the requisite regulatory approval of Great Southern's pending acquisition of branches from Fifth Third Bank (the "Branch Acquisition") might not be obtained within the anticipated time frame or at all; (iii) expected revenues, cost savings, earnings accretion, synergies and other benefits from the Branch Acquisition and the Company's other merger and acquisition activities might not be realized within the anticipated time frames or at all, and costs or difficulties relating to integration matters, including but not limited to customer and employee retention, might be greater than expected; (iv) changes in economic conditions, either nationally or in the Company's market areas; (v) fluctuations in interest rates; (vi) the risks of lending and investing activities, including changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses; (vii) the possibility of other-than-temporary impairments of securities held in the Company's securities portfolio; (viii) the Company's ability to access cost-effective funding; (ix) fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions; (x) demand for loans and deposits in the Company's market areas; (xi) legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect the Company's business, including, without limitation, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and its implementing regulations, and the overdraft protection regulations and customers' responses thereto; (xii) monetary and fiscal policies of the Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Government and other governmental initiatives affecting the financial services industry; (xiii) results of examinations of the Company and Great Southern by their regulators, including the possibility that the regulators may, among other things, require the Company to increase its allowance for loan losses or to write-down assets; (xiv) the uncertainties arising from the Company's participation in the Small Business Lending Fund program, including uncertainties concerning the potential future redemption by us of the U.S. Treasury's preferred stock investment under the program, including the timing of, regulatory approvals for, and conditions placed upon, any such redemption; (xv) costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; and (xvi) competition. The Company wishes to advise readers that the factors listed above and other risks described from time to time in documents filed or furnished by the Company with the SEC could affect the Company's financial performance and could cause the Company's actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements.

The Company does not undertake-and specifically declines any obligation- to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and general practices within the financial services industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Allowance for Loan Losses and Valuation of Foreclosed Assets

The Company believes that the determination of the allowance for loan losses involves a higher degree of judgment and complexity than its other significant accounting policies. The allowance for loan losses is calculated with the objective of maintaining an allowance level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated loan losses. Management's determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the loan portfolio and other relevant factors. However, this evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates of, among other things, expected default probabilities, loss once loans default, expected commitment usage, the amounts and
50

 
 
timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, value of collateral, estimated losses, and general amounts for historical loss experience.

The process also considers economic conditions, uncertainties in estimating losses and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. All of these factors may be susceptible to significant change. To the extent actual outcomes differ from management estimates, additional provisions for loan losses may be required which would adversely impact earnings in future periods. In addition, the Bank's regulators could require additional provisions for loan losses as part of their examination process.

See Note 7 "Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses" included in Item 1 for additional information regarding the allowance for loan losses. Inherent in this process is the evaluation of individual significant credit relationships. From time to time certain credit relationships may deteriorate due to payment performance, cash flow of the borrower, value of collateral, or other factors. In these instances, management may revise its loss estimates and assumptions for these specific credits due to changing circumstances. In some cases, additional losses may be realized; in other instances, the factors that led to the deterioration may improve or the credit may be refinanced elsewhere and allocated allowances may be released from the particular credit.  In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company began using a three-year average of historical losses for the general component of the allowance for loan loss calculation.  The Company had previously used a five-year average.  For interim periods, the Company uses three full years plus the interim period's annualized average losses for the general component of the allowance for loan loss calculation.  The Company believes that the three-year average provides a better representation of the current risks in the loan portfolio.  This change was made after consultation with our regulators and third-party consultants, as well as a review of the practices used by the Company's peers.  No other significant changes were made to management's overall methodology for evaluating the allowance for loan losses during the periods presented in the financial statements of this report.

In addition, the Company considers that the determination of the valuations of foreclosed assets held for sale involves a high degree of judgment and complexity. The carrying value of foreclosed assets reflects management's best estimate of the amount to be realized from the sales of the assets.  While the estimate is generally based on a valuation by an independent appraiser or recent sales of similar properties, the amount that the Company realizes from the sales of the assets could differ materially from the carrying value reflected in the financial statements, resulting in losses that could adversely impact earnings in future periods.

Carrying Value of Loans Acquired in FDIC-assisted Transactions and Indemnification Asset

The Company considers that the determination of the carrying value of loans acquired in the FDIC-assisted transactions and the carrying value of the related FDIC indemnification assets involves a high degree of judgment and complexity. The carrying value of the acquired loans and the FDIC indemnification assets reflect management's best ongoing estimates of the amounts to be realized on each of these assets. The Company determined initial fair value accounting estimates of the assumed assets and liabilities in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations. However, the amount that the Company realizes on these assets could differ materially from the carrying value reflected in its financial statements, based upon the timing of collections on the acquired loans in future periods. Because of the loss sharing agreements with the FDIC on certain of these assets, the Company should not incur any significant losses related to these assets. To the extent the actual values realized for the acquired loans are different from the estimates, the indemnification asset will generally be impacted in an offsetting manner due to the loss sharing support from the FDIC.  Subsequent to the initial valuation, the Company continues to monitor identified loan pools and related loss sharing assets for changes in estimated cash flows projected for the loan pools, anticipated credit losses and changes in the accretable yield.  Analysis of these variables requires significant estimates and a high degree of judgment.  See Note 8 "Acquired Loans, Loss Sharing Agreements and FDIC Indemnification Assets" included in Item 1 for additional information regarding the TeamBank, Vantus Bank, Sun Security Bank, InterBank and Valley Bank FDIC-assisted transactions.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are subject to an impairment test at least annually and more frequently if circumstances indicate their value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested for impairment using a process that estimates the fair value of each of the Company's reporting units compared with its carrying value. The Company defines reporting units as a level below each of its operating segments for which there is discrete financial information that is regularly reviewed. As of September 30, 2015, the Company has one reporting unit to which
 
51

 
 
goodwill has been allocated – the Bank.  If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then no impairment is recorded. If the carrying value amount exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, further testing is completed comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to its carrying value to measure the amount of impairment. Intangible assets that are not amortized will be tested for impairment at least annually by comparing the fair values of those assets to their carrying values. At September 30, 2015, goodwill consisted of $1.2 million at the Bank reporting unit.  Other identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of seven years. At September 30, 2015, the amortizable intangible assets consisted of core deposit intangibles of $5.0 million.  These amortizable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment if circumstances indicate their value may not be recoverable based on a comparison of fair value.

While the Company believes no impairment existed at September 30, 2015, different conditions or assumptions used to measure fair value of reporting units, or changes in cash flows or profitability, if significantly negative or unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on the outcome of the Company's impairment evaluation in the future.

Current Economic Conditions

Changes in economic conditions could cause the values of assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements to change rapidly, resulting in material future adjustments in asset values, the allowance for loan losses, or capital that could negatively impact the Company's ability to meet regulatory capital requirements and maintain sufficient liquidity.

Following the bursting of the housing bubble in mid-2007, the United States entered into an economic recession.  The economic downturn of 2008 was caused by a housing market correction and a subprime mortgage crisis.  Unemployment rose from 4.7% in November 2007 to peak at 10% in October 2009.  The elevated unemployment levels negatively impacted consumer confidence, which had a detrimental impact on industry-wide performance nationally as well as in the Company's Midwest market area.  Current economic conditions have improved considerably over the past three years as indicated by increasing consumer confidence levels, increased economic activity and a continued decline in unemployment levels.

The national unemployment rate declined from 5.6% as of December 2014 to 5.1% in September 2015.   The economy added a weaker-than-expected 173,000 jobs in August.  During the three months prior to August, monthly job gains averaged 235,000 with over 5.7 million jobs added over the past two years.  Unemployment levels in our market areas have decreased or remained level over the past year in all states in which the Company has offices.   Unemployment rates at September 30, 2015 were:  Missouri at 5.3 %, Arkansas at 5.2%, Kansas at 4.4%, Iowa at 3.6%, Nebraska at 2.9%, Minnesota at 3.8%, Oklahoma at 4.4% and Texas at 4.2%.   One half of these eight states had unemployment rates among the lowest 14 in the country.  Of the metropolitan areas in which Great Southern Bank does business, the St. Louis market area continues to carry the highest level of unemployment at 5.1%. This rate compares favorably to the 6.6% rate reported as of December 2013, and is improved compared to the 5.6% rate reported as of December 2014. The unemployment rate at 4.5% for the Springfield market area was below the national and state average for September 2015.  Metropolitan areas in Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota boasted unemployment levels among the lowest in the nation. 

Sales of newly built, single-family homes were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 468,000 units in September 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. The median sales price of new houses sold in September 2015 was $296,900 with an average sales price of $364,100.  The seasonally adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of September 2015 was 225,000, which represented a supply of 5.8 months at the current sales rate.  According to Realty Trac, the nation's foreclosure rate grew 7 percent in July 2015 to a total of 124,910 housing units.  This marked the fifth month of increases, following a trend of decreases spanning the previous 53 months.  Foreclosure activity in July was at its highest level since January 2013; however, foreclosure filings in July were at the lowest level since November 2005.  This appears to represent the flushing out of older distressed housing units rather than indicating a wave of newer distress.  Building permit activity continues to fluctuate by market area with residential builders constrained by tighter credit conditions for home buyers and a limited number of buildable lots.

The performance of commercial real estate markets also improved substantially in the Company's market areas as shown by increased real estate sales activity and financing of those activities. According to real estate services firm
52

 
 
CoStar Group, retail, office and industrial types of commercial real estate properties continue to improve in occupancy, absorption and rental income, both nationally and in our market areas.

While current economic indicators show improvement nationally in employment, housing starts and prices, commercial real estate occupancy, absorption and rental income; Bank management will continue to closely monitor regional, national and global economic conditions, as these could significantly impact our market areas.

General

The profitability of the Company and, more specifically, the profitability of its principal subsidiary, the Bank, depends primarily on its net interest income, as well as provisions for loan losses and the level of non-interest income and non-interest expense. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income the Bank earns on its loan and investment portfolios, and the interest it pays on interest-bearing liabilities, which consists mainly of interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Net interest income is affected by the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rates earned or paid on these balances. When interest-earning assets approximate or exceed interest-bearing liabilities, any positive interest rate spread will generate net interest income.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Great Southern's total assets increased $119.3 million, or 3.0%, from $3.95 billion at December 31, 2014, to $4.07 billion at September 30, 2015. Full details of the current period changes in total assets are provided in the "Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014" section of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 

Loans.  Net loans increased $231.1 million, or 7.6%, from $3.04 billion at December 31, 2014, to $3.27 billion at September 30, 2015.  Partially offsetting the increases in net loans were decreases of $72.0 million in the acquired loan portfolios.  Excluding acquired covered loans, acquired non-covered loans and mortgage loans held for sale, total loans increased $304.4 million from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015, with increases in most loan types.  The increase was primarily due to loan growth in our existing banking center network, as well as loans originated through our commercial loan production offices in Tulsa, Okla., and Dallas, Texas.  As loan demand is affected by a variety of factors, including general economic conditions, and because of the competition we face and our focus on pricing discipline and credit quality, we cannot be assured that our loan growth will match or exceed the level of increases achieved in this period or prior years.  The Company's strategy continues to be focused on maintaining credit risk and interest rate risk at appropriate levels. 

Loan growth has occurred in several loan types and has come from most of the Company's primary lending locations, including Springfield, St. Louis, Kansas City, Des Moines, Omaha and Minneapolis.  The lending offices in Dallas and Tulsa have now been open for over a year and are generating new loans as well.  Net loan balances have increased primarily in the areas of commercial real estate, consumer, commercial construction, multi-family residential, and commercial business loans.  Generally, the Company considers these types of loans to involve a higher degree of risk compared to some other types of loans, such as first mortgage loans on one- to four-family, owner-occupied residential properties, and has established minimum underwriting standards to assure portfolio quality.  For commercial real estate and construction loans, these standards and procedures include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the borrower's financial condition, collateral, repayment ability, verification of liquid assets and credit history as required by loan type.  In addition, geographic diversity of collateral, lower loan-to-value ratios and limitations on speculative construction projects help to mitigate overall risk in these loans.  It has been, and continues to be, the Company's practice to verify information from potential borrowers regarding assets, income or payment ability and credit ratings as applicable and as required by the authority approving the loan.  Underwriting standards also include loan-to-value ratios which vary depending on collateral type, debt service coverage ratios or debt payment to income ratios, where applicable, credit histories, use of guaranties and other recommended terms relating to equity requirements, amortization, and maturity.  The Company's loan committee reviews and approves all new loan originations in excess of lender approval authorities.  Consumer loans are primarily secured by used motor vehicles and these loans are also subject to certain minimum underwriting standards to assure portfolio quality.  The Company's consumer underwriting and pricing standards have been fairly consistent over the past several years.  The underwriting standards employed by Great Southern for consumer loans include a determination of the applicant's payment history on other debts, credit scores, employment history and an assessment of ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan.  Although creditworthiness of the applicant is of primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral, if any, in relation to
 
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the proposed loan amount.  See "Item 1. Business – Lending Activities – General, – Commercial Real Estate and Construction Lending, and – Consumer Lending" in the Company's December 31, 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

While our policy allows us to lend up to 90% of the appraised value on single-family properties, originations of loans with loan-to-value ratios at those levels are minimal.  When they are made at those levels, private mortgage insurance is typically required for loan amounts above the 80% level unless our analysis determines minimal additional risk to be involved; therefore, these loans are not considered to have more risk to us than other residential loans.  We consider these lending practices to be consistent with, or more conservative than, what we believe to be the norm for banks our size.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, an estimated 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively, of total owner occupied one- to four-family residential loans had loan-to-value ratios above 100% at origination.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, an estimated 2.1% and 1.8%, respectively, of total non-owner occupied one- to four-family residential loans had loan-to-value ratios above 100% at origination. 

At September 30, 2015, troubled debt restructurings totaled $46.2 million, or 1.4% of total loans, down $1.4 million from $47.6 million, or 1.5% of total loans, at December 31, 2014.  Concessions granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties may include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions intended to maximize collection.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, no loans were restructured into multiple new loans.  During the year ended December 31, 2014, five loans totaling $1.7 million were each restructured into multiple new loans.  For further information on troubled debt restructurings, see Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report.

The loss sharing agreements with the FDIC are subject to limitations on the types of losses covered and the length of time losses are covered, and are conditioned upon the Bank complying with its requirements in the agreements with the FDIC, including requirements regarding servicing and other loan administration matters.  The loss sharing agreements extend for ten years for single family real estate loans and for five years for other loans.

At September 30, 2015, approximately three and one half years remained on the loss sharing agreement for single family real estate loans acquired from TeamBank and the remaining loans had an estimated average life of two to ten years.  At September 30, 2015, approximately four years remained on the loss sharing agreement for single family real estate loans acquired from Vantus Bank and the remaining loans had an estimated average life of three to twelve years.  At September 30, 2015, approximately six years remained on the loss sharing agreement for single family real estate loans acquired from Sun Security Bank and the remaining loans had an estimated average life of six to twelve years.  At September 30, 2015, approximately six and one half years remained on the loss sharing agreement for single family real estate loans acquired from InterBank and the remaining loans had an estimated average life of five to thirteen years.  

