10-Q

HILLS BANCORPORATION (HBIA)

10-Q 2024-05-08 For: 2024-03-31
View Original
Added on April 04, 2026

Index

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024

OR

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:  0-12668

Hills Bancorporation

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
Iowa 42-1208067

131 MAIN STREET, HILLS, Iowa 52235

Telephone number: (319) 679-2291

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered

Indicate by checkmark 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  ☐ No

Indicate by checkmark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files). ☑ Yes  ☐ No

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

Large accelerated filer Accelerated Filer
Non-accelerated filer Small Reporting Company
Emerging Growth Company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by checkmark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes  ☑ No

Index

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

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

SHARES OUTSTANDING
CLASS April 30, 2024
Common Stock No par value 9,089,649

Index

HILLS BANCORPORATION

Index to Form 10-Q

Part I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Page
Number
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated balance sheets,March31, 2024(unaudited) and December 31, 2023 4
Consolidated statements of income (unaudited) for threemonths endedMarch31, 2024and 2023 5
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income(unaudited) for threemonths endedMarch31, 2024and 2023 6
Consolidated statements of stockholders' equity (unaudited) for threemonths endedMarch31, 2024and 2023 7
Consolidated statements of cash flows (unaudited) forthreemonths endedMarch31, 2024and 2023 8
Notes to consolidated financial statements (condensed) 10
Item 2. Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 52
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 64
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 65
Part II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal proceedings 65
Item 1A. Risk factors 65
Item 2. Unregistered sales of equity securities and use of proceeds 66
Item 3. Defaults upon senior securities 67
Item 4. Mine safety disclosures 67
Item 5. Other information 67
Item 6. Exhibits 68
Signatures 69

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HILLS BANCORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Amounts In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)

March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
ASSETS (Unaudited)
Cash and cash equivalents $ 94,054 $ 59,482
Investment securities available for sale at fair value (amortized cost March 31, 2024 $823,091; December 31, 2023 $814,839) 784,030 779,421
Stock of Federal Home Loan Bank 14,422 15,746
Loans held for sale 3,702 2,023
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses March 31, 2024 $49,830; December 31, 2023 $49,410 3,392,930 3,389,372
Property and equipment, net 33,920 34,230
Tax credit real estate investments 7,546 7,910
Accrued interest receivable 21,861 19,786
Deferred income taxes, net 22,279 21,271
Goodwill 2,500 2,500
Other assets 10,803 9,926
Total Assets $ 4,388,047 $ 4,341,667
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 572,838 $ 600,398
Interest-bearing deposits 2,789,253 2,682,382
Total deposits $ 3,362,091 $ 3,282,780
Other short-term borrowings, including Bank Term Funding Program and federal funds purchased 329,000 219,000
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings 152,400 296,648
Accrued interest payable 7,441 6,102
Allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures 4,360 5,110
Other liabilities 20,939 16,888
Total Liabilities $ 3,876,231 $ 3,826,528
Redeemable Common Stock Held by Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) $ 46,375 $ 44,853
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, no par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued March 31, 2024 10,346,258 shares; December 31, 2023 10,345,832 shares $ $
Paid in capital 64,095 63,827
Retained earnings 543,378 541,329
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (29,751) (27,176)
Treasury stock at cost (March 31, 2024 1,253,925 shares; December 31, 2023 1,210,112 shares) (65,906) (62,841)
Total Stockholders' Equity $ 511,816 $ 515,139
Less maximum cash obligation related to ESOP shares 46,375 44,853
Total Stockholders' Equity Less Maximum Cash Obligation Related to ESOP Shares $ 465,441 $ 470,286
Total Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity $ 4,388,047 $ 4,341,667

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Index

HILLS BANCORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(Amounts In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

Three Months Ended March 31,
2024 2023
Interest income:
Loans, including fees $ 43,450 $ 34,707
Investment securities:
Taxable 3,273 2,697
Nontaxable 1,488 1,187
Federal funds sold 510 196
Total interest income $ 48,721 $ 38,787
Interest expense:
Deposits $ 14,269 $ 7,274
Other short-term borrowings 3,472 2,312
FHLB borrowings 3,310
Total interest expense $ 21,051 $ 9,586
Net interest income $ 27,670 $ 29,201
Credit loss (benefit) expense (363) 368
Net interest income after credit loss expense $ 28,033 $ 28,833
Noninterest income:
Net gain on sale of loans $ 373 $ 145
Trust fees 3,497 3,270
Service charges and fees 3,033 3,033
Other noninterest income (expense) 104 (67)
$ 7,007 $ 6,381
Noninterest expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits $ 11,187 $ 11,503
Occupancy 1,083 1,177
Furniture and equipment 1,680 1,692
Office supplies and postage 514 448
Advertising and business development 811 874
Outside services 3,450 2,910
FDIC insurance assessment 481 270
Other noninterest expense 601 536
$ 19,807 $ 19,410
Income before income taxes $ 15,233 $ 15,804
Income taxes 3,133 3,342
Net income $ 12,100 $ 12,462
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 1.33 $ 1.35
Diluted $ 1.33 $ 1.35

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Index

HILLS BANCORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited) (Amounts In Thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31,
2024 2023
Net income $ 12,100 $ 12,462
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Securities:
Net change in unrealized (loss) gain on securities available for sale $ (3,643) $ 8,487
Income taxes 866 (2,085)
Other comprehensive (loss) income on securities available for sale $ (2,777) $ 6,402
Derivatives used in cash flow hedging relationships:
Net change in unrealized gain on derivatives $ 267 $
Income taxes (65)
Other comprehensive income (loss) on cash flow hedges $ 202 $
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax $ (2,575) $ 6,402
Comprehensive income $ 9,525 $ 18,864

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Index

HILLS BANCORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)

(Amounts In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
Paid in Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Treasury Stock Maximum Cash Obligation Related to ESOP Shares Total
Balance, December 31, 2022 $ 63,220 $ 512,841 $ (41,060) $ (55,730) $ (51,011) $ 428,260
Issuance of 4,589 shares of common stock 204 126 330
Issuance of 1,716 shares of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan 111 111
Unearned restricted stock compensation 42 42
Forfeiture of 1,871 shares of common stock (125) (125)
Share-based compensation 6 6
Change related to ESOP shares 1,207 1,207
Net income 12,462 12,462
Cash dividends ($1.05 per share) (9,688) (9,688)
Purchase of 32,682 shares of common stock (2,352) (2,352)
Other comprehensive income 6,402 6,402
Balance, March 31, 2023 $ 63,458 $ 515,615 $ (34,658) $ (57,956) $ (49,804) $ 436,655
Balance, December 31, 2023 $ 63,827 $ 541,329 $ (27,176) $ (62,841) $ (44,853) $ 470,286
Issuance of 3,339 shares of common stock 131 92 223
Issuance of 1,719 shares of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan 105 105
Unearned restricted stock compensation 115 115
Forfeiture of 1,293 shares of common stock (89) (89)
Share-based compensation 6 6
Change related to ESOP shares (1,522) (1,522)
Net income 12,100 12,100
Cash dividends ($1.10 per share) (10,051) (10,051)
Purchase of 47,152 shares of common stock (3,157) (3,157)
Other comprehensive loss (2,575) (2,575)
Balance, March 31, 2024 $ 64,095 $ 543,378 $ (29,751) $ (65,906) $ (46,375) $ 465,441

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Index

HILLS BANCORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Amounts In Thousands)

Three Months Ended<br>March 31,
2024 2023
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income $ 12,100 $ 12,462
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 611 616
Credit loss (benefit) expense (363) 368
Forfeiture of common stock (89) (125)
Share-based compensation 6 6
Compensation expensed through issuance of common stock 223 330
Provision for deferred income taxes (207) (171)
Net (gain) loss on sale of other real estate owned and other repossessed assets (19) 2
Increase in accrued interest receivable (2,075) (1,599)
Accretion of discount on investment securities, net (149) (103)
(Increase) decrease in other assets (949) 18
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets 64 86
Increase in accrued interest payable and other liabilities 5,772 4,306
Loans originated for sale (16,965) (19,326)
Proceeds on sales of loans 15,659 18,143
Net gain on sales of loans (373) (145)
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities $ 13,246 $ 14,868
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available for sale $ 37,129 $ 20,295
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale 509
Purchases of investment securities available for sale (45,232) (550)
Proceeds from sale of stock of Federal Home Loan Bank 5,676
Purchases of stock of Federal Home Loan Bank (4,352) (7,124)
Loans made to customers, net of collections (4,008) (91,146)
Proceeds on sale of other real estate owned and other repossessed assets 90
Purchases of property and equipment (301) (131)
Net changes from tax credit real estate investment 364 519
Net cash and cash equivalents used in investing activities $ (10,634) $ (77,628)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase in deposits $ 79,311 $ 86,714
Net increase (decrease) in other short-term borrowings 110,000 (82,061)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term FHLB borrowings (144,248) 180,000
Purchase of common stock (3,157) (2,352)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock through the employee stock purchase plan 105 111
Dividends paid (10,051) (9,688)
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by financing activities $ 31,960 $ 172,724

(Continued)

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HILLS BANCORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Continued) (Amounts In Thousands)

Three Months Ended<br>March 31,
2024 2023
Increase in cash and cash equivalents $ 34,572 $ 109,964
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period 59,482 36,641
End of period $ 94,054 $ 146,605
Supplemental Disclosures
Cash payments for:
Interest paid to depositors $ 13,700 $ 6,793
Interest paid on other obligations 6,012 2,312
Noncash activities:
Increase (decrease) in maximum cash obligation related to ESOP shares $ 1,522 $ (1,207)
Transfers to other real estate owned 63 111
Sale and financing of other real estate owned 100

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation:

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial reporting and with instructions for Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X.  These financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) which in the opinion of management are considered necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods shown.  The Company considers that it operates as one business segment, a commercial bank.

Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Form 10-K Annual Report of Hills Bancorporation and subsidiary (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on March 5, 2024.  The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023, has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for that period.

The Company evaluated subsequent events through the filing date of its quarterly report on Form 10-Q with the SEC.

Accounting Estimates:

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain Significant Estimates:

The allowance for credit losses, fair values of securities and other financial instruments, and share-based compensation expense involve certain significant estimates made by management. These estimates are reviewed by management routinely and it is reasonably possible that circumstances that exist at March 31, 2024 may change in the near-term and the effect could be material to the consolidated financial statements. Actual amounts and values as of the balance sheet dates may be materially different than the amounts and values reported due to the inherent uncertainty in the estimation process.

Revenue Recognition:

Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), establishes principles for reporting information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the Company’s contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The core principle requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that it expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services recognized as performance obligations are satisfied.

The majority of the Company’s revenue-generating transactions are not subject to ASC 606, including revenue generated from financial instruments, such as loans, letters of credit and investment securities. Interest income on loans and investment securities is recognized on the accrual method in accordance with written contracts.

Descriptions of the Company’s revenue-generating activities that are within the scope of ASC 606 are the following: Service charges and fees on deposit accounts represent general service fees for monthly account maintenance and activity- or transaction-based fees and consist of transaction-based revenue which includes interchange income, time-based revenue (service period), item-based revenue or some other individual attribute-based revenue. Revenue is recognized when the Company’s performance obligation is completed which is generally monthly for account maintenance services or when a transaction has been completed (such as a wire transfer). Payment for such performance obligations are generally received at the time the performance obligations are satisfied. Trust income represents monthly fees due from wealth management

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HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

customers as consideration for managing the customers' assets. Wealth management and trust services include custody of assets, investment management, fees for trust services and similar fiduciary activities. Revenue is recognized when our performance obligation is completed each month, which is generally the time that payment is received.

A contract asset balance occurs when an entity performs a service for a customer before the customer pays consideration (resulting in a contract receivable) or before payment is due (resulting in a contract asset). A contract liability balance is an entity's obligation to transfer a service to a customer for which the entity has already received payment (or payment is due) from the customer. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any significant contract balances.

