WTBA-2011.12.31-10K
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT of 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
or
 
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number:  0-49677

WEST BANCORPORATION, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
IOWA
42-1230603
(State of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
1601 22nd STREET, WEST DES MOINES, IOWA
50266
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (515) 222-2300

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  NONE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE
(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes  o     No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes  o     No  x

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  x No  o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
 

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

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

The aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2011, was approximately $149,817,000.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock as of the most recent practicable date, March 6, 2012.

17,403,882 shares Common Stock, no par value

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The definitive proxy statement of West Bancorporation, Inc., which was filed on March 7, 2012, is incorporated by reference into Part III hereof to the extent indicated in such Part.

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FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART I
 
 
 
ITEM 1.
 
 
 
ITEM 1A.
 
 
 
ITEM 1B.
 
 
 
ITEM 2.
 
 
 
ITEM 3.
 
 
 
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
 
 
PART II
 
 
 
ITEM 5.
 
 
 
ITEM 6.
 
 
 
ITEM 7.
 
 
 
ITEM 7A.
 
 
 
ITEM 8.
 
 
 
ITEM 9.
 
 
 
ITEM 9A.
 
 
 
ITEM 9B.
 
 
 
PART III
 
 
 
ITEM 10.
 
 
 
ITEM 11.
 
 
 
ITEM 12.
 
 
 
ITEM 13.
 
 
 
ITEM 14.
 
 
 
PART IV
 
 
 
ITEM 15.


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"SAFE HARBOR" CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this report, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives, and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “should,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “future,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “strategy,” “plan,” “opportunity,” “will be,” “will likely result,” “will continue,” or similar references, or references to estimates, predictions, or future events.  Such forward-looking statements are based upon certain underlying assumptions, risks, and uncertainties.  Because of the possibility that the underlying assumptions are incorrect or do not materialize as expected in the future, actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements.  Risks and uncertainties that may affect future results include: interest rate risk; competitive pressures; pricing pressures on loans and deposits; changes in credit and other risks posed by the Company's loan and investment portfolios, including declines in commercial or residential real estate values or changes in the allowance for loan losses dictated by new market conditions or regulatory requirements; actions of bank and non-bank competitors; changes in local and national economic conditions; changes in regulatory requirements, limitations, and costs; changes in customers' acceptance of the Company's products and services; and any other risks described in the “Risk Factors” sections of this and other reports made by the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update such forward-looking statements to reflect current or future events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS IN 2011

West Bancorporation, Inc. (the Company or West Bancorporation) is an Iowa corporation and a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (BHCA).  The Company was formed in 1984 to own West Des Moines State Bank, an Iowa chartered bank headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa.  West Des Moines State Bank is now known as West Bank. West Bank is a business-focused community bank that was organized in 1893. The Company's primary activity during 2011 was the ownership of West Bank. The Company's and West Bank's only business is banking, and therefore, no segment information is presented.

During 2011 the business of West Bank and the Company changed in three material and positive ways. First, as of June 3, 2011, West Bank was relieved from the requirements of an April 2010 memorandum of understanding with the Iowa Division of Banking and the FDIC. In addition, all capital and dividend restrictions were released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago shortly thereafter. West Bank and the Company are currently not subject to any extraordinary regulatory requirements. Second, on June 29, 2011, the Company repurchased all $36,000 of the preferred stock and the warrant the Company sold to the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Capital Purchase Program. These purchases were done without selling any equity or incurring any debt. The Company thereby eliminated the requirement to pay preferred stock dividends, which improves net income available to common shareholders. Finally, starting in May 2011, the Company resumed paying quarterly cash dividends to its shareholders. The Company paid cash dividends of 5 cents per common share in May and August and 7 cents per common share in November. An 8 cent per common share dividend was paid in February 2012. The Company expects to continue paying regular quarterly dividends in the future.

During 2011 the Company also focused on making improvements in its internal processes. The sales and credit functions were, in large part, separated. This development allows West Bank's highly trained sales force to be focused on generating revenue and relationship building. The credit function is more focused on the underwriting and documentation of new business opportunities. West Bank has added additional specialized expertise to perform these important functions at higher levels than in the past. The Company believes these investments helped speed up the improvements in the quality of West Bank's loan portfolio and should also help keep that quality high going forward. The Company views these infrastructure investments as a necessary part of West Bank's foundation for future growth.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS

West Bank provides full-service community banking and trust services to customers located primarily in the Des Moines and Iowa City, Iowa metropolitan areas.  West Bank has eleven full-service offices. West Bank offers all basic types of credit to its customers, including commercial, real estate, and consumer loans.  West Bank offers trust services typically found in a commercial bank with trust powers, including the administration of estates, conservatorships, personal trusts, and agency accounts.  West Bank also originates residential mortgages that are primarily sold in the secondary market.  In addition, West Bank offers a full range of deposit services including checking, savings, money market accounts, and time certificates of deposit.  All of West Bank's deposit accounts are FDIC insured up to the maximum amount determined by law.

West Bank's business strategy emphasizes strong business and personal relationships between the bank and its customers and the delivery of products and services that meet the individualized needs of those customers.  West Bank's commitment extends to building strong communities. West Bank's buy-local commitment contributes to the incomes of its communities. West Bank also emphasizes strong cost controls while striving to achieve above average return on equity and assets.  To accomplish these goals, West Bank focuses on local market small to medium-sized businesses that traditionally wish to develop an exclusive relationship with a single bank.  West Bank has the size to give the personal attention required by local business owners and the financial expertise and entrepreneurial attitude to help businesses meet their financial service needs. West Bank also supports its customers by being a connected member of the business community.

The market areas served by West Bank are highly competitive with respect to both loans and deposits.  West Bank competes with other commercial banks, many of whom are subsidiaries of other bank holding companies, savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage companies, finance affiliates of auto companies, and other financial service providers. According to the FDIC's Summary of Deposits, as of June 30, 2011, there were 36 other banks and savings and loan associations operating within Polk County, Iowa, where seven of West Bank's offices are located.  West Bank ranked fourth based on total deposits of all banking offices in Polk County.  As of June 30, 2011, there were 17 other banks and savings and loan associations within Johnson County, Iowa, which includes Iowa City.  Three West Bank offices are located in Johnson County.  West Bank ranked fourth based on total deposits of all banking offices in Johnson County.  West Bank also has one office located in Dallas County.  For the entire state, West Bank ranked eleventh in terms of deposit size.

Some of West Bank's competitors are locally controlled, while others are components of regional, national, or international companies. West Bank does not have one or a small number of competitors who are dominant in West Bank's markets.  The larger nation-wide or regional banks have certain competitive advantages due to their abilities to pursue substantial advertising campaigns and allocate their investment assets to out-of-market geographic regions with potentially higher returns.  Such banks also offer certain services, for example, international and conduit financing transactions, which are not offered directly by West Bank.  These larger banking organizations have much higher legal lending limits than West Bank, and therefore, may be better able to service large regional, national, and global commercial customers.

In order to compete to the fullest extent possible with the other financial institutions in its primary trade areas, West Bank uses the flexibility and knowledge that is afforded by its local management and Board of Directors.  West Bank seeks to capitalize on customers' desire to do business with a local institution. This includes emphasizing specialized services, local promotional activities, and personal contacts by West Bank's officers, directors, and employees.  In particular, West Bank competes for deposits principally by offering depositors a variety of deposit programs, convenient office locations and hours, and other personalized services.  West Bank competes for loans primarily by offering competitive interest rates, experienced lending personnel with local decision-making authority, flexible loan arrangements, and quality products and services.

West Bank also competes with the general financial markets for funds.  Yields on corporate and government debt securities and commercial paper affect West Bank's ability to attract and hold deposits.  West Bank also competes for funds with money market accounts and similar investment vehicles offered by brokerage firms, mutual fund companies, internet banks, and others. These competitions are based almost exclusively on yields to customers.

The Company and West Bank are subject to extensive federal and state regulation and supervision.  Regulation and supervision of financial institutions is intended primarily to protect customers and the FDIC insurance fund rather than shareholders of the Company.  The laws and regulations affecting banks and bank holding companies change regularly.  Any future change in applicable laws, regulations, or regulatory policies may have material effects on the business, operations, and prospects of the Company, which cannot now be fully anticipated.  Some, but not all, of the regulatory and supervisory environment in which the Company and West Bank exist are discussed below.

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The enforcement powers available to federal and state banking regulators are substantial and include, among other things, the ability to assess civil monetary penalties, to issue cease-and-desist or removal orders, and to initiate injunctive actions against banking organizations and institution-affiliated parties, as defined.  In general, enforcement actions must be initiated for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices.  Other actions, or inactions, may provide the basis for enforcement action, including misleading or untimely reports filed with regulatory authorities.  Applicable law also requires public disclosure of final enforcement actions by the federal banking agencies.

As a bank holding company, West Bancorporation is subject to regulation under the BHCA, which subjects the Company and West Bank to supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve.  The Company files quarterly and annual reports of its operations and such additional information as the Federal Reserve may require.  

A bank holding company is required to serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary bank(s) and may not conduct its operations in an unsafe or unsound manner.  In addition, it is the Federal Reserve's position that in serving as a source of strength to its subsidiary bank, a bank holding company should use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to its subsidiary bank during periods of financial stress or adversity.  It should also maintain the financial flexibility and capacity to obtain additional resources for providing assistance to its subsidiary bank.   The Federal Reserve generally considers a bank holding company's failure to be a source of strength for a subsidiary bank to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice, a violation of the Federal Reserve's regulations, or both.

Bank holding companies must obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve before they: (1) acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting stock of any bank if, after such acquisition, they would own or control, directly or indirectly, more than five percent of the voting stock of such bank; (2) merge or consolidate with another financial or bank holding company; or (3) acquire substantially all of the assets of any additional banks.

With certain exceptions, the BHCA also prohibits bank holding companies from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of voting stock in any company other than a bank or bank holding company unless the Federal Reserve finds the company's business to be incidental to the business of banking.
  
The Company and West Bank are deemed affiliates within the meaning of the Federal Reserve Act, and transactions between affiliates are subject to certain restrictions.  Generally, the Federal Reserve Act: (1) limits the extent to which the financial institution or its subsidiaries may engage in "covered transactions” with an affiliate; and (2) requires all transactions with an affiliate, whether or not “covered transactions,” to be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the institution or subsidiary, as those provided to a non-affiliate.  The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of guarantees, and similar transactions.

West Bank is a state-chartered bank subject to primary federal regulation and supervision by the FDIC and the Iowa Division of Banking.  The federal laws applicable to West Bank regulate, among other things, the scope of its business, its investments, its reserves against deposits, the timing of the availability of deposited funds, and the nature and amount of collateral for loans.  West Bank files quarterly reports of its operations with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). The FDIC has authority to prohibit banks under its supervision from engaging in what it considers to be unsafe and unsound business practices.  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA) required federal banking regulators to adopt regulations or guidelines in a number of areas to ensure bank safety and soundness, including internal controls, credit underwriting, asset growth, earnings, management compensation, and ratios of classified assets to capital.  FDICIA also contains provisions regarding independent auditing requirements, restricts the activities of state-chartered insured banks, amends various consumer banking laws, limits the ability of “undercapitalized banks” to borrow from the Federal Reserve's discount window, requires regulators to perform periodic on-site bank examinations, and sets standards for real estate lending.
 
West Bank is subject to limitations on the aggregate amount of loans that it can make to any one borrower, including related entities.  Subject to numerous exceptions based on the type of loans and collateral, applicable statutes and regulations generally limit loans to one borrower to fifteen percent of total equity plus the allowance for loan losses.  West Bank is in compliance with applicable requirements governing loans to one borrower.

The Federal Reserve, the FDIC, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency have adopted risk-based capital guidelines for banks and bank holding companies that are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banks and bank holding companies and to account for off-balance sheet items.  Failure to achieve and maintain adequate capital levels may give rise to supervisory action through the issuance of a capital directive to ensure the maintenance of required capital levels.  The Company and West Bank are in compliance with applicable regulatory capital level requirements.

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Dividends paid to the Company by West Bank are the major source of Company cash flow.  Various federal and state statutory provisions limit the amount of dividends banking subsidiaries are permitted to pay to their holding companies without regulatory approval.  Federal Reserve policy further limits the circumstances under which bank holding companies may declare dividends.  For example, a bank holding company should not continue its existing rate of cash dividends on its common stock unless its net income is sufficient to fully fund each dividend, and its prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality, and overall financial condition.  In addition, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have issued policy statements providing that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings.  Federal and state banking regulators may also restrict the payment of dividends by order.

West Bank, as a state-chartered bank, is restricted under Iowa law to paying dividends only out of its undivided profits.  Additionally, the payment of dividends by West Bank is affected by the requirement to maintain adequate capital pursuant to applicable capital adequacy guidelines and regulations, and West Bank is generally prohibited from paying any dividends if, following payment thereof, West Bank would be undercapitalized.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) was signed into law on July 31, 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act constitutes a substantial change to financial and banking regulation. The two main annunciated goals of the legislation are to lower the systemic risks of the financial system and enhance consumer protections. The specific compliance burden and impact on the operations and profitability of the Company and West Bank with respect to the Dodd-Frank Act are currently not fully known, as the Dodd-Frank Act delegates to various federal agencies the task of implementing its many provisions through regulation. Hundreds of new federal regulations, studies and reports addressing all of the major areas of the new law, including the regulation of financial institutions and their holding companies, will be required, ensuring that federal rules and policies in this area will be expanding further for some time to come.

The Dodd-Frank Act also created the new Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (BCFP), which consolidates most federal regulation of financial services offered to consumers. The BCFP is supposed to ensure that consumers receive clear and accurate information for evaluating mortgages, credit cards, and other financial products; to provide consumers with one dedicated advocate; and to protect them from hidden fees and deceptive practices. The BCFP will also oversee the enforcement of federal laws intended to ensure the fair, equitable, and nondiscriminatory access to consumer credit. The ultimate impact of the BCFP's broad new rulemaking powers on the operations of financial institutions offering consumer financial products or services, including West Bank, is not fully known.

Finally, the Company is subject to regulation under the federal securities laws as administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as well as the listing rules of the Nasdaq stock market.  Both the SEC and Nasdaq establish requirements for financial reporting, corporate disclosures, and corporate governance.

The Company and West Bank had approximately 190 employees as of December 31, 2011.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 1601 22nd Street, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.  The Company's telephone number is (515) 222-2300, and the Internet address is www.westbankiowa.com.  Copies of the Company's annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments thereto are available for viewing or downloading free of charge from the Investor Relations section of the website as soon as reasonably practicable after the documents are filed or furnished to the SEC.  The Company's quarterly and annual reports to the Federal Reserve are available at http://www.ffiec.gov/nicpubweb/nicweb/SearchForm.aspx.  West Bank's quarterly reports of condition and income are available online at https://cdr.ffiec.gov/public/ManageFacsimiles.aspx.


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ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
(dollars in thousands)

West Bancorporation's business is conducted almost exclusively through West Bank.  West Bancorporation and West Bank are subject to many of the common risks that challenge publicly traded, regulated financial institutions.   An investment in West Bancorporation's common stock is also subject to the following specific risks.

Risks Related to West Bancorporation's Business

Our loan portfolio.

The largest component of West Bank's income is interest received on loans. West Bank is in substantial part a business bank. Its loan portfolio includes a significant amount of commercial real estate loans, construction or land development loans, commercial lines of credit, and commercial term loans. West Bank's typical commercial borrower is a small or medium-sized privately-owned Iowa business entity. Our commercial loans typically have greater credit risks than standard residential mortgage or consumer loans because commercial loans often have larger balances and repayment usually depends on the borrowers' successful business operations. Commercial loans also involve some additional risk because they generally are not fully repaid over the loan period and thus usually require refinancing or a large payoff at maturity. If the general economy turns substantially downward, commercial borrowers may not be able to repay their loans and the value of their assets, which are usually pledged as collateral, may decrease rapidly and significantly. Also, when credit markets tighten due to adverse developments in specific markets or the general economy, opportunities for refinancing may become more expensive or unavailable, resulting in loan defaults. The general economic conditions in West Bank's market areas are still challenging for many of our existing loan customers and are somewhat limiting our ability to find credit-worthy new loan customers. Competition for quality loans in our market area continues to be robust.

We must effectively manage our credit risks.

Our business depends on the creditworthiness of our customers. There are obvious risks inherent in making loans. We attempt to reduce our credit risk through prudent loan application and approval procedures, including internal loan reviews before and after proceeds have been disbursed, careful monitoring of the concentration of our loans within specific industries, and collateral and guarantee requirements. These procedures cannot, however, be expected to completely eliminate our credit risks.

Nonperforming loans take significant time to resolve and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

At December 31, 2011, West Bank's nonperforming loans, which consist of nonaccrual loans, loans past due 90 days and still accruing, and troubled debt restructured loans, totaled $10,693, or 1.27 percent of our loan portfolio. While this total is less than the 2010 year end amount, it remains at a level exceeding our usual past experience. Nonperforming loans adversely affect our net income in various ways. We do not record interest income on nonaccrual loans, thereby negatively affecting our income and returns on assets and equity, and our administrative costs increase significantly. Nonperforming loans require significant time commitments from management and lending staff, which takes time away from other duties, including the generation of new business. There is no assurance that we will experience continued reductions in nonperforming loans in the future.

Various factors may cause our allowance for loan losses to increase.

Our allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio. Management evaluates the allowance each quarter to determine that it is adequate to absorb these inherent losses. This evaluation is supported by a methodology that identifies estimated losses based on assessments of individual problem loans and historical loss patterns. In addition, general factors unique to each measurement date are considered, including economic conditions in certain geographic or industry segments of the loan portfolio, economic trends, risk profile, and portfolio composition. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses is highly subjective and requires management to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes in a short period of time. Changes in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans, and other factors, many of which are not within our control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses. West Bank may need to significantly increase the provision for loan losses if one or more of our larger loans or credit relationships unexpectedly becomes delinquent or experiences significant financial difficulties. In addition, federal and state regulators periodically review West Bank's allowance for loan losses and may require West Bank to increase the provision for loan losses or recognize loan charge-offs. Determining the appropriate loan loss allowance is more difficult during periods of significant economic downturn. A significant increase in the allowance for loan losses will result in a decrease in net income and capital and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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If a significant portion of the unrealized losses in our portfolio of investment securities were determined to be other than temporarily impaired with credit losses, we would recognize a material charge to our earnings, and our capital ratios would be adversely impacted.

We analyze our investment securities quarterly to determine whether, in the opinion of management, the value of any of the securities is other than temporarily impaired. To the extent that any portion of the unrealized losses in our portfolio of investment securities is determined to be other than temporarily impaired and credit loss related, we will recognize a charge to our earnings in the quarter during which such determination is made, and our capital ratios will be adversely impacted. Generally, a fixed income security is determined to be other than temporarily impaired when it appears unlikely that we will receive all of the principal and interest due in accordance with the original terms of the investment. In addition to credit losses, losses are recognized for a security having an unrealized loss if West Bank has the intent to sell the security or if it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before collection of the principal amount.

Other real estate owned.

Other real estate owned consists of real estate collateral that the Company has received in foreclosure or accepted in lieu of foreclosure of nonperforming loans. Management obtains independent appraisals to determine that these properties are initially carried at fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure. The appraisals are updated at least annually, and any subsequent write-downs are recorded as charges to operations. Future economic conditions could result in reductions of our estimates of fair value for other real estate owned and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our accounting policies and methods are the basis for how we report our financial condition and results of operations, and they may require management to make estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain.

Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. Our management must exercise judgment in selecting and applying many of these accounting policies and methods in order to ensure they comply with generally accepted accounting principles and reflect management's judgment as to the most appropriate manner in which to record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, management must select the accounting policy or method to apply from two or more alternatives, any of which might be reasonable under the circumstances, yet might result in us reporting different amounts than would have been reported under a different alternative.

We have identified three accounting policies as being "critical" to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations because they require management to make particularly subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because of the likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. These critical accounting policies relate to: (1) determining the fair value and possible other than temporary impairment of investment securities available for sale, (2) determining the valuation of other real estate owned properties, and (3) the allowance for loan losses. Because of the inherent uncertainty of these estimates, no assurance can be given that application of alternative policies or methods might not result in the reporting of different amounts of the fair value of securities available for sale, the fair value of other real estate owned, the allowance for loan losses, and net income.

We are subject to liquidity risks.

West Bank maintains liquidity primarily through customer deposits and other short-term funding sources. If economic influences change so that we do not have access to short-term credit, or our depositors withdraw a substantial amount of their funds for other uses, West Bank might experience liquidity issues. Our efforts to monitor and manage liquidity risk may not be successful or sufficient to deal with dramatic or unanticipated reductions in our liquidity. In such events, our cost of funds may increase, thereby reducing our net interest income, or we may need to sell a portion of our investment portfolio, which, depending upon market conditions, could result in West Bank realizing losses.

Although West Bank's current sources of funds are adequate for its liquidity needs, there can be no assurance in this regard for the future. Liquidity issues during the financial crisis were severe for regional and community banks, as some of the larger financial institutions significantly curtailed their lending to regional and community banks. In addition, many of the larger correspondent lenders reduced or even eliminated federal funds lines for their correspondent customers. If this were to occur to us, and additional debt is needed in the future, there can be no assurance that such debt would be available or, if available, would be on favorable terms.

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The competition for banking and financial services in our market areas is high, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We operate in highly competitive markets. The Des Moines metropolitan market area, in particular, has attracted many new financial institutions within the last two decades. Customer loyalty can be influenced by a competitor's new products, especially if those offerings are priced lower than our products. Some of our competitors may also be better able to attract customers because they provide products and services over a larger geographic area than we serve.

Failure to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could impair our ability to accurately and timely report our financial results and could increase the risk of fraud.

Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. Management believes that our internal controls over financial reporting are currently effective. While management will continue to assess our controls and procedures and take immediate action to remediate any future perceived issues, there can be no guarantee of the effectiveness of these controls and procedures on an on-going basis. Any failure to maintain an effective internal control environment could impact our ability to report our financial results on an accurate and timely basis, which could result in regulatory actions, loss of investor confidence, and adversely impact our business operations and stock price.

Cybersecurity events could negatively affect our reputation, subject us to financial loss, or result in litigation.

West Bank has access to large amounts of confidential financial information and it controls substantial financial assets belonging to its customers as well as the Company. West Bank offers its customers continuous remote access to their accounts in several different ways and otherwise regularly transfers substantial financial assets by electronic means. Accordingly, cybersecurity is a material risk for West Bank.

West Bank depends on data processing, communication, and information exchange on a variety of platforms and networks and over the internet. West Bank cannot be certain all of its systems are entirely free from vulnerability to attack, despite safeguards it has installed. West Bank does business with a number of third-party service providers and vendors with respect to West Bank's business, data, and communications needs. If information security is breached, or if one of West Bank's employees or vendors breaches compliance procedures, information could be lost or misappropriated in manners resulting in financial loss to West Bank, damages to others, or potential litigation. Cyber incidents such as computer break-ins, phishing, identity theft, and other disruptions could jeopardize the security of information stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure, which may result in significant liability to us in excess of insurance coverage, and may cause existing and potential customers to refrain from doing business with us. Although we, with the help of third-party service providers, intend to continue to implement security technology and establish operational procedures to prevent such damage, there can be no assurance that these security measures will be successful.

Employee, customer, or third-party fraud could cause substantial losses.

West Bank's business involves financial assets. Financial assets are always potential targets for fraudulent activities. Employee, customer, or third-party fraud could subject us to operational losses or regulatory sanctions and seriously harm our reputation. Misconduct by our employees, customers, or third-parties could include hiding unauthorized activities from us, improper or unauthorized activities on behalf of a customer, or any of the other potential forms of deceit and misappropriation. It is not always possible to prevent such conduct. It does not even have to be conduct aimed at West Bank. Losses are possible even where a customer is the victim of fraud or misappropriation of assets if bank collateral is involved.

We maintain a substantial system of internal controls and insurance coverage to mitigate against these types of risks. However, should our internal controls fail to prevent or detect an occurrence, or if any resulting loss is not insured or exceeds applicable insurance limits, it could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

The loss of the services of any of our senior executive officers or key personnel could cause our business to suffer.

Much of our success is due to our ability to attract and retain senior management and key personnel experienced in bank and financial services and who are very involved in the communities in our market area. Our continued success depends to a significant extent upon the continued services of a relative few individuals. The loss of services of a few of our senior executive officers or key personnel, or the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, at least in the short term. In addition, our success depends in significant part upon our senior management's ability to develop and implement our business strategies.

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Disruption of infrastructure could adversely impact our operations.

Our operations depend upon our technological and physical infrastructures, particularly those located at our home office. Extended disruption of our vital infrastructures due to fire, power loss, natural disaster, telecommunications failure, computer hacking and viruses, or other events could detrimentally affect our financial performance. We have developed disaster recovery plans, but those plans have never been tested by an actual major disaster.

Risks Related to West Bancorporation's Common Stock

Our stock is relatively thinly traded.

Although our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the average daily trading volume of our common stock is relatively small compared to many public companies. The desired market characteristics of depth, liquidity, and orderliness require the substantial presence of willing buyers and sellers in the marketplace at any given time. In our case, this presence depends on the individual decisions of a relatively small number of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. Due to the relatively small trading volume of our common stock, significant sales of our common stock, or the expectation of these sales, could cause the stock price to fall more than would be justified by the inherent worth of the Company. Conversely, attempts to purchase a significant amount of our stock could cause the market price to rise above the reasonable inherent worth of the Company.

There can be no assurances concerning continuing dividend payments.

Our common stock shareholders are only entitled to receive the dividends declared by our Board of Directors. In 2011, our Board declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the second and third quarters of $0.05 per share and a dividend of $0.07 per share in the fourth quarter, and in January 2012 a dividend of $0.08 per common share was declared. Although we have historically paid quarterly dividends on our common stock, there can be no assurances that we will be able to continue to pay regular quarterly dividends at any particular future time or in any particular amount. The primary source of money to pay our dividends comes from dividends paid to West Bancorporation by West Bank. West Bank's ability to pay dividends to West Bancorporation is subject to, among other things, its earnings, financial condition, and applicable regulations, which in some instances limit the amount that may be paid as dividends.

Issuing additional common or preferred stock may adversely affect the market price of our common stock or that capital may not be available when needed.

The Company may issue additional common or preferred shares in order to raise capital at some date in the future to support continued growth, internally generated or through an acquisition. Additional shares may also be issued through the Company's 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, if approved by shareholders at the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders. If additional shares of common or preferred stock are issued, the ownership interests of our existing shareholders may be diluted. The market price of our common stock might decline or fail to advance in response to issuing additional common or preferred shares. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control. Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance of our ability to raise additional capital if needed at acceptable terms.

Risks Related to the Banking Industry in General and Community Banking in Particular

Increasing government regulation is a significant challenge.

The recent recession spawned a number of significant new laws that impact financial institutions including the Dodd-Frank Act, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. These laws and related regulations either have imposed or will impose a significant number of new business practice requirements and restrictions and additional compliance burdens on banks. The regulation of bank services and products in the overall financial services marketplace and the increasing burdens of regulatory compliance are significant challenges for banking profitability, especially for community banks such as West Bank.

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The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (BCFP) will impact consumer financial regulation through federal rulemaking and enforcement of “unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices,” which may directly impact the business operations of depository institutions offering consumer financial products or services, including West Bank.