The loss sharing agreement for non-single-family loans acquired from TeamBank ended on March 31, 2014.  Any additional losses in the non-single-family TeamBank portfolio are not eligible for loss sharing coverage.  The remaining loans in the portfolio had an estimated average life of one to six years and had a carrying value of $18.9 million at September 30, 2015.  The loss sharing agreement for non-single-family loans acquired from Vantus Bank ended on September 30, 2014.  Any additional losses in the non-single-family Vantus Bank portfolio are not eligible for loss sharing coverage.  The remaining loans in the portfolio had an estimated average life of two to seven years and had a carrying value of $17.8 million at September 30, 2015.  At September 30, 2015, approximately one year remained on the loss sharing agreement for non-single-family loans acquired from Sun Security Bank and the remaining loans had an estimated average life of one to two years.  At September 30, 2015, approximately one and one half years remained on the loss sharing agreement for non-single-family loans acquired from InterBank and the remaining loans had an estimated average life of one to two years.  While the expected repayments for certain of the acquired loans extend beyond the terms of the loss sharing agreements, the Bank has identified and will continue to identify problem loans and will make every effort to resolve them within the time limits of the agreements.  The Company may sell any loans remaining at the end of the loss sharing agreement subject to the approval of the FDIC.

Loans that were acquired through FDIC-assisted transactions, which are accounted for in pools, are currently included in the analysis and estimation of the allowance for loan losses.  If expected cash flows to be received on any given pool of loans decreases from previous estimates, then a determination is made as to whether the loan pool should be charged down or the allowance for loan losses should be increased (through a provision for loan losses).  This is true of all acquired loan pools regardless of whether they are covered by loss sharing agreements.  If a charge down occurs to a loan pool that is covered by a loss sharing agreement, the full amount of the charge down will be reflected in the allowance for loan losses and a separate asset will be recorded for the amount to be recovered from the FDIC.  The
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loss sharing agreements and their related limitations are described in detail in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report.  For acquired loan pools that currently are not covered by loss sharing agreements, the Company may allocate, and at September 30, 2015, has allocated, a portion of its allowance for loan losses related to these loan pools in a manner similar to how it allocates its allowance for loan losses to those loans which are collectively evaluated for impairment.

The level of non-performing loans and foreclosed assets affects our net interest income and net income. We generally do not accrue interest income on these loans and do not recognize interest income until the loans are repaid or interest payments have been made for a period of time sufficient to provide evidence of performance on the loans. Generally, the higher the level of non-performing assets, the greater the negative impact on interest income and net income.  

Cash and Cash Equivalents.  Great Southern had cash and cash equivalents of $232.6 million at September 30, 2015, an increase of $14.0 million, or 6.4%, from $218.6 million at December 31, 2014.  The increase in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to payments received on available-for-sale securities and increases in deposits, partially offset by increases in loans.

Available-for-Sale Securities. The Company's available-for-sale securities totaled $273.2 million at September 30, 2015, a decrease of $92.3 million, or 25.2%, compared to $365.5 million at December 31, 2014.  The decrease was due to sales of certain mortgage-backed securities, normal monthly payments received related to the portfolio of mortgage-backed securities, and calls and maturities of municipal securities.  The investment securities were reduced because they were no longer needed for pledging.

Deposits.  The Company attracts deposit accounts through its retail branch network, correspondent banking and corporate services areas, and brokered deposits. The Company then utilizes these deposit funds, along with FHLBank advances and other borrowings, to meet loan demand or otherwise fund its activities. In the nine months ended September 30, 2015, total deposit balances increased $255.9 million, or 8.6%.  Transaction account balances increased $56.5 million to $1.95 billion at September 30, 2015, from $1.89 billion at December 31, 2014, while retail certificates of deposit increased $76.0 million to $999.9 million at September 30, 2015, from $923.9 million at December 31, 2014.  In addition, at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, customer deposits totaling $18.6 million and $23.7 million, respectively, were part of the CDARS program, which allows customers to maintain balances in an insured manner that would otherwise exceed the FDIC deposit insurance limit. The FDIC counts these deposits as brokered, but these are deposit accounts that we generate with customers in our local markets.  Brokered deposits, including CDARS program purchased funds, were $278.4 million at September 30, 2015, an increase of $128.6 million from $149.8 million at December 31, 2014.  The Company elected to increase brokered deposits to fund its loan growth and reduce short-term borrowings and FHLBank advances during the period.

Our deposit balances may fluctuate depending on customer preferences and our relative need for funding.  We do not consider our retail certificates of deposit to be guaranteed long-term funding because customers can withdraw their funds at any time with minimal interest penalty.  When loan demand trends upward, we can increase rates paid on deposits to increase deposit balances and utilize brokered deposits to provide additional funding.  The level of competition for deposits in our markets is high. It is our goal to gain deposit market share, particularly checking accounts, in our branch footprint.  To accomplish this goal, increasing rates to attract deposits may be necessary, which could negatively impact the Company's net interest margin. 

Our ability to fund growth in future periods may also depend on our ability to continue to access brokered deposits and FHLBank advances. In times when our loan demand has outpaced our generation of new deposits, we have utilized brokered deposits and FHLBank advances to fund these loans. These funding sources have been attractive to us because we can create either fixed or variable rate funding, as desired, which more closely matches the interest rate nature of much of our loan portfolio. While we do not currently anticipate that our ability to access these sources will be reduced or eliminated in future periods, if this should happen, the limitation on our ability to fund additional loans could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Net Interest Income and Interest Rate Risk Management.  Our net interest income may be affected positively or negatively by changes in market interest rates. A portion of our loan portfolio is tied to the "prime rate" and adjusts immediately when this rate adjusts (subject to the effect of loan interest rate floors, which are discussed below). We monitor our sensitivity to interest rate changes on an ongoing basis (see "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk").  In addition, our net interest income may be impacted by changes in the cash flows expected to be received from acquired loan pools.  As described in Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report, the Company's evaluation of cash flows expected to be received from acquired
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loan pools is on-going and increases in cash flow expectations are recognized as increases in accretable yield through interest income.  Decreases in cash flow expectations are recognized as impairments through the allowance for loan losses.

The current level and shape of the interest rate yield curve poses challenges for interest rate risk management. The FRB last changed interest rates on December 16, 2008. Great Southern has a significant portfolio of loans which are tied to a "prime rate" of interest. Most of these loans are tied to some national index of "prime," while some are indexed to "Great Southern prime." The Company has elected to leave its "Great Southern prime rate" of interest at 5.00%. This does not affect a large number of customers, as a majority of the loans indexed to "Great Southern prime" are already at interest rate floors which are provided for in individual loan documents. But for the interest rate floors, a rate cut by the FRB generally would have an anticipated immediate negative impact on the Company's net interest income due to the large total balance of loans which generally adjust immediately as the Federal Funds rate adjusts. Loans at their floor rates are subject to the risk that borrowers will seek to refinance elsewhere at the lower market rate, however.  Because the Federal Funds rate is already very low, there may also be a negative impact on the Company's net interest income due to the Company's inability to lower its funding costs significantly in the current environment, although interest rates on assets may decline further. Conversely, interest rate increases would normally result in increased interest rates on our prime-based loans.  The interest rate floors in effect may limit the immediate increase in interest rates on these loans, until such time as rates rise above the floors.  However, the Company may have to increase rates paid on deposits to maintain deposit balances and pay higher rates on borrowings.  The impact of the low rate environment on our net interest margin in future periods is expected to be fairly neutral.  As our time deposits mature in future periods, we may be able to reduce rates somewhat as they renew.  However, any margin gained by these rate reductions is likely to be offset by reduced yields from our investment securities and our existing loan portfolio as payments are made and the proceeds are potentially reinvested at lower rates. Interest rates on adjustable rate loans may reset lower according to their contractual terms and new loans may be originated at lower market rates.  For further discussion of the processes used to manage our exposure to interest rate risk, see "Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – How We Measure the Risks to Us Associated with Interest Rate Changes."

The negative impact of declining loan interest rates has been mitigated by the positive effects of the Company's loans which have interest rate floors. At September 30, 2015, the Company had a portfolio (excluding the loans acquired in the FDIC-assisted transactions) of prime-based loans totaling approximately $476 million with rates that change immediately with changes to the prime rate of interest.  Of those loans, $408 million also had interest rate floors. These floors were at varying rates, with $13 million of these loans having floor rates of 7.0% or greater and another $145 million of these loans having floor rates between 5.0% and 7.0%. In addition, $250 million of these loans have floor rates between 2.75% and 5.0%.  At September 30, 2015, all of these loans were at their floor rates.  Also included in these prime-based loans at September 30, 2015, the Company had a portfolio (excluding the loans acquired in the FDIC-assisted transactions) of GSB prime-based loans totaling approximately $130 million with rates that change immediately with changes to the GSB prime rate of interest.  Of those loans, $122 million also had interest rate floors.  At September 30, 2015, all of these loans were at their floor rates.  The loan yield for the total loan portfolio was approximately 129 basis points and 141 basis points higher than the national "prime rate of interest" at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, partly because of these interest rate floors. While interest rate floors have had an overall positive effect on the Company's results during this period, they do subject the Company to the risk that borrowers will elect to refinance their loans with other lenders.  To the extent economic conditions improve, the risk that borrowers will seek to refinance their loans increases.

Non-Interest Income and Non-Interest (Operating) Expenses.  The Company's profitability is also affected by the level of its non-interest income and operating expenses. Non-interest income consists primarily of service charges and ATM fees, accretion income (net of amortization) related to the FDIC-assisted acquisitions, late charges and prepayment fees on loans, gains on sales of loans and available-for-sale investments and other general operating income.  In 2015 and 2014, increases in the cash flows expected to be collected from the FDIC-covered loan portfolios resulted in amortization (expense) recorded relating to reductions of expected reimbursements under the loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, which are recorded as indemnification assets.  Non-interest income may also be affected by the Company's interest rate derivative activities, if the Company chooses to implement derivatives.  See Note 15 "Derivatives and Hedging Activities" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information regarding the Bank's hedging activities.

Operating expenses consist primarily of salaries and employee benefits, occupancy-related expenses, expenses related to foreclosed assets, postage, FDIC deposit insurance, advertising and public relations, telephone, professional fees,
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office expenses and other general operating expenses.  Details of the current period changes in non-interest income and non-interest expense are provided in the "Results of Operations and Comparison for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014" section of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Effect of Federal Laws and Regulations

General. Federal legislation and regulation significantly affect the operations of the Company and the Bank, and have increased competition among commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking enterprises and other financial institutions. In particular, the capital requirements and operations of regulated banking organizations such as the Company and the Bank have been and will be subject to changes in applicable statutes and regulations from time to time, which changes could, under certain circumstances, adversely affect the Company or the Bank.

Significant Legislation Impacting the Financial Services Industry. On July 21, 2010, sweeping financial regulatory reform legislation entitled the "Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act" (the "Dodd-Frank Act") was signed into law. The Dodd-Frank Act implements far-reaching changes across the financial regulatory landscape, including provisions that, among other things, centralize responsibility for consumer financial protection by creating a new agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, with broad rulemaking authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks, require new capital rules (discussed below), change the assessment base for federal deposit insurance, repeal the federal prohibitions on the payment of interest on demand deposits, amend the account balance limit for federal deposit insurance protection, and increase the authority of the Federal Reserve Board to examine the Company and its non-bank subsidiaries.

Many aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to rulemaking and will take effect over several years, making it difficult to anticipate the overall financial impact on the Company and the financial services industry more generally. Provisions in the legislation that affect deposit insurance assessments, and payment of interest on demand deposits could increase the costs associated with deposits. Provisions in the legislation that require revisions to the capital requirements of the Company and the Bank could require the Company and the Bank to seek additional sources of capital in the future.

A provision of the Dodd-Frank Act, commonly referred to as the "Durbin Amendment," directed the FRB to analyze the debit card payments system and fix the interchange rates based upon their estimate of actual costs. The FRB has established the interchange rate for all debit transactions for issuers with over $10 billion in assets at $0.21 per transaction. An additional five basis points of the transaction amount and an additional $0.01 may be collected by the issuer for fraud prevention and recovery, provided the issuer performs certain actions. Although the Bank is currently exempt from the provisions of the rule on the basis of asset size, there is some uncertainty about the long-term impact there will be on the interchange rates for issuers below the $10 billion level of assets.

New Capital Rules. The federal banking agencies have adopted new regulatory capital rules that substantially amend the risk-based capital rules applicable to the Bank and the Company. The new rules implement the "Basel III" regulatory capital reforms and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. "Basel III" refers to various documents released by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. For the Company and the Bank, the general effective date of the new rules was January 1, 2015, and, for certain provisions, various phase-in periods and later effective dates apply. The chief features of the new rules are summarized below.

The new rules refine the definitions of what constitutes regulatory capital and add a new regulatory capital element, common equity Tier 1 capital. The minimum capital ratios are (i) a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6%; (iii) a total risk-based capital ratio of 8%; and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%. In addition to the minimum capital ratios, the new rules include a capital conservation buffer, under which a banking organization must have capital more than 2.5% above each of its minimum risk-based capital ratios in order to avoid restrictions on paying dividends, repurchasing shares, and paying certain discretionary bonuses.

Effective January 1, 2015, the new rules also revised the prompt corrective action framework, which is designed to place restrictions on insured depository institutions if their capital levels show signs of weakness. Under the new prompt corrective action requirements, insured depository institutions are required to meet the following in order to qualify as "well capitalized:" (i) a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%; (iii) a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%; and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5%.

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Business Initiatives

Great Southern announced on September 30, 2015, that it entered into a purchase and assumption agreement to acquire 12 branches and related deposits and loans from Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank. The acquisition, at that time representing approximately $261 million in deposits and $155 million in loans, is expected to be completed early in the first quarter of 2016, pending regulatory approval. This acquisition will increase Great Southern's St. Louis-area banking center total from eight to 20 offices. Based on the expected amount of loans to be acquired and deposits assumed, it is anticipated that beginning in 2016 this transaction will be accretive to earnings in the range of $0.07 to $0.09 per common share annually.

In September 2015, the Bank announced plans to consolidate operations of 16 banking centers into other nearby Great Southern banking center locations.  As part of an ongoing performance review of its entire banking center network, Great Southern evaluated each location for a number of criteria, including access and availability of services to affected customers, the proximity of other Great Southern banking centers, profitability and transaction volumes, and market dynamics. This review culminated in the approval of the consolidation of these banking centers by the Great Southern Board of Directors. Subsequent to this announcement, the Bank entered into definitive agreements to sell two of the 16 banking centers, including all of the associated deposits. The offices, both in Missouri, are expected to be sold to bank purchasers in the first quarter of 2016, pending regulatory approval. These locations have total deposits of approximately $22 million.