An entity is required to capitalize, and subsequently amortize into expense, certain incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if these costs are expected to be recovered. The incremental costs of obtaining a contract are those costs that an entity incurs to obtain a contract with a customer that it would not have incurred if the contract had not been obtained (for example, sales commission). The Company utilizes the practical expedient which allows entities to immediately expense contract acquisition costs when the asset that would have resulted from capitalizing these costs would have been amortized in one year or less. The Company has not incurred or capitalized any contract acquisition costs as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Tax credit real estate: Tax credit real estate represents three multi-family rental properties, three assisted living rental properties, a multi-tenant rental property for persons with disabilities, and a multi-family senior living rental property, all of which are affordable housing projects as of March 31, 2024. The Company has a 99% or greater limited partnership interest in each limited partnership. The investment in each was completed after the projects had been developed by the general partner. On a regular basis, the Company evaluates recoverability of the carrying value of the tax credit real estate investments to determine if an allowance for credit losses is necessary. The allowance for credit losses is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the investments to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the investment properties, including the low-income housing tax credits and any estimated proceeds from eventual disposition. If there is an indication of impairment, the allowance for credit losses would be established with a charge to credit loss expense. There were no indications of impairment based on management's evaluation and therefore no allowance for credit losses was determined necessary as of March 31, 2024. Depreciation expense is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets. Expenditures for normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.

The investments in tax credit real estate are recorded for all years presented using the equity method of accounting, with the exception of the investment in the affordable housing project described below. The operations of the properties are not expected to contribute significantly to the Company’s income before income taxes. However, the properties do contribute in the form of income tax credits, which lowers the Company’s effective tax rate. Once established, the credits on each property last for ten years and are passed through from the limited partnerships to the Company and reduces the consolidated federal tax liability of the Company.

In February 2021, the Company provided construction financing and contributed capital of $4.18 million to Del Ray Ridge LP, as limited partner, which owns and operates an affordable housing property in Iowa City, Iowa. The Company accounts for the investment in this tax credit real estate using the proportional amortization method as provided for under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 323-740. The investment qualifies for the proportional amortization method as it meets all of the criteria under ASC 323-740-25-1. Substantially all of the projected benefits are from tax credits and other tax benefits due to the minimum buyout clause included in the partnership agreement.

Available-for-sale debt securities and the allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities: Available-for-sale ("AFS") securities consist of debt securities not classified as trading or held to maturity.  Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value, and unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related deferred tax effect, are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity.  There were no trading or held to maturity securities as of March 31, 2024 or 2023. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted market prices in active markets, if available. If quoted prices in active markets are not available, fair value is measured using pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as present value of future cash flows, which consider prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit losses and market liquidity. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported, net of tax, in other comprehensive income ("OCI"). Premiums on debt securities are amortized to the earliest call date and discounts on debt securities are accreted over the period to maturity of those securities. The method of amortization results in a constant effective yield on those securities (the interest method). Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

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HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

AFS debt securities in unrealized loss positions are evaluated for impairment related to credit losses at least quarterly. For AFS debt securities, a decline in fair value due to credit loss results in recording an allowance for credit losses to the extent the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Declines in fair value that have not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses, such as declines due to changes in market interest rates, are recorded through other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

Impairment may result from credit deterioration of the issuer or collateral underlying the security. In performing an assessment of whether any decline in fair value is due to a credit loss, all relevant information is considered at the individual security level. For asset-backed securities performance indicators considered related to the underlying assets include default rates, delinquency rates, percentage of nonperforming assets, debt-to-collateral ratios, third-party guarantees, current levels of subordination, vintage, geographic concentration, analyst reports and forecasts, credit ratings and other market data. In assessing whether a credit loss exists, we compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis for the security, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded, limited to the amount the fair value is less than amortized cost basis.

If we intend to sell a debt security or more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the debt security is written down to its fair value and the write down is charged against the allowance for credit losses with any incremental impairment reported in earnings.

Accrued interest receivable on AFS debt securities totaled $5.02 million at March 31, 2024 and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Loans held for sale: Loans held for sale are stated at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value. Loans are sold on a non-recourse basis with servicing released and gains and losses are recognized based on the difference between sales proceeds and the carrying value of the loan. The Company has had very few experiences of repurchasing loans previously sold into the secondary market. A specific reserve was not considered necessary based on the Company’s historical experience with repurchase activity.

Loans held for investment: Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at amortized cost net of the allowance for credit losses ("ACL"). Amortized cost is the principal balance outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs. Accrued interest receivable on loans held for investment totaled $16.84 million at March 31, 2024 and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Nonrefundable loan fees and origination costs are deferred and recognized as a yield adjustment over the life of the related loan.

The accrual of interest income on loans is discontinued when, in the opinion of management, there is reasonable doubt as to the

borrower's ability to meet payments of interest or principal when they become due, which is generally when a loan is 90 days or

more past due unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all previously accrued and unpaid interest is reversed against interest income. Loans are returned to an accrual status when all of the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is expected. A loan may also return to accrual status if additional collateral is received from the borrower and, in the opinion of management, the financial position of the borrower indicates that there is no longer any reasonable doubt as to the collection of the amount contractually due. Payment received on nonaccrual loans are applied first to principal. Once principal is recovered, any remaining payments received are applied to interest income.

The policy for charging off loans is consistent throughout all loan categories. A loan is charged off based on criteria that includes but is not limited to: delinquency status, financial condition of the entire customer credit line and underlying collateral coverage, economic or external conditions that might impact full repayment of the loan, legal issues, overdrafts, and the customer’s willingness to work with the Company.

Allowance for credit losses for loans held for investment: The allowance for credit losses is an estimate of the expected losses over the remaining life of the Company's existing loans held for investment portfolio. The allowance for credit losses for loans held for investment, as reported in our consolidated balance sheet, is adjusted by a credit loss expense, which is reported in earnings, and reduced by the charge-off of loan amounts, net of recoveries.

The loan loss estimation process involves procedures to appropriately consider the unique characteristics of loan portfolio

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HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

segments which consist of agricultural, 1 to 4 family first and junior liens, commercial, and consumer lending. These segments are further disaggregated into loan classes, the level at which credit risk is monitored. For each of these pools, the Company generates cash flow projections at the instrument level wherein payment expectations are adjusted for estimated prepayment speed, curtailments, time to recovery, probability of default, and loss given default. The modeling of expected prepayment speeds, curtailment rates, and time to recovery are based on historical internal data. The following provides the credit quality indicators and risk elements that are most relevant and most carefully considered and monitored for each loan portfolio segment.

Agricultural - Agricultural operating loans include loans made to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers and farming operations. Agricultural loans also include mortgage loans secured by farmland. Agricultural operating loans, most of which are secured by crops and machinery, are provided to finance capital improvement and farm operations as well as acquisitions of livestock and machinery. The ability of the borrower to repay may be affected by many factors outside of the borrower’s control including adverse weather conditions, loss of livestock due to disease or other factors, declines in market prices for agricultural products and the impact of government regulations. The ultimate repayment of agricultural operating loans is dependent upon the profitable operation or management of the agricultural entity. Agricultural operating loans generally have a term of one year and may have a fixed or variable rate.

Mortgage loans secured by farmland are made to individuals and businesses within the Company's trade area. The primary source of repayment is the cash flow generated by the collateral underlying the loan. The secondary repayment source would be the liquidation of the collateral. Terms for real estate loans secured by farmland range from one to ten years with an amortization period of 25 years or less. Generally, interest rates are fixed for mortgage loans secured by farmland. Key economic forecasts used in estimating expected credit losses for this segment include the Iowa unemployment rate and the Iowa real gross domestic product (GDP).

1 to 4 Family First and Junior Liens - The 1 to 4 family first and junior liens portfolio segment is comprised of the single family and home equity loan classes, which are underwritten after evaluating a borrower's capacity to repay, credit, and collateral. Several factors are considered when assessing a borrower's capacity, including the borrower's employment, income, current debt, assets, and level of equity in the property. Credit refers to how well a borrower manages their current and prior debts as documented by a credit report that provides credit scores and the borrower's current and past information about their credit history. Collateral refers to the type and use of property, occupancy, and market value. Property appraisals are obtained to assist in evaluating collateral. Loan-to-property value and debt-to-income ratios, loan amount, and lien position are also considered in assessing whether to originate a loan. These borrowers are particularly susceptible to downturns in economic trends such as conditions that negatively affect housing prices and demand and levels of unemployment. Key economic forecasts used in estimating expected credit losses for this segment include the Iowa unemployment rate and the all-transactions house price index for Iowa.

Commercial - The commercial loan portfolio segment is comprised of the commercial real estate mortgage including obligations of states and political subdivisions, multifamily residential mortgage, construction/land development and commercial and financial loan classes, whose underwriting standards consider the factors described for single family and home equity loan classes as well as others when assessing the borrower's and associated guarantors or other related party's financial position. These other factors include assessing liquidity, the level and composition of net worth, leverage, considering all other lender amounts and position, an analysis of cash expected to flow through the obligors including the outflow to other lenders, vacancies and prior experience with the borrower. This information is used to assess adequate financial capacity, profitability, and experience. Ultimate repayment of these loans is sensitive to interest rate changes, general economic conditions, liquidity, and availability of long-term financing. Key economic forecasts used in estimating expected credit losses for this segment include the Iowa unemployment rate, the all-transactions house price index for Iowa and the Iowa real GDP.

Consumer Lending - The Company offers consumer loans to individuals including personal loans and automobile loans. These consumer loans typically have shorter terms, lower balances, higher yields and higher risks of default than real estate-related loans. Consumer collections are dependent on the borrower's continuing financial stability and are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances. Collateral for these loans generally includes automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles and real estate. However, depending on the overall financial condition of the borrower, some loans are made on an unsecured basis. The collateral securing these loans may depreciate over time,

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HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

may be difficult to recover and may fluctuate in value based on condition. Key economic forecasts used in estimating expected credit losses for this segment include the Iowa unemployment rate and the Iowa real GDP.

The allowance level is influenced by loan volumes, loan credit quality indicator migration or delinquency status, historic loss experience and other conditions influencing loss expectations, such as reasonable and supportable forecasts of economic conditions. The methodology for estimating the amount of expected credit losses reported in the allowance for credit losses has two basic components: first, a pooled component for estimated expected credit losses for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics; and second, an asset-specific component involving individual loans that do not share risk characteristics with other loans and the measurement of expected credit losses for such individual loans. Depending on the nature of the pool of financial assets with similar risk characteristics, the Company uses a discounted cash flow method or remaining life method to estimate expected credit losses.

Discounted cash flow method: In estimating the component of the allowance for credit losses for loans that share similar risk characteristics with other loans, such loans are segregated into loan classes. Loans are designated into loan classes based on loans pooled by product types and similar risk characteristics or areas of risk concentration. In determining the allowance for credit losses, we derive an estimated credit loss assumption from a model that categorizes loan pools based on loan type and purpose. This model calculates an expected loss percentage for each loan class by considering the probability of default, using life-of-loan analysis periods for all loan segments, and the historical severity of loss, based on the aggregate net lifetime losses incurred per loan class. The default and severity factors used to calculate the allowance for credit losses for loans that share similar risk characteristics with other loans are adjusted for differences between the historical period used to calculate historical default and loss severity rates and expected conditions over the remaining lives of the loans in the portfolio related to: (1) lending policies and procedures; (2) international, national, regional and local economic business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of the portfolio; (3) the nature and volume of the loan portfolio including the terms of the loans; (4) the experience, ability, and depth of the lending management and other relevant staff; (5) the volume and severity of past due and adversely classified or graded loans and the volume of nonaccrual loans; (6) the quality of our loan review system and (7) the value of underlying collateral for collateralized loans. Additional factors include the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit, and changes in the level of such concentrations and the effect of external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in the existing portfolio. Such factors are used to adjust the historical probabilities of default and severity of loss so that they reflect management expectation of future conditions based on a reasonable and supportable forecast. The Company uses regression analysis of historical internal and peer data to determine which variables are best suited to be economic variables utilized when modeling lifetime probability of default and loss given default. This analysis also determines how expected probability of default and loss given default will react to forecasted levels of the economic variables.

For all DCF models, management has determined that four quarters represents a reasonable and supportable forecast period and reverts back to a historical loss rate over twelve quarters on a straight-line basis. Other internal and external indicators of economic forecasts are also considered by management when developing the forecast metrics.

Remaining life method: Expected credit losses for credit cards and overdrafts are determined through use of the remaining life method. The remaining life method utilizes average annual charge-off rates and remaining life to estimate the allowance for credit losses. This is done by estimating the amount and timing of principal payments expected to be received as payment for the balance outstanding as of the reporting period and applying those principal payments against the balance outstanding as of the reporting period along with the average annual charge-off rate until the expected payments have been fully allocated.

