Press Release Announcing 4th Quarter 2004 Earnings

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 of 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Heartland Financial USA, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or jurisdiction of incorporation)

0-24724
  
42-1405748
(Commission File Number)
  
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

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

(563) 589-2100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2 below):

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On January 24, 2005, Heartland Financial USA, Inc. issued a press release announcing its earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 2004. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

(a)   Financial Statements of Business Acquired.

None.

(b)   Pro Forma Financial Information.

None.

(c)   Exhibits.

99.1   Press Release dated January 24, 2005.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
     
  HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
 
 		  
 		  
 
Date: January 24, 2005 By:   /s/ John K. Schmidt
 
  Executive Vice President, COO, CFO