The closing of the remaining 14 facilities, which will result in the transfer of approximately $150 million in deposits and banking center operations to other Great Southern locations, is expected to occur at the close of business on January 8, 2016.

Of these 14 banking centers to be consolidated, nine are in Missouri, four are in Iowa and one is in Kansas.  Nine of these banking centers were acquired as part of various FDIC-assisted acquisitions. Great Southern ATMs will remain operational at each of the affected banking center sites.

Beginning in 2016, the Company expects a positive pre-tax income statement impact of approximately $3.2 million to $3.5 million on an annual basis primarily due to the anticipated reduction in non-interest expenses. In addition, the Company anticipates recording one-time expenses totaling approximately $500,000 to $750,000, primarily during the third and fourth quarters of 2015, in connection with severance costs for affected employees, shortened useful lives of certain leases and furniture and equipment and other costs related to the consolidations.  During the three months ended September 30, 2015, $220,000 of this expense was recognized for certain leases and furniture and equipment.   The affected premises will be marketed for sale. The Company has evaluated the carrying value of the affected premises (totaling approximately $7.5 million) to determine if any impairment of the value of these premises is warranted and has recorded a valuation allowance of $1.0 million related to the premises at September 30, 2015.

The Company's Kansas City commercial and retail loan headquarters and new retail banking center are now open at 11050 Roe Avenue in Overland Park, Kan. The Kansas City Commercial Banking Group moved from its former location in a nearby office complex in Overland Park. Additional space in the purchased and renovated 20,000-square-foot former bank office building is leased to tenants unrelated to the Company.

In October, customers began using a new electronic service called Debit On/Off. Available in the Mobile Banking app for smartphones, this service enables customers to remotely activate and deactivate their debit cards. This functionality allows customers to respond quickly to a potentially lost or stolen card, significantly reducing the possibility of fraudulent transactions and other inconveniences.

Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company's total assets increased by $119.3 million to $4.07 billion.  The majority of the increase was attributable to an increase in loans originated by the Bank and an increase in cash and cash equivalents, partially offset mainly by reductions in available-for-sale investment securities, FDIC indemnification asset and other real estate owned.

Net loans increased $231.1 million from December 31, 2014, to $3.27 billion at September 30, 2015.  Excluding acquired covered loans, acquired non-covered loans and mortgage loans held for sale, total loans increased $304.4 million from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015, with increases primarily in the areas of commercial real
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estate loans, consumer loans, construction loans, multi-family residential loans and commercial business loans.  Partially offsetting these increases were decreases in net loans acquired in the FDIC-assisted transactions of $72.0 million, or 15.7%.

The Company's available-for-sale securities decreased $92.3 million compared to December 31, 2014.  The decrease was due to sales of certain mortgage-backed securities, normal monthly payments received related to the portfolio of mortgage-backed securities, and calls and maturities of municipal securities.  The investment securities were reduced because they were no longer needed for pledging.

Cash and cash equivalents were $232.6 million at September 30, 2015, an increase of $14.0 million, or 6.4%, from $218.6 million at December 31, 2014.  The increase in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to sales of and payments received on available-for-sale securities and increases in deposits.  We anticipate utilizing this liquidity to fund loans and to meet reserve requirements at the Federal Reserve Bank.

The FDIC indemnification asset decreased $16.8 million from December 31, 2014, primarily due to estimated improved cash flows to be collected from the loan obligors, resulting in reductions in payments expected to be received from the FDIC and partially due to the billing and collection of realized losses from the FDIC.  The expected cash flows are further discussed in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Total liabilities increased $91.5 million from $3.53 billion at December 31, 2014 to $3.62 billion at September 30, 2015.  The increase was primarily attributable to increases in deposits, partially offset by decreases in Federal Home Loan Bank advances, short-term borrowings, securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements with customers, and subordinated debentures issued to capital trust.  Total deposits increased $255.9 million from December 31, 2014.  Transaction account balances increased $56.5 million to $1.95 billion at September 30, 2015, up from $1.89 billion at December 31, 2014, while retail certificates of deposit increased $76.0 million to $999.9 million at September 30, 2015, up from $923.9 million at December 31, 2014.  In addition, at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Bank customer deposits totaling $18.6 million and $23.7 million, respectively, were part of the CDARS program which allows Bank customers to maintain balances in an insured manner that would otherwise exceed the FDIC deposit insurance limit. The FDIC counts these deposits as brokered, but these are deposit accounts that we generate with customers in our local markets.  Brokered deposits, including CDARS program purchased funds, were $278.4 million at September 30, 2015, an increase of $128.6 million from $149.8 million at December 31, 2014.  The Company elected to increase brokered deposits to fund its loan growth and reduce short-term borrowings and FHLBank advances during the period.

Federal Home Loan Bank advances decreased $107.0 million from $271.6 million at December 31, 2014 to $164.6 million at September 30, 2015.  The decrease was due to repayment of short-term advances during the period, primarily using funds from deposit growth and increased brokered deposits.

Short-term borrowings decreased $41.1 million from $42.4 million at December 31, 2014 to $1.3 million at September 30, 2015.  The decrease was due to repayment of overnight borrowings during the period.

Securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements with customers decreased $20.9 million from $169.0 million at December 31, 2014 to $148.1 million at September 30, 2015.  These balances fluctuate over time based on customer demand for this product. 

Total stockholders' equity increased $27.9 million from $419.7 million at December 31, 2014 to $447.6 million at September 30, 2015.  The Company recorded net income of $34.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, and common and preferred dividends declared were $9.3 million.  Accumulated other comprehensive income decreased $881,000 due to decreases in the fair value of available-for-sale investment securities and changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges.  In addition, total stockholders' equity increased $2.8 million due to stock option exercises.

Results of Operations and Comparison for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

General

Net income was $11.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to net income of $11.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. This decrease of $394,000, or 3.4%, was primarily due to a decrease in net interest income of $2.6 million, or 5.9%, an increase in provision for loan losses of $758,000, or 80.2%, and an increase in non-interest expense of $616,000, or 2.1%, partially offset by an increase in non-interest
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income of $3.3 million, or 188.0%, and a decrease in income tax expense of $219,000, or 5.5%.  Net income available to common stockholders was $11.1 million and $11.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Net income was $34.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to net income of $31.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This increase of $3.4 million, or 10.8%, was primarily due to an increase in net interest income of $5.6 million, or 4.6%, and a decrease in non-interest expense of $4.5 million, or 5.0%, partially offset by a decrease in non-interest income of $4.8 million, or 36.1%, an increase in income tax expense of $1.7 million, or 16.8%, and an increase in provision for loan losses of $204,000, or 5.0%.  Net income available to common stockholders was $34.4 million and $31.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Total Interest Income

Total interest income decreased $1.9 million, or 3.9%, during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014.  The decrease was due to a $1.0 million decrease in interest income on investments and other interest-earning assets and an $845,000 decrease in interest income on loans.  Interest income on loans decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2015, due to lower average rates of interest, partially offset by higher average balances on loans.  Total interest income increased $5.1 million, or 3.8%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The increase was due to an $8.3 million increase in interest income on loans, partially offset by a $3.2 million decrease in interest income on investments and other interest-earning assets.  Interest income on loans increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, due to higher average balances on loans, partially offset by lower average rates of interest.  Interest income from investment securities and other interest-earning assets decreased during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 due to lower average balances and lower average rates of interest. The lower average balances of investments were primarily due to sales of securities in September 2015, as well as during the second half of 2014, and as a result of management's decision to not reinvest mortgage-backed securities' monthly cash flows back into investments, but to utilize the proceeds to fund a portion of our loan growth.  Prepayments on the mortgages underlying these securities resulted in amortization of premiums which also reduced yields.

Interest Income – Loans

During the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, interest income on loans decreased due to lower average interest rates, partially offset by higher average balances.

Interest income decreased $5.8 million as a result of lower average interest rates on loans.  The average yield on loans decreased from 6.08% during the three months ended September 30, 2014, to 5.34% during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  This decrease was due to lower overall loan rates and a lower amount of accretion income in the current year period compared to the prior year period resulting from the increases in expected cash flows to be received from the FDIC-acquired loan pools as previously discussed in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  On an on-going basis, the Company estimates the cash flows expected to be collected from the acquired loan pools. This cash flows estimate has increased, based on the payment histories and reduced loss expectations of the loan pools, resulting in adjustments to be spread on a level-yield basis over the remaining expected lives of the loan pools. For the loan pools acquired in the 2009, 2011 and 2012 FDIC-assisted transactions, the increases in expected cash flows also reduced the amount of expected reimbursements under the loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, which are recorded as indemnification assets. Therefore, the expected indemnification assets have also been reduced, resulting in adjustments to be amortized on a comparable basis over the remainder of the loss sharing agreements or the remaining expected life of the loan pools, whichever is shorter.

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the adjustments increased interest income by $6.7 million and $8.8 million, respectively, and decreased non-interest income by $4.1 million and $7.4 million, respectively.  The net impact to pre-tax income was $2.5 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  As of September 30, 2015, the remaining accretable yield adjustment that will affect interest income is $15.6 million and the remaining adjustment to the indemnification assets, including the effects of the clawback liability related to InterBank, that will affect non-interest income (expense) is $(11.2 million).  Of the remaining adjustments, we expect to recognize $4.9 million of interest income and $(3.1) million of non-interest income (expense) during the remainder of 2015.  Additional adjustments may be recorded in future periods from the FDIC-assisted transactions, as the Company continues to estimate expected cash flows from the acquired loan pools. 
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Apart from the yield accretion, the average yield on loans was 4.54% for the three months ended September 30, 2015, down from 4.89% for the three months ended September 30, 2014, as a result of loan pay-offs and normal amortization of higher-rate loans and new loans that were made at current lower market rates.

In addition, the Company's net interest margin has been impacted by additional yield accretion recognized in conjunction with updated estimates of the fair value of the loan pools acquired in the June 2014 Valley Bank FDIC-assisted transaction.  Beginning with the three months ended December 31, 2014, the cash flow estimates have increased for certain of the Valley Bank loan pools primarily based on significant loan repayments and also due to collection of certain loans, thereby reducing loss expectations on certain of the loan pools. This resulted in increased income that was spread on a level-yield basis over the remaining expected lives of these loan pools.  The Valley Bank transaction does not include a loss sharing agreement with the FDIC.  Therefore, there is no related indemnification asset. The entire amount of the discount adjustment will be accreted to interest income over time with no offsetting impact to non-interest income.  The amount of the Valley Bank discount adjustment accreted to interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $1.8 million, and is included in the impact on net interest income/net interest margin amount discussed below.  Based on current estimates, we anticipate recording additional interest income accretion of $1.3 million in the remainder of 2015 related to Valley Bank loans.

Interest income increased $4.9 million as the result of higher average loan balances, which increased from $2.93 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2014, to $3.27 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  The higher average balances were primarily due to organic growth in most loan types.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, interest income on loans increased due to higher average balances, partially offset by lower average interest rates.

Interest income increased $21.8 million as the result of higher average loan balances, which increased from $2.70 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, to $3.21 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  The higher average balances were primarily due to organic growth in most loan types.  A portion of this loan growth resulted from the Company acquiring $165.1 million in loans (net of discounts) as part of the Valley Bank FDIC-assisted transaction on June 20, 2014, the balance of which were $100.3 million (net of discounts) at September 30, 2015.

Interest income decreased $13.5 million as a result of lower average interest yields on loans.  The average yield on loans decreased from 6.22% during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, to 5.59% during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  This decrease was due to a reduction in overall loan rates and a decrease in additional yield accretion recognized in conjunction with the fair value of the loan pools acquired in the FDIC-assisted transactions as discussed above for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and as previously discussed in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  The adjustments increased interest income by $22.9 million and decreased non-interest income by $16.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, for a net positive impact of $6.7 million to pre-tax income.  The adjustments increased interest income by $25.8 million and decreased non-interest income by $21.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, for a net positive impact of $3.9 million to pre-tax income.  Apart from the yield accretion, the average yield on loans was 4.63% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, down from 4.94% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 for reasons discussed above.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company collected $891,000 on certain acquired loans from customers with loans which had previously not been expected to be collectible. In accordance with the Company's accounting methodology, these collections were accounted for as increases in estimated cash flows and were recorded as interest income, thereby increasing net interest income and net interest margin. The positive impact on net interest margin in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (annualized) was approximately three basis points. These collections related to acquired loans which were subject to loss sharing agreements with the FDIC; therefore, 80% of the amounts collected, or $713,000, is owed to the FDIC. This $713,000 of expense is included in non-interest income under "accretion (amortization) of income related to business acquisitions."

Interest Income – Investments and Other Interest-earning Assets

Interest income on investments and other interest-earning assets decreased in the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014.  Interest income decreased $805,000 as a result of a decrease in average balances from $634.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014, to $448.4
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million during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  Average balances of securities decreased primarily due to the sale of certain securities during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and the normal monthly payments received on the portfolio of mortgage-backed securities, with proceeds ultimately being used to fund a portion of new loan originations.  Interest income decreased $202,000 due to a decrease in average interest rates from 1.68% during the three months ended September 30, 2014, to 1.46% during the three months ended September 30, 2015 due to prepayments of mortgage-backed securities and a change in the mix of investments and other interest-earning assets.

Interest income on investments and other interest-earning assets decreased in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  Interest income decreased $2.8 million as a result of a decrease in average balances from $730.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, to $514.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  Average balances of securities decreased for the same reasons as discussed above for the three month period.  Interest income decreased $453,000 due to a decrease in average interest rates from 1.58% during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, to 1.40% during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

The Company's interest-earning deposits and non-interest-earning cash equivalents currently earn very low or no yield and therefore negatively impact the Company's net interest margin. At September 30, 2015, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $232.6 million compared to $218.6 million at December 31, 2014.  See "Net Interest Income" for additional information on the impact of this interest activity.

Total Interest Expense

Total interest expense increased $729,000, or 20.8%, during the three months ended September 30, 2015, when compared with the three months ended September 30, 2014, due to an increase in interest expense on deposits of $616,000, or 21.4%, an increase in interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to capital trust of $105,000, or 73.4%, an increase in interest expense on FHLBank advances of $7,000, or 1.5% and an increase of interest expense on short-term borrowing and repurchase agreements of $1,000, or 7.7%.

Total interest expense decreased $507,000, or 4.1%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, when compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2014, due to a decrease in interest expense on FHLBank advances of $1.1 million, or 45.6%, and a decrease in interest expense on short-term borrowings and repurchase agreements of $1.0 million, or 95.3%, partially offset by an increase in interest expense on deposits of $1.5 million, or 18.0% and an increase in interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to capital trust of $142,000, or 34.0%.

Interest Expense – Deposits

Interest expense on demand deposits decreased $65,000 due to a decrease in average balances from $1.47 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2014, to $1.35 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  The decrease in average balances of interest-bearing demand deposits was primarily a result of a decrease in public funds deposits.  The average balance of non-interest-bearing demand deposit accounts decreased $6.3 million, from $544.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 to $538.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015.  Interest expense on demand deposits increased $47,000 due to average rates of interest that increased from 0.21% in the three months ended September 30, 2014 to 0.23% in the three months ended September 30, 2015.