Collateral dependent financial assets: For a loan that does not share risk characteristics with other loans, expected credit loss is measured based on net realizable value, that is, the difference between the discounted value of the expected future cash flows, based on the original effective interest rate, and the amortized cost basis of the loan. For these loans, we recognize expected credit loss equal to the amount by which the net realizable value of the loan is less than the amortized cost basis of the loan (which is net of previous charge-offs and deferred loan fees and costs), except when the loan is collateral dependent, that is, when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. In these cases, expected credit loss is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis of the loan and the fair value of the collateral. The fair value of the collateral is adjusted for the estimated cost to sell if repayment or satisfaction of a loan is dependent on the sale (rather than only on the operation) of the collateral.

The Company’s estimate of the ACL reflects losses expected over the contractual life of the assets, adjusted for estimated prepayments or curtailments. The contractual term does not consider extensions, renewals or modifications unless the Company

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

has identified a modification including a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties. A modification of a loan to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties occurs when two conditions are met: 1) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and 2) concessions are made for the borrower's benefit that would not otherwise be considered for a borrower or transaction with similar credit risk characteristics.

Allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures, including unfunded loan commitments: The Company maintains a separate allowance for credit losses from off-balance-sheet credit exposures, including unfunded loan commitments, which is disclosed on the balance sheet. Management estimates the amount of expected losses by calculating a commitment usage factor over the contractual period for exposures that are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company and applying the loss factors used in the ACL methodology to the results of the usage calculation to estimate the liability for credit losses related to unfunded commitments for each loan type. No credit loss estimate is reported for off-balance-sheet (OBS) credit exposures that are unconditionally cancellable by the Company, such as credit card receivables, or for undrawn amounts under such arrangements that may be drawn prior to the cancellation of the arrangement. The allowance for credit losses on OBS credit exposures is adjusted as credit loss expense. Categories of OBS credit exposures correspond to the loan portfolio segments described previously.

Effect of New Financial Accounting Standards:

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. The FASB issued these amendments to eliminate accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors in Subtopic 310-40, Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, and to require that an entity disclose current-period gross writeoffs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses-Measured at Amortized Cost. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and should be applied prospectively, except as provided in the next sentence. For the transition method related to the recognition and measurement of TDRs, an entity has the option to apply a modified retrospective transition method, resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings in the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted if an entity has adopted the amendments in Update 2016-03, including adoption in an interim period. The adoption of the ASU on a prospective basis by the Company on January 1, 2023 did not have a material impact on the financial statements, however it resulted in new disclosures.

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323) Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using Proportional Amortization Method. The FASB is issuing this ASU to allow reporting entities to consistently account for equity investments made primarily for the purposes of receiving income tax credits and other income tax benefits. The ASU permits reporting entities to elect to account for tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. For public business entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for all entities in any interim period. If an entity adopts the amendments in an interim period, it shall adopt them as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The adoption of the ASU on a prospective basis by the Company on January 1, 2024 did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The FASB is issuing this ASU to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. For public business entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. A public entity should apply the amendments in this Update retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Upon transition, the segment expense categories and amounts disclosed in the prior periods should be based on the significant segment expense categories identified and disclosed in the period of adoption. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this ASU on the financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The FASB is issuing this ASU to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in this ASU require that public business entities on an annual basis disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation, provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold, disclose the amount of income taxes paid

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(Unaudited)

disaggregated by federal, state and foreign taxes and other disclosures. For public business entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments in this ASU should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this ASU on the financial statements.

In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-01, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards. The FASB is issuing this ASU to improve generally accepted accounting principles by adding an illustrative example to demonstrate how an entity should apply the scope guidance to determine whether profits interest and similar awards ("profit interest awards") should be accounted for in accordance with Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. The illustrative example is intended to reduce 1) complexity in determining whether a profits interest award is subject to the guidance in Topic 718 and 2) existing diversity in practice. For public business entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments in this Update should be applied either (1) retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements or (2) prospectively to profits interest and similar awards granted or modified on or after the date at which the entity first applies the amendments. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this ASU on the financial statements.

Note 2.Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of actual common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur from the exercise of common stock options outstanding.  ESOP shares are considered outstanding for this calculation unless unearned.

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods presented is as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31,
2024 2023
Common shares outstanding at the beginning of the period 9,135,720 9,225,484
Weighted average number of net shares redeemed (16,940) (6,484)
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic) 9,118,780 9,219,000
Weighted average of potential dilutive shares attributable to stock options granted, computed under the treasury stock method 486 765
Weighted average number of shares (diluted) 9,119,266 9,219,765
Net income (In thousands) $ 12,100 $ 12,462
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 1.33 $ 1.35
Diluted $ 1.33 $ 1.35

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

Note 3.Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)

The following table summarizes the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (AOCI), included in stockholders’ equity, at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
(amounts in thousands)
Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities $ (39,061) $ (35,418)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives used for cash flow hedges 34 (233)
Tax effect 9,276 8,475
Net-of-tax amount $ (29,751) $ (27,176)

Note 4.Securities

The carrying values of investment securities at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are summarized in the following table (dollars in thousands):

March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
Amount Percent Amount Percent
Securities available for sale
U.S. Treasury $ 394,540 50.32 % $ 422,490 54.20 %
Other securities (FHLB, FHLMC and FNMA) 33,183 4.23 33,049 4.24
State and political subdivisions 285,091 36.36 262,953 33.74
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (MBS and CMO) 71,216 9.09 60,929 7.82
Total securities available for sale $ 784,030 100.00 % $ 779,421 100.00 %

Investment securities have been classified in the consolidated balance sheets according to management’s intent.  Available-for-sale securities consist of debt securities not classified as trading or held to maturity.  Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value, and unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related deferred tax effect, are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity.  Municipal bonds are comprised of general obligation bonds and revenue bonds issued by various municipal corporations. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, all securities held were rated investment grade based upon external ratings where available and, where not available, based upon management knowledge of the local issuers and their financial situations. There were no trading or held to maturity securities as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

The carrying amount of available-for-sale securities, fair values and allowance for credit losses were as follows as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

Amortized Cost Gross<br>Unrealized<br>Gains Gross<br>Unrealized<br>(Losses) Allowance for Credit Losses Estimated Fair<br>Value
March 31, 2024
U.S. Treasury $ 408,620 $ 120 $ (14,200) $ $ 394,540
Other securities (FHLB, FHLMC and FNMA) 35,131 (1,948) 33,183
State and political subdivisions 301,609 1,426 (17,944) 285,091
MBS and CMO 77,731 133 (6,648) 71,216
Total $ 823,091 $ 1,679 $ (40,740) $ $ 784,030
December 31, 2023:
U.S. Treasury $ 436,457 $ 703 $ (14,670) $ $ 422,490
Other securities (FHLB, FHLMC and FNMA) 35,156 (2,107) 33,049
State and political subdivisions 276,694 1,970 (15,711) 262,953
MBS and CMO 66,532 241 (5,844) 60,929
Total $ 814,839 $ 2,914 $ (38,332) $ $ 779,421

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities classified according to their contractual maturities at March 31, 2024, were as follows (in thousands) below. Expected maturities of MBS may differ from contractual maturities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be called or prepaid without any penalties. Therefore, these securities are not included in the maturity categories in the following summary.

Amortized<br>Cost Fair Value
Due in one year or less $ 252,979 $ 249,294
Due after one year through five years 304,984 290,196
Due after five years through ten years 122,422 109,658
Due over ten years 64,975 63,666
$ 745,360 $ 712,814
MBS and CMO 77,731 71,216
$ 823,091 $ 784,030

As of March 31, 2024, investment securities with a carrying value of $416.57 million were pledged to collateralize other borrowings. As of March 31, 2024, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of stockholders' equity.

Sales proceeds and gross realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were as follows (in thousands):

March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
Sale proceeds $ $ 509
Gross realized gains
Gross realized losses

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

The following table shows the fair value, gross unrealized losses and the percentage of fair value represented by gross unrealized losses of applicable investment securities owned by the Company, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total
March 31, 2024<br>Description of Securities # Fair Value Unrealized<br>Loss % # Fair Value Unrealized<br>Loss % # Fair Value Unrealized<br>Loss %
U.S. Treasury 15 $ 35,325 $ (368) 1.04 % 109 $ 325,768 $ (13,832) 4.25 % 124 $ 361,093 $ (14,200) 3.93 %
Other securities (FHLB, FHLMC and FNMA) 14 33,183 (1,948) 5.87 14 33,183 (1,948) 5.87
State and political subdivisions 121 45,158 (684) 1.51 693 172,902 (17,260) 9.98 814 218,060 (17,944) 8.23
MBS and CMO 4 10,689 (106) (0.99) 18 44,723 (6,542) 14.63 22 55,412 (6,648) 12.00
Total 140 $ 91,172 $ (1,158) 1.27 % 834 $ 576,576 $ (39,582) 6.87 % 974 $ 667,748 $ (40,740) 6.10 %
Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
December 31, 2023<br>Description of Securities # Fair Value Unrealized<br>Loss % # Fair Value Unrealized<br>Loss % # Fair Value Unrealized<br>Loss %
U.S. Treasury 1 $ 2,390 $ (2) 0.08 % 122 $ 370,660 $ (14,668) 3.96 % 123 $ 373,050 $ (14,670) 3.93 %
Other securities (FHLB, FHLMC and FNMA) 14 33,049 (2,107) 6.38 14 33,049 (2,107) 6.38
State and political subdivisions 115 34,510 (314) 0.91 632 161,614 (15,397) 9.53 747 196,124 (15,711) 8.01
MBS and CMO 18 46,483 (5,844) 12.57 18 46,483 (5,844) 12.57
Total 116 $ 36,900 $ (316) 0.86 % 786 $ 611,806 $ (38,016) 6.21 % 902 $ 648,706 $ (38,332) 5.91 %

The Company considered the following information in reaching the conclusion that the unrealized losses disclosed in the table above are not attributable to credit losses.  None of the unrealized losses in the above table was due to the deterioration in the credit quality of any of the issues that might result in the non-collection of contractual principal and interest.  The unrealized losses are due to changes in interest rates. The Company has not recognized any unrealized loss in income because management does not have the intent to sell the securities included in the previous table.  Management has concluded that it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis. The securities are of high credit quality (investment grade credit ratings) and principal and interest payments are made timely with no payments past due as of March 31, 2024. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach maturity. The U.S. Treasury and other securities are issued and guaranteed by U.S. government-sponsored entities and agencies. The MBS and CMOs have implied U.S. government guarantees of the agency securities. The Company evaluates if a credit loss exists by monitoring to ensure it has adequate credit support considering the nature of the investment, number and significance of investments in an unrealized loss position, collectability or delinquency issues, the underlying financial statements of the issuers, credit ratings and subsequent changes thereto, and other available relevant information. Considering the above factors, management has determined that no allowance for credit losses is necessary for the securities portfolio as of March 31, 2024.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

Note 5.Loans

Classes of loans are as follows:

March 31, 2024 December 31,<br>2023
(Amounts In Thousands)
Agricultural $ 110,621 $ 115,786
Commercial and financial 311,828 307,190
Real estate:
Construction, 1 to 4 family residential 83,817 80,255
Construction, land development and commercial 288,024 313,878
Mortgage, farmland 285,014 281,164
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family first liens 1,203,944 1,221,296
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family junior liens 143,831 144,524
Mortgage, multi-family 478,507 471,009
Mortgage, commercial 452,115 416,670
Loans to individuals 38,524 40,205
Obligations of state and political subdivisions 46,194 46,446
$ 3,442,419 $ 3,438,423
Net unamortized fees and costs 341 359
$ 3,442,760 $ 3,438,782
Less allowance for credit losses 49,830 49,410
$ 3,392,930 $ 3,389,372

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

Changes in the allowance for credit losses (ACL) for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Agricultural Commercial and<br>Financial Real Estate:<br>Construction and<br>land development Real Estate:<br>Mortgage,<br>farmland Real Estate:<br>Mortgage, 1 to 4<br>family Real Estate:<br>Mortgage, multi-<br>family and<br>commercial Other Total
(Amounts In Thousands)
ACL on loans:
Beginning balance $ 2,516 $ 8,750 $ 6,482 $ 3,429 $ 18,552 $ 8,156 $ 1,525 $ 49,410
Charge-offs (1) (431) (88) (272) (38) (350) (1,180)
Recoveries 23 411 284 22 203 165 105 1,213
Credit loss expense (benefit) 380 (829) (580) (290) (295) 839 1,162 387
Ending balance $ 2,918 $ 7,901 $ 6,098 $ 3,161 $ 18,188 $ 9,122 $ 2,442 $ 49,830
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
Agricultural Commercial and<br>Financial Real Estate:<br>Construction and<br>land development Real Estate:<br>Mortgage,<br>farmland Real Estate:<br>Mortgage, 1 to 4<br>family Real Estate:<br>Mortgage, multi-<br>family and<br>commercial Other Total
(Amounts In Thousands)
ACL on loans:
Beginning balance $ 2,542 $ 6,259 $ 4,189 $ 2,989 $ 14,208 $ 9,416 $ 1,837 $ 41,440
Charge-offs (440) (90) (86) (271) (887)
Recoveries 7 83 1 27 81 26 64 289
Credit loss expense (benefit) 47 (689) 540 (165) 532 255 (292) 228
Ending balance $ 2,156 $ 5,563 $ 4,730 $ 2,851 $ 14,735 $ 9,697 $ 1,338 $ 41,070