The BCFP, which was created by the Dodd-Frank Act, has broad rulemaking authority to administer and carry out the purposes and objectives of the "Federal consumer financial laws, and to prevent evasions thereof," with respect to all financial institutions that offer financial products and services to consumers. The BCFP is also authorized to prescribe rules applicable to any covered person or service provider identifying and prohibiting acts or practices that are "unfair, deceptive, or abusive" in connection with any transaction with a consumer for a consumer financial product or service, or the offering of a consumer financial product or service. West Bancorporation and West Bank do not employ unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices. However, the potential reach and costs of the BCFP's broad new rulemaking powers on the operations of financial institutions offering consumer financial products or services, including West Bank, are currently unknown. Such rulemaking powers have the potential to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Community banking is adversely affected by conditions in national and international financial markets and economies over which West Bank has no meaningful influence or ability to predict.

The financial crisis of the last several years demonstrates how negative national and international financial and economic developments disrupt the economic activities of local businesses and individuals, who are West Bank's primary customers. Adverse changes in those general conditions promote changes in interest rates, savings levels, demand for loans, loan defaults, and other factors that may substantially and negatively impact West Bank's traditional local commercial banking business model. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States. Its fiscal and monetary policies determine in large part our cost of funds which affects our net interest income. West Bancorporation has no meaningful influence over national or international financial or economic conditions and may not be able to predict adverse changes in those conditions any better than the average business of its size. In addition, West Bank's business model does not include investment banking, brokerage, or trading activities that may remain profitable even in periods of economic contraction or become profitable in the early stages of a general economic upturn. West Bank, as a community bank, has more limited options than larger financial institutions to mitigate general risks of future economic downturns.

Changes in interest rates could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.

Earnings in the banking industry, particularly the community bank segment, are substantially dependent on net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets (investments and loans) and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities (deposits and borrowings). Interest rates are sensitive to many factors, including government monetary and fiscal policies and domestic and international economic and political conditions. During the last few years interest rates have been at historically low levels. When interest rates inevitably increase, banks will experience competitive pressures to increase rates paid on deposits. Depending on competitive pressures, such deposit rate increases may increase faster than rates received on loans, which may reduce net interest income during the transition periods. Community banks, such as West Bank, rely more heavily on net interest income than do larger institutions that have additional non-lending sources of income.

Technological advances.

The banking industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. Effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables banks to better serve customers. Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to effectively implement new technology. Many of our large institution competitors have substantially greater resources than we do to invest in technological improvements. As a result, they may be able to offer, or more quickly offer, additional or superior products that put West Bank at some competitive disadvantage.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

There are no unresolved comments from the Commission staff.


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ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

The Company is located in the main office building of West Bank, at 1601 22nd Street in West Des Moines, Iowa.  The headquarters location is leased.  West Bank rents approximately 18,800 square feet in the building and pays annual rent of approximately $425,000 for a full-service bank location that includes drive-up facilities and one automated teller machine.  West Bank also leases bank buildings and space for eight other locations and for operational departments.  The offices are full-service locations, with drive-up facilities and automated teller machines, except an office in Coralville, which does not have a drive-up.  Annual lease payments for these eight offices and space for operating departments total approximately $1,071,000.  West Bank owns two full-service banking locations in Iowa City. We believe each of our facilities is adequate to meet our needs.
ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On September 29, 2010, West Bank was named a defendant in a purported class action lawsuit in which it is asserted that overdraft fees charged by West Bank on certain bank card transactions are in fact interest charges that violate Iowa usury laws and that West Bank violated common law and statutory standards of good faith due to the manner in which it processed debit card items in consumer deposit accounts. The case is currently being brought by Darla and Jason T. Legg, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, in the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Iowa. West Bank believes many of the allegations made in the plaintiffs' petition are factually and legally inaccurate and that substantial defenses exist for all of the claims raised in the litigation. West Bank is vigorously defending this litigation. The litigation is still in a very preliminary stage.

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

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

This items is not applicable to the registrant.

PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

West Bancorporation common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WTBA.”   The table below shows the high and low sale prices and common stock dividends declared for each quarter in 2011 and 2010.  The market quotations, reported by Nasdaq, do not include retail markup, markdown, or commissions.
 
Market and Dividend Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends
2011
 
 
 
 
 
1st quarter
$
8.00

 
$
6.75

 
$

2nd quarter
8.89

 
6.94

 
0.05

3rd quarter
10.00

 
7.31

 
0.05

4th quarter
10.39

 
7.92

 
0.07

 
 
 
 
 
 
2010
 
 
 
 
 
1st quarter
$
6.64

 
$
4.80

 
$

2nd quarter
9.04

 
6.32

 

3rd quarter
7.28

 
5.51

 

4th quarter
8.19

 
6.13

 
0.05


There were 221 holders of record of the Company's common stock as of February 23, 2012, and an estimated 1,500 additional beneficial holders whose stock was held in street name by brokerage houses.  The closing price of the Company's common stock was $10.29 on February 23, 2012.


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Dividends to common shareholders in 2011 and 2010 were $0.17 and $0.05 per common share, respectively.  Dividend declarations are evaluated and determined by the Board on a quarterly basis.  The ability of the Company to pay dividends in the future will depend primarily upon the earnings of West Bank and its ability to pay dividends to the Company.

The ability of West Bank to pay dividends is governed by various statutes.  These statutes provide that no bank shall declare or pay any dividends in an amount greater than its retained earnings without approval from governing regulatory bodies.  In addition, applicable bank regulatory authorities have the power to require any bank to suspend the payment of dividends until the bank complies with all requirements that may be imposed by such authorities.


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The following performance graph provides information regarding cumulative, five-year return (loss) on an indexed basis of the common stock as compared with the Nasdaq - Total US Index and the SNL Midwest Bank Index prepared by SNL Financial L.C. of Charlottesville, Virginia.  The latter index reflects the performance of bank holding companies operating principally in the Midwest as selected by SNL Financial.  The indices assume the investment of $100 on December 31, 2006, in the common stock, the Nasdaq - Total US Index, and the SNL Midwest Bank Index, with all dividends reinvested.  The Company's common stock price performance shown in the following graph is not indicative of future stock price performance.

 
Period Ending
Index
12/31/2006
12/31/2007
12/31/2008
12/31/2009
12/31/2010
12/31/2011
West Bancorporation, Inc.
100.00

76.49

75.77

30.80

49.00

61.44

NASDAQ Composite
100.00

110.66

66.42

96.54

114.06

113.16

SNL Midwest Bank
100.00

77.94

51.28

43.45

53.96

50.97

*Source: SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA.  Used with permission.  All rights reserved.


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ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected Financial Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Operating Results
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
$
53,319

 
$
61,143

 
$
67,730

 
$
72,532

 
$
82,027

Interest expense
 
11,917

 
19,023

 
26,636

 
31,431

 
43,823

Net interest income
 
41,402

 
42,120

 
41,094

 
41,101

 
38,204

Provision for loan losses
 
550

 
6,050

 
24,500

 
16,600

 
2,350

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
40,852

 
36,070

 
16,594

 
24,501

 
35,854

Noninterest income, including securities gains (losses)
 
9,361

 
10,387

 
8,904

 
4,301

 
8,430

Noninterest expense
 
28,873

 
27,744

 
37,905

 
20,105

 
17,870

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
21,340

 
18,713

 
(12,407
)
 
8,697

 
26,414

Income taxes (benefits)
 
6,072

 
5,330

 
(7,356
)
 
1,386

 
8,062

Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
15,268

 
13,383

 
(5,051
)
 
7,311

 
18,352

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
before income taxes
 

 

 
(10,262
)
 
563

 
982

Income taxes (benefits)
 

 

 
(696
)
 
238

 
414

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
 

 

 
(9,566
)
 
325

 
568

Net income (loss)
 
15,268

 
13,383

 
(14,617
)
 
7,636

 
18,920

Preferred stock dividends and accretion of discount
 
(2,387
)
 
(2,284
)
 
(2,276
)
 

 

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders
 
$
12,881

 
$
11,099

 
$
(16,893
)
 
$
7,636

 
$
18,920

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends and Per Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends
 
$
2,959

 
$
870

 
$
1,566

 
$
11,138

 
$
11,224

Cash dividends per common share
 
0.17

 
0.05

 
0.09

 
0.64

 
0.64

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from continuing operations
 
0.74

 
0.64

 
(0.42
)
 
0.42

 
1.05

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from discontinued operations
 

 

 
(0.55
)
 
0.02

 
0.03

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share
 
0.74

 
0.64

 
(0.97
)
 
0.44

 
1.08

Average common shares outstanding
 
17,404

 
17,404

 
17,404

 
17,405

 
17,536

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End Balances
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
1,269,524

 
$
1,305,463

 
$
1,575,054

 
$
1,554,276

 
$
1,341,289

Average assets
 
1,295,313

 
1,558,461

 
1,618,557

 
1,371,401

 
1,309,119

Investment securities
 
294,497

 
267,537

 
351,269

 
189,558

 
237,378

Loans, including held for sale
 
843,048

 
893,101

 
1,021,042

 
1,101,753

 
985,423

Allowance for loan losses
 
(16,778
)
 
(19,087
)
 
(19,126
)
 
(15,441
)
 
(8,935
)
Deposits
 
957,373

 
972,072

 
1,246,617

 
1,155,132

 
911,371

Long-term borrowings
 
125,619

 
125,619

 
145,619

 
145,619

 
123,619

Stockholders' equity
 
123,451

 
145,436

 
133,059

 
150,063

 
121,606

Average stockholders' equity
 
135,520

 
141,079

 
143,163

 
118,090

 
116,683

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity to assets ratio (average equity divided
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
by average assets)
 
10.46
%
 
9.05
%
 
8.85
 %
 
8.61
%
 
8.91
%
Return on assets (net income (loss) divided
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
by average assets)
 
1.18
%
 
0.86
%
 
(0.90
)%
 
0.56
%
 
1.45
%
Return on equity (net income (loss) divided
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
by average equity)
 
11.27
%
 
9.49
%
 
(10.21
)%
 
6.47
%
 
16.21
%
Efficiency ratio (see page 20 for a definition)
 
49.27
%
 
47.28
%
 
45.30
 %
 
38.24
%
 
37.62
%
Dividend payout ratio (common dividends paid divided by
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
net income (loss) available to common stockholders)
 
22.97
%
 
7.84
%
 
NM

 
145.86
%
 
59.32
%
NM - not meaningful
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

INTRODUCTION

The Company's 2011 overall financial results continued to improve significantly in comparison to 2010 and 2009. The Company's 2011 net income available to common shareholders was $12,881 compared to $11,099 in 2010, or slightly more than a 16 percent increase. On a per common share basis, we improved to $0.74 from $0.64. These improvements were the results of a decline in the provision for loan losses due to the overall improved credit quality in our loan portfolio and the related lower level of nonperforming assets. The 2011 provision for loan losses was $550 compared to $6,050 in 2010. Net interest income in 2011 was $41,402 compared to $42,120 in 2010, or approximately a 1.7 percent decrease, while noninterest income including securities gains and losses declined to $9,361 from $10,387. Our loan portfolio declined to $838,959 from $888,649 at the end of 2010. Deposits were slightly lower at the end of 2011 compared to year end 2010, $957,373 from $972,072. We earned 1.18 percent on average assets in 2011 compared to 0.86 percent in 2010. The return on equity increased during 2011 to 11.27 percent from 9.49 percent in 2010. Our efficiency ratio increased to 49.27 percent from 47.28 percent in 2010, where the lower ratio is better. In 2011, we paid our common shareholders $2,959 (17 cents per common share) in dividends compared to $870 (5 cents per common share) in 2010.

We had three major goals for 2011 and accomplished them all. First, by substantially improving our credit quality, we were able, on June 3, 2011, to be relieved from the April 2010 memorandum of understanding with the Iowa Division of Banking and the FDIC. In addition, all capital and dividend restrictions were released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago shortly thereafter. We are currently not subject to any extraordinary regulatory requirements.

We also achieved another of our major goals for 2011 when we repurchased all $36,000 of the preferred stock and the warrant the Company sold to the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Capital Purchase Program. This was accomplished by using retained earnings and without selling any additional securities or borrowing any additional funds. We thereby eliminated the requirement to pay preferred stock dividends, which improves net income available to common shareholders.

Finally, we accomplished our third major 2011 goal when we reinstated and maintained regular quarterly cash dividends. After a special dividend of 5 cents per common share paid in December 2010, we paid quarterly dividends of 5 cents per common share in May and August and 7 cents per common share in November. We paid an 8 cent per common share dividend in February 2012.

In addition to accomplishing our major financial goals for 2011, we continued making substantial investments to improve our credit processes so that our credit quality remains high going forward. These infrastructure investments are also designed to strengthen our foundation for future growth.

We have created separation between our sales and credit functions. This allows our highly trained sales force to be focused on generating revenue and relationship building. Building relationships includes both expanding business with current customers and gaining new customers. As the economic recovery continues, we want to be well-positioned to take advantage of additional business opportunities.

The credit function is focused on the underwriting and documentation of the new business opportunities. We now have additional specialized expertise available to perform these important functions. The credit function in part also overlaps with our regulatory compliance requirements. Additional resources have also been added to the compliance area to properly handle the unprecedented volume of new regulations applicable to the operations of both the Company and West Bank.

While we had hoped that our loan portfolio would grow during 2011, we are not completely surprised or disappointed that it contracted somewhat. The loan portfolio has declined 17.8 percent since the end of 2009. This has occurred for two primary reasons. First, there were loans in the portfolio that simply could not survive the real estate market collapse and the substantial general downturn in the economy or were loans that we simply no longer wished to own. We believe the portfolio is largely rid of those loans. Second, a material number of our loan customers have been substantially deleveraging during the last three years. They have been paying off debt where they could while waiting for better or less risky opportunities for their businesses. We believe this phenomenon may be starting to change back to a more normal situation, but we cannot precisely predict when or by how much our loan portfolio will start to grow due to existing customer demand. Overall, we believe that our loan portfolio has contracted about as much as it will during this business downturn. We have had opportunities to transition loans from some of our competitors who have had to contract or otherwise have created uncertainty in the minds of their customers. We are pursuing more of those opportunities in 2012. We plan to grow our loan portfolio in 2012.

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The total amount of our deposit balances has remained fairly similar during the last several years except for the planned transfer of approximately $176,000 of SmartyPig® savings account balances in July 2010. That transfer was requested by West Bank. The composition of the deposits has, however, changed in a way that may affect West Bank in the future. The amount of time certificates declined from $435,763 at the end of 2009 to $187,033 at the end of 2011. We believe that this decline is due in material part to depositors' unwillingness to commit to maturity products in this low rate environment. During the same time period total balances in non-maturity deposits increased, excluding SmartyPig® savings accounts. When competitive interests rates increase or alternative investments begin to be perceived as more favorable by our depositors, we may lose some of the non-maturity deposits due to their inherent mobility. Alternatively, if we choose to try to retain a substantial part of these deposits, we may have to raise deposit rates quickly.

We have strong capital resources. Our stock value has increased nicely during the last year, our existing capital is high, and our earnings are solid albeit muted by the economy. We are building infrastructure that can service additional opportunities. We have been presented with potential merger or acquisition opportunities during the last year. None yet have fit our objectives, however, as acquisitions are not a high priority. Nevertheless, we remain attentive to possible transactions.

We understand the things that are required to be a great community bank for our customers and shareholders. Our core corporate values and goals are defined by that understanding. We are rewriting position descriptions, performance appraisals, and incentive programs to align with what we believe are the reasons people should choose to do business with West Bank. Our team is focused on being a great community bank.

Looking forward, we have begun a program of quantitative peer analysis for evaluating Company results. We have identified a set of sixteen publicly traded peer financial institutions against which we will compare our future performances. Our goal is to perform at or near the top of those peers relative to what we consider to be four key metrics: return on equity, return on assets, Texas ratio, and efficiency ratio. We believe these measures encompass the factors that define the performance of a community bank.

From the political, regulatory, and economic perspectives, we expect 2012 will be a year of continued uncertainty and somewhat muted opportunities. We expect the unusually low interest rate environment to continue. We anticipate the Company will be profitable in 2012 at a level that compares favorably with our peers, but which will probably not be totally in line with our high aspirations. The amount of our future profit will depend, in large part, on the amount of loan losses we incur and our ability to grow the loan portfolio. Our loan portfolio still presents somewhat higher than normal risks because it contains a significant amount of loans secured by commercial real estate. While we believe we have aggressively addressed declining real estate valuation issues when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, future changes in real estate valuations in 2012 and beyond remain uncertain.

The following discussion describes the consolidated operations of the Company, including West Bank, West Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary WB Funding Corporation (which owns an interest in SmartyPig, LLC), and West Bank's 99.99 percent owned subsidiary ICD IV, LLC (a community development entity) and the Company's financial condition as of December 31, 2011. The accounts of former subsidiary WB Capital Management Inc. (WB Capital) are included in the accompanying financial statements as discontinued operations for all periods through the sale date of December 31, 2009.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

This report is based on the Company's audited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The financial information contained in these statements is based on the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred.  However, the preparation of these statements requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses.

The Company's significant accounting policies are described in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  Based on its consideration of accounting policies that involve the most complex and subjective estimates and judgments, management has identified its most critical accounting policies to be those related to asset impairment judgments, including fair value and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) of available for sale investment securities, the valuation of other real estate owned, and the allowance for loan losses.

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Securities available for sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes.  The Company evaluates each of its investment securities whose value has declined below amortized cost to determine whether the decline in fair value is OTTI.  The investment portfolio is evaluated for OTTI by segregating the portfolio into two segments and applying the appropriate OTTI model. Investment securities classified as available for sale are generally evaluated for OTTI under FASB ASC 320, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities. However, certain purchased beneficial interests in securitized financial assets, including asset-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations, that had credit ratings of below AA at the time of purchase are evaluated using the model outlined in FASB ASC 325, Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets.

In determining OTTI under the FASB ASC 320 model, the review takes into consideration the severity and duration of the decline in fair value, the length of time expected for recovery, the financial condition of the issuer, and other qualitative factors, as well as the Company's lack of intent to sell the security or whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery.

Under the FASB ASC 325 model, for the second segment of the portfolio, the Company compares the present value of the remaining cash flows as estimated at the preceding evaluation date to the current expected remaining cash flows. An OTTI is deemed to have occurred if there has been an adverse change in the remaining expected future cash flows.

When OTTI occurs under either model, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether the Company intends to sell the security or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If the Company intends to sell or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the OTTI is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the OTTI is separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is determined based on the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, using the original yield as the discount rate, and is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total OTTI related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment. The assessment of whether an OTTI exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at the time.

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

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense.  Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collectability of the principal is unlikely.  The Company has policies and procedures for evaluating the overall credit quality of its loan portfolio, including timely identification of potential problem loans.  On a quarterly basis, management reviews the appropriate level for the allowance for loan losses, incorporating a variety of risk considerations, both quantitative and qualitative.  Quantitative factors include the Company's historical loss experience, delinquency and charge-off trends, collateral values, known information about individual loans, and other factors.  Qualitative factors include the general economic environment in the Company's market areas and the expected trend of those economic conditions.  While management uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic conditions or the other factors relied upon.  To the extent actual results differ from forecasts and management's judgment, the allowance for loan losses may be greater or less than future charge-offs.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - 2011 COMPARED TO 2010

OVERVIEW

Total net income available to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2011, was $12,881 compared to $11,099 for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The Company's 2011 return on average equity (ROE) was 11.27 percent compared to 9.49 percent in 2010.  The return on average assets (ROA) was 1.18 percent, compared to 0.86 percent for the prior year.

Net income from continuing operations was $15,268 for 2011 compared to $13,383 for 2010.  Basic and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations were $0.74 and $0.64 for the same periods, respectively.  The improvement in net income from continuing operations in 2011 compared to 2010 was due to the $5,500 decline in the provision for loan losses. The provision declined due to the combination of lower outstanding loan balances, improving net charge-off experience, and improving credit quality.

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Noninterest income, exclusive of securities gains (losses), declined by $1,192 compared to 2010.  Noninterest income for 2010 included $1,314 of service fees paid to West Bank by SmartyPig, LLC. This fee was discontinued in the third quarter of 2010 after the SmartyPig® savings deposits were transferred to a larger financial institution, therefore no such fees were included in noninterest income for 2011.

Noninterest expense increased by $1,129 over 2010 primarily due to higher salary and benefits and other real estate owned expenses. These increases were partially offset by a substantial reduction in FDIC insurance expense.

The Company has consistently used the efficiency ratio as one of its key financial metrics to measure expense control. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company's efficiency ratio increased slightly to 49.27 percent from the prior year's ratio of 47.28 percent.  This ratio is computed by dividing noninterest expense (excluding goodwill impairment, discontinued operations, and other real estate owned expense) by the sum of tax-equivalent net interest income plus noninterest income (excluding securities gains and net impairment losses and discontinued operations). The ratio for both years is significantly better than peer group averages, which are generally around 70 percent according to data in the September 2011 Bank Holding Company Performance Report, a report prepared by the Federal Reserve Board's Division of Banking Supervision and Regulation.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income declined $718 to $41,402 for 2011 as the impact of a 17.2 percent decline in average earning assets exceeded the savings from lower rates paid on deposits and borrowings. The net interest margin improved to 3.58 percent from 3.04 percent in 2010.  The average yield on earning assets increased 23 basis points primarily due to the $104,975 reduction in average federal funds sold and other short-term investments, while the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities declined 29 basis points.  The net interest spread, which is the difference between the yields earned on assets and the rates paid on liabilities, improved to 3.25 percent from 2.73 percent a year earlier.

For additional details on changes in interest rates and yields and volume variances, see the section of this report entitled, Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity; Interest Rates; and Interest Differential.

Loan Volume/Loan Quality

Total loans declined $49,690 to $838,959 as of December 31, 2011, from $888,649 a year earlier.  Following growth during the second and third quarters, loans outstanding declined approximately $27,700 during fourth quarter 2011. This was attributable to the unexpected payoff of three large commercial loans. Management believes the loan portfolio will grow during 2012 as the pipeline for new loans is improving and the Company is focused on attracting new customers and expanding relationships with existing customers. Nonperforming loans at December 31, 2011, totaled $10,693 or 1.27 percent of total loans.  At December 31, 2010, nonperforming loans totaled $12,930 or 1.46 percent of total loans.  Nonperforming loans include loans on nonaccrual status, loans past due 90 days or more, and loans that have been restructured due to the borrowers experiencing financial difficulties.  In addition, at December 31, 2011, the Company held $10,967 of other real estate owned.  The Company's burden ratio was 16.33 percent as of December 31, 2011, compared to 25.76 percent as of December 31, 2010. The burden ratio is calculated by dividing total nonperforming assets by tangible capital plus the allowance for loan losses. The ratio for both years is significantly better than peer group averages, which were 32.80 percent according to data in the September 2011 Bank Holding Company Performance Report. For more discussion on loan quality, see the Loan Portfolio and Summary of the Allowance for Loan Losses sections of this report.

The allowance for loan losses, which totaled $16,778 as of December 31, 2011, represented 2.00 percent of total loans and 156.9 percent of nonperforming loans at year end, compared to 2.15 percent and 147.6 percent as of December 31, 2010.  The provision for loan losses totaled $550 for 2011, down from $6,050 for 2010.  The Company's net charge-offs as a percent of average loans were 0.34 percent for 2011, compared to 0.63 percent for 2010.  The amount of loans charged off in 2011 totaled $4,764, compared to $6,918 in 2010.  Recoveries in 2011 from loans previously charged off were $1,905, up from $829 in the prior year.  The 2011 recoveries included one commercial recovery of $1,000 as the result of the sale of a loan which had been charged off in a prior year. Management believes the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2011, is sufficient to absorb probable loan losses within the portfolio.

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Noninterest Income

The following table shows the variance from the prior year in the noninterest income categories shown in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  In addition, accounts within the “Other income” category that represent significant variances are shown. 
 
Years ended December 31
Noninterest income:
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
Change %
Service charges on deposit accounts
$
3,244

 
$
3,361

 
$
(117
)
 
(3.48
)%
Debit card usage fees
1,453

 
1,329

 
124

 
9.33
 %
Service fee from SmartyPig, LLC

 
1,314

 
(1,314
)
 
(100.00
)%
Trust services
792

 
818

 
(26
)
 
(3.18
)%
Gains and fees on sales of residential mortgages
1,454

 
1,533

 
(79
)
 
(5.15
)%
Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance
884

 
869

 
15

 
1.73
 %
Gain from bank-owned life insurance
637

 
422

 
215

 
50.95
 %
Other income:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Letter of credit fees
78

 
117

 
(39
)
 
(33.33
)%
Gain from sales of other assets
112

 
42

 
70

 
166.67
 %
All other income
806

 
847

 
(41
)
 
(4.84
)%
Total other income
996

 
1,006

 
(10
)
 
(0.99
)%
Total noninterest income
$
9,460

 
$
10,652

 
$
(1,192
)
 
(11.19
)%

Service charges on deposit accounts declined due to a reduction in overdraft and return check charges.
 
Debit card usage fees continued to show positive growth in 2011 as customers with Reward Me Checking and other checking products continued to expand the use of this convenient payment method. We expect these fees to decline in the future due to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the Federal Reserve final rule which sets a cap on interchange fees at a rate below the market-driven levels. While financial institutions with less than ten billion dollars in assets are exempt from the cap, industry groups believe the price controls will have a negative impact on community banks over time.

The service fee from SmartyPig, LLC was established to compensate West Bank for maintaining the rate paid on the SmartyPig® savings deposits higher than that of other internet-based savings accounts. This fee was discontinued in the third quarter of 2010 when these deposits were transferred to another bank.

The volume of originations of residential mortgages sold into the secondary market during 2011 declined approximately 8.6 percent compared to 2010, while revenue declined by only 5.2 percent. The volume of originations was strong in the third and fourth quarter as the volume of refinancing picked up as residential mortgage interest rates declined to historic low levels. Home sales in the Company's markets remains low, but have started to improve compared to the prior two years. The Company believes 2012 secondary market loan revenues will remain strong due to the current interest rate environment.

Gain from bank-owned life insurance occurred due to the deaths of a bank officer in 2011 and a retiree in 2010. Letter of credit fees have declined compared to the prior year due to a lower demand for this service. Gains from sales of other assets in 2011 included a gain on sale of a foreclosed asset in the first quarter and the sale of an interest in a partnership in the third quarter.

Investment Securities Gains (Losses)

During 2011, the Company recognized securities impairment losses totaling $99 through earnings as a result of the quarterly valuations performed on one pooled trust preferred security (TPS) held by the Company. There were no sales of investment securities during the year.

During 2010, West Bank securities impairment losses totaling $305 were recognized through earnings. Those losses consisted of a $188 OTTI on one single-issuer TPS issued by Old Second Bancorp, Inc. (Old Second) in the second quarter and a $117 credit loss on a pooled TPS during the third quarter. Upon the withdrawal of an exchange offer for Old Second, management decided to eliminate the potential for a total loss on this security and sold it for a loss of $304 during the third quarter. Offsetting this realized loss were gains on sales of municipal and other securities with total net gains of $40 recognized for the year.