Interest expense on demand deposits decreased $313,000 due to a decrease in average rates from 0.22% during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, to 0.19% during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  Interest expense on demand deposits decreased $57,000 due to a decrease in average balances from $1.44 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, to $1.40 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  The decrease in average balances of interest-bearing demand deposits was primarily a result of a decrease in public funds deposits.

Interest expense on time deposits increased $381,000 due to an increase in average balances of time deposits from $1.09 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2014, to $1.28 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  Interest expense on time deposits increased $253,000 as a result of an increase in average rates of interest from 0.76% during the three months ended September 30, 2014, to 0.85% during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  A large portion of the Company's certificate of deposit portfolio matures within six to eighteen months and therefore reprices fairly quickly; this is consistent with the portfolio over the past several years.  The increase in average balances of time deposits was primarily a result of increased balances of brokered deposits and time deposits opened through the Company's internet deposit acquisition channels.

Interest expense on time deposits increased $1.4 million due to an increase in average balances from $1.02 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, to $1.24 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  Interest expense on time deposits increased $512,000 due to an increase in average rates from 0.78% during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, to 0.84% during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The increase in time deposit balances was due to the deposits acquired in the Valley Bank transaction on June 20, 2014, as well organic deposit growth.  The
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increase in average balances of time deposits was primarily a result of increased balances of brokered deposits and time deposits opened through the Company's internet deposit acquisition channels.

Interest Expense – FHLBank Advances, Short-term Borrowings and Structured Repo Borrowings and Subordinated Debentures Issued to Capital Trusts

During the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, interest expense on FHLBank advances increased due to higher average rates of interest, partially offset by lower average balances.  Interest expense on FHLBank advances increased $15,000 due to an increase in average interest rates from 0.85% in the three months ended September 30, 2014, to 0.88% in the three months ended September 30, 2015.  The increase in the average rate was due to a change in the mix of the advances compared to the prior year period.  Short-term advances with very low interest rates were slightly lower than in the prior year period, which caused the overall average rate to increase.  Partially offsetting the increase in the average rate was a decrease in interest expense on FHLBank advances of $8,000 due to a decrease in average balances from $214.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014, to $210.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  This decrease was primarily due to repayments of short-term FHLBank advances by the Company during the three months ended September 30, 2015, using primarily funds from brokered deposits.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, interest expense on FHLBank advances decreased due to lower average rates of interest, partially offset by higher average balances.  Interest expense on FHLBank advances decreased $1.5 million due to a decrease in average interest rates from 2.06% in the nine months ended September 30, 2014, to 0.95% in the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  Interest expense on FHLBank advances increased $375,000 due to an increase in average balances from $158.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, to $187.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  The significant decrease in the average rate was due primarily to the repayment of $80 million of the Company's long-term higher-rate FHLBank advances in June 2014.  As of September 30, 2015, $123 million of the Company's $165 million of total FHLBank advances were short-term advances with very low interest rates.  Average short-term advances were $155.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Interest expense on short-term and structured repo borrowings increased $2,000 due to an increase in average balances from $161.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014, to $187.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  Interest expense on short-term and structured repo borrowings decreased $1,000 due to average rates that remained relatively stable at 0.03% in each of the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

Interest expense on short-term and structured repo borrowings decreased $1.1 million due to a decrease in average rates on short-term borrowings from 0.76% in the nine months ended September 30, 2014, to 0.03% in the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  The Company repaid $50 million of structured repurchase agreements in June 2014.  As there were no higher-rate structured repurchase agreements during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, the average rate decreased significantly because the interest expense was all related to the lower-rate securities sold under repurchase agreements with customers.  Interest expense on short-term and structured repo borrowings increased $99,000 due to an increase in average balances from $189.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, to $208.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  These balances fluctuate based on customer demand for this product. 

During the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts increased $123,000 due to higher average interest rates.  The average interest rate was 1.83% in the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared to 3.58% in the three months ended September 30, 2015.  The increase in the interest rate resulted from the amortization of the cost of interest rate caps the Company purchased in 2013 to limit the interest rate risk from rising LIBOR rates related to the Company's subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts.  Interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to
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capital trusts decreased $18,000 due to a decrease in average balances from $30.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 to $27.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  The average balance decreased because the Company redeemed $5.0 million of its subordinated debentures issued to capital trust during the period.  See Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding this transaction.  The remaining debentures are variable-rate debentures which bear interest at an average rate of three-month LIBOR plus 1.60%, adjusting quarterly.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts increased $158,000 due to higher average interest rates.  The average interest rate was 1.81% in the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to 2.51% in the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  The increase in the interest rate resulted from the amortization of the cost of interest rate caps the Company purchased in 2013 to limit the interest rate risk from rising LIBOR rates related to the Company's subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts.  Interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts decreased $16,000 due to a decrease in average balances from $30.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 to $29.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  The average balance decreased for the same reasons as discussed in the comparable three month periods above.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 decreased $2.6 million to $41.5 million compared to $44.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Net interest margin was 4.43% in the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to 4.91% in the three months ended September 30, 2014, a decrease of 48 basis points, or 9.8%.  In both three month periods, the Company's margin was positively impacted by the increases in expected cash flows to be received from the FDIC-acquired loan pools and the resulting increase to accretable yield which were previously discussed in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  The positive impact of these changes in the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were increases in interest income of $6.7 million and $8.8 million, respectively, and increases in net interest margin of 71 basis points and 98 basis points, respectively.  Excluding the positive impact of the additional yield accretion, net interest margin decreased 21 basis points when compared to the year-ago quarter.  The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the average interest rate on loans and an increase in the average interest rate on deposits.  Existing loans continue to repay, and in many cases new loans are originated at rates which are lower than the rates on those repaying loans and may be lower than existing average portfolio rates.

The Company's overall average interest rate spread decreased 50 basis points, or 10.4%, from 4.83% during the three months ended September 30, 2014, to 4.33% during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  The decrease was due to a 42 basis point decrease in the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and an eight basis point increase in the weighted average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. In comparing the two periods, the yield on loans decreased 74 basis points while the yield on investment securities and other interest-earning assets decreased 12 basis points. The rate paid on deposits increased eight basis points, the rate paid on FHLBank advances increased three basis points, and the rate paid on subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts increased 175 basis points.

Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased $5.7 million to $127.7 million compared to $122.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Net interest margin was 4.59% in the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to 4.75% in the nine months ended September 30, 2014, a decrease of 16 basis points.  In both nine month periods, the Company's margin was positively impacted by the increases in cash flows expected to be received from the FDIC-acquired loan pools and the resulting increase to accretable yield which were previously discussed in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  The positive impact of these changes on the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were increases in interest income of $22.9 million and $25.8 million, respectively, and increases in net interest margin of 82 basis points and 101 basis points, respectively.  Excluding the positive impact of the additional yield accretion, net interest margin increased three basis points when compared to the year-ago period.

The Company's overall average interest rate spread decreased 15 basis points from 4.65% during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, to 4.50% during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  The decrease was due to a 22 basis point decrease in the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and a seven basis point decrease in the weighted average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. In comparing the two periods, the yield on loans decreased 63 basis points while the yield on investment securities and other interest-earning assets decreased 11 basis points. The rate paid on deposits increased five basis points, the rate paid on short-term borrowings decreased 73 basis points,
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the rate paid on FHLBank advances decreased 111 basis points, and the rate paid on subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts increased 70 basis points.

The Company's net interest income and margin have been significantly impacted by additional yield accretion recognized in conjunction with updated estimates of the fair value of the loan pools acquired in the 2009, 2011 and 2012 FDIC-assisted transactions. On an on-going basis, the Company estimates the cash flows expected to be collected from the acquired loan pools. For each of the loan portfolios acquired, the cash flow estimates have increased, based on payment histories and reduced loss expectations of the loan pools. This resulted in increased income that was spread on a level-yield basis over the remaining expected lives of the loan pools. The increases in expected cash flows also reduced the amount of expected reimbursements under the loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, which are recorded as indemnification assets. Therefore, the expected indemnification assets have also been reduced each quarter since the fourth quarter of 2010, resulting in adjustments to be amortized on a comparable basis over the remainder of the loss sharing agreements or the remaining expected lives of the loan pools, whichever is shorter. No material estimated cash flows were recorded in the three months ended September 30, 2015, related to these loan pools.

In addition, beginning in the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company's net interest income and margin have been impacted by additional yield accretion recognized in conjunction with updated estimates of the fair value of the loan pools acquired in the June 2014 Valley Bank FDIC-assisted transaction. The cash flow estimates have increased for certain of the Valley Bank loan pools primarily based on significant loan repayments and also due to collection of certain loans, thereby reducing loss expectations on certain of the loan pools. This resulted in increased income that was spread on a level-yield basis over the remaining expected lives of these loan pools. The Valley Bank transaction does not include a loss sharing agreement with the FDIC. Therefore, there is no related indemnification asset. The entire amount of the discount adjustment will be accreted to interest income over time with no offsetting impact to non-interest income. The amount of the Valley Bank discount adjustment accreted to interest income in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $1.8 million and $3.9 million, respectively, and is included in the impact on net interest income/net interest margin amount in the table included in Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

For additional information on net interest income components, refer to the "Average Balances, Interest Rates and Yields" table in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Provision for Loan Losses and Allowance for Loan Losses

Management records a provision for loan losses in an amount it believes sufficient to result in an allowance for loan losses that will cover current net charge-offs as well as risks believed to be inherent in the Company's loan portfolio. The amount of provision charged against current income is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, past loss experience, current portfolio mix, actual and potential losses identified in the loan portfolio, economic conditions, and internal as well as external reviews.  However, the levels of non-performing assets, potential problem loans, loan loss provisions and net charge-offs fluctuate from period to period and are difficult to predict.

Weak economic conditions, higher inflation or interest rates, or other factors may lead to increased losses in the portfolio and/or requirements for an increase in loan loss provision expense. Management maintains various controls in an attempt to limit future losses, such as a watch list of possible problem loans, documented loan administration policies and a loan review staff to review the quality and anticipated collectability of the portfolio. Additional procedures provide for frequent management review of the loan portfolio based on loan size, loan type, delinquencies, on-going correspondence with borrowers and problem loan work-outs. Management determines which loans are potentially uncollectible, or represent a greater risk of loss, and makes additional provisions to expense, if necessary, to maintain the allowance at a satisfactory level.

The provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2015, increased $758,000 to $1.7 million when compared with the three months ended September 30, 2014.  The provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, increased $204,000 to $4.3 million when compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  At September 30, 2015, the allowance for loan losses was $39.9 million, an increase of $1.5 million from December 31, 2014.  Total net charge-offs were $1.5 million and $946,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015, and 2014, respectively.  Excluding those related to loans covered by loss sharing agreements, net charge-offs were $720,000, with one relationship making up $192,000 of the net charge-off total for the three months ended September 30, 2015.  The remaining $803,000 of the net charge-off total for the three months ended September 30,
 
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2015, was related to loans covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC.  Under these agreements, the FDIC will reimburse the Bank for 80% of the losses, so the Bank expects reimbursement of $643,000 of this charge-off and recorded income of this amount in the three months ended September 30, 2015 in noninterest income.  Total net charge-offs were $2.9 million and $6.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Excluding those related to loans covered by loss sharing agreements, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, three relationships made up $1.2 million of the total $2.1 million in net charge-offs.  The increase in the allowance for loan losses in the three months ended September 30, 2015, was primarily due to loan growth.  General market conditions, and more specifically, real estate absorption rates and unique circumstances related to individual borrowers and projects also contributed to the level of provisions and charge-offs.  As properties were categorized as potential problem loans, non-performing loans or foreclosed assets, evaluations were made of the values of these assets with corresponding charge-offs as appropriate.

Except for those loans acquired in the TeamBank and Vantus Bank transactions for which the loss sharing agreements have ended (i.e., non-single family real estate loans), loans acquired in the 2009, 2011 and 2012 FDIC-assisted transactions are covered by loss sharing agreements between the FDIC and Great Southern Bank which afford Great Southern Bank at least 80% protection from losses in the acquired portfolio of loans.  The FDIC loss sharing agreements are subject to limitations on the types of losses covered and the length of time losses are covered and are conditioned upon the Bank complying with its requirements in the agreements with the FDIC.  These limitations are described in detail in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  The acquired loans were grouped into pools based on common characteristics and were recorded at their estimated fair values, which incorporated estimated credit losses at the acquisition dates.  These loan pools are systematically reviewed by the Company to determine the risk of losses that may exceed those identified at the time of the acquisition.  Techniques used in determining risk of loss are similar to those used to determine the risk of loss for the legacy Bank portfolio, with most focus being placed on those loan pools which include the larger loan relationships and those loan pools which exhibit higher risk characteristics.  Review of the acquired loan portfolio also includes meetings with customers, review of financial information and collateral valuations to determine if any additional losses are apparent.  Former Valley Bank loans are accounted for in pools and were recorded at their fair value at the time of the acquisition as of June 20, 2014; therefore, these loan pools are analyzed rather than the individual loans.

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans, excluding loans covered by the FDIC loss sharing agreements, was 1.29% and 1.34% at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Management considers the allowance for loan losses adequate to cover losses inherent in the Company's loan portfolio at September 30, 2015, based on recent reviews of the Company's loan portfolio and current economic conditions. If economic conditions were to deteriorate or management's assessment of the loan portfolio were to change, it is possible that additional loan loss provisions would be required, thereby adversely affecting future results of operations and financial condition.

Non-performing Assets

Former TeamBank, Vantus Bank, Sun Security Bank and InterBank non-performing assets, including foreclosed assets and potential problem loans, are not included in the totals or in the discussion of non-performing loans, potential problem loans and foreclosed assets below as they are, or were, subject to loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, which cover at least 80% of principal losses that may be incurred in these portfolios for the applicable terms under the agreements.  At September 30, 2015, there were no material non-performing assets that were previously covered, and are now not covered, under the TeamBank or Vantus Bank non-single-family loss sharing agreements.  In addition, FDIC-supported TeamBank, Vantus Bank, Sun Security Bank and InterBank assets were initially recorded at their estimated fair values as of their acquisition dates of March 20, 2009, September 4, 2009, October 7, 2011 and April 27, 2012, respectively.  The overall performance of the FDIC-covered loan pools acquired in 2009, 2011 and 2012 has been better than original expectations as of the acquisition dates.  Former Valley Bank loans are also excluded from the totals and the discussion of non-performing loans, potential problem loans and foreclosed assets below, although they are not covered by a loss sharing agreement.  Former Valley Bank loans are accounted for in pools and were recorded at their fair value at the time of the acquisition as of June 20, 2014; therefore, these loan pools are analyzed rather than the individual loans.