The allowance for credit losses and the related loan balances as of December 31, 2023:

Agricultural Commercial and Financial Real Estate: Construction<br>and land<br>development Real Estate:<br>Mortgage,<br>farmland Real Estate:<br>Mortgage, 1 to 4 family Real Estate:<br>Mortgage, multi-family and<br>commercial Other Total
(Amounts In Thousands)
2023
ACL on loans:
Ending balance $ 2,516 $ 8,750 $ 6,482 $ 3,429 $ 18,552 $ 8,156 $ 1,525 $ 49,410

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

Changes in the allowance for credit losses (ACL) for off-balance sheet credit exposures for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Agricultural Commercial and<br>Financial Real Estate:<br>Construction and<br>land development Real Estate:<br>Mortgage,<br>farmland Real Estate:<br>Mortgage, 1 to 4<br>family Real Estate:<br>Mortgage, multi-<br>family and<br>commercial Other Total
(Amounts In Thousands)
ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposures:
Beginning balance $ 283 $ 1,407 $ 2,841 $ 73 $ 363 $ 88 $ 55 $ 5,110
Credit loss expense (benefit) 269 (224) (739) (42) 62 (74) (2) (750)
(Charge-offs), net recoveries
Ending balance $ 552 $ 1,183 $ 2,102 $ 31 $ 425 $ 14 $ 53 $ 4,360
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
Agricultural Commercial and<br>Financial Real Estate:<br>Construction and<br>land development Real Estate:<br>Mortgage,<br>farmland Real Estate:<br>Mortgage, 1 to 4<br>family Real Estate:<br>Mortgage, multi-<br>family and<br>commercial Other Total
(Amounts In Thousands)
ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposures:
Beginning balance $ 525 $ 1,099 $ 2,126 $ 55 $ 471 $ 122 $ 32 $ 4,430
Credit loss expense (benefit) (253) (29) 477 (1) (14) (34) (6) 140
(Charge-offs), net recoveries
Ending balance $ 272 $ 1,070 $ 2,603 $ 54 $ 457 $ 88 $ 26 $ 4,570

The ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposures as of December 31, 2023 were as follows:

Year Ended December 31, 2023
Agricultural Commercial and<br>Financial Real Estate:<br>Construction and<br>land development Real Estate:<br>Mortgage,<br>farmland Real Estate:<br>Mortgage, 1 to 4<br>family Real Estate:<br>Mortgage, multi-<br>family and<br>commercial Other Total
(Amounts In Thousands)
Ending balance $ 283 $ 1,407 $ 2,841 $ 73 $ 363 $ 88 $ 55 $ 5,110

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

Credit loss expense for off-balance sheet credit exposures is included in credit loss expense on the consolidated statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Management regularly reviews loans in the portfolio to assess credit quality indicators and to determine appropriate loan classification and grading in accordance with applicable bank regulations. The Company's risk rating methodology assigns risk ratings ranging from 1 to 6, where a higher rating represents higher risk. The Company differentiates its lending portfolios into loans sharing common risk characteristics for which expected credit loss is measured on a pool basis and loans not sharing common risk characteristics for which credit loss is measured individually.

The below are descriptions of the credit quality indicators:

Excellent – Excellent rated loans are prime quality loans covered by highly liquid collateral with generous margins or supported by superior current financial conditions reflecting substantial net worth, relative to total credit extended, and based on assets of a stable and non-speculative nature whose values can be readily verified. Identified repayment source or cash flow is abundant and assured. Loans are secured with cash, cash equivalents, or collateral with very low loan to values. The borrower would qualify for unsecured debt and guarantors provide excellent secondary support to the relationship. The borrower has a long-term relationship with the Company, maintains high deposit balances and has an established payment history with the Company and an established business in an established industry.

Good – Good rated loans are adequately secured by readily marketable collateral or good financial condition characterized by liquidity, flexibility and sound net worth. Loans are supported by sound primary and secondary payment sources and timely and accurate financial information. The relationship is not quite as strong as a borrower that is assigned an excellent rating but still has a very strong liquidity position, low leverage, and track record of strong performance. These loans have a strong collateral position with limited risk to bank capital. The collateral will not materially lose value in a distressed liquidation. Guarantors provide additional secondary support to mitigate possible bank losses. The borrower has a long-term relationship with the Company with an established track record of payments; loans with shorter remaining loan amortization; deposit balances are consistent; loan payments could be made from cash reserves in the interim period; and source of income is coming from a stable industry.

Satisfactory – Satisfactory rated loans are loans to borrowers of average financial means not especially vulnerable to changes in economic or other circumstances, where the major support for the extension is sufficient collateral of a marketable nature, and the primary source of repayment is seen to be clear and adequate. The borrower's financial performance is consistent, ratios and trends are positive and the primary repayment source can clearly be identified and supported with acceptable financial information. The loan relationship could be vulnerable to changes in economic or industry conditions but have the ability to absorb unexpected issues. The loan collateral coverage is considered acceptable and guarantors can provide financial support but net worth might not be as liquid as a 1 or 2 rated relationship. The borrower has an established relationship with the Company. The relationship is making timely loan payments, any operating line is revolving and deposit balances are positive with limited to no overdrafts. Management and industry is considered stable.

Monitor – Monitor rated loans are identified by management as warranting special attention for a variety of reasons that may bear on ultimate collectability. This may be due to adverse trends, a particular industry, loan structure, or repayment that is dependent on projections, or a one-time occurrence. The relationship liquidity levels are minimal and the borrower’s leverage position is brought into question. The primary repayment source is showing signs of being stressed or is not proven. If the borrower performs as planned, the loan will be repaid. The collateral coverage is still considered acceptable but there might be some concern with the type of real estate securing the debt or highly dependent on chattel assets. Some loans may be better secured than others. Guarantors still provide some support but there is not an abundance of financial strength supporting the guaranty. A monitor credit may be appropriate when the borrower is experiencing rapid growth which is impacting liquidity levels and increasing debt levels. Other attributes to consider would include if the business is a start-up or newly acquired, if the relationship has significant financing relationships with other financial institutions, the quality of financial information being received, management depth of the company, and changes to the business model. The track history with the Company has some deficiencies such as slow payments or some overdrafts.

Special Mention – Special mention rated loans are supported by a marginal payment capacity and are marginally protected by collateral.  There are identified weaknesses that if not monitored and corrected may adversely affect the Company’s credit position.  A special mention credit would typically have a weakness in one of the general categories (cash flow, collateral

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(Unaudited)

position or payment history) but not in all categories. Potential indicators of a special mention would include past due payments, overdrafts, management issues, poor financial performance, industry issues, or the need for additional short-term borrowing. The ability to continue to make payments is in question; there are “red flags” such as past due payments, non-revolving credit lines, overdrafts, and the inability to sell assets. The borrower is experiencing delinquent taxes, legal issues, etc., obtaining financial information has become a challenge, collateral coverage is marginal at best, and the value and condition could be brought into question. Collateral document deficiencies have been noted and if not addressed, could become material. Guarantors provide minimal support for this relationship. The credit may include an action plan or follow up established in the asset quality process. There is a change in the borrower’s communication pattern. Industry issues may be impacting the relationship. Adverse credit scores or history of payment deficiencies could be noted.

Substandard – Substandard loans are not adequately supported by the paying capacity of the borrower and may be inadequately collateralized.  These loans have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses.  Full repayment of the loan(s) according to the original terms and conditions is in question or not expected. For these loans, it is more probable than not that the Company could sustain some loss if the deficiency(ies) is not corrected. There are identified shortfalls in the primary repayment source such as carry over debt, past due payments, and overdrafts. Obtaining quality and timely financial information is a weakness. The loan is under secured with exposure that could impact the Company's capital. It appears the liquidation of collateral has become the repayment source. The collateral may be difficult to foreclose or have little to no value. Collateral documentation deficiencies have been noted during the review process. Guarantor(s) provide minimal to no support of the relationship. The borrower’s communication with the Company continues to decrease and the borrower is not addressing the situation. There is some concern about the borrower’s ability and willingness to repay the loans. Problems may be the result of external issues such as economic or industry related issues.

The following tables present the credit quality indicators and origination years by type of loan in each category as of March 31, 2024 (amounts in thousands):

Agricultural
March 31, 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ 687 $ 92 $ 720 $ $ 79 $ 10 $ 3,752 $ 5,340
Good 170 3,006 1,681 346 311 353 7,221 13,088
Satisfactory 3,041 7,010 7,562 2,263 1,696 495 29,891 51,958
Monitor 1,363 4,516 2,236 737 363 635 14,169 24,019
Special Mention 910 1,340 1,617 166 32 509 5,219 9,793
Substandard 317 420 403 56 5,227 6,423
Total $ 6,488 $ 16,384 $ 14,219 $ 3,568 $ 2,481 $ 2,002 $ 65,479 $ 110,621
Current-period gross write offs $ $ 1 $ $ $ $ $ $ 1

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(Unaudited)

Commercial and Financial
March 31, 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ 331 $ 2,878 $ 391 $ 339 $ 431 $ $ 4,055 $ 8,425
Good 3,059 8,331 9,432 4,721 1,396 243 17,178 44,360
Satisfactory 10,411 48,370 29,587 15,312 5,347 2,513 65,209 176,749
Monitor 8,936 13,482 13,125 5,238 3,000 562 23,589 67,932
Special Mention 2,179 1,640 1,277 395 179 49 3,777 9,496
Substandard 867 1,652 459 434 591 444 419 4,866
Total $ 25,783 $ 76,353 $ 54,271 $ 26,439 $ 10,944 $ 3,811 $ 114,227 $ 311,828
Current-period gross write offs $ 50 $ 262 $ 19 $ $ $ $ 100 $ 431
Real Estate: Construction, 1 to 4 Family Residential
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
March 31, 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 4 $ 4
Good 485 12,578 13,063
Satisfactory 583 3,135 33,282 37,000
Monitor 1,920 650 22,477 25,047
Special Mention 103 762 1,666 2,531
Substandard 851 4,688 633 6,172
Total $ 686 $ 7,153 $ 5,338 $ $ $ $ 70,640 $ 83,817
Current-period gross write offs $ $ 45 $ $ $ $ $ 31 $ 76

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(Unaudited)

Real Estate: Construction, Land Development and Commercial
March 31, 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ $ $ 250 $ $ $ 101 $ 9,937 $ 10,288
Good 215 3,148 651 305 947 194 8,677 14,137
Satisfactory 3,340 16,337 8,094 7,352 328 1,311 156,771 193,533
Monitor 2,512 4,569 1,358 1,065 181 49,276 58,961
Special Mention 8 1,766 116 2,177 4,067
Substandard 3,267 3,127 582 62 7,038
Total $ 6,075 $ 29,087 $ 13,480 $ 8,838 $ 2,038 $ 1,606 $ 226,900 $ 288,024
Current-period gross write offs $ $ $ $ $ $ 12 $ $ 12
Real Estate: Mortgage, Farmland
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
March 31, 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ $ 1,922 $ 4,310 $ 1,856 $ 150 $ $ 95 $ 8,333
Good 860 5,435 20,342 8,163 6,787 1,267 6,725 49,579
Satisfactory 14,556 35,908 51,565 38,377 15,685 10,355 15,980 182,426
Monitor 1,284 5,858 14,146 3,594 3,643 1,081 2,031 31,637
Special Mention 1,954 1,176 1,666 350 216 3,380 8,742
Substandard 2,274 1,436 67 235 285 4,297
Total $ 18,974 $ 52,513 $ 91,606 $ 53,656 $ 26,850 $ 13,204 $ 28,211 $ 285,014
Current-period gross write offs $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

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(Unaudited)