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Table of Contents


Noninterest Expense

The following table shows the variance from the prior year in the noninterest expense categories shown in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  In addition, accounts within the “Other expenses” category that represent significant variances are shown.
 
Years ended December 31
Noninterest expense:
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
Change %

Salaries and employee benefits
$
13,194

 
$
10,996

 
$
2,198

 
19.99
 %
Occupancy
3,342

 
3,207

 
135

 
4.21
 %
Data processing
1,921

 
1,815

 
106

 
5.84
 %
FDIC insurance expense
1,298

 
3,082

 
(1,784
)
 
(57.88
)%
Other real estate owned expense
2,883

 
1,716

 
1,167

 
68.01
 %
Professional fees
878

 
959

 
(81
)
 
(8.45
)%
Miscellaneous losses
455

 
1,330

 
(875
)
 
(65.79
)%
Other expenses:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Marketing
311

 
424

 
(113
)
 
(26.65
)%
Business development
331

 
253

 
78

 
30.83
 %
Consulting fees
282

 
235

 
47

 
20.00
 %
Director fees
390

 
355

 
35

 
9.86
 %
Insurance expense
351

 
382

 
(31
)
 
(8.12
)%
Bank service charges and fees
488

 
551

 
(63
)
 
(11.43
)%
Deposit operations expense
214

 
336

 
(122
)
 
(36.31
)%
Loan related expense
203

 
153

 
50

 
32.68
 %
Supplies and printing expense
304

 
250

 
54

 
21.60
 %
Contributions
300

 
150

 
150

 
100.00
 %
All other
1,728

 
1,550

 
178

 
11.48
 %
Total other
4,902

 
4,639

 
263

 
5.67
 %
Total noninterest expense
$
28,873

 
$
27,744

 
$
1,129

 
4.07
 %

The increase in salaries and employee benefits consisted of salary and payroll taxes for new staff members (approximately 20 additional positions), normal annual salary adjustments, higher bonus accruals ($573), and higher benefit costs ($480). The benefit cost increases were primarily for health insurance and 401(k) plan contributions.

FDIC insurance expense for 2011 declined compared to 2010 for three reasons.  The first was the April 1, 2011, change in the assessment base from total average deposits to total average assets less tangible capital. The second was an upgrade in West Bank's regulatory risk classification on June 3, 2011, and the third was the elimination of separate fees for the FDIC's Transaction Account Guarantee Program. FDIC insurance expense for 2012 is projected to hold steady at the 2011 fourth quarter level ($187) except for increases related to any growth in the balance sheet.

Other real estate owned expense increased primarily as a result of property write-downs totaling $3,109 in 2011 compared to $1,621 in 2010. Included in the 2011 amount was one write-down of $1,360 on one particular holding. The write-down represented a 30 percent reduction in carrying value since the previous appraisal. The Company's practice is to obtain updated appraisals at least annually. In the current economic environment, values of foreclosed properties tend to decline as the holding period continues. The Company is actively involved in marketing its other real estate owned properties.  

Miscellaneous losses declined year-over-year as 2010 expense included the total impairment of the Company's investment in a renewable energy closed-end fund.

Marketing expense for 2011 compared to 2010 declined due to reduced advertising. Business development costs increased as a result of additional efforts to retain existing customers and acquire new ones. Consulting fees increased because the company hired a financial advisor to assist with strategic planning, a compensation consultant to assist the Board of Directors' Compensation Committee, and a human resources consultant to assist with improving the Company's salary administration process.

Deposit operations expense has declined significantly as costs associated with the SmartyPig® savings program have been eliminated. Management expects these costs will decline further as changes are made to demand deposit account products.

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Table of Contents


Contributions expense increased as a portion of the bank-owned life insurance proceeds were donated to the West Bancorporation Foundation.

Income Taxes

The Company records a provision for income tax expense currently payable, along with a provision for those taxes payable or refundable in the future.  Such deferred taxes arise from differences in the timing of certain items for financial statement reporting compared to income tax reporting.  The effective income tax rate differs from the federal statutory income tax rate primarily due to tax-exempt interest income, the tax-exempt increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance, gain from bank-owned life insurance, disallowed interest expense, and state income taxes.  For both years, the effective tax rate was also impacted by West Bank's 2007 investment in a qualified community development entity, which generated a federal new market tax credit.  The credit, which totals $2,730, is being recognized over a seven-year period.  The effective rate of income tax expense as a percent of income before income taxes from continuing operations was an expense of 28.5 percent for both 2011 and 2010.  The federal income tax expense was approximately $5,071 and $4,599 for 2011 and 2010, respectively, while state income tax expense was approximately $1,001 and $731, respectively.  The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against the tax effect of state net operating losses, federal and state capital loss carryforwards, and investment security impairments as management believes it is more likely than not that such carryforwards will expire without being utilized.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - 2010 COMPARED TO 2009

OVERVIEW

Total net income available to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2010, was $11,099 compared to a net loss of $(16,893) for the year ended December 31, 2009. The Company's 2010 ROE was 9.49 percent compared to (10.21) percent in 2009. The ROA was 0.86 percent, compared to (0.90) percent for the prior year.

Net income from continuing operations was $13,383 for 2010 compared to a net loss of $(5,051) for 2009. Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations were $0.64 and $(0.42) for the same periods, respectively. The improvement in net income from continuing operations in 2010 compared to 2009 was due in substantial part to the $18,450 decline in the provision for loan losses during 2010. In addition, the 2009 loss included a one-time goodwill impairment at West Bank of $13,376.

Noninterest income, exclusive of securities gains (losses), increased by $1,020 compared to 2009.  Noninterest income for 2010 included $1,314 of service fees paid to West Bank by SmartyPig, LLC. As previously mentioned, this fee was discontinued after the SmartyPig® savings deposits were transferred to a larger financial institution.

Noninterest expense, exclusive of goodwill impairment, increased $3,215 over 2009. The increase included higher salary and benefit costs due in significant part to bonus accruals and discretionary 401(k) plan contributions, increased other real estate owned expense due to write-downs of property values, and higher miscellaneous losses.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company's efficiency ratio was 47.28 percent, up from the prior year's ratio of 45.30 percent.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income increased $1,026 to $42,120 for 2010 as the net interest margin improved to 3.04 percent from 2.86 percent in 2009. The rates paid on deposits and borrowings declined more than the yields on earning assets.  The average yield on earning assets declined 26 basis points, while the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities declined 50 basis points.  The net interest spread improved to 2.73 percent from 2.49 percent a year earlier.

Loan Volume/Loan Quality

Total loans declined $132,061 to $888,649 as of December 31, 2010, from $1,020,710 a year earlier. Loan payoffs exceeded the demand for new loans during 2010 due to the weak economy. Nonperforming loans at December 31, 2010, totaled $12,930 or 1.46 percent of total loans. At December 31, 2009, nonperforming loans totaled $26,317 or 2.58 percent of total loans.  In addition, at December 31, 2010, the Company held $19,193 of other real estate owned.

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Table of Contents


The allowance for loan losses, which totaled $19,087 as of December 31, 2010, represented 2.15 percent of total loans and 147.62 percent of nonperforming loans at year end, compared to 1.87 percent and 72.68 percent as of December 31, 2009. The provision for loans losses totaled $6,050 for 2010, down from $24,500 for 2009. The Company's net charge-offs as a percent of average loans were 0.63 percent for 2010, compared to 1.89 percent for 2009. The amount of loans charged off in 2010 totaled $6,918, compared to $21,380 in 2009. Recoveries in 2010 from loans previously charged off were $829, up from $565 in the prior year.

Noninterest Income

The following table shows the variance from the prior year in the noninterest income categories shown in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  In addition, accounts within the “Other income” category that represent significant variances are shown.
 
Years ended December 31
Noninterest income:
2010
 
2009
 
Change
 
Change %

Service charges on deposit accounts
$
3,361

 
$
4,021

 
$
(660
)
 
(16.41
)%
Debit card usage fees
1,329

 
1,123

 
206

 
18.34
 %
Service fee from SmartyPig, LLC
1,314

 

 
1,314

 
N/A

Trust services
818

 
786

 
32

 
4.07
 %
Gains and fees on sales of residential mortgages
1,533

 
1,114

 
419

 
37.61
 %
Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance
869

 
776

 
93

 
11.98
 %
Gain from bank-owned life insurance
422

 
840

 
(418
)
 
(49.76
)%
Other income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Visa/Mastercard income
201

 
177

 
24

 
13.56
 %
Wire transfer fees
165

 
147

 
18

 
12.24
 %
All other income
640

 
648

 
(8
)
 
(1.23
)%
Total other income
1,006

 
972

 
34

 
3.50
 %
Total noninterest income
$
10,652

 
$
9,632

 
$
1,020

 
10.59
 %

Service charges on deposit accounts declined primarily due to a $501 reduction in overdraft and return check charges and a $127 decline in commercial account fees.  In the last few years, customers have become more conscientious about monitoring their checking account balances to avoid overdraft and return check charges. Service charges on commercial accounts declined due to revised fee schedules as a result of consolidating and simplifying the product offerings.
 
Debit card usage fees grew in 2010 as the Reward Me Checking and other checking product customers expanded the use of this convenient payment method. The service fee from SmartyPig, LLC was established to compensate West Bank for maintaining the rate paid on the SmartyPig® savings deposits higher than that of other internet-based savings accounts.

Trust fees increased in 2010 due to new business and higher asset values from gains in the stock market.
 
Revenue from the sales of residential mortgages sold into the secondary market improved in 2010 due to higher average gains per loan.  The volume of loans sold in the secondary market during 2010 was stable compared to 2009. The volume of home sales in our markets remained low, but many consumers took advantage of the low rates to refinance existing mortgage loans.

The increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance was due to slightly higher yields.  West Bank received tax-exempt income from a gain on life insurance proceeds as the result of the death of one of its retired officers in the third quarter of 2010 and one of its officers in the first quarter of 2009.

Investment Securities Gains (Losses)

Details of 2010 securities impairment losses and realized securities gains are included in the results of operations section, which compares 2011 to 2010.
     
During 2009, West Bank investment securities impairment losses totaling $2,612 were recognized through earnings. Those losses consisted of $2,267 on five single-issuer TPS, a $310 OTTI credit loss on a pooled TPS, and a $35 loss on a unit trust comprised of the common stock of several community banks and bank holding companies. Management liquidated certain bonds during the second half of 2009 in order to reduce the credit risk in the West Bank investment portfolio. Trust preferred, corporate, and selected agency and municipal bonds were sold, resulting in net gains totaling $1,884 for the year ended December 31, 2009.

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Table of Contents


Noninterest Expense

The following table shows the variance from the prior year in the noninterest expense categories shown in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  In addition, accounts within the “Other expenses” category that represent significant variances are shown.
 
Years ended December 31
Noninterest expense:
2010
 
2009
 
Change
 
Change %
Salaries and employee benefits
$
10,996

 
$
9,938

 
$
1,058

 
10.65
 %
Occupancy
3,207

 
3,451

 
(244
)
 
(7.07
)%
Data processing
1,815

 
1,761

 
54

 
3.07
 %
FDIC insurance expense
3,082

 
2,736

 
346

 
12.65
 %
Other real estate owned expense
1,716

 
368

 
1,348

 
366.30
 %
Professional fees
959

 
964

 
(5
)
 
(0.52
)%
Miscellaneous losses
1,330

 
70

 
1,260

 
1,800.00
 %
Goodwill impairment

 
13,376

 
(13,376
)
 
(100.00
)%
Other expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance expense
382

 
285

 
97

 
34.04
 %
Marketing
424

 
504

 
(80
)
 
(15.87
)%
Consulting fees
235

 
413

 
(178
)
 
(43.10
)%
Director fees
355

 
274

 
81

 
29.56
 %
Deposit operations expense
336

 
821

 
(485
)
 
(59.07
)%
Bank service charges and fees
551

 
411

 
140

 
34.06
 %
Postage, courier, and freight
311

 
339

 
(28
)
 
(8.26
)%
All other
2,045

 
2,194

 
(149
)
 
(6.79
)%
Total other
4,639

 
5,241

 
(602
)
 
(11.49
)%
Total noninterest expense
$
27,744

 
$
37,905

 
$
(10,161
)
 
(26.81
)%

The increase in salaries and employee benefits consisted primarily of bonus accruals and discretionary 401(k) plan contributions. Accruals for both were reinstated as a result of improved operating results compared to 2009. The accruals were calculated at approximately 50 percent of the potential maximum payout. The 2010 bonus accrual included $155 of hiring incentives paid to two new members of senior management as consideration for joining the Company. Most salaries were frozen at 2009 levels during the first half of 2010. The Board ended the salary freeze for the second half of 2010 and an average salary increase of 1.5 percent was awarded during the third quarter. Additional employees were hired to enable customer contact personnel to spend more time on business development while others focus on credit underwriting and compliance.

The majority of the decline in occupancy expense was due to a 2009 second quarter $190 one-time buyout for unused space leased by the Company. Depreciation expense on furniture and equipment also declined from the prior year as older assets became fully depreciated.

FDIC insurance expense was higher in 2010 due to a rate increase, higher average deposit balances during the first seven months of the year, and an increase in the cost of the FDIC's Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP).  FDIC expense for 2009 included a second quarter emergency special assessment which was imposed on all insured institutions.

Other real estate owned expense increased primarily as a result of property write-downs totaling $1,621 in 2010 compared to $133 in 2009.  

Miscellaneous losses included $900 of total impairment of the Company's investment in a renewable energy closed-end fund.  The investment consisted of startup expenses for a publicly traded closed-end fund formed to invest in companies involved in the renewable energy sector.  The investment was originally made in support of the Company's former subsidiary WB Capital, which was to be the fund's investment manager.  Miscellaneous losses also included an estimated liability of $195 established for secondary market loans sold through the Federal Home Loan Bank's (FHLB) Mortgage Partnership Finance Program (MPF). West Bank has agreed to guarantee the payment of any realized losses that exceed the FHLB's first loss account for mortgages delivered through the program.

The 2009 goodwill impairment consisted of writing off all goodwill at West Bank, which totaled $13,376. The impairment analysis was completed at an interim period in 2009 due to the Company's common stock price falling to levels below book value.

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Table of Contents


Insurance expense increased compared to the prior year due to increases in premiums. Marketing expense declined due to cost containment efforts compared to 2009.  Consulting fees declined as fees paid in conjunction with the Company's search for a new chief executive officer in 2010 were less than the 2009 costs for hiring consulting firms to assist in evaluating goodwill for impairment and to assist with investment securities valuations. Director fees have increased due to additional meetings in conjunction with hiring the new chief executive officer and an agreement to pay the chairman a monthly fee for his ongoing operational guidance.
 
Deposit operations expense declined significantly as costs associated with opening accounts for the SmartyPig® savings program were transferred to another provider in the third quarter of 2009. This portion of this expense category was eliminated once West Bank's involvement with the program ended. The Company's service charges and fees paid grew in 2010 as a result of retaining an outside party to assist in managing the Company's investment portfolio. Other expense declined due to cost containment efforts throughout 2010.
  
Income Taxes (Benefits)

For 2010 and 2009, the effective tax rate was impacted by a federal new market tax credit.  The effective rate of income tax expense (benefit) as a percent of income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations was an expense of 28.5 percent for 2010, compared to a benefit of (59.3) percent for 2009.  The federal income tax expense (benefit) was approximately $4,599 and $(7,067) for 2010 and 2009, respectively, while state income tax expense (benefit) was approximately $731 and $(289), respectively.  


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Table of Contents


DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY; INTEREST RATES; AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL

Average Balances and an Analysis of Average Rates Earned and Paid

The following table shows average balances and interest income or interest expense, with the resulting average yield or rate by category of average earning assets or interest-bearing liabilities for the years indicated.  Interest income and the resulting net interest income are shown on a fully taxable basis.
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
Average
Balance
 
Revenue/
Expense
 
Yield/
Rate

 
Average
Balance
 
Revenue/
Expense
 
Yield/
Rate

 
Average
Balance
 
Revenue/
Expense
 
Yield/
Rate

Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans: (2) (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
266,539

 
$
13,360

 
5.01
%
 
$
336,979

 
$
16,758

 
4.97
%
 
$
399,696

 
$
19,436

 
4.86
%
Real estate (1)
576,974

 
33,666

 
5.83
%
 
614,585

 
36,733

 
5.98
%
 
690,159

 
40,001

 
5.80
%
Consumer and other loans
7,320

 
379

 
5.18
%
 
10,413

 
521

 
5.00
%
 
10,190

 
643

 
6.31
%
Total loans
850,833

 
47,405

 
5.57
%
 
961,977

 
54,012

 
5.61
%
 
1,100,045

 
60,080

 
5.46
%
Investment securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Taxable
211,687

 
4,193

 
1.98
%
 
228,666

 
4,330

 
1.89
%
 
135,962

 
3,937

 
2.90
%
Tax-exempt (1)
54,344

 
3,372

 
6.20
%
 
72,458

 
4,534

 
6.26
%
 
94,859

 
5,797

 
6.11
%
Total investment securities
266,031

 
7,565

 
2.84
%
 
301,124

 
8,864

 
2.94
%
 
230,821

 
9,734

 
4.22
%
Federal funds sold and other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
short-term investments
91,634

 
234

 
0.26
%
 
196,609

 
541

 
0.28
%
 
198,043

 
521

 
0.26
%
Total interest-earning assets (1)
1,208,498

 
55,204

 
4.57
%
 
1,459,710

 
63,417

 
4.34
%
 
1,528,909

 
70,335

 
4.60
%
Noninterest-earning assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and due from banks
37,037

 
 

 
 

 
34,518

 
 

 
 

 
31,918

 
 

 
 

Premises and equipment, net
5,118

 
 

 
 

 
5,257

 
 

 
 

 
5,201

 
 

 
 

Other, less allowance for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
loan losses
44,660

 
 

 
 

 
58,976

 
 

 
 

 
52,529

 
 

 
 

Total noninterest-earning assets
86,815

 
 

 
 

 
98,751

 
 

 
 

 
89,648

 
 

 
 

Total assets
$
1,295,313

 
 

 
 

 
$
1,558,461

 
 

 
 

 
$
1,618,557

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Savings, interest-bearing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
demand, and money markets
$
469,557

 
2,857

 
0.61
%
 
$
568,043

 
6,168

 
1.09
%
 
$
503,279

 
6,638

 
1.32
%
Time deposits
239,624

 
4,084

 
1.70
%
 
421,015

 
7,049

 
1.67
%
 
527,075

 
12,910

 
2.45
%
Total deposits
709,181

 
6,941

 
0.98
%
 
989,058

 
13,217

 
1.34
%
 
1,030,354

 
19,548

 
1.90
%
Other borrowed funds
191,019

 
4,976

 
2.60
%
 
191,098

 
5,806

 
3.04
%
 
232,894

 
7,088

 
3.04
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
900,200

 
11,917

 
1.32
%
 
1,180,156

 
19,023

 
1.61
%
 
1,263,248

 
26,636

 
2.11
%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Demand deposits
252,307

 
 

 
 

 
229,939

 
 

 
 

 
201,243

 
 

 
 

Other liabilities
7,286

 
 

 
 

 
7,287

 
 

 
 

 
10,903

 
 

 
 

Stockholders' equity
135,520

 
 

 
 

 
141,079

 
 

 
 

 
143,163

 
 

 
 

Total liabilities and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
stockholders' equity
$
1,295,313

 
 

 
 

 
$
1,558,461

 
 

 
 

 
$
1,618,557

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/net interest spread (1)
 
$
43,287

 
3.25
%
 
 
 
$
44,394

 
2.73
%
 
 

 
$
43,699

 
2.49
%
Net interest margin (1)
 

 
 

 
3.58
%
 
 

 
 

 
3.04
%
 
 

 
 

 
2.86
%

(1)
Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using an incremental rate of 35% and is adjusted to reflect the effect of the nondeductible interest expense associated with owning tax-exempt investments and loans.     
(2)
Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans.  Interest income recognized on nonaccrual loans has been included.
(3)
Interest income on loans includes amortization of loan fees and costs, which are not material.

27

Table of Contents


Net Interest Income

The Company's largest component of net income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on earning assets, consisting primarily of loans and investments, and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, consisting of deposits and borrowings.  Fluctuations in net interest income can result from the combination of changes in the balances of asset and liability categories and changes in interest rates.  Interest rates earned and paid are also affected by general economic conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, and by competitive factors, government policies, and the action of regulatory authorities.  Net interest margin for the year is a measure of the net return on interest-earning assets and is computed by dividing tax-equivalent net interest income by the average of total interest-earning assets for the year.

For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company's net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis was 3.58, 3.04, and 2.86 percent, respectively.  The increase in the net interest margin in 2011 was the result of rates paid on deposits and borrowings declining more than the yields on loans and investment securities.  This was partially the result of transferring the SmartyPig® savings deposits to another financial institution in 2010 and a continued reduction in market interest rates for deposits throughout 2011.

Rate and Volume Analysis

The rate and volume analysis shown below, on a tax-equivalent basis, is used to determine how much of the change in interest income or expense is the result of a change in volume or a change in interest yield or rate.  The change in interest that is due to both volume and rate has been allocated to the change due to volume and the change due to rate in proportion to the absolute value of the change in each.
 
2011 Compared to 2010
 
2010 Compared to 2009
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
Interest Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
(3,530
)
 
$
132

 
$
(3,398
)
 
$
(3,110
)
 
$
432

 
$
(2,678
)
Real estate (2)
(2,210
)
 
(857
)
 
(3,067
)
 
(4,487
)
 
1,219

 
(3,268
)
Consumer and other loans
(160
)
 
18

 
(142
)
 
14

 
(136
)
 
(122
)
Total loans (including fees)
(5,900
)
 
(707
)
 
(6,607
)
 
(7,583
)
 
1,515

 
(6,068
)
Investment securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Taxable
(331
)
 
194

 
(137
)
 
2,068

 
(1,675
)
 
393

Tax-exempt (2)
(1,124
)
 
(38
)
 
(1,162
)
 
(1,399
)
 
136

 
(1,263
)
Total investment securities
(1,455
)
 
156

 
(1,299
)
 
669

 
(1,539
)
 
(870
)
Federal funds sold and other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
short-term investments
(271
)
 
(36
)
 
(307
)
 
(4
)
 
24

 
20

Total interest income (2)
(7,626
)
 
(587
)
 
(8,213
)
 
(6,918
)
 

 
(6,918
)
Interest Expense
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Savings, interest-bearing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
demand, and money markets
(936
)
 
(2,375
)
 
(3,311
)
 
791

 
(1,261
)
 
(470
)
Time deposits
(3,089
)
 
124

 
(2,965
)
 
(2,278
)
 
(3,583
)
 
(5,861
)
Total deposits
(4,025
)
 
(2,251
)
 
(6,276
)
 
(1,487
)
 
(4,844
)
 
(6,331
)
Other borrowed funds
(2
)
 
(828
)
 
(830
)
 
(1,270
)
 
(12
)
 
(1,282
)
Total interest expense
(4,027
)
 
(3,079
)
 
(7,106
)
 
(2,757
)
 
(4,856
)
 
(7,613
)
Net interest income (2)
$
(3,599
)
 
$
2,492

 
$
(1,107
)
 
$
(4,161
)
 
$
4,856

 
$
695


(1)
Balances of nonaccrual loans have been included for computational purposes.
(2)
Tax-exempt income has been converted to a tax-equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 35% and is adjusted for the effect of the nondeductible interest expense associated with owning tax-exempt investments and loans.
 

28

Table of Contents


Tax-equivalent interest income and fees on loans declined $6,607 for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to 2010, primarily due to a decline of $111,144 in the average volume of loans outstanding.  The average yield on loans declined slightly to 5.57 percent for 2011, compared to 5.61 percent for 2010.  The yield on the Company's loan portfolio is affected by the mix of the portfolio, the effects of competition, the interest rate environment, the amount of nonperforming loans, and reversals of previously accrued interest on charged-off loans.  The interest rate levels influence the volume of new loan originations and the mix of variable rate versus fixed rate loans.  Loan pricing in the Company's market areas remains competitive, while the demand for new loans began to grow in the second quarter of 2011.

The average balance of investment securities in 2011 fell $35,093 compared to 2010, while the yield declined 10 basis points.  The volume declined due to maturities, paydowns on collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities, and calls related to refinancings in the low interest rate environment. During 2011, investment securities totaling $84,726 were called or matured, and $109,323 were purchased.

The average balance of federal funds sold and other short-term investments declined $104,975 during 2011, and is the primary reason the yield on total interest-earning assets increased 23 basis points compared to 2010. West Bank's goal for 2012 is to further manage the average balance of federal funds sold to lower levels while maintaining appropriate levels of liquidity.

The 2011 average rate paid on deposits declined to 0.98 percent from 1.34 percent for 2010.  The continuing reduction in market rates paid, and the reduction in certificates of deposit by allowing wholesale deposits to mature without renewal during 2011 caused interest expense to decline by $6,276. Certificates of deposit also declined because some customers are unwilling to lock in low interest rates for an extended period of time.

The average rate paid on other borrowings declined 44 basis points to 2.60 percent.  The effective rate on the outstanding subordinated notes declined 274 basis points as those notes became variable on October 1, 2010. The rate as of December 31, 2011, was 3.53 percent, which was approximately half of the former fixed rate. The rate paid on this debt adjusts quarterly at 305 basis points over the three-month LIBOR and is expected to remain at or near the current rate in 2012.

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

The following table sets forth the composition of the Company's securities available for sale as of the dates indicated.

 
As of December 31
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
U.S. government agencies and corporations
$
13,003

 
$
47,798

 
$
177,890

State and political subdivisions
52,517

 
59,137

 
87,935

Collateralized mortgage obligations
175,498

 
122,617

 
54,375

Mortgage-backed securities
35,636

 
18,603

 
10,203

Trust preferred securities
2,011

 
1,976

 
2,067

Corporate notes and other investments
4,480

 
6,195

 
8,008

Total
$
283,145

 
$
256,326

 
$
340,478

 



29

Table of Contents


The investments presented in the following table are at carrying value and reported by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2011.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties. The collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities within the portfolio have monthly paydowns.

December 31, 2011
 
Within one
year
 
After one year
but within five
years
 
After five years
but within ten
years
 
After ten years
 
Total
U.S. government agencies and corporations
$

 
$
9,993

 
$
3,010

 
$

 
$
13,003

State and political subdivisions
1,154

 
7,626

 
20,111

 
23,626

 
52,517

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

 
7,287

 
168,211

 
175,498

Mortgage-backed securities

 
1,947

 
10,455

 
23,234

 
35,636

Trust preferred securities

 

 

 
2,011

 
2,011

Corporate notes and other investments

 
4,180

 

 
300

 
4,480

Total
$
1,154

 
$
23,746

 
$
40,863

 
$
217,382

 
$
283,145

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average yield:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. government agencies and corporations

 
1.09
%
 
3.90
%
 

 
 
State and political subdivisions (1)
5.38
%
 
5.80
%
 
5.29
%
 
6.90
%
 
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

 
2.49
%
 
2.35
%
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities

 
3.25
%
 
3.29
%
 
2.15
%
 
 
Trust preferred securities

 

 

 
2.26
%
 
 
Corporate notes and other investments

 
4.12
%
 

 

 
 
Total
5.38
%
 
3.31
%
 
4.17
%
 
2.79
%
 
 
 
(1)
Yields on tax-exempt obligations have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an incremental tax rate of 35% and are adjusted to reflect the effect of the nondeductible interest expense associated with owning tax-exempt investments.