The loss sharing agreement for the non-single-family portion of the loans acquired in the TeamBank transaction ended on March 31, 2014. Any additional losses in that non-single-family portfolio will not be eligible for loss sharing coverage. At this time, the Company does not expect any material losses in this non-single-family loan portfolio, which totaled $18.9 million, net of discounts, at September 30, 2015.
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The loss sharing agreement for the non-single-family portion of the loans acquired in the Vantus Bank transaction ended on September 30, 2014. Any additional losses in that non-single-family portfolio will not be eligible for loss sharing coverage. At this time, the Company does not expect any material losses in this non-single-family loan portfolio, which totaled $17.8 million, net of discounts, at September 30, 2015.
As a result of changes in balances and composition of the loan portfolio, changes in economic and market conditions that occur from time to time and other factors specific to a borrower's circumstances, the level of non-performing assets will fluctuate.  Non-performing assets, excluding FDIC-covered non-performing assets and other FDIC-assisted acquired assets, at September 30, 2015, were $36.5 million, a decrease of $7.2 million from $43.7 million at December 31, 2014.  Non-performing assets, excluding FDIC-covered non-performing assets and other FDIC-assisted acquired assets, as a percentage of total assets, were 0.90% at September 30, 2015, compared to 1.11% at December 31, 2014 and 1.21% at September 30, 2014.
Compared to December 31, 2014, non-performing loans decreased $1.0 million to $7.1 million at September 30, 2015, and foreclosed assets decreased $6.1 million to $29.4 million at September 30, 2015.  Non-performing commercial real estate loans comprised $4.0 million, or 55.7%, of the total $7.1 million of non-performing loans at September 30, 2015, a decrease of $744,000 from December 31, 2014.  Non-performing one-to four-family residential loans comprised $1.6 million, or 22.4%, of the total non-performing loans at September 30, 2015, a decrease of $21,000 from December 31, 2014.  Non-performing consumer loans increased $43,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2015, and were $1.2 million, or 16.3%, of the total non-performing loans at September 30, 2015.

Non-performing Loans.  Activity in the non-performing loans category during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was as follows:

   
Beginning
Balance,
January 1
   
Additions
to Non-
Performing
   
Removed
from Non-
Performing
   
Transfers to
Potential
Problem
Loans
   
Transfers to
Foreclosed
Assets
   
Charge-
Offs
   
Payments
   
Ending
Balance,
September 30
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
One- to four-family construction
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
 
Subdivision construction
   
     
109
     
     
     
     
(55
)
   
(54
)
   
 
Land development
   
255
     
114
     
     
(50
)
   
     
(197
)
   
(9
)
   
113
 
Commercial construction
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
One- to four-family residential
   
1,610
     
1,117
     
(332
)
   
(88
)
   
(316
)
   
(46
)
   
(356
)
   
1,589
 
Other residential
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Commercial real estate
   
4,699
     
1,991
     
(187
)
   
     
(2,225
)
   
(2
)
   
(321
)
   
3,955
 
Commercial business
   
466
     
287
     
(56
)
   
(35
)
   
     
(300
)
   
(75
)
   
287
 
Consumer
   
1,117
     
1,351
     
(187
)
   
(114
)
   
(111
)
   
(246
)
   
(650
)
   
1,160
 
                                                                 
Total
 
$
8,147
   
$
4,969
   
$
(762
)
 
$
(287
)
 
$
(2,652
)
 
$
(846
)
 
$
(1,465
)
 
$
7,104
 

At September 30, 2015, the non-performing commercial real estate category included eight loans, two of which were added during 2015, with one being transferred from potential problem loans.  The largest relationship in this category, which was added in a previous period, totaled $1.7 million, or 41.8%, of the total category, and is collateralized by a theater property in Branson, Mo.  The second largest relationship in this category totaled $1.3 million, or 33.5%, of the total category, was added due to non-payment during the three months ended September 30, 2015, and is collateralized by a hotel property in southwest Missouri.  One property in this category totaling $2.0 million was transferred to foreclosed assets during the three months ended March 31, 2015.  The non-performing one- to four-family residential category included 26 loans, 13 of which were added during 2015.  There were 10 properties in the one-to four-family category which were removed from non-performing during 2015.  The non-performing consumer category included 98 loans, 73 of which were added during 2015.

67


Potential Problem Loans.  Compared to December 31, 2014, potential problem loans increased $1.1 million, or 4.3%. This increase was due to the addition of $8.1 million of loans to potential problem loans, partially offset by $2.1 million in payments from customers, $3.4 million in loans being removed from potential problem loans due to improvements in the credits, $856,000 in loans transferred to the non-performing category, $546,000 in charge-offs and $157,000 in loans transferred to foreclosed assets.  Potential problem loans are loans which management has identified through routine internal review procedures as having possible credit problems that may cause the borrowers difficulty in complying with the current repayment terms.  These loans are not reflected in non-performing assets, but are considered in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  Activity in the potential problem loans category during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, was as follows:

   
Beginning
Balance,
January 1
   
Additions to
Potential
Problem
   
Removed
from
Potential
Problem
   
Transfers to
Non-
Performing
   
Transfers to
Foreclosed
Assets
   
Charge-
Offs
   
Payments
   
Ending
Balance,
September 30
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
One- to four-family construction
 
$
1,312
   
$
315
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
(915
)
 
$
712
 
Subdivision construction
   
4,252
     
434
     
(2,108
)
   
(109
)
   
     
     
(578
)
   
1,891
 
Land development
   
5,857
     
     
(330
)
   
     
     
     
(3
)
   
5,524
 
Commercial construction
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
One- to four-family residential
   
1,906
     
177
     
(117
)
   
(254
)
   
(157
)
   
(14
)
   
(46
)
   
1,495
 
Other residential
   
1,956
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
1,956
 
Commercial real estate
   
8,043
     
6,857
     
(670
)
   
(472
)
   
     
     
(134
)
   
13,624
 
Commercial business
   
1,435
     
131
     
(180
)
   
(21
)
   
     
(527
)
   
(367
)
   
471
 
Consumer
   
214
     
227
     
     
     
     
(5
)
   
(67
)
   
369
 
                                                                 
Total
 
$
24,975
   
$
8,141
   
$
(3,405
)
 
$
(856
)
 
$
(157
)
 
$
(546
)
 
$
(2,110
)
 
$
26,042
 

At September 30, 2015, the commercial real estate category of potential problem loans included 11 loans, six of which were added during 2015, including five that were part of the same relationship that is the largest relationship in this category.  This largest relationship had a balance of $6.5 million, or 47.8% of the total category, and was added during the three months ended September 30, 2015 due to slow payment.  The relationship is collateralized by four long-term health care facilities in Missouri.  The second largest relationship in this category had a balance of $4.8 million, or 34.9% of the total category.  The relationship is collateralized by properties located near Branson, Mo.  The land development category of potential problem loans included two loans, both of which were added during previous periods.  The largest relationship in this category totaled $3.8 million, or 69.5% of the total category, and is collateralized by property in the Branson, Mo., area.  The other residential category of potential problem loans included one loan which was added in a previous period, and is collateralized by properties located in the Branson, Mo., area.  The subdivision construction category of potential problem loans included six loans, two of which were added during 2015.  The largest relationship in this category, which is made up of three loans, had a balance totaling $1.7 million, or 88.2% of the total category, and is collateralized by property in southwest Missouri.  Three loans in this category were removed from potential problem loans during 2015.  One loan which was removed, totaling $1.7 million, was collateralized by property in the Springfield, Mo., area and was removed from potential problem loans due to improvement in the credit and payment performance.  The one- to four-family residential category of potential problem loans included 22 loans.  The one-to four-family construction category of potential problem loans included three loans, all of which were to the same borrower, and all of which were added during 2014.  The additions to this category during the period were primarily draws on the existing construction lines of credit.  These loans were collateralized by property in southwest Missouri and were all originated prior to 2008.  These loans are part of the same borrower relationship as the $1.7 million relationship in the subdivision construction category noted above.  The commercial business category of potential problem loans included six loans, four of which were added in the current period.  The $527,000 charge-off in this category was related to one borrower.

68


Foreclosed Assets.  Of the total $35.1 million of other real estate owned at September 30, 2015, $2.5 million represents the fair value of foreclosed assets covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements, $478,000 represents the fair value of foreclosed assets previously covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements, $1.1 million represents the fair value of foreclosed assets acquired related to Valley Bank and not covered by loss sharing agreements and $1.6 million represents properties which were not acquired through foreclosure. The loss share covered and non-covered foreclosed and other assets acquired in the FDIC-assisted transactions and the properties not acquired through foreclosure are not included in the following table and discussion of foreclosed assets.  Because additions of foreclosed properties were less than sales, total foreclosed assets decreased.  Activity in foreclosed assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, was as follows:

   
Beginning
Balance,
January 1
   
Additions
   
Sales
   
Capitalized
Costs
   
Write-
Downs
   
Ending
Balance,
September 30
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
One- to four-family construction
 
$
223
   
$
   
$
(223
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
 
Subdivision construction
   
9,857
     
     
(2,171
)
   
     
(172
)
   
7,514
 
Land development
   
17,168
     
     
(3,757
)
   
     
     
13,411
 
Commercial construction
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
One- to four-family residential
   
3,353
     
473
     
(1,862
)
   
     
(101
)
   
1,863
 
Other residential
   
2,625
     
     
(488
)
   
13
     
     
2,150
 
Commercial real estate
   
1,632
     
2,225
     
(306
)
   
     
     
3,551
 
Commercial business
   
59
     
     
(11
)
   
     
     
48
 
Consumer
   
624
     
3,605
     
(3,324
)
   
     
     
905
 
                                                 
Total
 
$
35,541
   
$
6,303
   
$
(12,142
)
 
$
13
   
$
(273
)
 
$
29,442
 

At September 30, 2015, the land development category of foreclosed assets included 31 properties, the largest of which was located in northwest Arkansas and had a balance of $2.3 million, or 17.1% of the total category.  Of the total dollar amount in the land development category of foreclosed assets, 41.3% and 33.1% was located in northwest Arkansas and in the Branson, Mo., area, respectively, including the largest property previously mentioned.  Of the $3.7 million in sales in this category, $3.5 million was from the sale of five properties.  Two properties totaling $1.6 million in the Branson, Mo., area were sold, two properties in northwest Arkansas totaling $1.3 million were sold and one property in southwest Missouri totaling $585,000 was sold.  The subdivision construction category of foreclosed assets included 28 properties, the largest of which was located in the Springfield, Mo. metropolitan area and had a balance of $1.2 million, or 16.4% of the total category.  Of the total dollar amount in the subdivision construction category of foreclosed assets, 32.2% and 16.4% is located in Branson, Mo. and Springfield, Mo., respectively.  Of the $2.2 million in sales in this category, $1.9 million was from the sale of two properties.  One subdivision property totaling $1.3 million in the Kansas City, Mo. metropolitan area was sold and one subdivision property in the St. Louis, Mo. metropolitan area totaling $872,000 was sold.  The commercial real estate category of foreclosed assets included seven properties, the largest of which was located in southeast Missouri and was added during the three months ended March 31, 2015.  That property totaled $2.0 million, or 57.2% of the total category.  The other residential category of foreclosed assets included 11 properties, 10 of which were part of the same condominium community located in Branson, Mo., and had a balance of $1.8 million, or 83.7% of the total category.  The one-to four-family residential category of foreclosed assets included 11 properties, of which the largest relationship, with two properties in the southwest Missouri area, had a balance of $554,000, or 29.7% of the total category.  Of the total dollar amount in the one-to- four-family category of foreclosed assets, 48.5% is located in Branson, Mo.



69



Non-interest Income

For the three months ended September 30, 2015, non-interest income increased $3.3 million to $5.1 million when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, primarily as a result of the following increases and decreases:

Amortization of income related to business acquisitions:  The net amortization expense related to business acquisitions was $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $6.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.  The amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015, consisted of the following items:  $3.8 million of amortization expense related to the changes in cash flows expected to be collected from the FDIC-covered loan portfolios and $384,000 of amortization of the clawback liability.  Partially offsetting the expense was income from the accretion of the discount related to the indemnification assets for the Sun Security Bank and InterBank acquisitions of $309,000.  In addition, a charge-off on a loan pool which exceeded the remaining discount on the pool by $803,000 was recognized as a reduction to allowance for loan losses during the three months ended September 30, 2015.  The Bank expects to collect 80% of this amount as reimbursement from the FDIC, so income of $643,000 was recorded here in non-interest income.

Other income:  Other income increased $898,000 compared to the prior year three month period.  The increase was primarily due to a $1.1 million gain recognized when the Company redeemed the trust preferred securities previously issued by Great Southern Capital Trust III at a discount.

Gains on sales of single-family loans: Gains on sales of single-family loans decreased $464,000 compared to the prior year three month period.  This decrease was due to a decrease in originations of fixed-rate loans in the 2015 period compared to the 2014 period.  In the 2014 period, $217,000 of this income was related to the single-family loans acquired in the Valley Bank acquisition and subsequently sold in the secondary market.  Fixed rate single-family loans originated are generally subsequently sold in the secondary market.

Net realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities:  Gains on sales of available-for-sale securities decreased $319,000 compared to the prior year three month period.  Several mortgage-backed securities were sold during the three months ended September 30, 2015, resulting in a loss of less than $1,000.  In the 2014 period, all of the mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations acquired in the 2014 Valley Bank acquisition were sold, and several additional mortgage-backed securities were sold in August 2014, which produced a gain of $227,000.  In addition, in August 2014, one municipal bond was sold at a gain of $95,000.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, non-interest income decreased $4.8 million to $8.5 million when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, primarily as a result of the following increases and decreases:

Initial gain recognized on business acquisition: In the 2014 period, the Company recognized a one-time gain of $10.8 million (pre-tax) on the FDIC-assisted acquisition of Valley Bank, which occurred on June 20, 2014.

Excluding the gain referenced above, non-interest income increased $6.0 million when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, primarily as a result of the following items:

Amortization of income related to business acquisitions:  The net amortization expense related to business acquisitions was $15.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $20.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, consisted of the following items:  $14.9 million of amortization expense related to the changes in cash flows expected to be collected from the FDIC-covered loan portfolios and $1.3 million of amortization of the clawback liability.  In addition, the Company collected amounts on various problem assets acquired from the FDIC totaling $891,000. Under the loss sharing agreements, 80% of these collected amounts must be remitted to the FDIC; therefore, the Company recorded a liability and related expense of $713,000. Partially offsetting the expense was income from the accretion of the discount related to the indemnification assets for the Sun Security Bank and InterBank acquisitions of $1.2 million.  In addition, a charge-off on a loan pool which exceeded the remaining discount on the pool by $803,000 was recognized as a reduction to allowance for loan losses during the third quarter.  The Bank expects to collect 80% of this amount as reimbursement from the FDIC, so income of $643,000 was recorded here in non-interest income.
 
70


 
Service charges and ATM fees:  Service charges and ATM fees increased $769,000 compared to the prior year period, primarily due to an increase in fee income from the additional accounts acquired in the Valley Bank transaction in June 2014.