Real Estate: Mortgage, 1 to 4 Family First Liens
March 31, 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ $ 444 $ 1,381 $ 1,154 $ 335 $ 637 $ $ 3,951
Good 11,354 20,178 4,649 7,408 12,190 5,482 61,261
Satisfactory 12,962 188,413 305,747 172,233 116,204 171,372 14,192 981,123
Monitor 2,231 15,974 43,744 16,319 17,958 13,955 10,109 120,290
Special Mention 362 1,789 6,198 4,656 1,505 5,542 194 20,246
Substandard 171 2,114 2,539 3,715 2,039 5,826 669 17,073
Total $ 15,726 $ 220,088 $ 379,787 $ 202,726 $ 145,449 $ 209,522 $ 30,646 $ 1,203,944
Current-period gross write offs $ $ 33 $ 43 $ 50 $ 3 $ 12 $ 31 $ 172
Real Estate: Mortgage, 1 to 4 Family Junior Liens
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
March 31, 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Good 86 256 184 421 529 4,148 5,624
Satisfactory 1,144 9,775 12,859 8,701 6,513 11,006 79,336 129,334
Monitor 67 490 677 328 468 484 3,345 5,859
Special Mention 82 226 276 164 218 828 1,794
Substandard 102 51 134 48 155 730 1,220
Total $ 1,211 $ 10,535 $ 14,069 $ 9,623 $ 7,614 $ 12,392 $ 88,387 $ 143,831
Current-period gross write offs $ $ 42 $ 16 $ 37 $ 4 $ 1 $ $ 100

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(Unaudited)

Real Estate: Mortgage, Multi-Family
March 31, 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ $ $ 5,743 $ 2,959 $ 3,028 $ 105 $ $ 11,835
Good 29,020 49,248 14,720 22,022 8,001 2,104 125,115
Satisfactory 3,199 28,114 72,353 59,135 21,988 14,593 28,810 228,192
Monitor 485 26,322 25,597 20,490 21,769 1,125 1,023 96,811
Special Mention 1,914 899 190 5,492 8,495
Substandard 155 7,848 55 1 8,059
Total $ 3,684 $ 83,611 $ 162,703 $ 98,258 $ 68,997 $ 23,824 $ 37,430 $ 478,507
Current-period gross write offs $ $ $ $ 22 $ $ $ $ 22
Real Estate: Mortgage, Commercial
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
March 31, 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ 1,272 $ 1,450 $ 1,410 $ 549 $ 14,793 $ 546 $ $ 20,020
Good 299 6,919 18,903 17,731 16,689 5,279 12,677 78,497
Satisfactory 10,065 31,525 37,833 45,247 38,444 21,396 54,086 238,596
Monitor 15,056 9,657 29,950 14,437 11,026 8,760 14,780 103,666
Special Mention 491 1,118 602 539 993 989 4,732
Substandard 599 399 297 2,221 2,036 87 965 6,604
Total $ 27,291 $ 50,441 $ 89,511 $ 80,787 $ 83,527 $ 37,061 $ 83,497 $ 452,115
Current-period gross write offs $ 5 $ 3 $ 8 $ $ $ $ $ 16

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(Unaudited)

Loans to Individuals
March 31, 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Good 84 110 6 3 4 207
Satisfactory 16,028 11,617 5,681 2,564 884 237 236 37,247
Monitor 69 352 131 38 1 8 599
Special Mention 4 73 119 46 1 243
Substandard 40 169 13 4 1 1 228
Total $ 16,225 $ 12,321 $ 5,950 $ 2,652 $ 885 $ 241 $ 250 $ 38,524
Current-period gross write offs $ 289 $ 44 $ 16 $ $ $ $ 1 $ 350
Obligations of State and Political Subdivisions
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
March 31, 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ $ $ $ $ $ 4,389 $ $ 4,389
Good 1,722 6,903 8,625
Satisfactory 616 1,371 1,821 787 1,812 13,905 5,198 25,510
Monitor 757 518 881 2,156
Special Mention 289 154 443
Substandard 99 1,966 3,006 5,071
Total $ 616 $ 1,371 $ 2,677 $ 787 $ 4,341 $ 28,198 $ 8,204 $ 46,194
Current-period gross write offs $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

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(Unaudited)

The following table presents the credit quality indicators by type of loans in each category as of December 31, 2023 (amounts in thousands):

Agricultural
December 31, 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ 292 $ 749 $ $ 94 $ 10 $ $ 6,067 $ 7,212
Good 3,555 2,318 359 562 377 2 10,479 17,652
Satisfactory 8,412 8,787 2,706 1,644 430 153 32,552 54,684
Monitor 4,624 2,630 687 425 252 758 15,510 24,886
Special Mention 1,275 1,148 171 34 10 1,846 4,484
Substandard 1,268 331 159 377 4,733 6,868
Total $ 19,426 $ 15,963 $ 4,082 $ 2,759 $ 1,456 $ 913 $ 71,187 $ 115,786
Gross write-offs for period $ 56 $ 416 $ $ $ $ 309 $ 781
Commercial and Financial
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
December 31, 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ 3,163 $ 445 $ 411 $ 474 $ $ $ 3,003 $ 7,496
Good 8,655 11,491 5,304 1,654 189 103 19,385 46,781
Satisfactory 52,177 31,977 16,571 6,168 2,485 1,009 66,021 176,408
Monitor 14,711 14,008 5,152 3,957 477 44 23,418 61,767
Special Mention 6,355 1,775 429 247 57 6 1,425 10,294
Substandard 1,673 511 643 209 317 370 721 4,444
Total $ 86,734 $ 60,207 $ 28,510 $ 12,709 $ 3,525 $ 1,532 $ 113,973 $ 307,190
Gross write-offs for period $ 1,878 $ 261 $ 181 $ 136 $ 122 $ 10 626 $ 3,214

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(Unaudited)

Real Estate: Construction, 1 to 4 Family Residential
December 31, 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 4 $ 4
Good 497 1,347 12,548 14,392
Satisfactory 3,043 404 31,228 34,675
Monitor 3,490 18,308 21,798
Special Mention 506 2,967 3,473
Substandard 560 4,851 502 5,913
Total $ 8,096 $ 6,602 $ $ $ $ $ 65,557 $ 80,255
Gross write-offs for period $ 149 $ 1,019 $ $ $ $ 234 $ 1,402
Real Estate: Construction, Land Development and Commercial
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
December 31, 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ $ 250 $ $ $ $ 106 $ 1,292 $ 1,648
Good 3,704 651 305 947 199 10,321 16,127
Satisfactory 17,198 9,379 7,540 517 274 1,104 176,540 212,552
Monitor 16,786 1,946 1,083 162 51,842 71,819
Special Mention 1,713 223 117 2,177 4,230
Substandard 2,700 3,774 956 11 61 7,502
Total $ 42,101 $ 16,223 $ 9,045 $ 2,582 $ 274 $ 1,420 $ 242,233 $ 313,878
Gross write-offs for period $ 456 $ 187 $ $ 9 $ $ 12 $ 664

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(Unaudited)

Real Estate: Mortgage, Farmland
December 31, 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ 1,966 $ 4,469 $ 1,928 $ 177 $ $ $ 100 $ 8,640
Good 7,244 21,882 11,016 7,206 964 977 7,006 56,295
Satisfactory 37,415 52,580 37,032 16,537 3,063 8,213 15,985 170,825
Monitor 6,256 14,840 3,353 4,452 270 1,242 1,586 31,999
Special Mention 2,073 835 1,719 108 224 2,807 7,766
Substandard 3,793 1,681 165 5,639
Total $ 58,747 $ 96,287 $ 55,048 $ 28,480 $ 4,521 $ 10,597 $ 27,484 $ 281,164
Gross write-offs for period $ 21 $ $ $ $ $ $ 21
Real Estate: Mortgage, 1 to 4 Family First Liens
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
December 31, 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ 446 $ 1,405 $ 1,165 $ 338 $ $ 661 $ $ 4,015
Good 11,907 20,471 4,704 7,481 1,656 11,012 5,499 62,730
Satisfactory 196,885 312,473 178,678 121,112 44,683 134,698 14,328 1,002,857
Monitor 15,328 43,289 15,338 17,706 2,993 11,122 9,115 114,891
Special Mention 2,585 5,752 4,145 1,515 993 4,533 794 20,317
Substandard 1,531 2,368 3,966 2,556 1,392 4,482 191 16,486
Total $ 228,682 $ 385,758 $ 207,996 $ 150,708 $ 51,717 $ 166,508 $ 29,927 $ 1,221,296
Gross write-offs for period $ $ 120 $ 25 $ 46 $ 14 $ 31 1 $ 237

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(Unaudited)

Real Estate: Mortgage, 1 to 4 Family Junior Liens
December 31, 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ $ $ $ 2 $ $ $ $ 2
Good 86 259 185 430 86 461 4,031 5,538
Satisfactory 10,921 13,280 9,008 6,818 3,563 8,224 78,798 130,612
Monitor 466 582 303 482 406 92 3,120 5,451
Special Mention 77 199 257 169 14 155 771 1,642
Substandard 86 51 185 53 16 155 733 1,279
Total $ 11,636 $ 14,371 $ 9,938 $ 7,954 $ 4,085 $ 9,087 $ 87,453 $ 144,524
Gross write-offs for period $ 24 $ 34 $ 77 $ 25 $ 15 $ 44 11 $ 230
Real Estate: Mortgage, Multi-Family
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
December 31, 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ $ 5,806 $ 2,992 $ 3,093 $ $ 113 $ $ 12,004
Good 29,175 49,599 14,879 22,335 8,110 2,119 126,217
Satisfactory 30,113 71,890 60,229 22,233 1,256 13,816 17,688 217,225
Monitor 26,456 26,082 20,583 22,276 162 1,141 1,032 97,732
Special Mention 1,927 906 191 5,525 8,549
Substandard 169 7,999 78 1,036 9,282
Total $ 85,913 $ 163,303 $ 99,667 $ 70,128 $ 1,418 $ 23,180 $ 27,400 $ 471,009
Gross write-offs for period $ $ 83 $ 18 $ $ $ $ 101

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(Unaudited)

Real Estate: Mortgage, Commercial
December 31, 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ 1,469 $ 1,519 $ 555 $ 16,733 $ $ 570 $ $ 20,846
Good 7,293 19,233 17,928 16,978 2,332 3,467 12,937 80,168
Satisfactory 31,567 39,024 48,551 38,915 8,830 13,642 40,044 220,573
Monitor 10,862 30,376 14,892 12,059 297 8,480 5,698 82,664
Special Mention 494 1,127 828 544 1,006 993 4,992
Substandard 244 755 2,270 2,495 605 88 970 7,427
Total $ 51,929 $ 92,034 $ 85,024 $ 87,724 $ 12,064 $ 27,253 $ 60,642 $ 416,670
Gross write-offs for period $ 7 $ $ 761 $ $ $ $ 768
Loans to Individuals
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
December 31, 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Good 150 6 5 2 163
Satisfactory 27,480 6,715 3,064 1,154 272 97 257 39,039
Monitor 358 178 34 4 2 576
Special Mention 62 115 46 1 224
Substandard 117 18 6 60 2 203
Total $ 28,167 $ 7,032 $ 3,150 $ 1,158 $ 277 $ 157 $ 264 $ 40,205
Gross write-offs for period $ 1,064 $ 101 $ 33 $ 11 $ 7 $ 3 $ 1,219

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(Unaudited)

Obligations of State and Political Subdivisions
December 31, 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total
Grade:
Excellent $ $ $ $ $ $ 4,543 $ $ 4,543
Good 1,752 7,064 8,816
Satisfactory 1,381 2,306 787 2,355 1,141 12,959 5,311 26,240
Monitor 331 290 606 1,227
Special Mention 289 159 448
Substandard 107 2,030 3,035 5,172
Total $ 1,381 $ 2,744 $ 787 $ 4,396 $ 1,590 $ 27,202 $ 8,346 $ 46,446
Gross write-offs for period $ $ $ $ $ $ $

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(Unaudited)

Past due loans as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were as follows:

30 - 59 Days<br>Past Due 60 - 89 Days<br>Past Due 90 Days<br>or More<br>Past Due Total Past<br>Due Current Total<br>Loans<br>Receivable Accruing Loans<br>Past Due 90<br>Days or More
(Amounts In Thousands)
March 31, 2024
Agricultural $ 704 $ 141 $ 203 $ 1,048 $ 109,573 $ 110,621 $
Commercial and financial 1,110 358 1,468 310,360 311,828
Real estate:
Construction, 1 to 4 family residential 3,366 314 5,242 8,922 74,895 83,817
Construction, land development and commercial 1,830 804 6,993 9,627 278,397 288,024
Mortgage, farmland 700 90 790 284,224 285,014
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family first liens 11,095 686 1,884 13,665 1,190,279 1,203,944 129
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family junior liens 311 108 4 423 143,408 143,831
Mortgage, multi-family 2,298 5,067 7,365 471,142 478,507
Mortgage, commercial 966 450 2,114 3,530 448,585 452,115
Loans to individuals 340 59 399 38,125 38,524
Obligations of state and political subdivisions 46,194 46,194
$ 20,422 $ 4,950 $ 21,865 $ 47,237 $ 3,395,182 $ 3,442,419 $ 129
December 31, 2023
Agricultural $ 801 $ $ $ 801 $ 114,985 $ 115,786 $
Commercial and financial 1,345 1,752 384 3,481 303,709 307,190
Real estate:
Construction, 1 to 4 family residential 433 5,411 5,844 74,411 80,255
Construction, land development and commercial 730 7,953 8,683 305,195 313,878 30
Mortgage, farmland 183 183 280,981 281,164
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family first liens 13,344 3,047 2,720 19,111 1,202,185 1,221,296 515
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family junior liens 519 20 5 544 143,980 144,524
Mortgage, multi-family 1,869 7,685 9,554 461,455 471,009
Mortgage, commercial 875 416 1,291 415,379 416,670
Loans to individuals 341 31 372 39,833 40,205
Obligations of state and political subdivisions 46,446 46,446
$ 20,257 $ 5,449 $ 24,158 $ 49,864 $ 3,388,559 $ 3,438,423 $ 545

The Company does not have a material amount of loans that are past due less than 90 days where there are serious doubts as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with the loan repayment terms.