Generally, management obtains the fair value of investment securities at the end of each reporting period via a third party pricing service. Management, with the assistance of an independent investment advisory firm, reviewed the valuation process used by the third party and believes that process is valid. On a quarterly basis management corroborates the fair values of investment securities by obtaining pricing from an independent investment advisory firm and compares the two sets of fair values. Any significant variances are reviewed and investigated. In addition, the Company has instituted a practice of further testing the fair values by selecting a sample of securities from each category of investment securities. For that sample, the prices are further validated by management, with assistance from an independent investment advisory firm, by obtaining details of the inputs used by the pricing service. Those inputs were independently tested and we concluded the fair values were consistent with GAAP requirements and securities were properly classified in the fair value hierarchy.

As of December 31, 2011, existing gross unrealized losses of $4,721 are considered to be temporary in nature due to market interest rate fluctuations and illiquid markets, not reduced estimated cash flows, and the Company has the ability and the intent to hold the related securities with unrealized losses for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery, which may be at maturity. As discussed below, $3,129 of the total unrealized losses relate to one pooled TPS.

All of the Company's state and political subdivisions investments are with Iowa communities, except for two issues from Nebraska, and all are considered to have acceptable credit risks. Collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities consist of residential mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by GNMA or issued by FNMA and real estate mortgage investment conduits guaranteed by FHLMC or GNMA. Corporate notes include one issuance by the Student Loan Mortgage Association with a fair value of $3,708 and an unrealized loss of $284 as of December 31, 2011, which is scheduled to mature in 2014, and is considered to have acceptable credit risk. The debt obligations were all within the credit ratings acceptable under West Bank's investment policy.

The Company believes the unrealized loss of $965 on an investment in one single-issuer TPS issued by Heartland Financial, USA, Inc. is due to market conditions, not reduced estimated cash flows. The Company does not have the intent to sell this security, does not anticipate that this security will be required to be sold before anticipated recovery, and expects full principal and interest will be collected. Therefore, the Company does not consider this investment to be OTTI at December 31, 2011.

30

Table of Contents


As of December 31, 2011, the Company held a pooled TPS, ALESCO Preferred Funding X, Ltd., with an unrealized loss of $3,129, that is OTTI and has been placed on nonaccrual status. The accrual of interest on an investment security is discontinued when a security is deemed OTTI. The Company engaged an independent consulting firm to assist management with the valuation of this security. Based on that valuation, management determined the security had an estimated fair value of $1,245 at December 31, 2011. The methodology for determining the appropriate discount rate for a TPS for purposes of determining fair value combines an evaluation of current market yields for comparable corporate and structured credit products with an evaluation of the risks associated with the TPS cash flows in question. Details on the methodology for determining fair value for this security is more fully discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Based on the valuation work performed for this security, credit losses of $99, $117, and $310 were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, the unrealized loss of $3,129 is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes of $1,189. The Company will continue to periodically estimate the present value of cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the security.

At December 31, 2011, the most significant risk of a future impairment charge relates to the Company's investment in TPS of other banks discussed above. As previously mentioned, management has concluded that only the pooled TPS is OTTI. Any potential future loss that would be considered a credit loss or an increase in the amount of the unrealized loss attributed to credit, would negatively impact net income and regulatory capital; however, as previously noted, the fair market value adjustment at December 31, 2011, has already been recorded against equity.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company did not have securities from a single issuer, except for the United States government or its agencies, which exceeded 10 percent of consolidated stockholders' equity.

LOAN PORTFOLIO

Types of Loans

The following table sets forth the composition of the Company's loan portfolio by segment as of the dates indicated.
 
As of December 31
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Commercial
$
255,702

 
$
310,376

 
$
356,885

 
$
391,926

 
$
364,994

Real estate:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction, land, and land development
101,607

 
116,601

 
148,505

 
152,704

 
153,184

1-4 family residential first mortgages
63,218

 
51,760

 
64,288

 
67,630

 
58,833

Home equity
26,423

 
26,111

 
30,110

 
35,504

 
32,881

Commercial
386,137

 
372,404

 
413,063

 
441,444

 
360,255

Consumer and other loans
6,155

 
11,514

 
8,163

 
11,884

 
13,790

Total loans
839,242

 
888,766

 
1,021,014

 
1,101,092

 
983,937

Deferred loan fees, net
283

 
117

 
304

 
357

 
372

Total loans, net of deferred fees
$
838,959

 
$
888,649

 
$
1,020,710

 
$
1,100,735

 
$
983,565


As of December 31, 2011, the total amount of loans was approximately 88 percent of total deposits and 66 percent of total assets.  As of December 31, 2011, the majority of all loans were originated directly by West Bank to borrowers within West Bank's principal market areas.  There were no non-U.S. loans outstanding during the years presented.

Loans outstanding declined approximately 5.6 percent compared to the end of 2010. The majority of the decline was in the commercial segment. The loan pipeline as of January 2012 is improving and management believes the Company is well-positioned to grow its loan portfolio.

Commercial loans consist primarily of loans to businesses for various purposes, including revolving lines to finance current operations, inventory and accounts receivable, and capital expenditure loans to finance equipment and other fixed assets.  These loans generally have short maturities, have either adjustable or fixed rates, and are either unsecured or secured by inventory, accounts receivable, and/or fixed assets.

31

Table of Contents


Real estate loans include various types of loans for which West Bank holds real property as collateral, and consist of loans on commercial properties and single and multifamily residences.  Real estate loans are typically structured to mature or reprice every 5 years with payments based on up to 30-year amortization periods.  The majority of construction loans are to contractors and developers for construction of commercial buildings or residential real estate. These loans typically have maturities of up to 24 months.  West Bank originates residential real estate loans for its portfolio and for sale in the secondary market for a fee.

Consumer loans include loans extended to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures not secured by real estate.  The majority of West Bank's consumer lending is for vehicles, consolidation of personal debts, and household improvements.

The interest rates charged on loans vary with the degree of risk, the amount of the loan, and the maturity of the loan.  Competitive pressures, market interest rates, the availability of funds, and government regulation further influence the rate charged on a loan.

West Bank follows a loan policy that has been approved by West Bank's Board of Directors.  The loan policy is reviewed at least annually and is updated as considered necessary.  The policy establishes lending limits, review criteria, and other guidelines, such as for loan administration and the allowance for loan losses.  Loans are approved by West Bank's Board of Directors and/or designated officers in accordance with the applicable guidelines and underwriting policies.  Loans to any one borrower are limited by state banking laws.  Loan officer lending authorities vary according to the individual loan officer's experience and expertise.

Maturities of Loans

The contractual maturities of the Company's loan portfolio are as shown in the following tables.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because individual borrowers may have the right to prepay loans with or without prepayment penalties.
Loans as of December 31, 2011
Within one
year
 
After one but
within five
years
 
After five
years
 
Total
Commercial
$
131,151

 
$
117,307

 
$
7,244

 
$
255,702

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Construction, land, and land development
54,912

 
35,024

 
11,671

 
101,607

1-4 family residential first mortgages
14,679

 
46,556

 
1,983

 
63,218

Home equity
7,702

 
10,736

 
7,985

 
26,423

Commercial
47,615

 
232,455

 
106,067

 
386,137

Consumer and other loans
3,386

 
2,534

 
235

 
6,155

Total loans
$
259,445

 
$
444,612

 
$
135,185

 
$
839,242

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
After one but
within five
years
 
After five
years
 
 

Loan maturities after one year with:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed rates
 
 
$
312,274

 
$
74,128

 
 

Variable rates
 
 
132,338

 
61,057

 
 

 
 
 
$
444,612

 
$
135,185

 
 


32

Table of Contents


Risk Elements

The following table sets forth the amount of nonperforming loans by segment and other nonperforming assets held by the Company and common ratio measurements of those items.
 
Years Ended December 31
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Nonaccrual loans
$
8,572

 
$
7,945

 
$
12,350

 
$
21,367

 
$
5,469

Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest

 
198

 
1,150

 
92

 
408

Troubled debt restructured loans (1)
2,121

 
4,787

 
12,817

 
7,376

 

Total nonperforming loans
10,693

 
12,930

 
26,317

 
28,835

 
5,877

Other real estate owned
10,967

 
19,193

 
25,350

 
4,352

 
155

Nonaccrual investment securities
1,245

 
1,339

 
1,282

 
2,575

 

Total nonperforming assets
$
22,905

 
$
33,462

 
$
52,949

 
$
35,762

 
$
6,032

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loans to total loans
1.27
%
 
1.46
%
 
2.58
%
 
2.62
%
 
0.60
%
Nonperforming assets to total assets
1.80
%
 
2.56
%
 
3.36
%
 
2.30
%
 
0.45
%
(1)
While restructured loans are commonly reported by the industry as nonperforming, those not classified in the nonaccrual category are accruing interest due to payment performance. Troubled debt restructured loans on nonaccrual status, if any, are included in the nonaccrual category.

The following tables set forth the annual activity within each category of nonperforming loans and assets for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
Year ended December 31, 2011
 
Nonaccrual
 
Loans Past Due 90 Days and Still Accruing Interest
 
Troubled Debt Restructured
 
Total Nonperforming Loans
 
Other Real Estate Owned
 
Nonaccrual lnvestment Securities
 
Total Nonperforming Assets
Balance at beginning of period
$
7,945

 
$
198

 
$
4,787

 
$
12,930

 
$
19,193

 
$
1,339

 
$
33,462

Increase in fair market value

 

 

 

 

 
5

 
5

Additions
7,380

 
2,396

 
390

 
10,166

 
713

 

 
10,879

Transfers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Past due to nonaccrual
238

 
(238
)
 

 

 

 

 

Past due to troubled debt

 
(856
)
 
856

 

 

 

 

Troubled debt to nonaccrual
114

 

 
(114
)
 

 

 

 

Nonaccrual to troubled debt
(171
)
 

 
171

 

 

 

 

Nonaccrual to OREO
(1,049
)
 

 

 
(1,049
)
 
1,049

 

 

Upgrade in classification
(463
)
 
(555
)
 
(3,642
)
 
(4,660
)
 

 

 
(4,660
)
Sales

 

 

 

 
(6,476
)
 

 
(6,476
)
Subsequent write-downs/
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
impairments
(3,361
)
 
(98
)
 

 
(3,459
)
 
(3,512
)
 
(99
)
 
(7,070
)
Payments
(2,061
)
 
(847
)
 
(327
)
 
(3,235
)
 

 

 
(3,235
)
Balance at end of period
$
8,572

 
$

 
$
2,121

 
$
10,693

 
$
10,967

 
$
1,245

 
$
22,905



33

Table of Contents


 
Year ended December 31, 2010
 
Nonaccrual
 
Loans Past Due 90 Days and Still Accruing Interest
 
Troubled Debt Restructured
 
Total Nonperforming Loans
 
Other Real Estate Owned
 
Nonaccrual lnvestment Securities
 
Total Nonperforming Assets
Balance at beginning of period
$
12,350

 
$
1,150

 
$
12,817

 
$
26,317

 
$
25,350

 
$
1,282

 
$
52,949

Increase in fair market value

 

 

 

 

 
321

 
321

Additions
5,694

 
7,853

 
5,111

 
18,658

 
5,528

 
625

 
24,811

Transfers:

 

 

 
 
 

 

 
 
Past due to nonaccrual
1,738

 
(1,738
)
 

 

 

 

 

Troubled debt to nonaccrual
2,891

 

 
(2,891
)
 

 

 

 

Troubled debt to past due

 
16

 
(16
)
 

 

 

 

Nonaccrual to OREO
(1,660
)
 

 

 
(1,660
)
 
1,660

 

 

Upgrade in classification
(2,303
)
 
(6,734
)
 
(9,955
)
 
(18,992
)
 

 

 
(18,992
)
Sales

 

 

 

 
(11,666
)
 
(584
)
 
(12,250
)
Subsequent write-downs/
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
impairments
(6,115
)
 
(11
)
 
(24
)
 
(6,150
)
 
(1,679
)
 
(305
)
 
(8,134
)
Payments
(4,650
)
 
(338
)
 
(255
)
 
(5,243
)
 

 

 
(5,243
)
Balance at end of period
$
7,945

 
$
198

 
$
4,787

 
$
12,930

 
$
19,193

 
$
1,339

 
$
33,462


Total nonperforming assets have declined 31.5 percent since the end of 2010. As indicated in the tables above, the decline in nonperforming assets is spread across all categories, except nonaccrual loans, which increased $627 during 2011. During the last three years, one of management's highest priorities has been to improve asset quality and reduce nonperforming assets.

The accrual of interest on past due and other impaired loans is generally discontinued when loan payments are past due 90 days or when, in the opinion of management, the borrower may be unable to make payments as they become due.  Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received.  Generally, all payments received while a loan is on nonaccrual status are applied to the principal balance of the loan. In certain cases, interest may continue to accrue on loans past due more than 90 days when the value of the collateral is sufficient to cover both the principal amount of the loan and accrued interest and the loan is in the process of collection.  Interest income on troubled debt restructured loans (TDR) is recognized pursuant to the revised terms of the loan agreement.  A TDR may be reported in the nonaccrual category if it is not performing in accordance with its revised terms. Interest income on other impaired loans is monitored and based upon the terms of the underlying loan agreement.  However, the recorded net investment in impaired loans, including accrued interest, is limited to the present value of the expected cash flows of the impaired loan or the observable fair market value of the loan's collateral.

Outstanding loans of $7,732 were placed on nonaccrual status during 2011.  Charge-offs of $3,361 were recorded in 2011 related to nonaccrual loans and $1,049 was transferred to other real estate owned.  A loan may be removed from nonaccrual status when payments have resumed and it is reasonable to expect continued payment performance. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, interest income that would have been recorded during the nonaccrual period under the original terms of such loans was approximately $450, $664, and $1,411, respectively.

A loan may be considered a TDR loan when the interest rate is reduced below that of a new loan with comparable risk or the term is extended beyond the original maturity date and the borrower is considered to be experiencing financial difficulties.  The payment history of the customer, along with a current analysis of its cash flows, is used to determine the restructured terms. Underwriting procedures are similar to those of new loan originations and renewals of performing loans in that current financial statements and tax returns are obtained and analyzed. A current assessment of collateral is performed. The approval process for TDRs is the same as that for new loans. The TDRs with extended terms are accounted for as impaired until ongoing performance is established.  Any TDR with an interest rate concession remains in TDR status until paid off. The average balance of all impaired loans during 2011 was approximately $26,422.  Interest income recognized on impaired loans in 2011, 2010, and 2009 was approximately $1,046, $1,467, and $1,808, respectively.

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Table of Contents


As of December 31, 2011, West Bank had identified approximately $9,124 to three commercial real estate customers, $1,393 to two commercial customers, and $500 to a residential mortgage customer as potential problem loans. None of these loans were in default at the end of the year. It is not now possible to predict the degree of problems these loans may develop. However, West Bank is closely monitoring each of them.

The composition of other real estate owned as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, is shown in the following table.
 
 
2011
 
2010
Construction, land development, and other land
$
9,602

 
$
12,953

1-4 family residential properties
145

 
1,038

Multifamily
270

 
1,374

Commercial properties
950

 
3,828

 
$
10,967

 
$
19,193


The Company is actively marketing the assets included in the previous table.  Valuations of other real estate owned are performed by management at least annually and sometimes more frequently, so that the properties are carried at current market value less estimated disposal costs.  Market values are determined by obtaining updated appraisals or other market information.  Unfortunately, demand for commercial real estate and development land remains weak.  Management realizes the longer real estate is held in this economic climate, the more susceptible the Company is to declines in value.The construction and land development category includes four properties in the Des Moines metropolitan area, one property in the Iowa City market, one property in Missouri, and one property in Arkansas.  The 1-4 family properties consist of two homes in the Des Moines area. The multifamily category consists of one apartment building in the Des Moines area.  The commercial properties consist of two commercial facilities in the Des Moines area.

SUMMARY OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The provision for loan losses represents charges made to earnings to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses.  The allowance for loan losses is management's best estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date.  Factors considered in establishing an appropriate allowance include: an assessment of the financial condition of the borrower; the value and adequacy of loan collateral; the condition of the local economy and the condition of the specific industry of the borrower; the levels and trends of loans by segment; and a review of delinquent and classified loans.

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

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, further reduction in the carrying amounts of loans may be necessary based on changes in circumstances or later acquired information.  Furthermore, changes in future economic activity are always uncertain.  Identifiable sectors within the general economy are subject to additional volatility, which at any time may have a substantial impact on the loan portfolio.  In addition, regulatory agencies, as integral parts of their examination processes, periodically review the estimated losses on loans.  Such agencies may require West Bank to recognize additional losses based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.
  

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Table of Contents


Change in the Allowance for Loan Losses

West Bank's policy is to charge off loans when, in management's opinion, the loan is deemed uncollectible, although concerted efforts are made to maximize future recoveries.  The following table summarizes activity in the Company's allowance for loan losses by loan segment for the years indicated, including amounts of loans charged off, amounts of recoveries, additions to the allowance charged to income, and related ratios.
 
Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses for the Years
 
Ended December 31
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Balance at beginning of period
$
19,087

 
$
19,126

 
$
15,441

 
$
8,935

 
$
8,494

Charge-offs:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
2,976

 
5,785

 
8,495

 
8,993

 
1,741

Real estate:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction, land, and land development
2

 
209

 
2,859

 
952

 

1-4 family residential first mortgages
946

 
371

 
1,087

 
38

 
113

Home equity
97

 
266

 
598

 
92

 
243

Commercial
722

 
53

 
3,551

 
36

 

Consumer and other loans
21

 
234

 
4,790

 
259

 
45

 
4,764

 
6,918

 
21,380

 
10,370

 
2,142

Recoveries:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
1,809

 
716

 
493

 
236

 
191

Real estate:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction, land, and land development
2

 
10

 
20

 

 

1-4 family residential first mortgages
42

 
33

 
8

 
22

 
20

Home equity
29

 
16

 
11

 

 

Commercial
1

 
10

 

 

 

Consumer and other loans
22

 
44

 
33

 
18

 
22

 
1,905

 
829

 
565

 
276

 
233

Net charge-offs
2,859

 
6,089

 
20,815

 
10,094

 
1,909

Provision for loan losses charged to operations
550

 
6,050

 
24,500

 
16,600

 
2,350

Balance at end of period
$
16,778

 
$
19,087

 
$
19,126

 
$
15,441

 
$
8,935

Average loans outstanding
$
850,833

 
$
961,977

 
$
1,100,045

 
$
1,054,558

 
$
945,669

Ratio of net charge-offs during the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to average loans outstanding
0.34
%
 
0.63
%
 
1.89
%
 
0.96
%
 
0.20
%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
average loans outstanding
1.97
%
 
1.98
%
 
1.74
%
 
1.46
%
 
0.94
%

According to the September 2011 Bank Holding Company Performance Report prepared by the Federal Reserve Board's Division of Banking Supervision and Regulation, the percentage of net charge-offs to average loans for all banks with total assets between $1 billion and $3 billion was 0.88 percent for the first nine months of 2011. As shown above, the Company's net charge-off ratio was considerably below that average in 2011 as gross charge-offs declined 31 percent compared to 2010.

Commercial charge-offs in 2011 included $2,420 related to seven customers. Commercial recoveries in 2011 included $1,441 related to two customers.  

West Bank has a significant portion of its loan portfolio in commercial real estate loans, commercial lines of credit, commercial term loans, and construction or land development loans.  West Bank's typical commercial borrower is a small or medium-sized, privately-owned Iowa business person or entity.  West Bank's commercial loans typically have greater credit risks than residential mortgage or consumer loans because they often have larger balances and repayment usually depends on the borrowers' successful business operations.  Commercial loans also involve additional risks because they generally are not fully repaid over the loan period and, thus, usually require refinancing or a large payoff at maturity.  When the economy turns downward, as was experienced in 2008 and 2009, commercial borrowers may not be able to repay their loans and the value of their assets, which are usually pledged as collateral, may decrease rapidly and significantly.  Although management believes that the real estate markets in which West Bank makes loans are not as depressed as in some other parts of the country, we believe that real estate-related credit risks continue to be higher than normal in our markets.  

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Table of Contents


Nonperforming assets continued to decline in 2011.  We are experiencing changes in the components of nonperforming assets as certain loans move from nonaccrual status to other real estate owned to ultimate disposition.  

Breakdown of Allowance for Loan Losses by Category

The following table sets forth information concerning the Company's allocation of the allowance for loan losses by segment as of the dates indicated.
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
Amount
 
%*
 
Amount
 
%*
 
Amount
 
%*
 
Amount
 
%*
 
Amount
 
%*
Balance at end of
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
period applicable to:
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Commercial
$
4,409

 
30.47
%
 
$
7,940

 
34.92
%
 
$
7,988

 
34.95
%
 
$
9,177

 
35.59
%
 
$
2,762

 
37.10
%
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction, land,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and land development
3,572

 
12.11
%
 
3,787

 
13.12
%
 
3,260

 
14.54
%
 
2,310

 
13.87
%
 
1,267

 
15.57
%
1-4 family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
first mortgages
1,215

 
7.53
%
 
647

 
5.82
%
 
649

 
6.30
%
 
296

 
6.14
%
 
436

 
5.98
%
Home equity
832

 
3.15
%
 
658

 
2.94
%
 
654

 
2.95
%
 
270

 
3.23
%
 
909

 
3.34
%
Commercial
6,667

 
46.01
%
 
5,823

 
41.90
%
 
6,438

 
40.46
%
 
3,227

 
40.09
%
 
3,475

 
36.61
%
Consumer and other loans
83

 
0.73
%
 
232

 
1.30
%
 
137

 
0.80
%
 
161

 
1.08
%
 
86

 
1.40
%
 
$
16,778

 
100.00
%
 
$
19,087

 
100.00
%
 
$
19,126

 
100.00
%
 
$
15,441

 
100.00
%
 
$
8,935

 
100.00
%
* Percent of loans in each category to total loans.

The allocation of the allowance for loan losses is dependent upon the change in balances outstanding in the various categories, the historical net loss experience by category, which can vary over time, specific reserves for loans considered impaired, and management's assessment of economic factors that may influence potential losses in the loan portfolio.  Prior to 2010, the historical experience factor was calculated using a three-year average. That average was updated once per year at the end of each calendar year. In 2010, that calculation was modified to use a rolling 12-quarter average. It was felt that by using a rolling 12-quarter average, the most recent charge off experience is factored into the analysis sooner. The allocation of the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2011, includes specific reserves of $100 in the commercial category for two borrowers, $2,630 in the construction, land, and land development category for three borrowers, $84 in the residential mortgage category for one borrower, $156 in the home equity category for two borrowers, $200 in the commercial real estate category for one borrower, and $12 in the consumer category for one borrower.  Additional details on the allowance for loan losses is included in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.  

DEPOSITS

The Company's primary source of funds is customer deposits. Total deposits as of December 31, 2011, were $957,373, a reduction of 1.5 percent compared to the end of 2010. The decline was primarily in certificates of deposit, which declined $98,881 compared to December 31, 2010. The majority of the reduction was due to the decision to let the Company's wholesale deposits mature and a decline in commercial certificates of deposit balances.

While approximately 65 percent of West Bank's total certificates of deposit mature in the next year, it is anticipated that a significant portion of these certificates will be renewed.  Rate-sensitive certificates of deposit in excess of $100 experience somewhat higher volatility with regard to renewal volume as West Bank adjusts rates based upon funding needs.  In the event a substantial volume of certificates are not renewed, management believes the Company has sufficient liquid assets and borrowing lines to fund the potential runoff.  However, a sustained reduction in overall deposit volume would have a significant negative impact on the Company's operations and liquidity.

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Table of Contents


The following table shows the amounts and remaining maturities of time certificates of deposit with balances of $100 or more as of December 31, 2011.

3 months or less
$
40,096

Over 3 through 6 months
19,834

Over 6 through 12 months
16,798

Over 12 months
22,015

 
$
98,743


The following table sets forth the average balances for each major category of deposits and the weighted average interest rate paid for those deposits during the years indicated.
 
Years ended December 31
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
Noninterest-bearing demand
$
252,307

 

 
$
229,939

 

 
$
201,243

 

Interest-bearing demand:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Reward Me checking
85,931

 
1.85
%
 
82,254

 
2.40
%
 
69,779

 
3.29
%
Other interest-bearing demand
60,416

 
0.18
%
 
78,163

 
0.25
%
 
66,925

 
0.27
%
Money market
275,241

 
0.39
%
 
253,351

 
0.63
%
 
227,014

 
0.72
%
Savings:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

SmartyPig® savings

 

 
113,290

 
2.01
%
 
102,144

 
2.33
%
Other savings
47,969

 
0.19
%
 
40,985

 
0.33
%
 
37,417

 
0.36
%
Time certificates
239,624

 
1.70
%
 
421,015

 
1.67
%
 
527,075

 
2.45
%
 
$
961,488

 
 

 
$
1,218,997

 
 

 
$
1,231,597

 
 


The rate on the Reward Me checking product is expected to decline further in 2012 due to implementation of a rate reduction in December 2011. Interest rates on time certificates may also trend slightly lower in 2012 as current certificates mature and are reinvested at current market rates. Other deposit rates are not expected to change significantly until there is a change in market rates.

BORROWED FUNDS

The following table summarizes the outstanding principal balances and the weighted average rate for each category of borrowed funds as of the dates indicated.
 
As of December 31
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
Balance
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Rate
Subordinated notes
$
20,619

 
3.53
%
 
$
20,619

 
3.45
%
 
$
20,619

 
7.14
%
FHLB advances
105,000

 
3.89
%
 
105,000

 
3.89
%
 
125,000

 
4.24
%
Federal funds purchased and securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sold under agreements to repurchase
55,841

 
0.24
%
 
52,095

 
0.28
%
 
40,342

 
0.45
%
Other short-term borrowings

 

 
2,914

 

 
2,553

 

 
$
181,460

 
2.73
%
 
$
180,628

 
2.74
%
 
$
188,514

 
3.69
%


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Table of Contents


The following tables set forth the average principal balance, the average rate paid, and the maximum outstanding balance for each category of borrowed funds for the years indicated.
 
Years Ended December 31
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
Average
Balance
 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Average
Rate
Subordinated notes
$
20,619

 
3.47
%
 
$
20,619

 
6.21
%
 
$
20,619

 
7.14
%
FHLB advances
105,000

 
3.89
%
 
108,726

 
3.97
%
 
125,000

 
4.24
%
Federal funds purchased and securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sold under agreements to repurchase
63,290

 
0.27
%
 
59,697

 
0.35
%
 
85,987

 
0.37
%
Other short-term borrowings
2,110

 

 
2,056

 

 
1,288

 

 
$
191,019

 
2.60
%
 
$
191,098

 
3.04
%
 
$
232,894

 
3.04
%
 
 
2011
 
 
 
2010
 
 
 
2009
 
 
Maximum amount outstanding during
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the year:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subordinated notes
$
20,619

 
 
 
$
20,619

 
 
 
$
20,619

 
 
FHLB advances
105,000

 
 
 
125,000

 
 
 
125,000

 
 
Federal funds purchased and securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sold under agreements to repurchase
88,592

 
 
 
91,431

 
 
 
136,613

 
 
Other short-term borrowings
3,771

 
 
 
3,544

 
 
 
4,047

 
 

The FHLB advances, which have maturity dates of 2016 through 2018, are callable on a quarterly basis. Unless market rates on long-term borrowings increase considerably, that is not expected to occur. The fluctuation in the balances of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase is dependent upon the loan demand and investment strategy of downstream correspondent banks for federal funds purchased and customer cash flows for securities sold under agreements to repurchase. Other short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 consisted of Treasury, Tax, and Loan Option Notes. That program ended on December 30, 2011.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

In the normal course of business, West Bank commits to extend credit in the form of loan commitments and standby letters of credit in order to meet the financing needs of its customers.  These commitments expose West Bank to varying degrees of credit and market risks in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets and are subject to the same credit policies as are loans recorded on the balance sheets.

West Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments.  West Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.  Management of the Company does not expect any significant losses as a result of these commitments. Off-balance sheet commitments are more fully discussed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

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Table of Contents


CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The following table sets forth the balance of contractual obligations of the Company by maturity period as of December 31, 2011.

 
 
 
Payments due by period
 
Total
 
Less than
one year
 
One to
three years
 
Three to
five years
 
More than
five years
Deposits
$
957,373

 
$
892,718

 
$
43,656

 
$
20,999

 
$

Federal funds purchased and securities sold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
under agreements to repurchase
55,841

 
55,841

 

 

 

Subordinated notes
20,619

 

 

 

 
20,619

FHLB advances
105,000

 

 

 
50,000

 
55,000

Noncancelable operating lease commitments
20,235

 
1,447

 
2,781

 
2,791

 
13,216

Total
$
1,159,068

 
$
950,006

 
$
46,437

 
$
73,790

 
$
88,835


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The objective of liquidity management is to ensure the availability of sufficient cash flows to meet all financial commitments and to capitalize on opportunities for profitable business expansion.  The Company's principal source of funds is deposits.  Other sources include loan principal repayments, proceeds from the maturity and sale of investment securities, principal payments on collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities, federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements, advances from the FHLB, and funds provided by operations.  Liquidity management is conducted on both a daily and a long-term basis.  Investments in liquid assets are adjusted based on expected loan demand, projected loan maturities and payments, expected deposit flows, and the objectives set by West Bank's asset-liability management policy.  The Company had liquid assets (cash and cash equivalents) of $87,104 at December 31, 2011, a decline of $850 from December 31, 2010.  West Bank had additional borrowing capacity available from the FHLB of approximately $35,157 at December 31, 2011.  In addition, West Bank has $53,000 in borrowing capacity available through unsecured and $10,000 available through secured federal funds lines of credit with correspondent banks.  West Bank was not drawing on any of these lines of credit as of December 31, 2011.  Net cash from continuing operating activities contributed $26,030, $25,084, and $16,706 to liquidity for the years 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.  The combination of high levels of potentially liquid assets, cash flows from operations, and additional borrowing capacity provide strong liquidity for the Company as of December 31, 2011.

The Company and West Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies. Those requirements include a requirement for bank holding companies and their subsidiary banks to maintain total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.00 percent, of which at least half must be Tier 1 capital, and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 4.00 percent. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had a total risk-based capital ratio of 16.27 percent, a Tier 1 capital ratio of 15.01 percent, and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 11.05 percent. West Bank had ratios of 15.09 percent, 13.83 percent, and 9.95 percent, respectively. As these ratios indicate, both the Company and West Bank are considered well-capitalized for regulatory purposes as of December 31, 2011.

The Company's total stockholders' equity declined to $123,451 at December 31, 2011, from $145,436 at December 31, 2010.  The reduction was due to the June 2011 repurchase of $36,000 of preferred stock issued to the Treasury Department through the Capital Purchase Program. In addition, the Company repurchased the warrant issued as a part of this program in August 2011 for $700. This reduction in stockholders' equity was partially offset by 2011 net income less preferred and common stock dividends paid and increased accumulated other comprehensive income due to unrealized gains in the investment portfolio.  At December 31, 2011, total stockholders' equity was 9.72 percent of total assets, compared to 11.14 percent at December 31, 2010. Tangible common equity as a percentage of tangible assets at December 31, 2011, was 9.72 percent compared to 8.49 percent at December 31, 2010.

On March 11, 2011, the Company filed a registration statement registering up to $30,000 for future sales of common or preferred stock. This provides a possible source of capital in the event growth opportunities present themselves.

No material capital expenditures or material changes in the capital resource mix are anticipated at this time.  


40

Table of Contents


EFFECTS OF NEW STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

A discussion of the effects of new financial accounting standards and developments as they relate to the Company is located in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

INTEREST RATE RISK

Interest rate risk refers to the exposure to earnings and capital arising from changes in interest rates.  Management's objectives are to manage interest rate risk to work for consistent growth of earnings and capital.  Interest rate risk management focuses on fluctuations in net interest income identified through computer simulations used to evaluate volatility, interest rate, spread, and volume assumptions.  This risk is quantified and compared against tolerance levels.

The Company uses a purchased computer software simulation modeling program to measure its exposure to potential interest rate changes.  For various assumed hypothetical changes in market interest rates, this analysis measures the estimated change in net interest income. The simulation modeling program allows for ongoing assessment of interest rate sensitivity and can include the impact of potential new business strategies.

Another measure of interest rate sensitivity is the gap ratio.  This ratio indicates the amount of interest-earning assets repricing within a given period in comparison to the amount of interest-bearing liabilities repricing within the same period of time.  A gap ratio of 1.0 indicates a matched position, in which case the effect on net interest income due to interest rate movements will be minimal.  A gap ratio of less than 1.0 indicates that more liabilities than assets reprice within the time period, and a ratio greater than 1.0 indicates that more assets reprice than liabilities.  The Company's gap ratio is shown on the following page.

INFLATION

The primary impact of inflation on the Company's operations is increased asset yields, deposit costs, and operating overhead.  Unlike most industries, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature.  As a result, interest rates generally have a more significant impact on a financial institution's performance than they would have on non-financial companies.  Although interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services, increases in inflation generally have resulted in increased interest rates.  The effects of inflation can magnify the growth of assets and, if significant, require that equity capital increase at a faster rate than otherwise would be necessary.

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company's market risk is comprised primarily of interest rate risk arising from its core banking activities of lending and deposit taking.  Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates may adversely affect the Company's net interest income.  Management continually develops and applies strategies to mitigate this risk.  Management does not believe that the Company's primary market risk exposure and management of that exposure in 2011 materially changed compared to 2010.

The following table presents the estimated change in net interest income for the coming twelve months under several scenarios of assumed interest rate changes for the rate shock levels shown:
Scenario
% Change
300 basis points rising
5.35
%
200 basis points rising
3.51
%
100 basis points rising
0.65
%
Base


As of December 31, 2011, the estimated effect of an immediate 300 basis point increase in interest rates would cause the Company's net interest income to increase by approximately 5.35 percent, or $2,240 in 2012. The estimated effect of an immediate decrease in rates is not reasonably calculable due to the current historically low interest rate environment.  Because the majority of liabilities subject to interest rate movements in the short-term are of the type that generally lag interest rate movements in the market, they do not change by the same magnitude in the short-term as the change in market rates.

Computations of the prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions.  Actual values may differ from those projections set forth above.  Further, the computations do not contemplate any actions the Company may undertake in response to changes in interest rates.

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The following table sets forth the estimated maturity, expected cash flows or repricing opportunities, and the resulting interest sensitivity gap of the Company's interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the cumulative interest sensitivity gap at December 31, 2011.  The expected maturities are presented on a contractual basis or, if more relevant, are based on projected call dates.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because of prepayment assumptions and early withdrawal of deposits.

 
3 months
or less
 
Over 3
through 12
months
 
Over 1
through
5 years
 
Over
5 years
 
Total
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
$
354,003

 
$
107,176

 
$
323,302

 
$
58,567

 
$
843,048

Securities available for sale
28,736

 
69,468

 
126,263

 
58,678

 
283,145

Federal funds sold and other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
short-term investments
51,332

 

 

 

 
51,332

Federal Home Loan Bank stock
11,352

 

 

 

 
11,352

Total interest-earning assets
445,423

 
176,644

 
449,565

 
117,245

 
1,188,877

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest-bearing deposits:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Savings, interest-bearing demand,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and money markets
501,453

 

 

 

 
501,453

Time
57,113

 
65,465

 
63,982

 
473

 
187,033

Federal funds purchased and securities sold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
under agreement to repurchase
55,841

 

 

 

 
55,841

Long-term borrowings
20,619

 

 
50,000

 
55,000

 
125,619

Total interest-bearing liabilities
635,026

 
65,465

 
113,982

 
55,473

 
869,946

Interest sensitivity gap per period
$
(189,603
)
 
$
111,179

 
$
335,583

 
$
61,772

 
$
318,931

Cumulative interest sensitivity gap
$
(189,603
)
 
$
(78,424
)
 
$
257,159

 
$
318,931

 
$
318,931

Interest sensitivity gap ratio
0.70

 
2.70

 
3.94

 
2.11

 
1.37

Cumulative interest sensitivity gap ratio
0.70

 
0.89

 
1.32

 
1.37

 
1.37


As of December 31, 2011, the Company's cumulative gap ratio for assets and liabilities repricing within one year was 0.89, meaning that the Company is liability sensitive over the cumulative twelve-month period.  In other words, more interest-bearing liabilities will be subject to repricing within that time frame than interest-earning assets.  However, the majority of the interest-bearing liabilities subject to repricing within these time frames are savings, money market, and interest-bearing demand deposits.  These types of deposits generally do not reprice as quickly or by the same magnitude as changes in other short-term interest rates.

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Table of Contents


ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
West Bancorporation, Inc.


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of West Bancorporation, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of West Bancorporation, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), West Bancorporation, Inc. and subsidiary's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 7, 2012, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of West Bancorporation, Inc. and subsidiary's internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
Des Moines, Iowa
March 7, 2012
 
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP is an independent member firm of RSM International,
an affiliation of separate and independent legal entities.

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Table of Contents




 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
West Bancorporation, Inc.


We have audited West Bancorporation, Inc. and subsidiary's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  West Bancorporation, Inc. and subsidiary's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (b) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (c) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, West Bancorporation, Inc. and subsidiary maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the balance sheets of West Bancorporation, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, and our report dated March 7, 2012, expressed an unqualified opinion.


 
/s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
Des Moines, Iowa
March 7, 2012
 
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP is an independent member firm of RSM International,
an affiliation of separate and independent legal entities.

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Table of Contents




Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of West Bancorporation, Inc. and subsidiary (the Company) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  The Company's internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company's management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.  All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.  Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

West Bancorporation, Inc. and subsidiary's management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.  In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework.  Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2011, the Company's internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.  The independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in the annual report has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ David D. Nelson
 
David D. Nelson
 
Chief Executive Officer and President
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Douglas R. Gulling
 
Douglas R. Gulling
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


March 7, 2012


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Table of Contents


West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2011 and 2010

(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2011
 
2010
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
35,772

 
$
20,069

Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
 
51,332

 
67,885

Cash and cash equivalents
 
87,104

 
87,954

Securities available for sale
 
283,145

 
256,326

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
 
11,352

 
11,211

Loans held for sale
 
4,089

 
4,452

Loans
 
838,959

 
888,649

Allowance for loan losses
 
(16,778
)
 
(19,087
)
Loans, net
 
822,181

 
869,562

Premises and equipment, net
 
5,396

 
5,068

Accrued interest receivable
 
4,183

 
4,959

Bank-owned life insurance
 
25,724

 
25,395

Other real estate owned
 
10,967

 
19,193

Deferred tax assets
 
8,409

 
11,164

Other assets
 
6,974

 
10,179

Total assets
 
$
1,269,524

 
$
1,305,463

 
 
 

 
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 

 
 

LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

Deposits:
 
 

 
 

Noninterest-bearing demand
 
$
268,887

 
$
230,277

Interest-bearing demand
 
158,141

 
142,031

Savings
 
343,312

 
313,850

Time of $100,000 or more
 
98,743

 
178,388

Other time
 
88,290

 
107,526

Total deposits
 
957,373

 
972,072

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
 
55,841

 
52,095

Other short-term borrowings
 

 
2,914

Subordinated notes
 
20,619

 
20,619

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
 
105,000

 
105,000

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
7,240

 
7,327

Total liabilities
 
1,146,073

 
1,160,027

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 14)
 
 

 
 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share;
 
 
 
 
authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011,
 
 
 
 
and 36,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010
 

 
34,508

Common stock, no par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; 17,403,882 shares
 
 
 
 
issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
3,000

 
3,000

Additional paid-in capital
 
33,687

 
34,387

Retained earnings
 
86,110

 
76,188

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
654

 
(2,647
)
Total stockholders' equity
 
123,451

 
145,436

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
1,269,524

 
$
1,305,463


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Table of Contents


West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009

(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
 
$
46,640

 
$
53,215

 
$
59,309

Securities:
 
 
 
 

 
 

Taxable securities
 
4,193

 
4,330

 
3,937

Tax-exempt securities
 
2,252

 
3,057

 
3,963

Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
 
234

 
541

 
521

Total interest income
 
53,319

 
61,143

 
67,730

Interest expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Demand deposits
 
1,704

 
2,165

 
2,481

Savings deposits
 
1,153

 
4,003

 
4,157

Time deposits
 
4,084

 
7,049

 
12,910

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
 
 
 
 
 
 
to repurchase
 
174

 
210

 
320

Subordinated notes
 
715

 
1,280

 
1,472

Long-term borrowings
 
4,087

 
4,316

 
5,296

Total interest expense
 
11,917

 
19,023

 
26,636

Net interest income
 
41,402

 
42,120

 
41,094

Provision for loan losses
 
550

 
6,050

 
24,500

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
40,852

 
36,070

 
16,594

Noninterest income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Service charges on deposit accounts
 
3,244

 
3,361

 
4,021

Debit card usage fees
 
1,453

 
1,329

 
1,123

Service fee from SmartyPig, LLC
 

 
1,314

 

Trust services
 
792

 
818

 
786

Gains and fees on sales of residential mortgages
 
1,454

 
1,533

 
1,114

Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance
 
884

 
869

 
776

Gain from bank-owned life insurance
 
637

 
422

 
840

Other income
 
996

 
1,006

 
972

Total noninterest income
 
9,460

 
10,652

 
9,632

Investment securities gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other than temporary impairment losses
 
(99
)
 
(305
)
 
(3,444
)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
(loss) before taxes
 

 

 
832

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
(99
)
 
(305
)
 
(2,612
)
Realized securities gains, net
 

 
40

 
1,884

Investment securities (losses), net
 
(99
)
 
(265
)
 
(728
)
Noninterest expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
 
13,194

 
10,996

 
9,938

Occupancy
 
3,342

 
3,207

 
3,451

Data processing
 
1,921

 
1,815

 
1,761

FDIC insurance expense
 
1,298

 
3,082

 
2,736

Other real estate owned expense
 
2,883

 
1,716

 
368

Professional fees
 
878

 
959

 
964

Miscellaneous losses
 
455

 
1,330

 
70

Goodwill impairment
 

 

 
13,376

Other expenses
 
4,902

 
4,639

 
5,241

Total noninterest expense
 
28,873

 
27,744

 
37,905


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Table of Contents


West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Operations (continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009

(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
21,340

 
$
18,713

 
$
(12,407
)
Income taxes (benefits)
 
6,072

 
5,330

 
(7,356
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
15,268

 
13,383

 
(5,051
)
Discontinued operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
 

 

 
(10,262
)
Income tax benefits
 

 

 
(696
)
Loss from discontinued operations
 

 

 
(9,566
)
Net income (loss)
 
15,268

 
13,383

 
(14,617
)
Preferred stock dividends and accretion of discount
 
(2,387
)
 
(2,284
)
 
(2,276
)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders
 
$
12,881

 
$
11,099

 
$
(16,893
)
Earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share
 
 
 
 
 
 
from continuing operations
 
$
0.74

 
$
0.64

 
$
(0.42
)
Basic and diluted (loss) per common share
 
 
 
 
 
 
from discontinued operations
 

 

 
(0.55
)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
0.74

 
$
0.64

 
$
(0.97
)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Table of Contents


West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009

(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Net income (loss)
 
$
15,268

 
$
13,383

 
$
(14,617
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities for which a portion of an other
 
 
 
 
 
 
than temporary impairment has been recorded in earnings before tax:
 
 
 
 

 
 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period
 
(94
)
 
15

 
(1,142
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for impairment losses realized in net
 
 
 
 
 
 
income
 
99

 
305

 
310

Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities with other than temporary
 
 
 
 
 
 
impairment before tax expense
 
5

 
320

 
(832
)
Unrealized gains on securities without other than temporary
 
 
 
 
 
 
impairment before tax:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized holding gains arising during the period
 
5,320

 
2,404

 
2,098

Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net
 
 
 
 
 
 
income
 

 
(40
)
 
(1,884
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for impairment losses realized in net
 
 
 
 
 
 
income
 

 

 
2,302

Net unrealized gains on other securities before tax expense
 
5,320

 
2,364

 
2,516

Other comprehensive income before tax
 
5,325

 
2,684

 
1,684

Tax expense related to other comprehensive income
 
(2,024
)
 
(1,020
)
 
(640
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
3,301

 
1,664

 
1,044

Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
18,569

 
$
15,047

 
$
(13,573
)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Table of Contents


West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Preferred
Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2008
 
$
33,548

 
$
3,000

 
$
34,452

 
$
82,793

 
$
(3,730
)
 
$
150,063

Cumulative effect accounting adjustment, net of tax (1)
 

 

 

 
1,625

 
(1,625
)
 

Net (loss)
 

 

 

 
(14,617
)
 

 
(14,617
)
Other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 

 
1,044

 
1,044

Preferred stock discount accretion
 
476

 

 

 
(476
)
 

 

Preferred stock issuance costs
 

 

 
(65
)
 

 

 
(65
)
Cash dividends declared, $0.09 per common share
 

 

 

 
(1,566
)
 

 
(1,566
)
Preferred stock dividends declared
 

 

 

 
(1,800
)
 

 
(1,800
)
Balance, December 31, 2009
 
34,024

 
3,000

 
34,387

 
65,959

 
(4,311
)
 
133,059

Net income
 

 

 

 
13,383

 

 
13,383

Other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 

 
1,664

 
1,664

Preferred stock discount accretion
 
484

 

 

 
(484
)
 

 

Cash dividends declared, $0.05 per common share
 

 

 

 
(870
)
 

 
(870
)
Preferred stock dividends declared
 

 

 

 
(1,800
)
 

 
(1,800
)
Balance, December 31, 2010
 
34,508

 
3,000

 
34,387

 
76,188

 
(2,647
)
 
145,436

Net income
 

 

 

 
15,268

 

 
15,268

Other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 

 
3,301

 
3,301

Preferred stock discount accretion
 
1,492

 

 

 
(1,492
)
 

 

Redemption of preferred stock
 
(36,000
)
 

 

 

 

 
(36,000
)
Repurchase of common stock warrant
 

 

 
(700
)
 

 

 
(700
)
Cash dividends declared, $0.17 per common share
 

 

 

 
(2,959
)
 

 
(2,959
)
Preferred stock dividends declared
 

 

 

 
(895
)
 

 
(895
)
Balance, December 31, 2011
 
$

 
$
3,000

 
$
33,687

 
$
86,110

 
$
654

 
$
123,451


(1)
Represents reclassifications of noncredit-related components of previously recorded other than temporary impairment losses pursuant to the adoption of FSP 115-2 and 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other Than Temporary Impairments, now included as part of FASB ASC Topic 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities.
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Table of Contents


West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009

(in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
15,268

 
$
13,383

 
$
(14,617
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
 
 
 
 
 
 
operating activities:
 
 
 
 

 
 

Provision for loan losses
 
550

 
6,050

 
24,500

Goodwill impairment of banking operations
 

 

 
13,376

Goodwill impairment of discontinued operations
 

 

 
11,160

Net amortization and accretion
 
3,142

 
1,714

 
798

(Gain) loss on disposition of premises and equipment
 
(8
)
 
(2
)
 
7

Securities gains, net
 

 
(40
)
 
(1,884
)
Investment securities impairment losses
 
99

 
305

 
2,612

Gain on sale of loans
 
(1,321
)
 
(1,447
)
 
(1,065
)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
 
71,273

 
73,334

 
72,299

Originations of loans held for sale
 
(69,545
)
 
(76,051
)
 
(70,548
)
Gain on sale of other real estate owned
 
(339
)
 
(388
)
 
(27
)
Write-down of other real estate owned
 
3,109

 
1,621

 
133

Gain from bank-owned life insurance
 
(637
)
 
(422
)
 
(840
)
Increase in value of bank-owned life insurance
 
(884
)
 
(869
)
 
(776
)
Depreciation
 
612

 
582

 
688

Deferred income taxes (benefits)
 
731

 
639

 
(7,261
)
Other
 

 

 
(1,594
)
Change in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 

 
 

Decrease in accrued interest receivable
 
776

 
543

 
913

Decrease (increase) in other assets
 
3,066

 
5,669

 
(9,026
)
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
138

 
463

 
(2,142
)
Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations
 
26,030

 
25,084

 
16,706

Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations
 

 

 
905

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
26,030

 
25,084

 
17,611

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Proceeds from sales, calls, and maturities of securities available for sale
 
84,726

 
299,728

 
191,468

Purchases of securities available for sale
 
(109,323
)
 
(214,710
)
 
(350,186
)
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
 
(879
)
 
(1,385
)
 
(2,617
)
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
 
738

 
965

 

Net change in loans
 
46,101

 
125,541

 
35,022

Net proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
 
6,141

 
5,400

 
5,083

Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment
 
51

 
9

 
2

Purchases of premises and equipment
 
(981
)
 
(368
)
 
(1,348
)
Proceeds of principal and earnings from bank-owned life insurance
 
1,192

 
1,296

 
1,493

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities -
 
 
 
 
 
 
continuing operations
 
27,766

 
216,476

 
(121,083
)
Net cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations
 

 

 
(20
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
27,766

 
216,476

 
(121,103
)

51

Table of Contents


West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009

(in thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
 
$
(14,699
)
 
$
(274,545
)
 
$
91,485

Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and securities sold
 
 
 
 
 
 
under agreements to repurchase
 
3,746

 
11,753

 
(52,769
)
Net increase (decrease) in other short-term borrowings
 
(2,914
)
 
361

 
2,308

Principal payments on long-term borrowings
 

 
(20,000
)
 

Common stock dividends paid
 
(2,959
)
 
(870
)
 
(1,566
)
Preferred stock dividends paid
 
(1,120
)
 
(1,800
)
 
(1,575
)
Redemption of preferred stock
 
(36,000
)
 

 

Repurchase of common stock warrant
 
(700
)
 

 

Preferred stock issuance costs
 

 

 
(65
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities -
 
 
 
 
 
 
continuing operations
 
(54,646
)
 
(285,101
)
 
37,818

Net cash provided by financing activities - discontinued operations
 

 

 
200

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
(54,646
)
 
(285,101
)
 
38,018

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(850
)
 
(43,541
)
 
(65,474
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning
 
87,954

 
131,495

 
196,969

Ending
 
$
87,104

 
$
87,954

 
$
131,495

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash payments for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
$
12,383

 
$
19,579

 
$
28,879

Income taxes
 
4,784

 
2,043

 
2,276

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned
 
$
1,763

 
$
7,188

 
$
26,188

Transfer of other real estate owned to loans
 
674

 
6,655

 

Sale of WB Capital Management Inc. in exchange for a note receivable
 

 

 
2,000


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

52

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)


Note 1. Organization and Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and nature of business:  West Bancorporation, Inc. and subsidiary (the Company) operates in the commercial banking industry through its wholly-owned subsidiary, West Bank.  West Bank is state chartered and has its main office in West Des Moines, Iowa, with seven additional branches located in the Des Moines metropolitan area, two branches located in Iowa City, Iowa, and one branch located in Coralville, Iowa.  In addition, the Company owns an unconsolidated subsidiary, West Bancorporation Capital Trust I (the Trust), which was formed for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities (TPS).  On December 31, 2009, West Bancorporation, Inc. sold WB Capital Management Inc. (WB Capital), a wholly-owned investment advisory subsidiary.

Significant accounting policies:

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

Consolidation policy:  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of West Bancorporation, Inc. (the Holding Company), West Bank, West Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary WB Funding Corporation (which owns an interest in a partnership), and West Bank's 99.99 percent owned subsidiary ICD IV, LLC (a community development partnership).  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  The accounts of WB Capital are included as discontinued operations for all periods through the sale date of December 31, 2009.  See Note 2 for additional details.  In accordance with GAAP, the results of the Trust are recorded on the books of the Company using the equity method of accounting and are not consolidated.

Segment information: An operating segment is generally defined as a component of a business for which discrete financial information is available and whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision-maker. The Company has determined that its business is comprised of one operating segment, which is banking. The banking segment generates revenue through interest and fees on loans, service charges on deposit accounts, interest on investment securities, gains and fees on sales of residential mortgages, fees for trust services, and other miscellaneous banking related activities. This segment includes West Bank, the Holding Company, and related elimination entries between the two, as the Holding Company's operation is similar to that of West Bank.

Comprehensive income (loss):  Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss).  Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of the net change in unrealized gains and losses on the Company's securities available for sale, including the noncredit-related portion of unrealized gains (losses) of OTTI securities.

Cash and cash equivalents:  For statement of cash flow purposes, the Company considers cash, due from banks, federal funds sold, and short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less, to be cash and cash equivalents.  Cash flows from loans and deposits are reported net.

Securities:  Securities available for sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes.  Available for sale securities may be sold for general liquidity needs, in response to market interest rate fluctuations, implementation of asset-liability management strategies, funding loan demand, changes in securities prepayment risk, or other similar factors.  Realized gains and losses on sales are computed on a specific identification basis based on amortized cost.

The amortized cost of debt securities classified as available for sale is adjusted for accretion of discounts to maturity and amortization of premiums over the estimated average life of each security or, in the case of callable securities, through the first call date, using the effective yield method.  Such amortization and accretion is included in interest income.  Interest income on securities is recognized using the interest method according to the terms of the security.

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Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The Company evaluates each of its investment securities whose value has declined below amortized cost to determine whether the decline in fair value is OTTI.  The investment portfolio is evaluated for OTTI by segregating the portfolio into two segments and applying the appropriate OTTI model. Investment securities classified as available for sale are generally evaluated for OTTI under FASB ASC 320, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities. However, certain purchased beneficial interests in securitized financial assets, including asset-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations, that had credit ratings below AA at the time of purchase, are evaluated using the model outlined in FASB ASC 325, Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets.

In determining OTTI under the FASB ASC 320 model, the review takes into consideration the severity and duration of the decline in fair value, the length of time expected for recovery, the financial condition of the issuer, and other qualitative factors, as well as whether the Company intends to sell the security or whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery.

Under the FASB ASC 325 model, for the second segment of the portfolio, the Company compares the present value of the remaining cash flows as estimated at the preceding evaluation date to the current expected remaining cash flows. An OTTI is deemed to have occurred if there has been an adverse change in the remaining expected future cash flows.

When OTTI occurs under either model, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If the Company intends to sell or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the OTTI is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the OTTI is separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is determined based on the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, using the original yield as the discount rate, and is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total OTTI related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment. The assessment of whether an OTTI exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at the time.