Late charges and fees on loans:  Late charges and fees on loans increased $655,000 compared to the prior year period.  The increase was primarily due to yield maintenance penalty payments received on 12 commercial loan prepayments, totaling $547,000 in the 2015 period.

Gains on sales of single-family loans: Gains on sales of single-family loans increased $378,000 compared to the prior year period.  This increase was due to an increase in originations of fixed-rate loans during the first six months of 2015 compared to the first six months of 2014 (prior to the Valley Bank acquisition).  Fixed rate single-family loans originated are generally subsequently sold in the secondary market.

Net realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities:  Gains on sales of available-for-sale securities decreased $961,000 compared to the prior year period.  This was primarily due to the sale of securities in the prior year period, which was not repeated in the current year period.  All of the Company's Small Business Administration securities were sold in June 2014, which produced a gain of $569,000 in the 2014 period.  In addition, all of the mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations acquired in the Valley Bank acquisition were sold in July 2014, and several additional securities were sold in August 2014, which produced a gain of $227,000 and one municipal bond was sold at a gain of $95,000.

Other income:  Other income increased $291,000 compared to the prior year period.  The increase was primarily due to a $1.1 million gain recognized when the Company redeemed the trust preferred securities previously issued by Great Southern Capital Trust III at a discount.  This increase was offset by non-recurring debit card-related income of $1.0 million recognized during the 2014 period.

Non-interest Expense

For the three months ended September 30, 2015, non-interest expense increased $616,000 to $30.0 million when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, primarily as a result of the following items:

Net occupancy expense:  Net occupancy expense increased $1.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.  In September 2015, the Company announced plans to consolidate operations of 16 banking centers into other nearby Great Southern banking center locations.  The Company evaluated the carrying value of the affected premises (totaling approximately $7.5 million) to determine if any impairment of the value of these premises is warranted and has recorded a valuation allowance of $1.2 million related to certain affected premises, furniture, fixtures and equipment and leases at September 30, 2015.  For additional information on branch consolidations, see "Business Initiatives."

Salaries and employee benefits:  Salaries and employee benefits increased $194,000 over the prior year period.  Salaries and employee benefits increased approximately $957,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the prior year period primarily due to increased staffing due to growth in lending and other operational areas.  Offsetting this increase was $763,000 of acquisition-related salaries and benefits related to Valley Bank employees paid in the prior year period that were not incurred in the current year period.

Partially offsetting the increase in non-interest expense was a decrease in the following items:

Legal, audit and other professional fees:  Legal, audit and other professional fees decreased $803,000 when compared to the prior year period, primarily due to additional expenses in the prior period related to the collection costs of a few large loans and foreclosed assets, as well as the reduction of the total amount of foreclosed assets in the current year period compared to the prior year period.

Expense on foreclosed assets:  Expense on foreclosed assets decreased $366,000 compared to the prior year period primarily due to the reduction in the amount of foreclosed assets in the current year period compared to the prior year period.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, non-interest expense decreased $4.5 million to $85.2 million when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, primarily as a result of the following items:
 
71


 
Other Operating Expenses:  Other operating expenses decreased $7.4 million, to $6.2 million, in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the prior year period primarily due to $7.4 million in prepayment penalties paid in June 2014 as the Company elected to repay $130 million of its FHLB advances and structured repo borrowings prior to their maturity.

Expense on foreclosed assets:  Expense on foreclosed assets decreased $1.9 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to valuation write-downs of foreclosed assets during the 2014 period totaling $1.4 million, including the $940,000 write-down of one foreclosed asset.

Legal, audit and other professional fees:  Legal, audit and other professional fees decreased $1.4 million when compared to the prior year period, primarily due to additional expenses in the prior period related to the Valley Bank acquisition, the collection costs of a few large loans and foreclosed assets, as well as the reduction of the total amount of foreclosed assets in the current year period compared to the prior year period.

Partially offsetting the decrease in non-interest expense was an increase in the following items:

Expenses related to operations of former Valley Bank:  The Company incurred approximately $730,000 of additional non-interest expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, in connection with the operations of former Valley Bank banking centers and related banking activities, which was acquired through the FDIC in June 2014.  Of the $730,000 increase, approximately $530,000 was in net occupancy expense.

Salaries and employee benefits:  Salaries and employee benefits increased $2.9 million over the prior year period, primarily due to increased staffing due to growth in lending and other operational areas.

Net occupancy expense:  Net occupancy expense increased $2.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.  In September 2015, the Company announced plans to consolidate operations of 16 banking centers into other nearby Great Southern banking center locations.  The Company evaluated the carrying value of the affected premises (totaling approximately $7.5 million) to determine if any impairment of the value of these premises is warranted and has recorded a valuation allowance of $1.2 million related to certain affected premises, furniture, fixtures and equipment and leases at September 30, 2015.  Occupancy expense also increased in the 2015 nine-month period as a result of the Valley Bank acquisition which occurred in June 2014.  For additional information on branch consolidations, see "Business Initiatives."

The Company's efficiency ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2015, was 64.35% compared to 64.07% for the same period in 2014.  The efficiency ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, was 62.57% compared to 66.25% for the same period in 2014.  The increase in the ratio in the 2015 three month period was primarily due to the increase in non-interest expense and the decrease in net interest income, partially offset by increases in non-interest income.  The improvement in the ratio in the 2015 nine month period was primarily due to the increase in net interest income, which is discussed above, and the decrease in non-interest expense, partially offset by the decrease in non-interest income.  The Company's ratio of non-interest expense to average assets decreased from 2.99% and 3.15% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, to 2.95% and 2.79% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.  The decrease in the current three and nine month period ratios was primarily due to the increase in average assets in the 2015 period compared to the 2014 period, and for the nine months period, the ratio was also affected by the decrease in non-interest expense.  Average assets for the three months ended September 30, 2015, increased $134.6 million, or 3.4%, from the three months ended September 30, 2014, primarily due to organic loan growth, partially offset by decreases in investment securities and FDIC indemnification assets.  Average assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, increased $277.9 million, or 7.3%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2014, due to the Valley Bank acquisition, which occurred in June 2014 and the other reasons noted for the three month period.

Provision for Income Taxes

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company's effective tax rate was 25.0% and 25.4%, respectively, which was lower than the statutory federal tax rate of 35%, due primarily to the effects of certain investment tax credits utilized and to tax-exempt investments and tax-exempt loans which reduced the Company's effective tax rate.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company's effective tax rate was
 
72

 
 
25.3% and 24.4%, respectively, which was lower than the statutory federal tax rate of 35%, due primarily to the effects of certain investment tax credits utilized and to tax-exempt investments and tax-exempt loans which reduced the Company's effective tax rate.  In future periods, the Company expects its effective tax rate typically will be 24-26% of pre-tax net income, assuming it continues to maintain or increase its use of investment tax credits. The Company's effective tax rate may fluctuate as it is impacted by the level and timing of the Company's utilization of tax credits and the level of tax-exempt investments and loans and the overall level of pretax income.

Average Balances, Interest Rates and Yields

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the total dollar amount of interest income from average interest-earning assets and the resulting yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates, and the net interest margin. Average balances of loans receivable include the average balances of non-accrual loans for each period. Interest income on loans includes interest received on non-accrual loans on a cash basis.  Interest income on loans includes the amortization of net loan fees which were deferred in accordance with accounting standards.  Fees included in interest income were $989,000 and $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Fees included in interest income were $3.1 million and $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Tax-exempt income was not calculated on a tax equivalent basis. The table does not reflect any effect of income taxes. 




 
 
 
 
 

 
73

 
 
 
September 30,
2015(2)
   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2015
   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Yield/
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate
 
 
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Loans receivable: (1)
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 One- to four-family residential
   
4.41
%
 
$
458,181
   
$
8,363
     
7.24
%
 
$
550,479
   
$
11,353
     
8.18
%
 Other residential
   
4.39
     
419,526
     
5,150
     
4.87
     
388,799
     
5,462
     
5.57
 
 Commercial real estate
   
4.28
     
1,089,456
     
12,822
     
4.67
     
932,658
     
12,129
     
5.16
 
 Construction
   
3.62
     
346,897
     
3,953
     
4.52
     
274,951
     
3,550
     
5.12
 
 Commercial business
   
4.44
     
339,781
     
4,915
     
5.74
     
307,914
     
4,168
     
5.37
 
 Other loans
   
5.12
     
578,898
     
8,326
     
5.71
     
428,946
     
7,625
     
7.05
 
 Industrial revenue bonds
   
5.23
     
41,865
     
574
     
5.44
     
47,633
     
661
     
5.50
 
 
                                                       
Total loans receivable
   
4.54
     
3,274,604
     
44,103
     
5.34
     
2,931,380
     
44,948
     
6.08
 
 
                                                       
Investment securities(1)
   
2.97
     
325,619
     
1,570
     
1.91
     
486,040
     
2,592
     
2.12
 
Other interest-earning assets
   
0.24
     
122,742
     
82
     
0.27
     
148,228
     
67
     
0.18
 
 
                                                       
Total interest-earning assets
   
4.27
     
3,722,965
     
45,755
     
4.88
     
3,565,648
     
47,607
     
5.30
 
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                                       
 Cash and cash equivalents
           
108,299
                     
101,239
                 
 Other non-earning assets
           
237,114
                     
266,846
                 
Total assets
         
$
4,068,378
                   
$
3,933,733
                 
 
                                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                       
Interest-bearing demand and savings
   
0.23
   
$
1,350,156
     
771
     
0.23
   
$
1,467,364
     
789
     
0.21
 
Time deposits
   
0.82
     
1,275,643
     
2,729
     
0.85
     
1,090,111
     
2,095
     
0.76
 
Total deposits
   
0.52
     
2,625,799
     
3,500
     
0.53
     
2,557,475
     
2,884
     
0.45
 
Short-term borrowings and structured repurchase agreements
   
0.03
     
186,984
     
14
     
0.03
     
161,178
     
13
     
0.03
 
Subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts
   
1.90
     
27,455
     
248
     
3.58
     
30,929
     
143
     
1.83
 
FHLBank advances
   
1.05
     
210,657
     
468
     
0.88
     
214,282
     
461
     
0.85
 
 
                                                       
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
0.53
     
3,050,895
     
4,230
     
0.55
     
2,963,864
     
3,501
     
0.47
 
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                       
 Demand deposits
           
538,529
                     
544,760
                 
 Other liabilities
           
32,585
                     
18,397
                 
Total liabilities
           
3,622,009
                     
3,527,021
                 
Stockholders' equity
           
446,369
                     
406,712
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
         
$
4,068,378
                   
$
3,933,733
                 
 
                                                       
Net interest income:
                                                       
 Interest rate spread
   
3.74
%
         
$
41,525
     
4.33
%
         
$
44,106
     
4.83
%
 Net interest margin*
                           
4.43
%
                   
4.91
%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
           
122.0
%
                   
120.3
%
               

_____________________
 
 
*
Defined as the Company's net interest income divided by total interest-earning assets.
 
 

 (1)
 
 
Of the total average balances of investment securities, average tax-exempt investment securities were $78.4 million and $88.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In addition, average tax-exempt loans and industrial revenue bonds were $36.0 million and $37.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Interest income on tax-exempt assets included in this table was $1.1 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Interest income net of disallowed interest expense related to tax-exempt assets was $1.1 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 (2)
 
The yield on loans at September 30, 2015 does not include the impact of the accretable yield (income) on loans acquired in the FDIC-assisted transactions.  See "Net Interest Income" for a discussion of the effect on results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2015.
 
74

 
 
 
 
September 30,
2015(2)
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Yield/
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate
 
 
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Loans receivable:
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 One- to four-family residential
   
4.41
%
 
$
461,378
   
$
27,171
     
7.87
%
 
$
483,101
   
$
30,709
     
8.50
%
 Other residential
   
4.39
     
423,248
     
16,016
     
5.06
     
367,907
     
16,013
     
5.82
 
 Commercial real estate
   
4.28
     
1,062,120
     
38,201
     
4.81
     
902,867
     
35,851
     
5.31
 
 Construction
   
3.62
     
331,265
     
11,352
     
4.58
     
239,563
     
8,782
     
4.90
 
 Commercial business
   
4.44
     
331,819
     
14,568
     
5.87
     
287,639
     
11,634
     
5.41
 
 Other loans
   
5.12
     
552,758
     
24,916
     
6.03
     
375,048
     
20,736
     
7.39
 
 Industrial revenue bonds (1)
   
5.23
     
42,820
     
1,775
     
5.54
     
46,771
     
1,944
     
5.56
 
 
                                                       
Total loans receivable
   
4.54
     
3,205,408
     
133,999
     
5.59
     
2,702,896
     
125,669
     
6.22
 
 
                                                       
Investment securities (1)
   
2.97
     
347,436
     
5,165
     
1.99
     
528,794
     
8,367
     
2.12
 
Other interest-earning assets
   
0.24
     
166,552
     
231
     
0.19
     
201,414
     
250
     
0.17
 
 
                                                       
Total interest-earning assets
   
4.27
     
3,719,396
     
139,395
     
5.01
     
3,433,104
     
134,286
     
5.23
 
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                                       
 Cash and cash equivalents
           
106,318
                     
93,901
                 
 Other non-earning assets
           
245,370
                     
266,184
                 
Total assets
         
$
4,071,084
                   
$
3,793,189
                 
 
                                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                       
Interest-bearing demand and savings
   
0.23
   
$
1,403,079
     
1,994
     
0.19
   
$
1,438,496
     
2,364
     
0.22
 
Time deposits
   
0.82
     
1,239,638
     
7,800
     
0.84
     
1,019,743
     
5,933
     
0.78
 
Total deposits
   
0.52
     
2,642,717
     
9,794
     
0.50
     
2,458,239
     
8,297
     
0.45
 
Short-term borrowings and structured repurchase agreements
   
0.03
     
208,856
     
51
     
0.03
     
189,845
     
1,082
     
0.76
 
Subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts
   
1.90
     
29,758
     
560
     
2.51
     
30,929
     
418
     
1.81
 
FHLBank advances
   
1.05
     
186,994
     
1,331
     
0.95
     
158,919
     
2,446
     
2.06
 
 
                                                       
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
0.53
     
3,068,325
     
11,736
     
0.51
     
2,837,932
     
12,243
     
0.58
 
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                       
 Demand deposits
           
538,069
                     
537,436
                 
 Other liabilities
           
27,829
                     
20,093
                 
Total liabilities
           
3,634,223
                     
3,395,461
                 
Stockholders' equity
           
436,861
                     
397,728
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
         
$
4,071,084
                   
$
3,793,189
                 
 
                                                       
Net interest income:
                                                       
 Interest rate spread
   
3.74
%
         
$
127,659
     
4.50
%
         
$
122,043
     
4.65
%
 Net interest margin*
                           
4.59
%
                   
4.75
%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
           
121.2
%
                   
121.0
%
               

_____________________
 
 
*
Defined as the Company's net interest income divided by total interest-earning assets.
 