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(Unaudited)

Certain nonaccrual loan information by loan type at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, was as follows:

March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
Non-accrual<br>loans Accruing loans<br>past due 90 days<br>or more Non-<br>accrual<br>loans Accruing loans<br>past due 90 days<br>or more
(Amounts In Thousands) (Amounts In Thousands)
Agricultural $ 279 $ $ $
Commercial and financial 493 524
Real estate:
Construction, 1 to 4 family residential 5,242 5,505
Construction, land development and commercial 6,993 8,049 30
Mortgage, farmland
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family first liens 6,008 129 5,805 515
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family junior liens 259 221
Mortgage, multi-family 7,576 7,685
Mortgage, commercial 3,277 3,099
Loans to individuals
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
$ 30,127 $ 129 $ 30,888 $ 545

Loans 90 days or more past due that are still accruing interest decreased $0.42 million from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024. As of March 31, 2024, there was 1 accruing loan past due 90 days or more with an average loan balance of $0.13 million. There were 7 accruing loans past due 90 days or more as of December 31, 2023 with an average loan balance of $0.08 million. The accruing loans past due 90 days or more balances are believed to be adequately collateralized and the Company expects to collect all principal and interest as contractually due under these loans. There was no interest income recognized on nonaccrual loans for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and year ended December 31, 2023. As of March 31, 2024, nonaccrual loans had no ACL allocation recorded except for $0.08 million recorded for 1 to 4 family first lien mortgages, $0.05 million for commercial mortgages and $0.01 million for agricultural loans. As of December 31, 2023, nonaccrual loans had no ACL allocation recorded except for $0.10 million recorded for 1 to 4 family first lien mortgages.

The allowance for credit losses incorporates an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses and is recorded on each asset upon asset origination or acquisition. The starting point for the estimate of the allowance for credit losses is historical loss information, which includes losses from modifications of receivables to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. An assessment of whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty is made on the date of a modification.

Because the effect of most modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty is already included in the allowance for credit losses because of the measurement methodologies used to estimate the allowance, a change to the allowance for credit losses is generally not recorded upon modification.

In some cases, the Company will modify a certain loan by providing multiple types of concessions. Typically, one type of concession, such as a term extension, is granted initially. If the borrower continues to experience financial difficulty, another concession, such as principal forgiveness, may be granted.

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(Unaudited)

The following table shows the amortized cost basis at the end of the reporting period of the loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, disaggregated by class of financing receivable and type of concession granted (numbers in thousands):

Loan Modifications Made to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
Amortized Cost Basis % of Total Class of Financing Receivable Amortized Cost Basis % of Total Class of Financing Receivable
Loan Type
Mortgage, farmland $ 2,274 6 month payment deferral 0.80% $ 1,236 Term extension 0.46%
Agricultural None —% 176 Term extension 0.17%
Mortgage, commercial 436 Interest only 4 months 0.10% None —%
Commercial and financial 417 Term extension 0.13% None —%
Total $ 3,127 $ 1,412

The following table describes the financial effect of the modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty:

March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
Loan Type Financial Effect Loan Type Financial Effect
Mortgage, farmland Provided a payment deferral, which temporarily reduced monthly payment amounts for the borrowers. Mortgage, farmland Added a weighted-average 4.6 years to the life of loans, which reduced monthly payment amounts for the borrowers.
Agricultural None Agricultural Added a weighted-average 0.5 year to the life of loans, which reduced monthly payment amounts for the borrowers.
Mortgage, commercial Provided interest only payments, which temporarily reduced monthly payment amounts for the borrowers. Mortgage, commercial None
Commercial and financial Added a weighted-average 0.73 year to the life of loans, which reduced monthly payment amounts for the borrowers. Commercial and financial None

Upon the Company's determination that a modified loan (or portion of a loan) has subsequently been deemed uncollectible, the loan (or a portion of the loan) is written off. Therefore, the amortized cost basis of the loan is reduced by the uncollectible amount and the allowance for credit losses is adjusted by the same amount.

There were no financing receivables that had a payment default during the period and were modified in the 12 months before default to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty as of March 31, 2024 and for the three months ending March 31, 2023.

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(Unaudited)

The Company closely monitors the performance of the loans that are modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. The following table depicts the performance of loans that have been modified in the last 12 months (numbers in thousands):

March 31, 2024 Payment Status (Amortized Cost Basis)
Current 30-89 Days Past Due 90+ Days Past Due
Loan Type
Mortgage, farmland $ 2,274 $ $
Agricultural 2,497
Mortgage, commercial 312 436
Commercial and financial 417
$ 5,500 $ 436 $
March 31, 2023 Payment Status (Amortized Cost Basis)
Current 30-89 Days Past Due 90+ Days Past Due
Loan Type
Mortgage, Farmland $ 1,236 $ $
Agricultural 176
$ 1,412 $ $

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

The following table presents the amortized cost basis of collateral dependent loans, by the primary collateral type, which are individually evaluated to determine expected credit losses, and the related ACL allocated to these loans:

Primary Type of Collateral
Real Estate Accounts Receivable Equipment Other Total ACL Allocation
(Amounts In Thousands)
March 31, 2024
Agricultural $ 2,734 $ $ 76 $ $ 2,810 $ 557
Commercial and financial 1,330 1,330 240
Real estate:
Construction, 1 to 4 family residential 5,242 5,242
Construction, land development and commercial 6,993 6,993
Mortgage, farmland 4,333 166 4,499
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family first liens 6,404 6,404 87
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family junior liens 276 276
Mortgage, multi-family 7,576 7,576
Mortgage, commercial 5,966 5,966 288
Loans to individuals
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
$ 40,854 $ $ 242 $ $ 41,096 $ 1,172
Primary Type of Collateral
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Real Estate Accounts Receivable Equipment Other Total ACL Allocation
(Amounts In Thousands)
December 31, 2023
Agricultural $ 2,557 $ $ $ $ 2,557 $
Commercial and financial 2,233 10 2,243 560
Real estate:
Construction, 1 to 4 family residential 5,504 5,504
Construction, land development and commercial 8,080 8,080
Mortgage, farmland 2,077 169 2,246
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family first liens 6,593 6,593 104
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family junior liens 239 239
Mortgage, multi-family 7,685 7,685
Mortgage, commercial 5,139 5,139
Loans to individuals 60 60 60
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
$ 40,167 $ $ 179 $ $ 40,346 $ 724

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HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

The changes in the ACL in 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 is the result of the following factors: slight decrease in forecasted Iowa unemployment used in the ACL calculation which resulted in a decrease of $0.15 million; increase in loan volume which resulted in an increase of $0.09 million; changes in prepayment and curtailment rates resulting in an increase of $1.30 million; increase in the individually analyzed loans reserve of $0.44 million; decreases in qualitative factors determined necessary by management which resulted in a decrease of $2.69 million and an increase in other changes of $1.43 million, primarily increased charge-offs leading to higher loss rates.

The extent to which collateral secures collateral-dependent loans is provided in the previous individually analyzed loans table and changes in the extent to which collateral secures its collateral-dependent loans are described below. Collateral-dependent loans increased $0.75 million from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024.  Collateral-dependent loans include any loan that has been placed on nonaccrual status, accruing loans past due 90 days or more, and loans made to borrowers with financial difficulties. Collateral-dependent loans also include loans that, based on management’s evaluation of current information and events, the Company expects to be unable to collect in full according to the contractual terms of the original loan agreement.  Collateral-dependent loans were 1.19% of loans held for investment as of March 31, 2024 and 1.17% as of December 31, 2023.  The increase in collateral-dependent loans is due to an increase in loans facing financial difficulties of $2.66 million, a decrease in loans with a specific reserve of $0.60 million, a decrease in nonaccrual loans of $0.76 million, and a decrease in 90 days or more accruing loans of $0.42 million from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024. There were no significant changes noted in the extent to which collateral secures collateral-dependent loans.

The Company regularly reviews a substantial portion of the loans in the portfolio and assesses whether the loans share common risk characteristics for which expected credit loss is measured on a pool basis or if the loans do not share common risk characteristics and therefore expected credit loss is measured on an individual loan basis.  If the loans are assessed for credit losses on an individual basis, the Company determines if a specific allowance is appropriate.  In addition, the Company's management also reviews and, where determined necessary, provides allowances for particular loans based upon (1) reviews of specific borrowers and (2) management’s assessment of areas that management considers are of higher credit risk, including loans that have been restructured or modified to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties.  Loans that are determined not to be collateral-dependent and for which there are no specific allowances are classified into one or more risk categories and expected credit loss is measured on a pool basis. See Note 1 for further discussion of the allowance for credit losses for loans held for investment.

Specific allowances for credit losses on loans assessed individually are established if the loan balances exceed the net present value of the relevant future cash flows or the fair value of the relevant collateral based on updated appraisals and/or updated collateral analysis for the properties if the loan is collateral dependent.  The Company may recognize a charge off or record a specific allowance related to an individually analyzed loan if there is a collateral shortfall or it is unlikely the borrower can make all principal and interest payments as contractually due.

For loans that are collateral-dependent, losses are evaluated based on the portion of a loan that exceeds the fair market value of the collateral.  In general, this is the amount that the carrying value of the loan exceeds the related appraised value less estimated costs to sell the collateral.  Generally, it is the Company’s policy not to rely on appraisals that are older than one year prior to the date the credit loss is being measured.  The most recent appraisal values may be adjusted if, in the Company’s judgment, experience and other market data indicate that the property’s value, use, condition, exit market or other variables affecting its value may have changed since the appraisal was performed. The charge off or loss adjustment supported by an appraisal is considered the minimum charge off.  Any adjustments made to the appraised value are to provide an additional charge off or specific reserve based on the applicable facts and circumstances.  In instances where there is an estimated decline in value, a specific reserve may be provided or a charge off taken pending confirmation of the amount of the loss from an updated appraisal.  Upon receipt of the new appraisals, an additional specific reserve may be provided or charge off taken based on the appraised value of the collateral.  On average, appraisals are obtained within one month of order.

Note 6.Leases

The Bank leases certain of its branch offices, parking facilities and certain equipment under operating leases. The leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 10 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 10 years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. As the options are reasonably certain to be exercised, they are recognized as part of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, total operating lease expense was $0.12 million and $0.14 million respectively, and is included in occupancy expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Included in this for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were $0.10 million and $0.12 million, respectively, of operating lease costs, $0.01 million and $0.01 million, respectively, of short term lease costs, and $0.01 million and $0.01 million, respectively, of variable lease costs.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities was $0.10 million and $0.12 million, respectively.