Federal Home Loan Bank stock: West Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system, is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB in an amount equal to 0.12 percent of total assets plus 4.45 percent of outstanding advances from the FHLB and the outstanding principal balance of loans issued through the Mortgage Partnership Finance Program (MPF).  No ready market exists for the FHLB stock, and it has no quoted market value. The Company evaluates this asset for impairment on a quarterly basis. All shares of stock are issued and redeemed at a par value of $100.

Loans held for sale:  Loans held for sale include residential real estate mortgages that were originated in accordance with secondary market pricing and underwriting standards and are stated at the lower of cost or fair value determined on an aggregate basis.  Gains and losses on loan sales are recorded in noninterest income. West Bank does not retain servicing responsibility on loans sold.

Loans:  Loans are stated at the principal amounts outstanding, net of unamortized loan fees and costs, with interest income recognized on the interest method based upon those outstanding loan balances.  Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. Loans are reported by the portfolio segments identified and are analyzed by management on this basis. All loan policies identified below apply to all segments of the loan portfolio.

Delinquencies are determined based on the payment terms of the individual loan agreements. The accrual of interest on past due and other impaired loans is generally discontinued at 90 days or when, in the opinion of management, the borrower may be unable to make all payments pursuant to contractual terms.  Unless considered collectible, all interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income, if accrued in the current year, or charged to the allowance for loan losses, if accrued in the prior year.  Generally, all payments received while a loan is on nonaccrual status are applied to the principal balance of the loan. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. 




54

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

A loan is classified as troubled debt restructured (TDR) when the Company separately concludes that a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and a concession was granted to the borrower that would not otherwise be considered. Concessions may include a restructuring of the terms of a loan to alleviate the burden of the borrower's cash requirements, such as an extension of the payment terms beyond the original maturity date or a change in the interest rate charged.  TDR loans with extended payment terms are accounted for as impaired until performance is established. A change to the interest rate would change the classification of a loan to a TDR loan if the restructured loan yields a rate which is below a market rate for that of a new loan with comparable risk. TDR loans with below market rates are considered impaired until fully collected. TDR loans may be reported as nonaccrual rather than TDR, if they are not performing per the restructured terms.

Based upon its ongoing assessment of credit quality within the loan portfolio, the Company maintains a Watch List which includes classified loans. These loans involve the anticipated potential for payment defaults or collateral inadequacies. A loan on the Watch List is considered impaired when management believes it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement.  Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  The amount of impairment, if any, and any subsequent changes are included in the allowance for loan losses.

Allowance for loan losses:  The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense.  Loans in each of the Company's loan segments are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collectability of the principal is unlikely.  The allowance is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans, based on an evaluation of the collectability of loans and prior loss experience.  This evaluation also takes into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, the review of specific problem loans, and current economic conditions that may affect the borrowers' abilities to pay.  While management uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic conditions or the other factors relied upon.

The allowance consists of specific and general components.  The specific component relates to loans that meet the definition of impaired.  The general component covers the remaining loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors such as delinquency trends, loan growth, economic elements, and local market conditions.  These same policies are applied to all segments of loans. In addition, regulatory agencies, as integral parts of their examination processes, periodically review West Bank's allowance for loan losses, and may require West Bank to make additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

Premises and equipment:  Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.  The straight-line method of depreciation and amortization is used for calculating expense.  The estimated useful lives of premises and equipment range up to 40 years for buildings, up to 10 years for furniture and equipment, and the shorter of the estimated useful life or lease term for leasehold improvements.
 
Other real estate owned:  Real estate properties acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling cost at the date of foreclosure.  Fair value is determined by management by obtaining appraisals or other market value information at least annually.  Any write-downs in value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses.  After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management by obtaining updated appraisals or other market information. Any subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to operations, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of a property to the updated fair value less estimated selling cost. Net operating results of the properties held are included in noninterest expense.

Trust assets:  Assets held by West Bank in fiduciary or agency capacities, other than trust cash on deposit at West Bank, are not included in the consolidated financial statements.

Bank-owned life insurance:  The carrying amount of bank-owned life insurance consists of the initial premium paid, plus increases in cash value, less the carrying amount associated with any death benefit received.  Death benefits paid in excess of the applicable carrying amount are recognized as income, which is exempt from income taxes.


55

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Transfer of financial assets:  Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered.  Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right, free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right, to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Preferred stock and common stock warrant:  The proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock and a common stock warrant were allocated between the two based upon the proportionate fair value of each at the time of receipt.  The resulting discount on preferred stock was accreted to par using an effective yield method over a five-year period with the remainder recorded upon redemption of the preferred stock.  The accretion resulted in an adjustment directly to retained earnings and reduced the income available to common shareholders.

Income taxes (benefits):  The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return.  Income tax expense (benefit) is generally allocated as if the Holding Company and its subsidiary file separate income tax returns.  Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences, capital loss, operating loss, and tax credit carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences.  Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained.  The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the consolidated financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any.  The evaluation of a tax position taken is considered by itself and is not offset or aggregated with other positions.  Tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority.  Management does not believe the Company has any material uncertain tax positions to disclose.

Interest and penalties related to income taxes are recorded as other noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Earnings (loss) per common share:  Basic earnings (loss) per common share from continuing and discontinued operations are computed by dividing income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Income (loss) available to common stockholders is net income (loss) less preferred stock dividends and accretion of discount on preferred stock, treated as preferred stock dividends.  Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing and discontinued operations reflect the potential dilution that could have occurred if the Company's outstanding stock warrant was exercised and converted into common stock during the period it was outstanding.  The dilutive effect was computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes all outstanding warrants were exercised during the time period they were outstanding.  The incremental shares, to the extent they would have been dilutive, were included in the denominator of the diluted earnings (loss) per common share calculation.

Certain items in the financial statements as of December 31, 2010, were reclassified to be consistent with the classifications used in the December 31, 2011, financial statements. The reclassification has no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity.
 
Current accounting developments:  In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance for improving disclosures about fair value measurements.  This guidance is included in the Codification as part of ASC 820. The portion of the guidance that was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010, required additional disclosure in the reconciliation of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). A reporting entity must separately present information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or statement of operations.


56

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

In July 2010, the FASB issued guidance for improving disclosures about an entity's credit quality and risk exposures of its loans and the allowance for loan losses.  For public companies, increased disclosures as of the end of a reporting period were effective for periods ending on or after December 15, 2010.  Increased disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period were effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 31, 2010.  In January 2011, the FASB temporarily delayed the effective date of the disclosures about TDRs for public companies. Amended guidance issued by the FASB is discussed in the following paragraph. The amendment to the original pronouncement did not delay any of the other required disclosures. Since the provisions of this accounting guidance were disclosure-related, the adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or statement of operations.

In April 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance clarifying for creditors which restructured loans are considered TDR. To qualify as a TDR, a creditor must separately conclude that the restructuring constitutes a concession and that the debtor is experiencing financial difficulty. The amended guidance was effective for public companies for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011, and was applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or statement of operations.

In April 2011, the FASB issued guidance to improve the accounting for repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity. This guidance removes from the assessment of effective control in the accounting for repurchase agreements (a) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, and (b) the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The guidance is effective for the first interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance to improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements made in accordance with GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The guidance does not extend the use of fair value accounting, but provides guidance on how it should be applied in situations where it is already required or permitted. The guidance is included in the Codification as part of ASC 820. The guidance is effective for public companies during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance for improving the comparability of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The guidance eliminated the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the changes in stockholders' equity and requires all nonowner changes in stockholders' equity to be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The guidance also requires entities to present all reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to net income on the face of the financial statements. The guidance did not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. This guidance is included in the Codification as ASC 220. In December 2011, the FASB amended the guidance until further deliberations can be completed related to the requirement to present items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income alongside their respective components of net income. The amendment allows an alternative of including these disclosures in the footnotes rather than directly on the financial statements. Early adoption was permitted and the Company adopted this guidance effective June 30, 2011. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Note 2. Discontinued Operations
 
A former subsidiary, WB Capital, was sold effective December 31, 2009. The consideration received was a $2,000 seven-year promissory note and contingent earn-out payments if WB Capital achieved certain revenue milestones.  During 2010, the note was rewritten and the contingent payment, which was not likely to occur, was eliminated. The results of operations and cash flows of WB Capital have been reflected on those financial statements as discontinued operations for all periods through the sale date of December 31, 2009.


57

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The results of discontinued operations consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009.
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Revenue from discontinued operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest income
$

 
$

 
$
6,184

Noninterest expense

 

 
16,446

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

 

 
(10,262
)
Income taxes (benefits)

 

 
(696
)
Loss from discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$
(9,566
)

Noninterest expense for 2009 included goodwill impairment of $11,160 and loss on sale of $127.  

The definitive agreement included a provision that the Company will not be involved in the investment advisory business for five years after closing, except as currently performed by the West Bank trust department.  The new owner of WB Capital is allowed to make its investment advisory services available at standard rates to West Bank's trust department customers and is managing West Bank's bond portfolio for a three-year period ending December 31, 2012.  The annual continuing cash flows to the buyer are not significant.

Note 3. Securities
 
For securities available for sale, the following tables show the amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses (pre-tax) included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and estimated fair value by security type as of December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
2011
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Fair
Value
U.S. government agencies and corporations
$
12,644

 
$
371

 
$
(12
)
 
$
13,003

State and political subdivisions
50,172

 
2,398

 
(53
)
 
52,517

Collateralized mortgage obligations (1)
173,438

 
2,301

 
(241
)
 
175,498

Mortgage-backed securities (1)
34,967

 
706

 
(37
)
 
35,636

Trust preferred securities
6,105

 

 
(4,094
)
 
2,011

Corporate notes and other investments
4,764

 

 
(284
)
 
4,480

 
$
282,090

 
$
5,776

 
$
(4,721
)
 
$
283,145

 
2010
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Fair
Value
U.S. government agencies and corporations
$
47,685

 
$
274

 
$
(161
)
 
$
47,798

State and political subdivisions
59,512

 
464

 
(839
)
 
59,137

Collateralized mortgage obligations (1)
122,369

 
604

 
(356
)
 
122,617

Mortgage-backed securities (1)
18,330

 
301

 
(28
)
 
18,603

Trust preferred securities
6,194

 

 
(4,218
)
 
1,976

Corporate notes and other investments
6,507

 
16

 
(328
)
 
6,195

 
$
260,597

 
$
1,659

 
$
(5,930
)
 
$
256,326


(1) All collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities consist of residential mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by GNMA or issued by FNMA and real estate mortgage investment conduits guaranteed by FHLMC or GNMA.


58

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Securities with an amortized cost of approximately $96,062 and $168,066 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were pledged as collateral for the securities sold under agreements to repurchase, Treasury, Tax, and Loan Option Notes, and for other purposes as required or permitted by law or regulation.  Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are held in safekeeping on behalf of the Company.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale as of December 31, 2011, by contractual maturity are shown below.  Certain securities have call features which allow the issuer to call the securities prior to maturity.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities for collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.  Therefore, collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories in the following maturity summary.
 
2011
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Due in one year or less
$
1,150

 
$
1,154

Due after one year through five years
21,969

 
21,799

Due after five years through ten years
21,765

 
23,121

Due after ten years
28,801

 
25,937

 
73,685

 
72,011

Collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities
208,405

 
211,134

 
$
282,090

 
$
283,145


The details of the sales of securities for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 are summarized in the following table.
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Proceeds from sales
$

 
$
78,704

 
$
155,064

Gross gains on sales

 
411

 
2,726

Gross losses on sales

 
371

 
842


The following tables show the fair value and gross unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.  
 
2011
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
(Losses)
U.S. government agencies
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and corporations
$
4,988

 
$
(12
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
4,988

 
$
(12
)
State and political subdivisions

 

 
3,090

 
(53
)
 
3,090

 
(53
)
Collateralized mortgage obligations
38,175

 
(241
)
 

 

 
38,175

 
(241
)
Mortgage-backed securities
17,898

 
(37
)
 

 

 
17,898

 
(37
)
Trust preferred securities

 

 
2,011

 
(4,094
)
 
2,011

 
(4,094
)
Corporate notes and other investments

 

 
3,708

 
(284
)
 
3,708

 
(284
)
 
$
61,061

 
$
(290
)
 
$
8,809

 
$
(4,431
)
 
$
69,870

 
$
(4,721
)

59

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
2010
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
(Losses)
U.S. government agencies
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and corporations
$
19,853

 
$
(161
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
19,853

 
$
(161
)
State and political subdivisions
25,374

 
(700
)
 
2,003

 
(139
)
 
27,377

 
(839
)
Collateralized mortgage obligations
38,185

 
(356
)
 

 

 
38,185

 
(356
)
Mortgage-backed securities
9,104

 
(28
)
 

 

 
9,104

 
(28
)
Trust preferred securities

 

 
1,976

 
(4,218
)
 
1,976

 
(4,218
)
Corporate notes and other investments

 

 
3,661

 
(328
)
 
3,661

 
(328
)
 
$
92,516

 
$
(1,245
)
 
$
7,640

 
$
(4,685
)
 
$
100,156

 
$
(5,930
)

As of December 31, 2011, the available for sale investment portfolio included two municipal securities, two TPS, and one corporate note with unrealized losses that have existed for longer than one year.

All of the Company's municipal obligations are with Iowa communities, except for two in Nebraska, and all are considered to have acceptable credit risks.  The Company believes the unrealized losses on investments in state and political subdivisions, collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed securities, and corporate notes are due to market conditions, not reduced estimated cash flows.  The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities, does not anticipate that these securities will be required to be sold before anticipated recovery, and expects full principal and interest to be collected.  Therefore, the Company does not consider these investments to be OTTI at December 31, 2011.

The Company believes the unrealized loss of $965 on an investment in one single-issuer TPS issued by Heartland Financial, USA, Inc. is due to market conditions, not reduced estimated cash flows.  The Company does not have the intent to sell this security, does not anticipate that this security will be required to be sold before anticipated recovery, and expects full principal and interest will be collected.  Therefore, the Company does not consider this investment to be OTTI at December 31, 2011.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had one pooled TPS, ALESCO Preferred Funding X, Ltd., it considered to have OTTI.  The Company engaged an independent consulting firm to assist in the valuation of this security.  Based on that valuation, management determined the security had an estimated fair value of $1,245 at December 31, 2011. The methodology for determining the appropriate discount rate for a TPS for purposes of determining fair value combines an evaluation of current market yields for comparable corporate and structured credit products with an evaluation of the risks associated with the TPS cash flows in question.  More specifically, the market-based yield indicators are used as a baseline for determining appropriate discount rates, and the resulting discount rates are adjusted on the basis of credit and structural analysis of specific TPS instruments.  The primary focus is on the returns a fixed income investor would require in order to allocate capital on a risk-adjusted basis.  However, due to the fact that there is currently no active market for this pooled TPS, the focus is on market yields for stand-alone TPS issued by banks, thrifts, and insurance companies, and for which there are active and liquid markets.  A series of adjustments are made to reflect the differences that nevertheless exist between these products (both credit and structural) and, most importantly, to reflect idiosyncratic credit performance differences (both actual and projected) between these products and the underlying collateral in the specific TPS being valued.  Importantly, as part of the analysis described above, consideration is given to the fact that structured instruments frequently exhibit leverage not present in stand-alone instruments, and adjustments are made as necessary to reflect this additional risk.  As a result of this analysis and due to the fixed-rate nature of the instrument's contractual interest cash flows, a discount rate of the three-month LIBOR plus 15 percent (a lifetime average all-in discount rate of approximately 18 percent) was used for determination of fair value as of December 31, 2011, and an all-in discount rate of approximately 17 percent was used as of December 31, 2010.  For purposes of determining any credit loss, projected cash flows were discounted at the original rate of three-month LIBOR plus 1.25 percent.


60

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The consulting firm first evaluates the credit quality of each underlying issuer within the TPS by reviewing a comprehensive database of financial information and/or publicly-filed financial statements.  On the basis of this information and a review of historical industry default data and current and near-term operating conditions, default and recovery probabilities for each underlying issuer within the asset were estimated.  For issuers who had already defaulted, no recovery was assumed.  For deferring issuers, an assumption was made that the majority of deferring issuers will continue to defer and will eventually default.  Each deferring issuer is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, in some instances, a probability is assigned that the deferral will ultimately be cured.  The issuer-specific assumptions are then aggregated into cumulative weighted-average default, recovery, and prepayment probabilities.  The collateral prepayment assumptions were affected by the view that the terms and pricing of TPS and subordinated debt issued by banks and insurance companies were so aggressive that it is unlikely that such financing will become available in the foreseeable future.  Therefore, the assumption was made that no collateral will prepay over the life of the TPS.  In light of generally weak collateral credit performance and a challenging U.S. credit and real estate environment, the assumptions generally imply a larger amount of issuer defaults during the next two or three years than that which had been experienced historically, and a gradual leveling off of defaults thereafter.

Based on the valuation work performed, credit losses of $99, $117, and $310 were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, the unrealized loss of $3,129 is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes of $1,189.  The Company will continue to periodically estimate the present value of cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the security.

During the third quarter of 2010, a single-issuer TPS, which was issued by Old Second Bancorp, Inc., was sold with a realized loss of $304. A previously announced exchange offer for this security was withdrawn by the issuer during the third quarter of 2010. Management made the decision to eliminate future potential losses on this security by selling West Bank's entire investment. The security had been considered to be OTTI and an impairment loss of $188 was recognized during the second quarter of 2010.


61

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following tables detail information for each individual and pooled TPS owned as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
As of December 31, 2011:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single-issuer or pooled
 
Class
 
Book value
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized loss
 
Credit rating (1)
 
Number of entities currently performing (2)
 
Actual deferrals and defaults (3) (4)
 
Expected deferrals and defaults (5)
 
Excess subordination (5)
ALESCO Preferred Funding X, Ltd.
Pooled
 
C-2
 
$
4,374

 
$
1,245

 
$
(3,129
)
 
Ca
 
48
 
9.0
%
 
16.9
%
 
0.0%
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VII 144A
Single
 
N/A
 
1,731

 
766

 
(965
)
 
NR
 
N/A
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A
As of December 31, 2010:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single-issuer or pooled
 
Class
 
Book value
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized loss
 
Credit rating (1)
 
Number of entities currently performing (2)
 
Actual deferrals and defaults (3)
 
Expected deferrals and defaults (5)
 
Excess subordination (5)
ALESCO Preferred Funding X, Ltd.
Pooled
 
C-2
 
$
4,473

 
$
1,339

 
$
(3,134
)
 
Ca
 
51
 
20.6
%
 
19.3
%
 
0.0%
Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VII 144A
Single
 
N/A
 
1,721

 
637

 
(1,084
)
 
NR
 
N/A
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

NR - Not rated, N/A - Not applicable
(1)
Lowest rating assigned
(2)
Pooled issue originally included 58 banks and 19 insurance companies
(3)
As a percentage of the original collateral
(4)
Approximately $100 million of defaulted collateral (approximately 11.6% of the original collateral) for the pooled issue was sold to another party during 2011, with a portion of any collateral recovered to be returned to the Fund. This sale is the reason for the reduction in this deferral and default percent compared to prior period disclosures.
(5)
As a percentage of the remaining performing collateral

Excess subordination represents the additional defaults in excess of both current and projected defaults that the pool can absorb before the bond experiences any credit impairment.  There is no excess collateral to absorb any future defaults.  With the excess subordination at zero percent, this may mean any additional deferrals or defaults could have a negative impact on the value of the pooled TPS.

The following table provides a roll forward of the amount of credit-related losses recognized in earnings for the pooled trust preferred security for which a portion of OTTI has been recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

 
2011
 
2010
Balance at beginning of period
$
427

 
$
310

Current period credit loss recognized in earnings
99

 
117

Reductions for securities sold during the period

 

Reductions for securities where there is an intent to sell or requirement to sell

 

Reductions for increases in cash flows expected to be collected

 

Balance at end of period
$
526

 
$
427



62

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Note 4. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Loans consist of the following segments as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
2011
 
2010
Commercial
$
255,702

 
$
310,376

Real estate:
 
 
 

Construction, land, and land development
101,607

 
116,601

1-4 family residential first mortgages
63,218

 
51,760

Home equity
26,423

 
26,111

Commercial
386,137

 
372,404

Consumer and other loans
6,155

 
11,514

 
839,242

 
888,766

Net unamortized fees and costs
283

 
117

 
$
838,959

 
$
888,649


The loan portfolio includes $501,418 and $484,920 of fixed rate loans and $337,824 and $403,846 of variable rate loans as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Real estate loans of approximately $337,000 and $314,000 were pledged as security for FHLB advances as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  

The Company has had, and may be expected to have in the future, banking transactions in the ordinary course of business with directors, executive officers, their immediate families, affiliated companies in which they are principal stockholders, and five percent stockholders (commonly referred to as related parties), all of which have been originated, in the opinion of management, on the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated parties. Loan transactions with related parties were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
2011
 
2010
Balance, beginning of year
$
17,934

 
$
24,227

New loans
7,474

 
7,210

Repayments
(6,574
)
 
(13,471
)
Change in classification

 
(32
)
Balance, end of year
$
18,834

 
$
17,934



63

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following table sets forth the recorded investment in nonperforming loans, disaggregated by segment, held by the Company as of December 31, 2011 and 2010. The recorded investment represents principal balances net of any partial charge-offs. The related accrued interest and net unamortized fees and costs are immaterial and are excluded from the table.
 
2011
 
2010
Nonaccrual loans:
 
 
 
Commercial
$
800

 
$
4,011

Real estate:
 
 
 
Construction, land, and land development
4,220

 
60

1-4 family residential first mortgages
923

 
1,001

Home equity

 
59

Commercial
2,629

 
2,814

Consumer and other loans

 

Total nonaccrual loans
8,572

 
7,945

Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest:
 
 
 
Commercial

 

Real estate:
 
 
 
Construction, land, and land development

 

1-4 family residential first mortgages

 
198

Home equity

 

Commercial

 

Consumer and other loans

 

Total loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest

 
198

Troubled debt restructured loans (1):
 
 
 
Commercial

 

Real estate:
 
 
 
Construction, land, and land development
1,094

 
1,195

1-4 family residential first mortgages
171

 

Home equity

 

Commercial
856

 
3,578

Consumer and other loans

 
14

Total troubled debt restructured loans
2,121

 
4,787

Total nonperforming loans
$
10,693

 
$
12,930

(1)
While troubled debt restructured loans are commonly reported by the industry as nonperforming, those not classified in the nonaccrual category are accruing interest due to payment performance. Troubled debt restructured loans on nonaccrual status, if any, are included in the nonaccrual category.


64

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following table shows the pre- and post-modification recorded investment in TDR loans by type of modification and loan segment that have occurred during the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
Pre-Modification
 
Post-Modification
 
Number
 
Outstanding
 
Outstanding
 
of Loans
 
Recorded Investment
 
Recorded Investment
Lengthened amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial

 
$

 
$

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land, and land development

 

 

1-4 family residential first mortgages

 

 

Home equity
1

 
164

 
164

Commercial
2

 
971

 
971

Consumer and other loans

 

 

 
3

 
1,135

 
1,135

Reduced interest rate:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial

 

 

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land, and land development

 

 

1-4 family residential first mortgages
1

 
175

 
175

Home equity

 

 

Commercial

 

 

Consumer and other loans

 

 

 
1

 
175

 
175

 
4

 
$
1,310

 
$
1,310


There was no financial impact for specific reserves or from charge-offs for the modified loans included in the previous table.

The following table shows the recorded investment in TDR loans by segment that have been modified within the previous twelve months and have subsequently had a payment default during the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
December 31, 2011
 
Number
 
Recorded
 
of Loans
 
Investment
Commercial

 
$

Real estate:

 

Construction, land and land development

 

1-4 family residential first mortgages
1

 
175

Home equity

 

Commercial
1

 
116

Consumer and other loans

 

Total
2

 
$
291


As a result of adopting the amendments in ASU No. 2011-02, the Company reassessed all loan modifications that occurred on or after the beginning of 2011 for identification as TDRs. The Company identified no additional loans for which the allowance for loan losses had previously been measured under a general allowance for credit losses methodology. The amendments in this ASU require prospective application of the impairment measurement guidance for those loans newly identified as impaired. As of December 31, 2011, there was no recorded loan investment for which the allowance for credit losses was previously measured under a general allowance for loan losses methodology that was presently impaired.


65

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following tables summarize the recorded investment in impaired loans by segment, broken out by loans with no related allowance and loans with a related allowance and the amount of that allowance as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on these loans for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
December 31, 2011
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
800

 
$
800

 
 N/A

 
$
1,752

 
$

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land, and land development

 

 
 N/A

 
126

 
6

1-4 family residential first mortgages
1,094

 
1,094

 
 N/A

 
1,021

 
2

Home equity

 

 
 N/A

 
62

 
3

Commercial
3,484

 
4,678

 
 N/A

 
4,120

 
65

Consumer and other

 

 
 N/A

 
11

 
1

 
5,378

 
6,572

 
 N/A

 
7,092

 
77

With an allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
4,577

 
4,577

 
$
100

 
5,419

 
264

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land, and land development
17,359

 
17,359

 
2,630

 
13,568

 
671

1-4 family residential first mortgages
283

 
283

 
84

 
190

 
21

Home equity
156

 
156

 
156

 
12

 
2

Commercial
1,278

 
1,278

 
200

 
98

 
8

Consumer and other
42

 
42

 
12

 
43

 
3

 
23,695

 
23,695

 
3,182

 
19,330

 
969

Total:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
5,377

 
5,377

 
100

 
7,171

 
264

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land, and land development
17,359

 
17,359

 
2,630

 
13,694

 
677

1-4 family residential first mortgages
1,377

 
1,377

 
84

 
1,211

 
23

Home equity
156

 
156

 
156

 
74

 
5

Commercial
4,762

 
5,956

 
200

 
4,218

 
73

Consumer and other
42

 
42

 
12

 
54

 
4

Total impaired loans
$
29,073

 
$
30,267

 
$
3,182

 
$
26,422

 
$
1,046


66

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
December 31, 2010
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
2,086

 
$
6,270

 
 N/A

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land, and land development
139

 
143

 
 N/A

1-4 family residential first mortgages
836

 
884

 
 N/A

Home equity
59

 
59

 
 N/A

Commercial
6,392

 
6,392

 
 N/A

Consumer and other
14

 
14

 
 N/A

 
9,526

 
13,762

 
 N/A

With an allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
7,026

 
7,026

 
$
1,742

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land, and land development
14,250

 
14,250

 
1,900

1-4 family residential first mortgages
166

 
166

 
25

Home equity

 

 

Commercial

 

 

Consumer and other
45

 
45

 
21

 
21,487

 
21,487

 
3,688

Total:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
9,112

 
13,296

 
1,742

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land, and land development
14,389

 
14,393

 
1,900

1-4 family residential first mortgages
1,002

 
1,050

 
25

Home equity
59

 
59

 

Commercial
6,392

 
6,392

 

Consumer and other
59

 
59

 
21

Total impaired loans
$
31,013

 
$
35,249

 
$
3,688

N/A - Not applicable

The following table reconciles the balance of nonaccrual loans with impaired loans as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
2011
 
2010
Nonaccrual loans
$
8,572

 
$
7,945

Troubled debt restructured loans
2,121

 
4,787

Other impaired loans still accruing interest
18,380

 
18,281

Total impaired loans
$
29,073

 
$
31,013


The balance of impaired loans at December 31, 2011, was comprised of 16 different borrowers, and the balance of impaired loans at December 31, 2010, was comprised of 23 different borrowers.  West Bank has no commitments to advance additional funds on any of the impaired loans.