 

 (1)
 
 
Of the total average balances of investment securities, average tax-exempt investment securities were $80.5 million and $88.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In addition, average tax-exempt loans and industrial revenue bonds were $36.4 million and $38.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Interest income on tax-exempt assets included in this table was $3.3 million and $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Interest income net of disallowed interest expense related to tax-exempt assets was $3.2 million and $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 (2)
 
The yield on loans at September 30, 2015 does not include the impact of the accretable yield (income) on loans acquired in the FDIC-assisted transactions.  See "Net Interest Income" for a discussion of the effect on results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 
75

 
 
Rate/Volume Analysis
 
The following tables present the dollar amounts of changes in interest income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the periods shown. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (i) changes in rate (i.e., changes in rate multiplied by old volume) and (ii) changes in volume (i.e., changes in volume multiplied by old rate). For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately to volume and rate. Tax-exempt income was not calculated on a tax equivalent basis.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
 
Increase
(Decrease)
Due to
 
 
 
 
 
Total
Increase
(Decrease)
 
 
Rate
 
Volume
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
Loans receivable
 
$
(5,794
)
 
$
4,949
   
$
(845
)
Investment securities
   
(230
)
   
(792
)
   
(1,022
)
Other interest-earning assets
   
28
     
(13
)
   
15
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
(5,996
)
   
4,144
     
(1,852
)
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                       
Demand deposits
   
47
     
(65
)
   
(18
)
Time deposits
   
253
     
381
     
634
 
Total deposits
   
300
     
316
     
616
 
Short-term borrowings and structured repo
   
(1
)
   
2
     
1
 
Subordinated debentures issued to capital trust
   
123
     
(18
)
   
105
 
FHLBank advances
   
15
     
(8
)
   
7
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
437
     
292
     
729
 
Net interest income
 
$
(6,433
)
 
$
3,852
   
$
(2,581
)

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
 
Increase
(Decrease)
Due to
 
 
 
 
 
Total
Increase
(Decrease)
 
 
Rate
 
Volume
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
Loans receivable
 
$
(13,506
)
 
$
21,836
   
$
8,330
 
Investment securities
   
(480
)
   
(2,722
)
   
(3,202
)
Other interest-earning assets
   
27
     
(46
)
   
(19
)
Total interest-earning assets
   
(13,959
)
   
19,068
     
5,109
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                       
Demand deposits
   
(313
)
   
(57
)
   
(370
)
Time deposits
   
512
     
1,355
     
1,867
 
Total deposits
   
199
     
1,298
     
1,497
 
Short-term borrowings and structured repo
   
(1,130
)
   
99
     
(1,031
)
Subordinated debentures issued to capital trust
   
158
     
(16
)
   
142
 
FHLBank advances
   
(1,490
)
   
375
     
(1,115
)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
(2,263
)
   
1,756
     
(507
)
Net interest income
 
$
(11,696
)
 
$
17,312
   
$
5,616
 
 
76

 
 
Liquidity

Liquidity is a measure of the Company's ability to generate sufficient cash to meet present and future financial obligations in a timely manner through either the sale or maturity of existing assets or the acquisition of additional funds through liability management. These obligations include the credit needs of customers, funding deposit withdrawals, and the day-to-day operations of the Company. Liquid assets include cash, interest-bearing deposits with financial institutions and certain investment securities and loans. The Company manages its ability to generate liquidity primarily through liability funding in such a way that it believes it maintains overall liquidity sufficient to satisfy its depositors' withdrawal demands and meet its borrowers' credit needs. At September 30, 2015, the Company had commitments of approximately $263.5 million to fund loan originations, $533.4 million of unused lines of credit and unadvanced loans, and $38.7 million of outstanding letters of credit.

The Company's primary sources of funds are customer deposits, FHLBank advances, other borrowings, loan repayments, unpledged securities, proceeds from sales of loans and available-for-sale securities and funds provided from operations. The Company utilizes particular sources of funds based on the comparative costs and availability at the time. The Company has from time to time chosen not to pay rates on deposits as high as the rates paid by certain of its competitors and, when believed to be appropriate, supplements deposits with less expensive alternative sources of funds.

At September 30, 2015, the Company had these available secured lines and on-balance sheet liquidity:

Federal Home Loan Bank line
$600.8 million
 
Federal Reserve Bank line
$632.7 million
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$232.6 million
 
Unpledged securities
$61.2 million
 

Statements of Cash Flows. During both the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company had positive cash flows from operating activities.  Cash flows from investing activities were negative for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and were positive for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  Cash flows from financing activities were positive for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and were negative for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Cash flows from operating activities for the periods covered by the Statements of Cash Flows have been primarily related to changes in accrued and deferred assets, credits and other liabilities, the provision for loan losses, depreciation, impairments of investment securities, gains on sales of investment securities and the amortization of deferred loan origination fees and discounts (premiums) on loans and investments, all of which are non-cash or non-operating adjustments to operating cash flows. Net income adjusted for non-cash and non-operating items and the origination and sale of loans held for sale were the primary source of cash flows from operating activities. Operating activities provided cash flows of $65.0 million and $34.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, investing activities used cash of $131.2 million and provided cash of $107.0 million, primarily due to the net increase in loans for each of the nine-month periods and the repayment and sale of investment securities.  Investing activities provided cash in the 2014 period as the Company received cash of $189.4 million related to business acquisitions.

Changes in cash flows from financing activities during the periods covered by the Statements of Cash Flows are due to changes in deposits after interest credited, changes in FHLBank advances, changes in short-term borrowings and changes in structured repurchase agreements, as well as dividend payments to stockholders and the exercise of common stock options.  Changes in cash flows from financing activities included the redemption of trust preferred securities in the 2015 period.  Financing activities provided cash of $80.3 million and used cash of $147.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Financing activities in the future are expected to primarily include changes in deposits, changes in FHLBank advances, changes in short-term borrowings and dividend payments to stockholders.

77



Capital Resources

Management continuously reviews the capital position of the Company and the Bank to ensure compliance with minimum regulatory requirements, as well as to explore ways to increase capital either by retained earnings or other means.

At September 30, 2015, the Company's total stockholders' equity was $447.6 million, or 11.0% of total assets. At September 30, 2015, common stockholders' equity was $389.7 million, or 9.6% of total assets, equivalent to a book value of $28.11 per common share. Total stockholders' equity at December 31, 2014, was $419.7 million, or 10.6% of total assets. At December 31, 2014, common stockholders' equity was $361.8 million, or 9.2% of total assets, equivalent to a book value of $26.30 per common share.

At September 30, 2015, the Company's tangible common equity to total assets ratio was 9.4%, compared to 9.0% at December 31, 2014. The Company's tangible common equity to total risk-weighted assets ratio was 11.0% at September 30, 2015, compared to 10.9% at December 31, 2014.

Banks are required to maintain minimum risk-based capital ratios. These ratios compare capital, as defined by the risk-based regulations, to assets adjusted for their relative risk as defined by the regulations. Under current guidelines, which became effective January 1, 2015, banks must have a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.50% (new requirement), a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.00% (increased from 4.00%), a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 8.00%, and a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.00%. To be considered "well capitalized," banks must have a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.50% (new requirement), a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.00% (increased from 6.00%), a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 10.00%, and a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5.00%. On September 30, 2015, the Bank's common equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 11.4%, its Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 11.4%, its total risk-based capital ratio was 12.5% and its Tier 1 leverage ratio was 9.7%. As a result, as of September 30, 2015, the Bank was well capitalized, with capital ratios in excess of those required to qualify as such.

The Federal Reserve Board has established capital regulations for bank holding companies that generally parallel the capital regulations for banks. On September 30, 2015, the Company's common equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 11.0%, its Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 13.4%, its total risk-based capital ratio was 14.5% and its Tier 1 leverage ratio was 11.4%. To be considered well capitalized, a bank holding company must have a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6.00% and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.00%.  As of September 30, 2015, the Company was considered well capitalized, with capital ratios in excess of those required to qualify as such.

In addition to the minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and total risk-based capital ratio, the Company and the Bank will have to maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of additional common equity Tier 1 capital greater than 2.5% of risk-weighted assets above the required minimum levels in order to avoid limitations on paying dividends, repurchasing shares, and paying discretionary bonuses.  The new capital conservation buffer requirement is to be phased in beginning on January 1, 2016 when a buffer greater than 0.625% of risk-weighted assets will be required, which amount will increase each year until the buffer requirement of greater than 2.5% of risk-weighted assets is fully implemented on January 1, 2019.

For additional information, see "Item 1. Business—Government Supervision and Regulation-Capital-New Capital Rules" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

On August 18, 2011, the Company entered into a Small Business Lending Fund-Securities Purchase Agreement ("Purchase Agreement") with the Secretary of the Treasury, pursuant to which the Company sold 57,943 shares of the Company's Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (the "SBLF Preferred Stock"), to the Secretary of the Treasury for a purchase price of $57,943,000.  The SBLF Preferred Stock was issued pursuant to Treasury's SBLF program, a $30 billion fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 that was created to encourage lending to small businesses by providing Tier 1 capital to qualified community banks and holding companies with assets of less than $10 billion.  As required by the Purchase Agreement, the proceeds from the sale of the SBLF Preferred Stock were used to redeem the 58,000 shares of preferred stock, previously issued to the Treasury pursuant to the TARP Capital Purchase Program (the "CPP"), at a redemption price of $58.0 million plus the accrued dividends owed on the preferred shares.
 
78


 
The SBLF Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital.  The holder of the SBLF Preferred Stock is entitled to receive non-cumulative dividends, payable quarterly, on each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1.  The dividend rate, as a percentage of the liquidation amount, can fluctuate between one percent (1%) and five percent (5%) per annum on a quarterly basis during the first 10 quarters during which the SBLF Preferred Stock is outstanding, based upon changes in the level of "Qualified Small Business Lending" or "QSBL" (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) by the Bank over the adjusted baseline level calculated under the terms of the SBLF Preferred Stock ($249.7 million).  Based upon the increase in the Bank's level of QSBL over the adjusted baseline level, the dividend rate has been 1.0%.  For the tenth calendar quarter through four and one half years after issuance, the dividend rate will be fixed at between one percent (1%) and seven percent (7%) based upon the level of qualifying loans.  The Company has reached the eleventh calendar quarter and the dividend rate will be 1.0% until four and one half years after the issuance, which is March 2016.  After four and one half years from issuance, the dividend rate will increase to 9% (including a quarterly lending incentive fee of 0.5%).

The SBLF Preferred Stock is non-voting, except in limited circumstances.  In the event that the Company misses five dividend payments, whether or not consecutive, the holder of the SBLF Preferred Stock will have the right, but not the obligation, to appoint a representative as an observer on the Company's Board of Directors.  In the event that the Company misses six dividend payments, whether or not consecutive, and if the then outstanding aggregate liquidation amount of the SBLF Preferred Stock is at least $25,000,000, then the holder of the SBLF Preferred Stock will have the right to designate two directors to the Board of Directors of the Company.

The SBLF Preferred Stock may be redeemed at any time at the Company's option, at a redemption price of 100% of the liquidation amount plus accrued but unpaid dividends to the date of redemption for the current period, subject to the approval of its federal banking regulator.  Our Bank earnings have afforded us the ability to distribute cash in the form of dividends to the holding company such that we now have enough cash there to fully repay the SBLF funds.  The dividend rate on any unpaid balance will increase from 1% to 9% on February 18, 2016.  We currently anticipate repaying the SBLF funds prior to that date.

Dividends. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company declared a common stock cash dividend of $0.22 per share, or 28% of net income per diluted common share for that three month period, and paid a common stock cash dividend of $0.22 per share (which was declared in June 2015).  During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company declared a common stock cash dividend of $0.20 per share, or 24% of net income per diluted common share for that three month period, and paid a common stock cash dividend of $0.20 per share (which was declared in June 2014).  During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company declared a common stock cash dividend of $0.64 per share, or 26% of net income per diluted common share for that nine month period, and paid a common stock cash dividend of $0.62 per share.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company declared a common stock cash dividend of $0.60 per share, or 27% of net income per diluted common share for that nine month period, and paid a common stock cash dividend of $0.58 per share.  The Board of Directors meets regularly to consider the level and the timing of dividend payments.  The $0.22 per share dividend declared but unpaid as of September 30, 2015, was paid to stockholders in October 2015.  In addition, the Company paid preferred dividends as described below.

The terms of the SBLF Preferred Stock limit the ability of the Company to pay dividends and repurchase shares of common stock. Under the terms of the SBLF Preferred Stock, no repurchases may be effected, and no dividends may be declared or paid on preferred shares ranking pari passu with the SBLF Preferred Stock, junior preferred shares, or other junior securities (including the common stock) during the current quarter and for the next three quarters following the failure to declare and pay dividends on the SBLF Preferred Stock, except that, in any such quarter in which the dividend is paid, dividend payments on shares ranking pari passu may be paid to the extent necessary to avoid any resulting material covenant breach.

Under the terms of the SBLF Preferred Stock, the Company may only declare and pay a dividend on the common stock or other stock junior to the SBLF Preferred Stock, or repurchase shares of any such class or series of stock, if, after payment of such dividend, or after giving effect to such repurchase, (i) the dollar amount of the Company's Tier 1 Capital would be at least equal to the "Tier 1 Dividend Threshold" and (ii) full dividends on all outstanding shares of SBLF Preferred Stock for the most recently completed dividend period have been or are contemporaneously declared and paid.  As of September 30, 2015, we satisfied this condition.

The "Tier 1 Dividend Threshold" means 90% of $272.7 million, which was the Company's consolidated Tier 1 capital as of September 30, 2011, less the $58 million in TARP preferred stock then-outstanding and repaid on August 18,
 
79

 
 
2011, plus the $58 million in SBLF Preferred Stock issued and minus the net loan charge-offs by the Bank since August 18, 2011.  The Tier 1 Dividend Threshold is subject to reduction, beginning on the first day of the eleventh dividend period following the date of issuance of the SBLF Preferred Stock, by $5.8 million (ten percent of the aggregate liquidation amount of the SBLF Preferred Stock initially issued, without regard to any subsequent partial redemptions) for each one percent increase in qualified small business lending from the adjusted baseline level under the terms of the SBLF preferred stock (i.e., $249.7 million) to the ninth dividend period.

Common Stock Repurchases and Issuances. The Company has been in various buy-back programs since May 1990. Our ability to repurchase common stock  is currently limited, but allowed, under the terms of the SBLF preferred stock as noted above, under "-Dividends" and was previously generally precluded due to our participation in the CPP beginning in December 2008.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock.  During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 18,000 shares of its common stock at an average price of $28.45 per share. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company issued 59,928 shares of stock at an average price of $26.58 per share to cover stock option exercises.  During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company issued 23,270 shares of stock at an average price of $30.59 per share to cover stock option exercises. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company issued 106,231 shares of stock at an average price of $25.99 per share to cover stock option exercises.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company issued 51,241 shares of stock at an average price of $27.50 per share to cover stock option exercises.