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, operating lease right-of-use assets included in other assets was $2.06 million and $2.13 million respectively. Operating lease liabilities included in other liabilities were $2.16 million and $2.22 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases was 8.36 years and 8.56 years, respectively, and the weighted average discount rate for operating leases was 3.68% and 3.69%, respectively. Discount rates used were determined from FHLB borrowing rates for comparable terms.

As of March 31, 2024, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

Year ending December 31: (Amounts In Thousands)
2024 (excluding the three months ended March 31, 2024) $ 248
2025 332
2026 335
2027 333
2028 295
Thereafter 984
Total lease payments 2,527
Less imputed interest (366)
Total operating lease liabilities $ 2,161

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HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

Note 7.Fair Value Measurements

The carrying value and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments as of March 31, 2024 are as follows:

March 31, 2024
Carrying<br>Amount Estimated Fair<br>Value Readily<br>Available<br>Market<br>Prices(1) Observable<br>Market<br>Prices(2) Company<br>Determined<br>Market<br>Prices(3)
(Amounts In Thousands)
Financial instrument assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 94,054 $ 94,054 $ 94,054 $ $
Investment securities 798,452 798,452 394,540 403,912
Loans held for sale 3,702 3,702 3,702
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses
Agricultural 107,702 107,011 107,011
Commercial and financial 303,927 299,816 299,816
Real estate:
Construction, 1 to 4 family residential 82,400 82,573 82,573
Construction, land development and commercial 283,343 277,522 277,522
Mortgage, farmland 281,853 263,138 263,138
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family first liens 1,190,128 1,101,057 1,101,057
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family junior liens 139,800 134,477 134,477
Mortgage, multi-family 474,681 441,786 441,786
Mortgage, commercial 446,819 416,749 416,749
Loans to individuals 36,313 35,133 35,133
Obligations of state and political subdivisions 45,964 43,591 43,591
Accrued interest receivable 21,861 21,861 21,861
Total financial instrument assets $ 4,310,999 $ 4,120,922 $ 488,594 $ 429,475 $ 3,202,853
Financial instrument liabilities
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 572,838 $ 572,838 $ $ 572,838 $
Interest-bearing deposits 2,789,253 2,789,744 2,789,744
Other short-term borrowings 329,000 328,604 328,604
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings 152,400 152,647 152,647
Interest rate swaps (34) (34) (34)
Accrued interest payable 7,441 7,441 7,441
Total financial instrument liabilities $ 3,850,898 $ 3,851,240 $ $ 3,851,240 $
Face Amount
Financial instrument with off-balance sheet risk:
Loan commitments $ 609,213 $ $ $ $
Letters of credit 8,976
Total financial instrument liabilities with off-balance-sheet risk $ 618,189 $ $ $ $

(1)Considered Level 1 under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”).

(2)Considered Level 2 under ASC 820.

(3)Considered Level 3 under ASC 820 and are based on valuation models that use significant assumptions that are not observable in an active market.

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HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

The carrying value and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

December 31, 2023
Carrying<br>Amount Estimated Fair<br>Value Readily<br>Available<br>Market<br>Prices(1) Observable<br>Market<br>Prices(2) Company<br>Determined<br>Market<br>Prices(3)
(Amounts In Thousands)
Financial instrument assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 59,482 $ 59,482 $ 59,482 $ $
Investment securities 795,167 795,167 422,490 372,677
Loans held for sale 2,023 2,023 2,023
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses
Agricultural 113,270 112,421 112,421
Commercial and financial 298,440 294,021 294,021
Real estate:
Construction, 1 to 4 family residential 79,142 79,238 79,238
Construction, land development and commercial 308,509 299,846 299,846
Mortgage, farmland 277,735 259,969 259,969
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family first liens 1,206,991 1,114,737 1,114,737
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family junior liens 140,636 135,529 135,529
Mortgage, multi-family 466,754 435,222 435,222
Mortgage, commercial 412,769 386,712 386,712
Loans to individuals 38,958 37,600 37,600
Obligations of state and political subdivisions 46,168 43,676 43,676
Accrued interest receivable 19,786 19,786 19,786
Total financial instrument assets $ 4,265,830 $ 4,075,429 $ 481,972 $ 394,486 $ 3,198,971
Financial instrument liabilities:
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 600,398 $ 600,398 $ $ 600,398 $
Interest-bearing deposits 2,682,382 2,678,798 2,678,798
Other short-term borrowings 219,000 219,164 219,164
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings 296,648 297,148 297,148
Interest rate swaps 233 233 233
Accrued interest payable 6,102 6,102 6,102
Total financial instrument liabilities $ 3,804,763 $ 3,801,843 $ $ 3,801,843 $
Face Amount
Financial instrument with off-balance sheet risk:
Loan commitments $ 685,861 $ $ $ $
Letters of credit 7,654
Total financial instrument liabilities with off-balance-sheet risk $ 693,515 $ $ $ $

Considered Level 1 under ASC 820.

(1)Considered Level 2 under ASC 820.

(2)Considered Level 3 under ASC 820 and are based on valuation models that use significant assumptions that are not observable in an active market.

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HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

Fair value of financial instruments:  FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”) provides a single definition for fair value, a framework for measuring fair value and expanded disclosures concerning fair value.  Fair value is defined under ASC 820 as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

The Company determines the fair market value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820.  There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value as follows:

| Level 1 | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. | | --- | --- || Level 2 | Observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1.  Observable inputs include the quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. | | --- | --- || Level 3 | Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity for financial instruments.  Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. | | --- | --- |

It is the Company’s policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements.  The Company is required to use observable inputs, to the extent available, in the fair value estimation process unless that data results from forced liquidations or distressed sales.

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value.

ASSETS

Investment securities available for sale:  Investment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available.  If a quoted price is not available, the fair value is obtained from benchmarking the security against similar securities. U.S. Treasury securities are considered Level 1 with the remaining securities considered Level 2.

The pricing for investment securities is obtained from an independent source.  There are no Level 3 investment securities owned by the Company.  The Company obtains an understanding of the independent source’s valuation methodologies used to determine fair value by level of security. The Company validates assigned fair values on a sample basis using an additional third-party provider pricing service to determine if the fair value measurement is reasonable. Due to the nature of our investment portfolio, we do not expect significant and unusual fluctuations as fair value changes primarily relate to interest rate changes.   No unusual fluctuations were identified during the three months ended March 31, 2024. If a fluctuation requiring investigation was identified, the Company would research the change with the independent source or other available information.

Individually analyzed loans under ASC 326 CECL: See Note 1 for further discussion of individually analyzed loans under CECL.

A loan is considered to be non-performing when it is probable that all of the principal and interest due may not be collected according to its contractual terms. Generally, when a loan is considered non-performing, the amount of reserve is measured based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. The Company makes such measurements on all material loans deemed non-performing using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans or based on the present value of the estimated future cash flows of interest and principal discounted at the loans effective interest rate or the fair value of the loan if determinable. The fair value of collateral used by the Company is determined by obtaining an observable market price or by obtaining an appraised value from an independent, licensed or certified appraiser, using observable market data. This data includes information such as selling price of similar properties and capitalization rates of similar properties sold within the market, expected future cash flows or earnings of the subject property based on current market expectations, and other relevant factors. All appraised values are adjusted for market-related trends based on the Company's experience in sales and other appraisals of similar property types as well as estimated selling costs. These loans are considered Level 3 as the instruments used to determine fair market value require significant management judgment and estimation.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

Foreclosed assets:  The Company does not record foreclosed assets at fair value on a recurring basis.  Foreclosed assets consist mainly of other real estate owned but may include other types of assets repossessed by the Company.  Foreclosed assets are adjusted to the lower of carrying value or fair value less the cost of disposal.   Fair value is generally based upon independent market prices or appraised values of the collateral, and may include a marketability discount as deemed necessary by management based on its experience with similar types of real estate.  The value of foreclosed assets is evaluated periodically as a nonrecurring fair value adjustment.  Foreclosed assets are classified as Level 3.

Off-balance sheet instruments:  Fair values for outstanding letters of credit are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties' credit standing.  The fair value of the outstanding letters of credit is not significant. Unfunded loan commitments are not valued since the loans are generally priced at market at the time of funding (Level 2).

Interest rate swap agreements: The fair value is estimated using forward-looking interest rate curves and is calculated using discounted cash flows that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data (Level 2).

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The table below represents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

March 31, 2024
Readily<br>Available<br>Market<br>Prices(1) Observable<br>Market Prices(2) Company<br>Determined<br>Market<br>Prices(3) Total at Fair<br>Value
Securities available for sale (Amounts In Thousands)
U.S. Treasury $ 394,540 $ $ $ 394,540
State and political subdivisions 285,091 285,091
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations 71,216 71,216
Other securities (FHLB, FHLMC and FNMA) 33,183 33,183
Total $ 394,540 $ 389,490 $ $ 784,030
December 31, 2023
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Readily<br>Available<br>Market<br>Prices(1) Observable<br>Market Prices(2) Company<br>Determined<br>Market<br>Prices(3) Total at Fair<br>Value
Securities available for sale (Amounts In Thousands)
U.S. Treasury $ 422,490 $ $ $ 422,490
State and political subdivisions 262,953 262,953
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations 60,929 60,929
Other securities (FHLB, FHLMC and FNMA) 33,049 33,049
Total $ 422,490 $ 356,931 $ $ 779,421

(1)Considered Level 1 under ASC 820.

(2)Considered Level 2 under ASC 820.

(3)Considered Level 3 under ASC 820 and are based on valuation models that use significant assumptions that are not observable in an active market.

There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023.

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HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company is required to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP.  These adjustments to fair value usually result from application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.  The valuation methodologies used to measure these fair value adjustments are described above.    The following tables present the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

March 31, 2024 Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Readily<br>Available<br>Market<br>Prices(1) Observable<br>Market<br>Prices(2) Company<br>Determined<br>Market<br>Prices(3) Total at<br>Fair<br>Value Total Losses
(Amounts in Thousands)
Loans (4)
Agricultural $ $ $ 1,676 $ 1,676 $
Commercial and financial 99 99
Real Estate:
Construction, 1 to 4 family residential 61
Construction, land development and commercial
Mortgage, farmland
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family first liens 792 792 104
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family junior liens 25
Mortgage, multi-family 55 55
Mortgage, commercial 538 538
Loans to individuals
Foreclosed assets (5)
Total $ $ $ 3,160 $ 3,160 $ 190

(1)Considered Level 1 under ASC 820.

(2)Considered Level 2 under ASC 820.

(3)Considered Level 3 under ASC 820 and are based on valuation models that use significant assumptions that are not observable in an active market.

(4)Represents carrying value and related write-downs of loans for which adjustments are based on the value of the collateral. The carrying value of loans fully-charged off is zero.

(5)Represents the fair value and related losses of foreclosed real estate and other collateral owned that were measured at fair value subsequent to their initial classification as foreclosed assets.

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HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis (continued)

December 31, 2023 Year Ended December 31, 2023
Readily<br>Available<br>Market<br>Prices(1) Observable<br>Market<br>Prices(2) Company<br>Determined<br>Market<br>Prices(3) Total at Fair<br>Value Total Losses
(Amounts in Thousands)
Loans (4)
Agricultural $ $ $ $ $ 419
Commercial and financial 1,044 1,044 26
Real Estate:
Construction, 1 to 4 family residential 5,235 5,235 1,148
Construction, land development and commercial 2,755 2,755 447
Mortgage, farmland
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family first liens 1,518 1,518 (33)
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family junior liens
Mortgage, multi-family 20
Mortgage, commercial 1,911 1,911 725
Loans to individuals
Foreclosed assets (5)
Total $ $ $ 12,463 $ 12,463 $ 2,752

(1)Considered Level 1 under ASC 820.

(2)Considered Level 2 under ASC 820.

(3)Considered Level 3 under ASC 820 and are based on valuation models that use significant assumptions that are not observable in an active market.

(4)Represents carrying value and related write-downs of loans for which adjustments are based on the value of the collateral. The carrying value of loans fully-charged off is zero.

(5)Represents the fair value and related losses of foreclosed real estate and other collateral owned that were measured at fair value subsequent to their initial classification as foreclosed assets.