The average recorded investments in impaired loans during 2011, 2010, and 2009, totaled $26,422, $38,552, and $50,919, respectively.  Interest income forgone on impaired loans was $450 during 2011, $664 during 2010, and $1,411 during 2009.  Interest income recognized on impaired loans was $1,046 in 2011, $1,467 in 2010, and $1,808 in 2009.  


67

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following tables provide an analysis of the payment status of the recorded investment in loans as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
December 31, 2011
 
30-59
Days Past
Due
 
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
Greater
Than 90
Days
Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 
Current
 
Total
Loans
 
90 Days
and Still
Accruing
Commercial
$
179

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
180

 
$
255,522

 
$
255,702

 
$

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land, and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
land development
4,220

 

 

 
4,220

 
97,387

 
101,607

 

1-4 family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
first mortgages
703

 
6

 
809

 
1,518

 
61,700

 
63,218

 

Home equity
47

 
75

 

 
122

 
26,301

 
26,423

 

Commercial

 
60

 
2,434

 
2,494

 
383,643

 
386,137

 

Consumer and other
1

 

 

 
1

 
6,154

 
6,155

 

Total
$
5,150

 
$
142

 
$
3,243

 
$
8,535

 
$
830,707

 
$
839,242

 
$

Nonaccrual loans included
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
above
$
4,235

 
$
60

 
$
3,243

 
$
7,538

 
$
1,034

 
$
8,572

 
N/A

 
December 31, 2010
 
30-59
Days Past
Due
 
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
Greater
Than 90
Days
Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 
Current
 
Total
Loans
 
90 Days
and Still
Accruing
Commercial
$
329

 
$
15

 
$
3,661

 
$
4,005

 
$
306,371

 
$
310,376

 
$

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land, and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
land development
464

 

 
60

 
524

 
116,077

 
116,601

 

1-4 family residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
first mortgages
521

 

 
1,199

 
1,720

 
50,040

 
51,760

 
198

Home equity

 

 
59

 
59

 
26,052

 
26,111

 

Commercial
254

 

 
2,679

 
2,933

 
369,471

 
372,404

 

Consumer and other
42

 
1

 

 
43

 
11,471

 
11,514

 

Total
$
1,610

 
$
16

 
$
7,658

 
$
9,284

 
$
879,482

 
$
888,766

 
$
198

Nonaccrual loans included
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
above
$

 
$

 
$
7,460

 
$
7,460

 
$
485

 
$
7,945

 
N/A

N/A - Not applicable


68

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following tables show the recorded investment in loans by credit quality indicator and loan segment as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
December 31, 2011
 
Pass
 
Watch
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Total
Commercial
$
227,088

 
$
10,458

 
$
18,156

 
$

 
$
255,702

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land, and land development
78,402

 
2,087

 
21,118

 

 
101,607

1-4 family residential first mortgages
60,474

 
664

 
2,080

 

 
63,218

Home equity
25,987

 
280

 
156

 

 
26,423

Commercial
367,094

 
6,209

 
12,834

 

 
386,137

Consumer and other
6,029

 
72

 
54

 

 
6,155

Total
$
765,074

 
$
19,770

 
$
54,398

 
$

 
$
839,242

 
December 31, 2010
 
Pass
 
Watch
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Total
Commercial
$
283,239

 
$
5,990

 
$
21,147

 
$

 
$
310,376

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction, land, and land development
88,930

 
3,722

 
23,949

 

 
116,601

1-4 family residential first mortgages
48,152

 
1,217

 
2,391

 

 
51,760

Home equity
25,902

 
89

 
120

 

 
26,111

Commercial
343,869

 
12,894

 
15,641

 

 
372,404

Consumer and other
11,371

 
82

 
61

 

 
11,514

Total
$
801,463

 
$
23,994

 
$
63,309

 
$

 
$
888,766

All loans are subject to the assessment of a credit quality indicator. Risk ratings are assigned for each loan at the time of approval and change as circumstances dictate during the term of the loan. The Company utilizes a 9-point risk rating scale as shown below, with ratings 1 - 5 included in the Pass column, rating 6 included in the Watch column, ratings 7 - 8 included in the Substandard column, and rating 9 included in the Doubtful column. The Substandard column includes all loans classified as impaired as well as loans with ratings 7 and 8, which are included in the general evaluation of the allowance for loan losses.

Risk rating 1: The loan is fully secured by cash equivalent collateral.

Risk rating 2: The loan is fully secured by properly margined marketable securities, bonds, or cash surrender value of life insurance.

Risk rating 3: The borrower is in strong financial condition and has strong debt service capacity. The loan is performing as agreed and the financial characteristics and trends of the borrower exceed industry statistics.

Risk rating 4: The borrower is in satisfactory financial condition and has satisfactory debt service capacity. The loan is performing as agreed and the financial characteristics and trends of the borrower fall in line with industry statistics.

Risk rating 5: The borrower's financial condition is less than satisfactory. The loan is still generally paying as agreed, but strained cash flow may cause some slowness in payments. Collateral values adequately preclude loss. Financial characteristics and trends lag industry statistics. There may be noncompliance with loan covenants.

Risk rating 6: The borrower's financial condition is deficient. Payment delinquencies may be more common. Collateral values still protect from loss, but margins are narrow. Loan may be reliant on secondary sources of repayment, including liquidation of collateral and guarantor support.


69

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Risk rating 7: The loan is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Well-defined weaknesses exist that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. The Company is inadequately protected by the valuation or paying capacity of the collateral pledged. If deficiencies are not corrected, there is a distinct possibility that a loss will be sustained.

Risk rating 8: All the characteristics of rating 7 exist with the added condition that the loan is past due more than 90 days or there is reason to believe the Company will not receive its principal and interest according to the terms of the loan agreement.

Risk rating 9: All of the weaknesses inherent in risk ratings 7 and 8 exist with the added condition that collection or liquidation, on the basis of currently known facts, conditions, and values is highly questionable and improbable. A loan reaching this category would most likely be charged off.

Credit quality indicators for all loans and the Company's risk rating process are dynamic and updated on a continuous basis. Risk ratings are updated as circumstances that could affect the repayment of an individual loan are brought to management's attention through an established monitoring process. Individual lenders initiate changes as appropriate for ratings 1 through 5 and changes for ratings 6 through 9 are initiated via communications with management. The likelihood of loss increases as the risk rating increases and is generally preceded by a loan appearing on the Watch List, which consists of all loans with a risk rating of 6 or worse.

In all portfolio segments, the primary risks are that a borrower's income stream diminishes to the point they are not able to make scheduled principal and interest payments and any collateral securing the loan has declined in value. For commercial loans, including construction and commercial real estate loans, that income stream is generated by the operations of the business. For consumer loans, including 1-4 family residential and home equity loans, that income stream typically consists of wages. The risk of declining collateral values is present for most types of loans. For commercial loans, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and inventory generally comprise the collateral. Accounts receivable can diminish in value if collections are not timely. Fixed assets tend to depreciate over time and inventory can become obsolete. For all types of loans secured by real estate, it is possible for the value of the real estate to decline.

The following tables detail changes in the allowance for loan losses by segment for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, and in total for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
2011
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Construction and Land
 
1-4 Family Residential
 
Home Equity
 
Commercial
 
Consumer and Other
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
7,940

 
$
3,787

 
$
647

 
$
658

 
$
5,823

 
$
232

 
$
19,087

Charge-offs
(2,976
)
 
(2
)
 
(946
)
 
(97
)
 
(722
)
 
(21
)
 
(4,764
)
Recoveries
1,809

 
2

 
42

 
29

 
1

 
22

 
1,905

Provision (1)
(2,364
)
 
(215
)
 
1,472

 
242

 
1,565

 
(150
)
 
550

Ending balance
$
4,409

 
$
3,572

 
$
1,215

 
$
832

 
$
6,667

 
$
83

 
$
16,778

 
2010
 
2009
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Construction and Land
 
1-4 Family Residential
 
Home Equity
 
Commercial
 
Consumer and Other
 
Total
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
7,988

 
$
3,260

 
$
649

 
$
654

 
$
6,438

 
$
137

 
$
19,126

 
$
15,441

Charge-offs
(5,785
)
 
(209
)
 
(371
)
 
(266
)
 
(53
)
 
(234
)
 
(6,918
)
 
(21,380
)
Recoveries
716

 
10

 
33

 
16

 
10

 
44

 
829

 
565

Provision (1)
5,021

 
726

 
336

 
254

 
(572
)
 
285

 
6,050

 
24,500

Ending balance
$
7,940

 
$
3,787

 
$
647

 
$
658

 
$
5,823

 
$
232

 
$
19,087

 
$
19,126

(1)
The negative provisions for the various segments are primarily related to the decline in each of those portfolio segments during the time periods disclosed.


70

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following tables show a breakdown of the allowance for loan losses disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method by segment as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and in total as of December 31, 2009.
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Construction and Land
 
1-4 Family Residential
 
Home Equity
 
Commercial
 
Consumer and Other
 
Total
Ending balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for impairment
$
100

 
$
2,630

 
$
84

 
$
156

 
$
200

 
$
12

 
$
3,182

Collectively evaluated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for impairment
4,309

 
942

 
1,131

 
676

 
6,467

 
71

 
13,596

Total
$
4,409

 
$
3,572

 
$
1,215

 
$
832

 
$
6,667

 
$
83

 
$
16,778

 
December 31, 2010
 
2009
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Construction and Land
 
1-4 Family Residential
 
Home Equity
 
Commercial
 
Consumer and Other
 
Total
 
Total
Ending balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for impairment
$
1,742

 
$
1,900

 
$
25

 
$

 
$

 
$
21

 
$
3,688

 
$
4,935

Collectively evaluated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for impairment
6,198

 
1,887

 
622

 
658

 
5,823

 
211

 
15,399

 
14,191

Total
$
7,940

 
$
3,787

 
$
647

 
$
658

 
$
5,823

 
$
232

 
$
19,087

 
$
19,126


The following tables show the recorded investment in loans, exclusive of unamortized fees and costs, disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method by segment as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and in total as of December 31, 2009.
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Construction and Land
 
1-4 Family Residential
 
Home Equity
 
Commercial
 
Consumer and Other
 
Total
Ending balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for impairment
$
5,377

 
$
17,359

 
$
1,377

 
$
156

 
$
4,762

 
$
42

 
$
29,073

Collectively evaluated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for impairment
250,325

 
84,248

 
61,841

 
26,267

 
381,375

 
6,113

 
810,169

Total
$
255,702

 
$
101,607

 
$
63,218

 
$
26,423

 
$
386,137

 
$
6,155

 
$
839,242

 
December 31, 2010
 
2009
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Construction and Land
 
1-4 Family Residential
 
Home Equity
 
Commercial
 
Consumer and Other
 
Total
 
Total
Ending balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for impairment
$
9,112

 
$
14,389

 
$
1,002

 
$
59

 
$
6,392

 
$
59

 
$
31,013

 
$
41,554

Collectively evaluated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for impairment
301,264

 
102,212

 
50,758

 
26,052

 
366,012

 
11,455

 
857,753

 
979,460

Total
$
310,376

 
$
116,601

 
$
51,760

 
$
26,111

 
$
372,404

 
$
11,514

 
$
888,766

 
$
1,021,014


71

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Note 5. Premises and Equipment, Net
 
Premises and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
2011
 
2010
Land
$
1,244

 
$
1,251

Buildings
1,084

 
884

Leasehold improvements
2,915

 
2,960

Furniture and equipment
4,983

 
4,924

 
10,226

 
10,019

Accumulated depreciation
4,830

 
4,951

 
$
5,396

 
$
5,068


Note 6. Goodwill
 
Goodwill impairment was reviewed as of June 30, 2009, because the Company's common stock traded at a market price of less than its per share book value.  With the assistance of a third party valuation firm, management prepared an estimate of the fair value of a 100 percent controlling marketable interest in the outstanding stock of West Bank.  A combination of the income and market approaches was used in determining the fair value.  Based on that analysis, an impairment of $13,376, or all of West Bank's goodwill was recognized in the second quarter of 2009.

Note 7. Deposits
 
As of December 31, 2011, the scheduled maturities of time deposits were as follows.
2012
$
122,378

2013
36,272

2014
7,384

2015
11,839

2016
9,160

 
$
187,033


Time deposits as of December 31, 2011, included $51,730 of Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) deposits, which is a program that coordinates, on a reciprocal basis, a network of banks to spread deposits exceeding the FDIC insurance coverage limits out to numerous institutions in order to provide insurance coverage for all participating deposits.  

Note 8. Subordinated Notes
 
On July 18, 2003, the Company issued $20,619 in TPS from its participation in the issuance of a pooled TPS.  The security has a 30-year maturity, does not require any principal amortization, and is callable at par at the issuer's option.  The interest rate was fixed at 6.975 percent until October 1, 2010, when it changed to a variable rate based on the three-month LIBOR plus 3.05 percent.  At December 31, 2011, the interest rate was 3.42 percent. Interest is payable quarterly.  The effective cost of this security at December 31, 2011, including amortization of the discount fee, was 3.53 percent.  Holders of the subordinated notes have no voting rights, are unsecured, and rank junior in priority to all of the Company's indebtedness and senior to the Company's common stock.  See Note 1 for a discussion of the accounting principles related to this debt.


72

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Note 9. Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
 
FHLB advances consisted of the following at December 31, 2011.
 
Amount
 
Weight Average Interest Rate
FHLB advances maturing in:
 
 
 
2012
$

 

2013

 

2014

 

2015

 

2016
50,000

 
4.18
%
Thereafter
55,000

 
3.63

 
$
105,000

 
3.89
%

FHLB advances at December 31, 2010, also totaled $105,000 with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.89%.

The FHLB advances are collateralized by FHLB stock and real estate loans, as required by the FHLB's collateral policy, and all are callable on a quarterly basis. West Bank also has additional borrowing capacity of approximately $35,157 at the FHLB as of December 31, 2011.

At December 31, 2011, West Bank had arrangements to borrow approximately $53,000 in unsecured and $10,000 in secured federal funds lines of credit at correspondent banks which are available under the correspondent banks' normal terms.  The lines have no stated expiration date.  As of December 31, 2011, no balance was outstanding under these arrangements.  

Note 10. Income Taxes from Continuing Operations
 
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions.  Income tax returns for the years 2006 through 2011 remain open to examination by federal and state taxing authorities.  A federal examination for 2009 was completed with an adjustment to reported taxable income for certain other real estate owned expenses. The adjustment was all deductible in 2010, 2011 or future years.
 
During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company recognized no material interest or penalties.  No accrued interest or penalties are included in accrued tax expenses in the balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

The components of income tax expenses (benefits) related to continuing operations consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009.
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
4,441

 
$
4,036

 
$
(1,523
)
State
900

 
655

 
430

Deferred:
 
 
 

 
 

Federal
630

 
563

 
(5,544
)
State
101

 
76

 
(719
)
Income taxes (benefits)
$
6,072

 
$
5,330

 
$
(7,356
)


73

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Total income tax expenses (benefits) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to income (loss) before income taxes (benefits) as a result of the following:
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
Amount
 
Percent
of Pretax
Income
 
Amount
 
Percent
of Pretax
Income
 
Amount
 
Percent
of Pretax
Loss
Computed expected tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
expense (benefit)
$
7,469

 
35.0
 %
 
$
6,550

 
35.0
 %
 
$
(4,342
)
 
(35.0
)%
State income tax expense (benefit),
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
net of federal income tax benefit
557

 
2.6

 
502

 
2.7

 
(440
)
 
(3.5
)
Tax-exempt interest income
(1,328
)
 
(6.2
)
 
(1,647
)
 
(8.8
)
 
(1,971
)
 
(15.9
)
Nondeductible interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to own tax-exempts
54

 
0.3

 
90

 
0.5

 
148

 
1.2

Tax-exempt increase in cash value of
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
life insurance and gains
(532
)
 
(2.5
)
 
(452
)
 
(2.4
)
 
(565
)
 
(4.6
)
Capital loss carryover due to sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of WB Capital

 

 

 

 
(3,296
)
 
(26.6
)
Valuation allowance
227

 
1.1

 
666

 
3.6

 
3,320

 
26.8

New market tax credit
(273
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(273
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(228
)
 
(1.8
)
Other, net
(102
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(106
)
 
(0.6
)
 
18

 
0.1

Income taxes (benefits)
$
6,072

 
28.5
 %
 
$
5,330

 
28.5
 %
 
$
(7,356
)
 
(59.3
)%

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to net deferred tax assets consist of the following as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
2011
 
2010
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
$
6,376

 
$
7,253

Net unrealized losses on securities available for sale

 
1,623

Investment security impairment
35

 
291

Intangibles
2,004

 
2,265

Other real estate owned
1,472

 
870

Accrued expenses
526

 
417

Alternative minimum tax credit

 
21

State net operating loss carryforward
442

 
381

Capital loss carryforward
4,125

 
3,703

Other
109

 
152

 
15,089

 
16,976

Deferred tax liabilities:
 

 
 

Net deferred loan fees and costs
252

 
255

Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale
401

 

Premises and equipment
590

 
493

Loans
718

 
559

Other
117

 
130

 
2,078

 
1,437

Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance
13,011

 
15,539

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
(4,602
)
 
(4,375
)
Net deferred tax assets
$
8,409

 
$
11,164



74

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The Company has approximately $7,378 of state operating loss carryforwards available to the Holding Company to offset future state taxable income.  The Company has approximately $10,043 of federal capital loss carryforwards and $10,181 of state capital loss carryforwards available to offset future capital gains.  The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against the tax effect of the state net operating loss, federal and state capital loss carryforwards, and investment security impairment as management believes it is more likely than not that such carryforwards will expire without being utilized.  The state operating loss carryforwards expire in 2019 and thereafter, and the capital loss carryforwards expire in 2012 through 2016.

Note 11. Regulatory Capital Requirements
 
The Company and West Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators which, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and West Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  The Company's and West Bank's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and West Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of Total and Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets and of Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets.  Management believes the Company and West Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject as of December 31, 2011.  Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to the Holding Company.

On April 28, 2010, West Bank entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Iowa Division of Banking (IDOB) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) that established certain requirements for West Bank's Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets ratio and its Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets ratio. Effective June 3, 2011, the MOU with the IDOB and the FDIC was terminated.

As of December 31, 2011, the most recent notification from regulatory agencies categorized West Bank as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  


75

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The Company's and West Bank's capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table.
 
 
Actual
 
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
 
To Be Well-Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective
Action Provisions
 
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
As of December 31, 2011:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
$
154,728

 
16.27
%
 
$
76,075

 
8.0
%
 
n/a

 
n/a

West Bank
 
138,508

 
15.09

 
73,433

 
8.0

 
$
91,791

 
10.0
%
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
142,781

 
15.01

 
38,037

 
4.0

 
n/a

 
n/a

West Bank
 
126,969

 
13.83

 
36,716

 
4.0

 
55,075

 
6.0

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
142,781

 
11.05

 
51,695

 
4.0

 
n/a

 
n/a

West Bank
 
126,969

 
9.95

 
51,046

 
4.0

 
63,808

 
5.0

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

As of December 31, 2010:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
$
180,443

 
17.69
%
 
$
81,620

 
8.0
%
 
n/a

 
n/a

West Bank
 
162,713

 
16.54

 
78,684

 
8.0

 
$
98,355

 
10.0
%
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
167,612

 
16.43

 
40,810

 
4.0

 
n/a

 
n/a

West Bank
 
150,335

 
15.28

 
39,342

 
4.0

 
59,013

 
6.0

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated
 
167,612

 
11.77

 
56,979

 
4.0

 
n/a

 
n/a

West Bank
 
150,335

 
10.67

 
56,333

 
4.0

 
70,416

 
5.0


Intangible assets are not included in capital or assets when calculating regulatory capital ratios. The Company's tangible common equity ratio at December 31, 2011, was 9.72 percent, up from 8.49 percent at December 31, 2010.  The tangible common equity ratio is computed by dividing total equity less preferred stock and intangible assets by total assets less intangible assets. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had no intangible assets.

Note 12. Stockholders' Equity and Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
 
Preferred stock:  On December 23, 2008, the shareholders of the Company approved a proposal to amend the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation to authorize a class of 50 million shares of preferred stock.

On December 31, 2008, the Company issued 36,000 shares of perpetual cumulative senior preferred stock to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) under the Capital Purchase Program (CPP).  The preferred stock had a par value of $0.01 per share and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, or $36,000.  Dividends were payable quarterly at the rate of five percent per annum.  The dividends were computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

On June 29, 2011, the Company redeemed all 36,000 of the outstanding preferred stock issued under the CPP with a payment to the Treasury of $36,220, consisting of $36,000 of principal and $220 of dividends. The preferred stock had a carrying value of $34,752 on the redemption date. Upon redemption, the remaining $1,248 preferred stock discount was recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders.


76

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Common stock:  On April 12, 2005, shareholders approved the West Bancorporation, Inc. Restricted Stock Compensation Plan.  The plan provides awards to be made until March 1, 2015, with a maximum of 300,000 shares purchased in the open market to be issued as awards, subject to certain restrictions. The Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors administers the Plan.  As of December 31, 2011, no awards had been granted under this plan.

Common stock warrants:  In connection with the CPP described above, a common stock warrant exercisable for 474,100 shares of common stock was issued and was exercisable on or before December 31, 2018.  The warrant entitled the Treasury to purchase 474,100 shares of common stock at $11.39 per share.  The warrant was repurchased by the Company for $700 on August 31, 2011.

Earnings (loss) per common share:  The calculation of earnings (loss) per common share and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, is presented below.  See Note 1, Organization and Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for a discussion on the calculation of earnings (loss) per common share.
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
15,268

 
$
13,383

 
$
(5,051
)
Loss from discontinued operations

 

 
(9,566
)
Net income (loss)
15,268

 
13,383

 
(14,617
)
Preferred stock dividends
(895
)
 
(1,800
)
 
(1,800
)
Preferred stock discount accretion
(1,492
)
 
(484
)
 
(476
)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders
$
12,881

 
$
11,099

 
$
(16,893
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

Weighted average common shares outstanding
17,404

 
17,404

 
17,404

Common stock warrant (1)

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
17,404

 
17,404

 
17,404

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations
$
0.74

 
$
0.64

 
$
(0.42
)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations

 

 
(0.55
)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
$
0.74

 
$
0.64

 
$
(0.97
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations
$
0.74

 
$
0.64

 
$
(0.42
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations

 

 
(0.55
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
$
0.74

 
$
0.64

 
$
(0.97
)
 
(1)
The average closing price of the Company's common stock for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, was $8.31, $6.68, and $6.41, respectively.  These were less than the $11.39 exercise price of the common stock warrant to purchase 474,100 shares of common stock; therefore, the warrant was not dilutive.

Note 13. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of the net change in unrealized gains and losses on the Company's securities available for sale, including the noncredit-related portion of unrealized losses of OTTI securities.


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Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following table summarizes the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
 
Noncredit-related
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Accumulated
 
Gains (Losses)
 
Gains (Losses)
 
Other
 
on Securities
 
on Securities
 
Comprehensive
 
with OTTI
 
without OTTI
 
Income (Loss)
Balance, December 31, 2008
$

 
$
(3,730
)
 
$
(3,730
)
Cumulative effect accounting adjustment, net of tax (1)
(1,625
)
 

 
(1,625
)
Current period, other comprehensive income
(516
)
 
1,560

 
1,044

Balance, December 31, 2009
(2,141
)
 
(2,170
)
 
(4,311
)
Current period, other comprehensive income
198

 
1,466

 
1,664

Balance, December 31, 2010
(1,943
)
 
(704
)
 
(2,647
)
Current period, other comprehensive income
3

 
3,298

 
3,301

Balance, December 31, 2011
$
(1,940
)
 
$
2,594

 
$
654


(1)
Represents reclassifications of noncredit-related components of previously recorded other than temporary impairment losses pursuant to the adoption of FSP 115-2 and 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other Than Temporary Impairments, now included as part of FASB ASC Topic 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities.

The following tables show the tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
 
2011
 
Before Tax
 
Tax (Expense)
 
Net of Tax
 
Amount
 
Benefit
 
Amount
Unrealized noncredit-related gains on securities with OTTI:
 
 
 
 

Unrealized holding losses arising during period
$
(94
)
 
$
36

 
$
(58
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income
99

 
(38
)
 
61

Net unrealized holding gains for securities with other than temporary
 
 
 
 
 
impairment
5

 
(2
)
 
3

Unrealized gains on securities without OTTI:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
5,320

 
(2,022
)
 
3,298

Less: reclassification adjustment for net losses realized in net
 
 
 
 
 
income

 

 

Net unrealized gains
5,320

 
(2,022
)
 
3,298

Other comprehensive income
$
5,325

 
$
(2,024
)
 
$
3,301


78

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
2010
 
Before Tax
 
Tax (Expense)
 
Net of Tax
 
Amount
 
Benefit
 
Amount
Unrealized noncredit-related gains on securities with OTTI:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
$
15

 
$
(6
)
 
$
9

Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income
305

 
(116
)
 
189

Net unrealized holding gains for securities with other than temporary
 
 
 
 
 
impairment
320

 
(122
)
 
198

Unrealized gains on securities without OTTI:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
2,404

 
(913
)
 
1,491

Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net
 
 
 
 
 
income
(40
)
 
15

 
(25
)
Net unrealized gains
2,364

 
(898
)
 
1,466

Other comprehensive income
$
2,684

 
$
(1,020
)
 
$
1,664

 
2009
 
Before Tax
 
Tax (Expense)
 
Net of Tax
 
Amount
 
Benefit
 
Amount
Unrealized noncredit-related losses on securities with OTTI:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding losses arising during period
$
(1,142
)
 
$
434

 
$
(708
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income
310

 
(118
)
 
192

Net unrealized holding losses for securities with other than
 
 
 
 
 
temporary impairment
(832
)
 
316

 
(516
)
Unrealized gains on securities without OTTI:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
2,098

 
(797
)
 
1,301

Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net
 
 
 
 
 
income
(1,884
)
 
716

 
(1,168
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for impairment losses realized in net
 
 
 
 
 
income
2,302

 
(875
)
 
1,427

Net unrealized gains
2,516

 
(956
)
 
1,560

Other comprehensive income
$
1,684

 
$
(640
)
 
$
1,044



79

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company leases real estate under several noncancelable operating lease agreements.  Rent expense related to these leases was $1,541, $1,514, and $1,712, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

The approximate total minimum rental commitments as of December 31, 2011, consisted of the following approximate amounts:
2012
$
1,447

2013
1,388

2014
1,393

2015
1,390

2016
1,401

Thereafter
13,216

 
$
20,235


Required reserve balances:  West Bank is required to maintain an average reserve balance with the Federal Reserve Bank, which is included in cash and due from banks.  Required reserve balances were approximately $2,175 and $1,872 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk:  The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments.  The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.  The Company's commitments as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, consisted of the following approximate amounts.
 