Management has historically utilized stock buy-back programs from time to time as long as management believed that repurchasing the stock would contribute to the overall growth of shareholder value. The number of shares of stock that will be repurchased at any particular time and the prices that will be paid are subject to many factors, several of which are outside of the control of the Company. The primary factors, however, are the number of shares available in the market from sellers at any given time, the price of the stock within the market as determined by the market and the projected impact on the Company's earnings per share and capital. 


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Asset and Liability Management and Market Risk

A principal operating objective of the Company is to produce stable earnings by achieving a favorable interest rate spread that can be sustained during fluctuations in prevailing interest rates. The Company has sought to reduce its exposure to adverse changes in interest rates by attempting to achieve a closer match between the periods in which its interest-bearing liabilities and interest-earning assets can be expected to reprice through the origination of adjustable-rate mortgages and loans with shorter terms to maturity and the purchase of other shorter term interest-earning assets.

Our Risk When Interest Rates Change

The rates of interest we earn on assets and pay on liabilities generally are established contractually for a period of time. Market interest rates change over time. Accordingly, our results of operations, like those of other financial institutions, are impacted by changes in interest rates and the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities. The risk associated with changes in interest rates and our ability to adapt to these changes is known as interest rate risk and is our most significant market risk.

How We Measure the Risk to Us Associated with Interest Rate Changes

In an attempt to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates and comply with applicable regulations, we monitor Great Southern's interest rate risk. In monitoring interest rate risk we regularly analyze and manage assets and liabilities based on their payment streams and interest rates, the timing of their maturities and their sensitivity to actual or potential changes in market interest rates.

The ability to maximize net interest income is largely dependent upon the achievement of a positive interest rate spread that can be sustained despite fluctuations in prevailing interest rates. Interest rate sensitivity is a measure of the difference between amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities which either reprice or mature within a given period of time. The difference, or the interest rate repricing "gap," provides an indication of the extent
 
80

 
 
to which an institution's interest rate spread will be affected by changes in interest rates. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest-rate sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest-rate sensitive liabilities repricing during the same period, and is considered negative when the amount of interest-rate sensitive liabilities exceeds the amount of interest-rate sensitive assets during the same period. Generally, during a period of rising interest rates, a negative gap within shorter repricing periods would adversely affect net interest income, while a positive gap within shorter repricing periods would result in an increase in net interest income. During a period of falling interest rates, the opposite would be true. As of September 30, 2015, Great Southern's interest rate risk models indicate that, generally, rising interest rates are expected to have a positive impact on the Company's net interest income, while declining interest rates would have a negative impact on net interest income. We model various interest rate scenarios for rising and falling rates, including both parallel and non-parallel shifts in rates. The results of our modeling indicate that net interest income is not likely to be materially affected either positively or negatively in the first twelve months following a rate change, regardless of any changes in interest rates, because our portfolios are relatively well matched in a twelve-month horizon. The effects of interest rate changes, if any, are expected to be more impacting to net interest income in the 12 to 36 months following a rate change. In June 2014, $130 million of fixed rate borrowings were repaid. Excess liquidity and proceeds from the sale of certain investment securities were used to fund these repayments. The results of our net interest income modeling were not materially affected by these transactions. As the Federal Funds rate is now very low, the Company's interest rate floors have been reached on most of its "prime rate" loans.

As discussed under "General-Net Interest Income and Interest Rate Risk Management," at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were $408 million and $484 million, respectively, of adjustable rate loans which were tied to a prime rate of interest which had interest rate floors. In addition, Great Southern has elected to leave its "Great Southern Prime Rate" at 5.00% for those loans that are indexed to "Great Southern Prime" rather than a national prime rate of interest. Included in those prime-based loans at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were $130 million and $200 million, respectively, of loans indexed to "Great Southern Prime." While these interest rate floors and, to a lesser extent, the utilization of the "Great Southern Prime" rate have helped keep the rate on our loan portfolio higher in this very low interest rate environment, they will also reduce the positive effect to our loan rates when market interest rates, specifically the "prime rate," begin to increase. The interest rate on these loans will not increase until the loan floors are reached. Also, a significant portion of our retail certificates of deposit mature in the next twelve months and we expect that they will be replaced with new certificates of deposit at similar interest rates to those that are maturing.

Interest rate risk exposure estimates (the sensitivity gap) are not exact measures of an institution's actual interest rate risk. They are only indicators of interest rate risk exposure produced in a simplified modeling environment designed to allow management to gauge the Bank's sensitivity to changes in interest rates. They do not necessarily indicate the impact of general interest rate movements on the Bank's net interest income because the repricing of certain categories of assets and liabilities is subject to competitive and other factors beyond the Bank's control. As a result, certain assets and liabilities indicated as maturing or otherwise repricing within a stated period may in fact mature or reprice at different times and in different amounts and cause a change, which potentially could be material, in the Bank's interest rate risk.

In order to minimize the potential for adverse effects of material and prolonged increases and decreases in interest rates on Great Southern's results of operations, Great Southern has adopted asset and liability management policies to better match the maturities and repricing terms of Great Southern's interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Management recommends and the Board of Directors sets the asset and liability policies of Great Southern which are implemented by the asset and liability committee. The asset and liability committee is chaired by the Chief Financial Officer and is comprised of members of Great Southern's senior management. The purpose of the asset and liability committee is to communicate, coordinate and control asset/liability management consistent with Great Southern's business plan and board-approved policies. The asset and liability committee establishes and monitors the volume and mix of assets and funding sources taking into account relative costs and spreads, interest rate sensitivity and liquidity needs. The objectives are to manage assets and funding sources to produce results that are consistent with liquidity, capital adequacy, growth, risk and profitability goals. The asset and liability committee meets on a monthly basis to review, among other things, economic conditions and interest rate outlook, current and projected liquidity needs and capital positions and anticipated changes in the volume and mix of assets and liabilities. At each meeting, the asset and liability committee recommends appropriate strategy changes based on this review. The Chief Financial Officer or his designee is responsible for reviewing and reporting on the effects of the policy implementations and strategies to the Board of Directors at their monthly meetings.
 
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In order to manage its assets and liabilities and achieve the desired liquidity, credit quality, interest rate risk, profitability and capital targets, Great Southern has focused its strategies on originating adjustable rate loans, and managing its deposits and borrowings to establish stable relationships with both retail customers and wholesale funding sources.

At times, depending on the level of general interest rates, the relationship between long- and short-term interest rates, market conditions and competitive factors, we may determine to increase our interest rate risk position somewhat in order to maintain or increase our net interest margin.

The asset and liability committee regularly reviews interest rate risk by forecasting the impact of alternative interest rate environments on net interest income and market value of portfolio equity, which is defined as the net present value of an institution's existing assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet instruments, and evaluating such impacts against the maximum potential changes in net interest income and market value of portfolio equity that are authorized by the Board of Directors of Great Southern.

In the normal course of business, the Company may use derivative financial instruments (primarily interest rate swaps) from time to time to assist in its interest rate risk management.  In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company began executing interest rate swaps with commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies.  Those interest rate swaps are simultaneously hedged by offsetting interest rate swaps that the Company executes with a third party, such that the Company minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions.  Because the interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings. These interest rate derivatives result from a service provided to certain qualifying customers and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Company's assets or liabilities. The Company manages a matched book with respect to its derivative instruments in order to minimize its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions.

In 2013, the Company entered into two interest rate cap agreements related to its floating rate debt associated with its trust preferred securities.  The agreements provide that the counterparty will reimburse the Company if interest rates rise above a certain threshold, thus creating a cap on the effective interest rate paid by the Company.  These agreements are classified as hedging instruments, and the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company redeemed $5.0 million of the total $30.0 million of its trust preferred securities.  The interest rate cap related to this $5.0 million trust preferred security was terminated and the remaining cost of this interest rate cap was amortized to interest expense.

For further information on derivatives and hedging activities, see Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13(a)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")) that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported accurately and within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate. An evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures was carried out as of September 30, 2015, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and several other members of our senior management. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2015, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to our management (including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer) to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13(a)-15(f) under the Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2015, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
82


 
We do not expect that our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control procedure are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns in controls or procedures can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any control procedure also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control procedure, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to pending and threatened legal actions, some of which seek substantial relief or damages.  While the ultimate outcome of such legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, after reviewing pending and threatened litigation with counsel, management believes at this time that, except as noted below, the outcome of such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.

On November 22, 2010, a suit was filed against the Bank in the Circuit Court of Greene County, Missouri by a customer alleging that the fees associated with the Bank's automated overdraft program in connection with its debit cards and ATM cards constitute unlawful interest in violation of Missouri's usury laws.  The Court has certified a class of Bank customers who have paid overdraft fees on their checking accounts pursuant to the Bank's automated overdraft program.  The Bank intends to contest this case vigorously.  At this stage of the litigation, it is not possible for management of the Bank to determine the probability of a material adverse outcome or reasonably estimate the amount of any potential loss.
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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

On November 15, 2006, the Company's Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to 700,000 shares of the Company's outstanding common stock, under a program of open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions. The plan does not have an expiration date.  From the date we issued our CPP Preferred Stock (December 5, 2008) until the date we redeemed it in connection with our issuance of the SBLF Preferred Stock (August 18, 2011), we were generally precluded from purchasing shares of the Company's stock without the Treasury's consent.  Our participation in the SBLF program does not preclude us from purchasing shares of the Company's stock, provided that after giving effect to such purchase, (i) the dollar amount of the Company's Tier 1 capital would be at least equal to the "Tier 1 Dividend Threshold" under the terms of the SBLF Preferred Stock and (ii) full dividends on all outstanding shares of SBLF Preferred Stock for the most recently completed dividend period have been or are contemporaneously declared and paid, as described under "Part I. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Capital Resources."

On April 21, 2014, Great Southern reiterated that it will consider repurchasing its shares of common stock, from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to its existing repurchase plan.

83


As indicated below, no shares were purchased during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

 
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
 
Average
Price
Per Share
 
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
As Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plan
 
 
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plan(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 1, 2015 – July 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
378,562
 
August 1, 2015 – August 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
378,562
 
September 1, 2015 – September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
378,562
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

_______________________
 
 
(1)
Amount represents the number of shares available to be repurchased under the November 2006 plan as of the last calendar day of the month shown.
 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 
a)
Exhibits
 
 
See Exhibit Index.
 
 
84


 
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.

 
Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.
 
Registrant
 
 
Date: November 6, 2015
/s/ Joseph W. Turner
 
Joseph W. Turner
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Date: November 6, 2015
/s/ Rex A. Copeland
 
Rex A. Copeland
Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 
 
 
 
 

 
85

 

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.                                                                Description
 
(2)
Plan of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation, or succession
 
 
 
(i)
The Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2009, among Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of TeamBank, N.A., Paola, Kansas, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Great Southern Bank, previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 26, 2011 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 2.1(i).
 
 
(ii)
The Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated as of September 4, 2009, among Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of Vantus Bank, Sioux City, Iowa, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Great Southern Bank, previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 11, 2011 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 2.1(ii).
 
 
(iii)
The Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated as of October 7, 2011, among Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of Sun Security Bank, Ellington, Missouri, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Great Southern Bank, previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Exhibit 2.1(iii) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 2(iii).
 
 
(iv)
The Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated as of April 27, 2013, among Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of Inter Savings Bank, FSB, Maple Grove, Minnesota, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Great Southern Bank, previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Exhibit 2.1(iv) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 2(iv)
 
 
(v)
The Purchase and Assumption Agreement All Deposits, dated as of June 20, 2014, among Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of Valley Bank, Moline, Illinois, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Great Southern Bank, previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Exhibit 2.1(v) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 2(v)

(3)
Articles of incorporation and Bylaws
 
 
 
(i)
The Registrant's Charter previously filed with the Commission as Appendix D to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 31, 2004 (File No. 000-18082), is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 3.1.
 
 
(iA)
The Articles Supplementary to the Registrant's Charter setting forth the terms of the Registrant's Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 18, 2011, are incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 3(i).
 
 
(ii)
The Registrant's Bylaws, previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Exhibit 3(ii) to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 23, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 3.2.
 
(4)
Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures
 
The Company hereby agrees to furnish the SEC upon request, copies of the instruments defining the rights of the holders of each issue of the Registrant's long-term debt.
 
 

 
(9)
Voting trust agreement
 
Inapplicable.
 
(10)
Material contracts
  
The Registrant's 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Annex A to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on September 18, 1997 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.1.
 
The Registrant's 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan previously filed with the Commission (File No. 000-18082) as Annex A to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 14, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.2.
 
The employment agreement dated September 18, 2002 between the Registrant and William V. Turner previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.3.
 
The employment agreement dated September 18, 2002 between the Registrant and Joseph W. Turner previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.4.
 
The form of incentive stock option agreement under the Registrant's 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (File no. 000-18082) filed on February 24, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.5.
 
The form of non-qualified stock option agreement under the Registrant's 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (File no. 000-18082) filed on February 24, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.6.
 
A description of the current salary and bonus arrangements for 2015 for the Registrant's named executive officers previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.7. 
 
A description of the current fee arrangements for the Registrant's directors previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.8.
 
Small Business Lending Fund – Securities Purchase Agreement, dated August 18, 2011, between the Registrant and the Secretary of the United States Department of the Treasury, previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 18, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.9.

The Registrant's 2013 Equity Incentive Plan previously filed with the Commission (File No. 000-18082) as Annex A to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 4, 2013, is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.10.

The form of incentive stock option award agreement under the Registrant's 2013 Equity Incentive Plan previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File no. 333-189497) filed on June 20, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.11.
 
The form of non-qualified stock option award agreement under the Registrant's 2013 Equity Incentive Plan previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File no. 333-189497) filed on June 20, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.12.

The form of stock appreciation right award agreement under the Registrant's 2013 Equity Incentive Plan previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File no. 333-189497) filed on June 20, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.13.

 

 
 
The form of restricted stock award agreement under the Registrant's 2013 Equity Incentive Plan previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File no. 333-189497) filed on June 20, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.14.

(11)
Statement re computation of per share earnings
 
Included in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(15)
Letter re unaudited interim financial information
 
Inapplicable.
 

(18)
Letter re change in accounting principles
 
Inapplicable.
 
(19)
Report furnished to securityholders.
 
Inapplicable.
  
(22)
Published report regarding matters submitted to vote of security holders
 
Inapplicable.
 
(23)
Consents of experts and counsel
 
Inapplicable.
 
(24)
Power of attorney
 
None.
 
(31.1)
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
Attached as Exhibit 31.1
 
(31.2)
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Treasurer
 
Attached as Exhibit 31.2
 
(32)
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)
 
Attached as Exhibit 32.
 
(99)
Additional Exhibits
 
None.

(101)
 

Attached as Exhibit 101 are the following financial statements from the Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, formatted in Extensive Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) consolidated statements of financial condition, (ii) consolidated statements of income, (iii) consolidated statements of comprehensive income, (iv) consolidated statements of cash flows and (v) notes to consolidated financial statements.