2011
 
2010
Commitments to extend credit
$
255,167

 
$
202,043

Standby letters of credit
9,923

 
14,709

 
$
265,090

 
$
216,752


Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments to extend credit generally expire within one year.  Home equity commitments to extend credit of approximately $11,022 at December 31, 2011, expire within 10 years.  Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  The Company evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained is based on management's credit evaluation of the party.  Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, residential real estate, and commercial properties.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party, and generally expire within one year.  Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  Collateral held varies as specified above, and is required in instances the Company deems necessary.  In the event the customer does not perform in accordance with the terms of the agreement with the third party, West Bank would be required to fund the commitment.  The maximum potential amount of future payments West Bank could be required to make is represented by the contractual amount for letters of credit shown in the table above.  If the commitment is funded, West Bank would be entitled to seek recovery from the customer.  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, no amounts have been recorded as liabilities for West Bank's potential obligations under these guarantees.

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Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

West Bank has executed Mortgage Partnership Finance (MPF) Master Commitments (Commitments) with the FHLB of Des Moines to deliver mortgage loans and to guarantee the payment of any realized losses that exceed the FHLB's first loss account for mortgages delivered under the Commitments.  West Bank receives credit enhancement fees from the FHLB for providing this guarantee and continuing to assist with managing the credit risk of the MPF Program mortgage loans.  The term of the current Commitment is through February 29, 2012.  (West Bank expects to enter into a new commitment upon the expiration of the current commitment.)  At December 31, 2011, the liability represented by the present value of the credit enhancement fees less any expected losses in the mortgages delivered under the Commitments was approximately $418. 

Residential mortgage loans sold to investors in the secondary market are sold with varying recourse provisions. Essentially, all loan sales agreements require the repurchase of a mortgage loan by the seller in situations such as breach of representation, warranty, or covenant, untimely document delivery, false or misleading statements, failure to obtain certain certificates or insurance, unmarketability, etc. Certain loan sales agreements contain repurchase requirements based on payment-related defects that are defined in terms of the number of days/months since the purchase, the sequence number of the payment, and/or the number of days of payment delinquency. Based on the specific terms stated in the agreements of investors purchasing residential mortgage loans from West Bank, the Company had approximately $110,000 and $180,000 of sold residential mortgage loans with recourse provisions still in effect at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. West Bank did not repurchase any loans from secondary market investors under the terms of loan sale agreements during the year ended December 31, 2011, and repurchased one loan during the year ended December 31, 2010. In the opinion of management, the risk of recourse and the subsequent requirement of loan repurchase to West Bank is not significant, and accordingly, the only liability established relates to loans sold under the FHLB MPF program. 

Concentrations of credit risk:  Substantially all of the Company's loans, commitments to extend credit, and standby letters of credit have been granted to customers in the Company's market area (a 50-mile radius of the greater Des Moines, Iowa, metropolitan area and a 30-mile radius of the Iowa City, Iowa, metropolitan area).  Securities issued by state and political subdivisions involve governmental entities within the state of Iowa, except for two issues from a school district in the state of Nebraska.  The concentrations of credit by type of loan are set forth in Note 4.  The distribution of commitments to extend credit approximates the distribution of loans outstanding.  Standby letters of credit were granted primarily to commercial borrowers.

Contingencies:  On September 29, 2010, West Bank was sued in a purported class action lawsuit that, as amended, asserts nonsufficient funds fees charged by West Bank to Iowa resident noncommercial customers on bank card transactions are impermissible finance charges under the Iowa Consumer Credit Code, rather than allowable fees, and that the sequence in which West Bank formerly posted items for payment violated its duties of good faith under the Iowa Uniform Commercial Code and Consumer Credit Code. West Bank believes the allegations in the lawsuit are factually and legally inaccurate. West Bank is vigorously defending this litigation. The Company believes that the likelihood of a loss as a result of this lawsuit is “reasonably possible” for disclosure purposes (i.e., greater than “remote” but less than “probable”). The amount of potential loss, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated now because there are substantial and different defenses concerning the various claims of potential liability and class certification. Even if legal liability is established under some theory, which West Bank believes would be improper under existing Iowa law, the amount of each plaintiff's damage claim would likely require individual determination due to the potential applicability of different offsets or credits.

In the normal course of business, the Company and West Bank are involved in various other legal proceedings.  In the opinion of management, any liability resulting from such proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Note 15. Employee Savings and Stock Ownership Plan
 
The Company has an employee savings and stock ownership plan covering substantially all of its employees.  The plan consists of two components.  One component is an employee stock ownership plan.  The other component is a discretionary contribution plan.  Both components have a qualified cash or deferred arrangement under Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k).  The purpose of the plan is to offer participants a systematic program for the accumulation of retirement and savings income, as well as a means by which to obtain beneficial interest of ownership in Company stock.  The stock ownership component of the plan, which is optional, is intended to invest exclusively in common stock of the Company.

The contributions made by the Company to the discretionary contribution component are determined annually by the Board of Directors.  Total expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, totaled $437, $215, and $0, respectively.


81

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The plan allows eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation ranging from 1 percent to the maximum dollar amount allowed by current law.  The Company is required to match a portion of the employees' contributions.  The Company's match is 100 percent of the first 3 percent of employee deferrals and 50 percent of the next 2 percent of employee deferrals.  Forfeitures are used to reduce employer contributions.  Expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, totaled $315, $275, and $287, respectively.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the plan held 261,573 and 289,823 shares, respectively, of Company stock.  These shares are included in the computation of earnings (loss) per share.  Dividends on shares held in the plan may be reinvested in Company stock or paid in cash to the participants, at the election of the participants.

Note 16. Fair Value Measurements
 
Accounting guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities using a hierarchy system, and defines required disclosures.  It clarifies that fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts business.

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

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

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

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

When available, quoted market prices are used to determine the fair value of investment securities and such items are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  Examples include U.S. Treasury securities and certain corporate bonds.  For other securities, the Company determines fair value based on various sources and may apply matrix pricing with observable prices for similar bonds where a price for the identical bond is not observable.  Securities measured at fair value by such methods are classified as Level 2.  The fair values of Level 2 securities are determined by pricing models that consider observable market data, such as interest rate volatility, LIBOR yield curve, credit spreads and prices from market makers, and live trading systems. Certain securities are not valued-based on observable inputs and are, therefore, classified as Level 3.  The fair value of these securities is based on management's best estimates. The Company's policy is to recognize transfers between levels at the end of each reporting period, if applicable.

The following tables present the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
 
2011
Description
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government agencies and corporations
 
$
13,003

 
$

 
$
13,003

 
$

State and political subdivisions
 
52,517

 

 
52,517

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
175,498

 

 
175,498

 

Mortgage-backed securities
 
35,636

 

 
35,636

 

Trust preferred securities
 
2,011

 

 
766

 
1,245

Corporate notes and other investments
 
4,480

 
3,708

 
772

 

Total
 
$
283,145

 
$
3,708

 
$
278,192

 
$
1,245


82

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
 
2010
Description
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government agencies and corporations
 
$
47,798

 
$

 
$
47,798

 
$

State and political subdivisions
 
59,137

 

 
59,137

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
122,617

 

 
122,617

 

Mortgage-backed securities
 
18,603

 

 
18,603

 

Trust preferred securities
 
1,976

 

 
637

 
1,339

Corporate notes and other investments
 
6,195

 
5,280

 
915

 

Total
 
$
256,326

 
$
5,280

 
$
249,707

 
$
1,339


During 2010, two corporate securities totaling $5,280 at the time of transfer were transferred to Level 1 from Level 2 due to the Company becoming aware of an active market for those securities.

The following table presents changes in securities available for sale with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Securities available for sale:
2011
 
2010
Beginning balance
$
1,339

 
$
1,136

Transfer into level 3

 
625

Total gains or (losses):
 

 
 

Included in earnings
(99
)
 
(305
)
Included in other comprehensive income
5

 
320

Sale of security

 
(437
)
Principal payments

 

Ending balance
$
1,245

 
$
1,339


The ending balances in the previous table include one pooled TPS (ALESCO Preferred Funding X, Ltd.). See Note 3 for a detailed discussion of the valuation of that security.

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).  The following tables present these assets carried on the balance sheet by caption and level within the valuation hierarchy as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
2011
Description
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
 
$
20,513

 
$

 
$

 
$
20,513

Other real estate owned
 
10,967

 

 

 
10,967

Total
 
$
31,480

 
$

 
$

 
$
31,480


83

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
2010
Description
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
 
$
17,799

 
$

 
$

 
$
17,799

Other real estate owned
 
19,193

 

 

 
19,193

Total
 
$
36,992

 
$

 
$

 
$
36,992


Loans in the previous tables consist of impaired loans for which a fair value adjustment has been recorded.  Impaired loans are evaluated and valued at the lower of cost or fair value when the loan is identified as impaired.  Fair value is measured based on the value of the collateral securing these loans and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.  Collateral may be real estate or business assets such as equipment, inventory, or accounts receivable. Fair value is determined by appraisals.  Appraised or reported values may be discounted based on management's opinions concerning market developments or the client's business.  Other real estate owned in the tables above consist of property acquired through foreclosures and settlements of loans.  Property acquired is carried at fair value of the property less estimated disposal costs, and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


84

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The carrying amounts and approximate fair values as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, were as follows:
 
2011
 
2010
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Approximate
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Approximate
Fair Value
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
35,772

 
$
35,772

 
$
20,069

 
$
20,069

Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
51,332

 
51,332

 
67,885

 
67,885

Securities available for sale
283,145

 
283,145

 
256,326

 
256,326

Federal Home Loan Bank stock
11,352

 
11,352

 
11,211

 
11,211

Loans held for sale
4,089

 
4,139

 
4,452

 
4,452

Loans, net
822,181

 
829,675

 
869,562

 
873,568

Accrued interest receivable
4,183

 
4,183

 
4,959

 
4,959

Financial liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits
957,373

 
960,607

 
972,072

 
975,197

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
agreements to repurchase
55,841

 
55,841

 
52,095

 
52,095

Other short-term borrowings

 

 
2,914

 
2,914

Accrued interest payable
734

 
734

 
1,200

 
1,200

Subordinated notes
20,619

 
11,029

 
20,619

 
10,853

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
105,000

 
116,006

 
105,000

 
108,449

Off-balance-sheet financial instruments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commitments to extend credit

 

 

 

Standby letters of credit

 

 

 



85

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Note 17. West Bancorporation, Inc. (Parent Company Only) Condensed Financial Statements
Balance Sheets
December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Cash
 
$
1,882

 
$
226

Securities available for sale
 
1,245

 
1,339

Investment in West Bank
 
129,578

 
150,860

Investment in West Bancorporation Capital Trust I
 
619

 
619

Notes receivable
 
2,000

 
2,000

Other real estate owned
 
7,650

 
9,797

Other assets
 
1,127

 
1,626

Total assets
 
$
144,101

 
$
166,467

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 

 
 

LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
$
31

 
$
412

Subordinated notes
 
20,619

 
20,619

Total liabilities
 
20,650

 
21,031

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Preferred stock
 

 
34,508

Common stock
 
3,000

 
3,000

Additional paid-in capital
 
33,687

 
34,387

Retained earnings
 
86,110

 
76,188

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
654

 
(2,647
)
Total stockholders' equity
 
123,451

 
145,436

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
144,101

 
$
166,467




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Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Statements of Operations
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Operating income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in net income (loss) of West Bank
 
$
17,398

 
$
15,436

 
$
(3,753
)
Equity in net loss of discontinued operations
 

 

 
(9,566
)
Equity in net income of West Bancorporation Capital Trust I
 
21

 
38

 
44

Interest and dividend income
 
49

 
587

 
719

Securities gains, net
 

 
14

 

Investment securities impairment losses
 
(99
)
 

 
(35
)
Other
 
55

 

 

Total operating income
 
17,424

 
16,075

 
(12,591
)
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on subordinated notes
 
715

 
1,280

 
1,472

Salaries and employee benefits
 

 
157

 
282

Occupancy
 

 
17

 
373

OREO expense
 
2,021

 
39

 

Miscellaneous losses
 

 
963

 

Other
 
512

 
507

 
713

Total operating expenses
 
3,248

 
2,963

 
2,840

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
14,176

 
13,112

 
(15,431
)
Income tax benefits
 
(1,092
)
 
(271
)
 
(814
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
15,268

 
$
13,383

 
$
(14,617
)



87

Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
15,268

 
$
13,383

 
$
(14,617
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
 
 
 
 

 
 

provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 

 
 

Equity in net (income) loss of West Bank
 
(17,398
)
 
(15,436
)
 
3,753

Equity in net loss of discontinued operations
 

 

 
9,566

Equity in net income of West Bancorporation Capital Trust I
 
(21
)
 
(38
)
 
(44
)
Dividends received from West Bank
 
42,035

 
3,945

 
3,499

Dividends received from West Bancorporation Capital Trust I
 
21

 
38

 
44

Dividends received from WB Capital Management Inc.
 

 

 
1,081

Securities gains, net
 

 
(14
)
 

Investment securities impairment losses
 
99

 

 
35

Loss on sale of other real estate owned
 
50

 

 

Amortization
 
14

 
14

 
14

Loss on disposition of premises and equipment
 

 
4

 

Writedown of other real estate owned
 
1,902

 
25

 

Deferred income taxes (benefits)
 
(726
)
 
243

 
(180
)
Depreciation
 

 
1

 
5

Change in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 

 
 

Decrease in other assets
 
1,210

 
776

 
191

(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
(214
)
 
(76
)
 
203

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
42,240

 
2,865

 
3,550

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
 

 
159

 
3

Purchases of securities available for sale
 

 
(1,339
)
 

Net change in loans
 

 
200

 

Net proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
 
195

 

 

Repayment of debentures from West Bank
 

 
10,000

 

Purchase of other real estate owned from West Bank
 

 
(9,822
)
 

Loan advance
 

 

 
(200
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
195

 
(802
)
 
(197
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Common stock cash dividends
 
(2,959
)
 
(870
)
 
(1,566
)
Preferred stock dividends paid
 
(1,120
)
 
(1,800
)
 
(1,575
)
Redemption of preferred stock
 
(36,000
)
 

 

Repurchase of common stock warrant
 
(700
)
 

 

Preferred stock issuance costs
 

 

 
(65
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(40,779
)
 
(2,670
)
 
(3,206
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
 
1,656

 
(607
)
 
147

Cash:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Beginning
 
226

 
833

 
686

Ending
 
$
1,882

 
$
226

 
$
833




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Table of Contents
West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Note 18. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
 
 
2011
Three months ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
Interest income
 
$
13,572

 
$
13,396

 
$
13,309

 
$
13,042

Interest expense
 
3,095

 
2,983

 
2,984

 
2,855

Net interest income
 
10,477

 
10,413

 
10,325

 
10,187

Provision for loan losses
 
500

 
450

 

 
(400
)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
9,977

 
9,963

 
10,325

 
10,587

Noninterest income
 
2,671

 
2,116

 
2,233

 
2,440

Investment securities losses, net
 

 

 
(22
)
 
(77
)
Noninterest expense
 
6,476

 
6,376

 
8,318

 
7,703

Income before income taxes
 
6,172

 
5,703

 
4,218

 
5,247

Income taxes
 
1,642

 
1,780

 
1,135

 
1,515

Net income
 
4,530

 
3,923

 
3,083

 
3,732

Preferred stock dividends and accretion of discount
 
(571
)
 
(1,816
)
 

 

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
3,959

 
$
2,107

 
$
3,083

 
$
3,732

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.23

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.21

 
 
2010
Three months ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
Interest income
 
$
15,829

 
$
15,684

 
$
15,184

 
$
14,446

Interest expense
 
5,695

 
5,421

 
4,487

 
3,420

Net interest income
 
10,134

 
10,263

 
10,697

 
11,026

Provision for loan losses
 
2,000

 
1,400

 
2,000

 
650

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
8,134

 
8,863

 
8,697

 
10,376

Noninterest income
 
2,272

 
2,919

 
3,107

 
2,354

Investment securities gains (losses), net
 
46

 
(197
)
 
(101
)
 
(13
)
Noninterest expense
 
5,996

 
7,766

 
6,581

 
7,401

Income before income taxes
 
4,456

 
3,819

 
5,122

 
5,316

Income taxes
 
1,117

 
1,216

 
1,181

 
1,816

Net income
 
3,339

 
2,603

 
3,941

 
3,500

Preferred stock dividends and accretion of discount
 
(569
)
 
(572
)
 
(572
)
 
(571
)
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
2,770

 
$
2,031

 
$
3,369

 
$
2,929

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.16

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.19

 
$
0.17



Note 19. Subsequent Events
 
Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date financial statements are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Through that date, there was one event to report. On February 2, 2012, the Company was notified that a borrower on a $4.2 million loan classified as "substandard" would not be able to make its upcoming payments. Based on this information, the Company determined the loan should be reclassified as nonaccrual. The change was made on a retroactive basis to December 31, 2011, and is reflected as such in these financial statements.
 


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ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Within the two years prior to the date of the most recent financial statements, there have been no changes in or disagreements with accountants of the Company.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 240.13a-15(e)) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's current disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.

Management's annual report on internal control over financial reporting appears in Item 8 of this document.

The audit report of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting appears in Item 8 of this document.

There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

The registrant has no information to be disclosed under this item.

PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information for this matter for directors and director nominees as required pursuant to Item 401 of Regulation S-K can be found at pages 4 through 6 in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement, which was filed on March 7, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.

The following table sets forth summary information about the current executive officers of the Company.

Name
Age
Position with Company or West Bank
Douglas R. Gulling
58
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Company;
Director and Chief Financial Officer of West Bank

David D. Nelson
51
Director, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Company;
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of West Bank
Harlee N. Olafson
54
Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of Company;
Director and Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of West Bank
Brad L. Winterbottom
55
Executive Vice President of Company;
Director and President of West Bank

The executive officers of the Company are elected on an annual basis by the Board.  An executive officer may be removed by the Board, whenever in its judgment, the best interests of the Company will be served thereby.


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The principal occupation or business and experience of the executive officers of the Company and West Bank for the past five years are set forth below.

DOUGLAS R. GULLING is Executive Vice President (since 2004) and Chief Financial Officer (since 2001) of the Company.  He was a member of the Company's Board of Directors from 2009 through April 2011. He also serves as a director (since 2005) and Chief Financial Officer (since 2002) of West Bank.  Mr. Gulling is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and has been employed in the banking industry since 1979.

DAVID D. NELSON is Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of West Bank (since 2010).  Mr. Nelson is a member of the Company's Board of Directors (since 2010). Mr. Nelson has more than 25 years experience in commercial banking.  He most recently had been President, Southeast Minnesota Business Banking and President, Wells Fargo Bank Rochester in Rochester, Minnesota.  He has strong backgrounds in customer relationship building, credit, and leadership development.

HARLEE N. OLAFSON is Chief Risk Officer and Executive Vice President of the Company and of West Bank (since 2010). He also serves as a director of West Bank (since 2011). Mr. Olafson has more than 32 years experience in commercial banking. Prior to joining the Company, he was President, Southern Minnesota Business Banking and President, Wells Fargo Bank Mankato in Mankato, Minnesota. He has strong business development, credit, and team building backgrounds.

BRAD L. WINTERBOTTOM is Executive Vice President of the Company (since 2006) and director and President (since 2000) of West Bank.  He was a director of the Company's Board of Directors from 2009 through April 2011. He joined West Bank in 1992 and has served as an executive and policy maker since 1998.  He has extensive experience in commercial lending and loan portfolio administration and knowledge of the Central Iowa business community.  Mr. Winterbottom has been employed in the banking industry since 1981.

None of the executive officers have any family relationship with any director nominees or with any other executive officer.

None of the executive officers have been involved in any legal proceedings during the past ten years that require disclosure.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Based solely on its review of the copies of Section 16(a) forms received from its directors and executive officers and written representations that no other reports were required, the Company reports that it knows of no Section 16(a) reports that were not filed on a timely basis.

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to all directors, officers, and employees, including the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Vice President and Controller.  A copy of the Code of Conduct is available at the Investor Relations, Corporate Governance section of the Company's website at www.westbankiowa.com, and the Company intends to satisfy its disclosure requirement by this reference.  

Shareholder Recommendations for Nominees to the Board of Directors

The information for this matter as required pursuant to Item 407(c)(3) of Regulation S-K can be found at page 30 in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement, which was filed on March 7, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Identification of Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert

The Company has a standing Audit Committee that consists of James W. Noyce, Chair, Joyce A. Chapman, George D. Milligan, and Lou Ann Sandburg.  The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Noyce is an audit committee financial expert.  All members of the Audit Committee are independent directors.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information for this matter as required pursuant to Item 402, Item 407(e)(4) and Item 407(e)(5) of Regulation S-K can be found at pages 18 and 20 through 28 in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement, which was filed on March 7, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.

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Table of Contents


ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information for this matter as required pursuant to Item 201(d) and Item 403 of Regulation S-K can be found on pages 14, 21, and 22 in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement, which was filed on March 7, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information for this matter as required pursuant to Item 404 and Item 407(a) of Regulation S-K can be found at pages 15 through 19 and 29 in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement, which was filed on March 7, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information for this matter as required pursuant to Item 9(e) of Schedule 14A can be found at page 29 in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement, which was filed on March 7, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.


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Table of Contents


PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The following exhibits and financial statement schedules of the Company are filed as part of this report:

(a)
1. Financial Statements
See the consolidated financial statements on pages 43 through 89.

2. Financial Statement Schedules
All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

3. Exhibits (not covered by independent registered public accounting firms' reports)
    
3.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 filed with the Form 10 on March 11, 2002)
3.2
Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation filed with the Iowa Secretary of State on December 24, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 filed with the Form 8-K on December 31, 2008)
3.3
Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation filed with the Iowa Secretary of State on December 24, 2008, designating the terms of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 filed with the Form 8-K on December 31, 2008)
3.4
Bylaws of the Company as amended through October 17, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed with the Form S-3 on January 30, 2009)
10.1
Lease for Main Bank Facility (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Form 10 on March 11, 2002)
10.2
Supplemental Agreement to Lease for Main Bank Facility (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with the Form 10 on March 11, 2002)
10.3
Short-form Lease related to Main Bank Facility (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 filed with the Form 10 on March 11, 2002)
10.4
Assignment (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 filed with the Form 10 on March 11, 2002)
10.5
Lease Modification Agreement No. 1 for Main Bank Facility (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 filed with the Form 10 on March 11, 2002)
10.6
Memorandum of Real Estate Contract (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 filed with the Form 10 on March 11, 2002)
10.7
Affidavit (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 filed with the Form 10 on March 11, 2002)
10.8
Addendum to Lease for Main Bank Facility (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 filed with the Form 10 on March 11, 2002)
10.9
Data Processing Contract (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 filed with the Form 10 on March 11, 2002)
10.10
Data Processing Contract Amendment (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 filed with the Form 10-K on March 26, 2003)
10.11
The Employee Savings and Stock Ownership Plan, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed with the Form S-8 on October 29, 2004)
10.12

Amendment to Lease Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 filed with the Form 10-K on March 3, 2005)
10.13

Consulting Agreement with David L. Miller (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 filed with the Form 10-Q on May 6, 2005)
10.14*

West Bancorporation, Inc. Restricted Stock Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit B of the definitive proxy statement 14A filed on March 10, 2005)
10.15
Assignment and Assumption of Lease and Consent to Assignment (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 filed with the Form 10-K on March 8, 2006)
10.16
2007 Amendment to Lease Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 filed with the Form 10-Q on May 4, 2007)
10.17
Data Processing Contract Amendment (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 filed with the Form 10-Q on October 30, 2008)
10.18*
Letter agreement dated March 5, 2010, between West Bancorporation, Inc. and David D. Nelson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Form 8-K on March 8, 2010)
    

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Table of Contents


10.19*
Letter agreement dated March 31, 2010, between West Bancorporation, Inc. and Brad L. Winterbottom (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Form 8-K on April 2, 2010)
10.20*
Letter agreement dated March 31, 2010, between West Bancorporation, Inc. and Douglas R. Gulling (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with the Form 8-K on April 2, 2010)
10.21
U.S. Bank Services Transition Agreement dated June 2, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 filed with the Form 8-K on June 9, 2010)
10.22*
Agreement dated July 9, 2010, between West Bancorporation, Inc. and Harlee Olafson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Form 8-K on July 12, 2010)
10.23*
Amendment dated August 27, 2010, between West Bancorporation, Inc. and David D. Nelson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Form 8-K on August 27, 2010)
10.24*
Amendment dated August 27, 2010, between West Bancorporation, Inc. and Douglas R. Gulling (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with the Form 8-K on August 27, 2010)
10.25*
Amendment dated August 27, 2010, between West Bancorporation, Inc. and Brad L. Winterbottom (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 filed with the Form 8-K on August 27, 2010)
10.26*
Letter agreement dated June 29, 2011, between West Bancorporation, Inc. and the UST (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Form 8-K on June 29, 2011)
10.27*
Letter agreement dated August 31, 2011, between West Bancorporation, Inc. and the UST (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Form 8-K on August 31, 2011)
12
Computation of Ratios of Earnings (Loss) to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
21
Subsidiaries
23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document (1)
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1)
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1)
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1)
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1)
101.DED
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document (1)
 
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

(1
)
These interactive data files shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.

The Company will furnish to any person, upon request, and upon payment of a fee of $0.50 per page, a copy of any exhibit.  Requests for copies of exhibits should be directed to Corporate Secretary, West Bancorporation, Inc., 1601 22nd Street, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.

94

Table of Contents


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

WEST BANCORPORATION, INC.
(Registrant)

March 7, 2012
By:  
/s/ David D. Nelson
 
 
David D. Nelson
 
 
Chief Executive Officer and President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

March 7, 2012
By:  
/s/ David D. Nelson
 
 
David D. Nelson
 
 
Chief Executive Officer, Director and President
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer and Director)
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 7, 2012
By:  
/s/ Douglas R. Gulling
 
 
Douglas R. Gulling
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 7, 2012
By:  
/s/ Marie I. Roberts
 
 
Marie I. Roberts
 
 
Vice President and Controller
 
 
 
 
 
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
 
 
 
 
March 7, 2012
By:
/s/ David R. Milligan
 
 
David R. Milligan
 
 
Chairman of the Board
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 7, 2012
By:
/s/ Frank W. Berlin
 
 
Frank W. Berlin
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 7, 2012
By:
/s/ Thomas A. Carlstrom
 
 
Thomas A. Carlstrom
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 7, 2012
By:
/s/ Joyce A. Chapman
 
 
Joyce A. Chapman

95

Table of Contents


March 7, 2012
By:
/s/ Steven K. Gaer
 
 
Steven K. Gaer
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 7, 2012
By:
/s/ Kaye R. Lozier
 
 
Kaye R. Lozier
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 7, 2012
By:
/s/ George D. Milligan
 
 
George D. Milligan
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 7, 2012
By:
/s/ James W. Noyce
 
 
James W. Noyce
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 7, 2012
By:
/s/ Robert G. Pulver
 
 
Robert G. Pulver
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 7, 2012
By:
/s/ Lou Ann Sandburg
 
 
Lou Ann Sandburg



96

Table of Contents


EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed herewith:

Exhibit No.
Description
12
Computation of Ratios of Earnings (Loss) to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
21
Subsidiaries
23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document (1)
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1)
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1)
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1)
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1)
101.DED
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document (1)

(1)
These interactive data files shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.

97