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Note 8.Stock Repurchase Program

On July 26, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to a total of 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “2005 Stock Repurchase Program”).  On August 9, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the expansion of the 2005 Stock Repurchase Program to allow an additional 750,000 shares for repurchase and the continuation through December 31, 2027. The Company expects the purchases pursuant to the 2005 Stock Repurchase Program to be made from time to time in private transactions at a price equal to the most recent quarterly independent appraisal of the shares of the Company’s common stock and with the Board reviewing the overall results of the 2005 Stock Repurchase Program on a quarterly basis.  All purchases made pursuant to the 2005 Stock Repurchase Program since its inception have been made on that basis.  The amount and timing of stock repurchases will be based on various factors, such as the Board’s assessment of the Company’s capital structure and liquidity, the amount of interest shown by shareholders in selling shares of stock to the Company at their appraised value, and applicable regulatory, legal and accounting factors.  The Company has purchased 1,675,483 shares of its common stock in privately negotiated transactions from August 1, 2005 through March 31, 2024.  Of these 1,675,483 shares, 47,152 shares were purchased during the quarter ended March 31, 2024, at an average price per share of $66.96.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies

Concentrations of credit risk:  The Company’s loans, commitments to extend credit, unused lines of credit and outstanding letters of credit have been granted to customers within the Company's market area.  Investments in securities issued by state and political subdivisions within the state of Iowa totaled approximately $122.26 million.  The concentrations of credit by type of loan are set forth in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  Outstanding letters of credit were granted primarily to commercial borrowers.  Although the Company has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of its debtors' ability to honor their contracts is dependent upon the economic conditions in Johnson, Linn and Washington Counties, Iowa.

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

Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk:  The Company is a 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, credit card participations 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, credit card participations 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.  A summary of the Company’s commitments at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is as follows:

March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
(Amounts In Thousands)
Firm loan commitments and unused portion of lines of credit:
Home equity loans $ 84,090 $ 84,939
Credit cards 74,851 73,677
Commercial, real estate and home construction 182,053 245,208
Commercial lines and real estate purchase loans 268,219 282,037
Outstanding letters of credit 8,976 7,654

Note 10.Income Taxes

Federal income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was computed using the consolidated effective federal tax rate.  The Company also recognized income tax expense pertaining to state franchise taxes payable individually by the subsidiary bank.  The Company files a consolidated tax return for federal purposes and separate tax returns for State of Iowa purposes.  The tax years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.  For state tax purposes, the tax years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 remain open for examination.  There were no material unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2024  and December 31, 2023 and therefore no interest or penalties on unrecognized tax benefits has been recorded.  As of March 31, 2024, the Company does not anticipate any significant increase in unrecognized tax benefits during the twelve-month period ending March 31, 2025. Income taxes as a percentage of income before taxes were 20.57% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 21.15% for the same period in 2023.

Note 11.Derivative Financial Instruments

In the normal course of business, the Bank may use derivative financial instruments to manage its interest rate risk. These instruments carry varying degrees of credit, interest rate and market or liquidity risks. Derivative instruments are recognized as

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HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

either assets or liabilities in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and are measured at fair value. The Bank’s objectives are to add stability to its net interest margin and to manage its exposure to movements in interest rates. The contract or notional amount of a derivative is used to determine, along with the other terms of the derivative, the amount to be exchanged between the counterparties. The Bank is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to financial instruments. The Bank minimizes this risk by entering into derivative contracts with large, stable financial institutions. The Bank has not experienced any losses from nonperformance by counterparties. The Bank monitors counterparty risk in accordance with the provisions of ASC 815. In addition, the Bank’s interest rate-related derivative instruments contain language outlining collateral pledging requirements for each counterparty. Collateral must be posted when the market value exceeds certain threshold limits which are determined by credit ratings of each counterparty. The Bank entered into one interest rate swap agreement in November 2023 and was required to pledge a US Treasury in the amount of approximately $250 thousand of collateral as of March 31, 2024.

Cash Flow Hedges: The Bank executed one forward-starting interest rate swap transaction on November 28, 2023. The interest rate swap transaction had an effective date of December 15, 2023, and an expiration date of May 15, 2025, effectively converting variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. For accounting purposes, this swap transaction was designated as a cash flow hedge of the changes in cash flows attributable to changes in the effective federal funds rate, the benchmark interest rate being hedged, associated with the interest payments made on an amount of the Bank’s debt principal equal to the then-outstanding swap notional amount. The underlying principal balance will be matched to future planned advances related to a large customer construction project, however, the FHLB advances will remain equal to the notional amount of the swap making it probable that sufficient effective federal funds rate based interest payments would exist through the maturity date of the swap.

The table below identifies the balance sheet category and fair value of the Bank’s derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

Notional<br>Amount Fair<br>Value Balance<br>Sheet<br>Category Maturity
(Amounts in Thousands)
March 31, 2024
Interest rate swap $ 11,500 $ 34 Other Liabilities 5/15/2025
December 31, 2023
Interest rate swap $ 2,100 $ (233) Other Liabilities 5/15/2025

The table below identifies the gains and losses recognized on the Bank’s derivative instrument designated as cash flow hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and year ended December 31, 2023:

Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income Recognized in Income on Derivatives
Amount of Gain (Loss) Category Amount of Gain (Loss) Category Amount of Gain (Loss)
(Amounts in Thousands)
March 31, 2024
Interest rate swap $ 202 Interest Expense $ Other Income $
December 31, 2023
Interest rate swap $ (177) Interest Expense $ Other Income $

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

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition of Hills Bancorporation (“Hills Bancorporation” or “the Company”) and its banking subsidiary Hills Bank and Trust Company (“the Bank”) for the dates and periods indicated.  The discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying footnotes.

Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This report contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of such term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

The Company’s ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain.  Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations and future prospects of the Company include, but are not limited to, the following:

•The strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which the Company conducts its operations which may be less favorable than expected and may result in, among other things, a deterioration in the credit quality and value of the Company’s assets. This includes current concerns related to higher inflation, rising energy prices, the Russia-Ukraine war, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and supply chain imbalances.

•The effects of recent financial market disruptions and/or an economic recession, and monetary and other governmental actions designed to address such disruptions, recession, or pandemics.

•The financial strength of the counterparties with which the Company or the Company’s customers do business and as to which the Company has investment or financial exposure.

•The credit quality and credit agency ratings of the securities in the Company’s investment securities portfolio, a deterioration or downgrade of which could lead to recognition of an allowance for credit losses on the affected securities and the recognition of a credit loss.

•The effects of, and changes in, laws, regulations and policies affecting banking, securities, insurance and monetary and financial matters as well as any laws otherwise affecting the Company, including, but not limited to, potential changes in U.S. tax laws and regulations.

•The effects of changes in interest rates (including the effects of changes in the rate of prepayments of the Company’s assets) and the policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

•The ability of the Company to compete with other financial institutions as effectively as the Company currently intends due to increases in competitive pressures in the financial services sector.

•The ability of the Company to obtain new customers and to retain existing customers.

•The timely development and acceptance of products and services, including products and services offered through alternative electronic delivery channels.

•Technological changes implemented by the Company and by other parties, including third party vendors, which may be more difficult or more expensive than anticipated or which may have unforeseen consequences to the Company and its customers.

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•The ability of the Company to develop and maintain secure and reliable technology systems, including to detect and prevent the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches, or failures of our information security controls or cyber-security related incidents, including as a result of sophisticated attacks using artificial intelligence and similar tools.

•The ability of the Company to retain key executives and employees and the difficulty that the Company may experience in replacing key executives and employees in an effective manner.

•Consumer spending and saving habits which may change in a manner that affects the Company’s business adversely.

•The economic impact of natural disasters, diseases and/or pandemics, and terrorist attacks and military actions.

•Business combinations and the integration of acquired businesses and assets which may be more difficult or expensive than expected.

•The costs, effects and outcomes of existing or future litigation.

•Changes in accounting policies and practices that may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies and the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

•The ability of the Company to manage the risks associated with the foregoing as well as anticipated.

These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additional information concerning the Company and its business, including other factors that could materially affect the Company’s financial results, is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Economic Environment

Over the first quarter of 2024, incoming U.S. economic data continue to show consistent growth in the labor market, household consumption, and business investment, even as post-pandemic inflation remains stubbornly elevated. Although headline GDP growth slowed more than expected in the first quarter, underlying demand from households and businesses remained remarkably strong, with the national unemployment rate continuing to remain low. Inflation, however, has been slower to come down than expected after the rapid decline observed in 2023, and the cumulative effect of elevated prices compared with the pre-pandemic era may be weighing on consumer sentiment. While many economists continue to expect U.S. economic conditions consistent with a soft-landing as the economy decelerates over the remainder of 2024, persistent inflation may yet force additional Fed rate hikes, further raising the odds of a mild recession.

Higher borrowing costs continue to present a risk to the economy, with consumer and business budgets accounting for higher interest costs. Interest rate levels and energy prices, in combination with global economic conditions, fiscal and monetary policy and the level of regulatory and government scrutiny of financial institutions will likely continue to impact our results in 2024.

Our credit administration continues to closely monitor and analyze the higher risk segments within the loan portfolio, tracking loan payment deferrals, customer liquidity and providing timely reports to senior management and the board of directors. Based on the Company’s capital levels, prudent underwriting policies, loan concentration diversification and our geographic footprint, senior management is cautiously optimistic that the Company is positioned to continue managing the impact of the varied set of risks and uncertainties currently impacting the economy and remain adequately capitalized. However, the Company may be required to make additional credit loss provisions as warranted by the extremely fluid economic condition.

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Critical Accounting Policies

The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The financial information contained within these financial statements is, to a significant extent, financial information that is based on approximate measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. Based on its consideration of accounting policies that involve the most complex and subjective decisions and assessments, management has identified its most critical accounting policies to be those which are related to the allowance for credit losses. Information about our critical accounting policies is included under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2024, and there have been no material changes in these critical accounting policies since December 31, 2023.

Overview

This overview highlights selected information and may not contain all of the information that is important to you in understanding our performance during the period.  For a more complete understanding of trends, events, commitments, uncertainties, liquidity, capital resources, and critical accounting estimates, you should carefully read this entire report.

The Company is a holding company engaged in the business of commercial banking.  The Company’s subsidiary is Hills Bank and Trust Company, Hills, Iowa (the “Bank”), which is wholly-owned.  The Bank was formed in Hills, Iowa in 1904.  The Bank is a full-service commercial bank extending its services to individuals, businesses, governmental units and institutional customers primarily in the communities of Hills, Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Lisbon, Mount Vernon, Kalona, Wellman, Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Washington, Iowa.  At March 31, 2024, the Bank has eighteen full-service locations.

Net income for the three month period ended March 31, 2024 was $12.10 million compared to $12.46 million for the same three months of 2023, a decrease of $0.36 million or 2.90%.  The principal factors in the decrease in net income for the first three months of 2024 were a decrease in net interest income of $(1.53) million offset by an increase in credit loss (benefit) expense of $(0.73) million and an increase in noninterest income of $0.63 million, .

The Company achieved a return on average assets of 0.90% and a return on average equity of 8.36% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2023, which were 1.24% and 11.69%, respectively. The return on average assets and return on average equity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 were 1.12% and 10.48%, respectively, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, which were 1.25% and 11.79%, respectively.  Dividends of $1.10 per share were paid in January 2024 to 2,701 shareholders.  The dividend paid in January 2023 was $1.05 per share.

The Company’s net interest income is the largest component of revenue and it is primarily a function of the average earning assets and the net interest margin percentage.  The Company achieved a net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis of 2.68% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to 3.05% for the same three months of 2023.  Average earning assets were $4.257 billion year to date in 2024 and $3.961 billion in 2023.

Highlights noted on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2024 for the Company included the following:

•Total assets were $4.388 billion, an increase of $46.38 million since December 31, 2023.

•Cash and cash equivalents were $94.05 million, an increase of $34.57 million since December 31, 2023. The majority of the increase can be attributed to temporary public funds.

•Net loans were $3.397 billion, an increase of $5.24 million since December 31, 2023. Loans held for sale increased $1.68 million since December 31, 2023.

•Deposits increased $79.31 million since December 31, 2023.

•Borrowings have decreased $34.25 million since December 31, 2023.

Refer to Note 7 for a discussion of fair value measurements which relate to methods used by the Company in recording assets and liabilities on its financial statements.

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Financial Condition

Loan demand has slowed in the first quarter of 2024. The lingering inflationary pressures have created significant uncertainty regarding projecting loan demand throughout the remainder of 2024.

The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
Amount Percent Amount Percent
(Amounts In Thousands) (Amounts In Thousands)
Agricultural $ 110,621 3.21 % $ 115,786 3.37 %
Commercial and financial 311,828 9.06 307,190 8.93
Real estate:
Construction, 1 to 4 family residential 83,817 2.44 80,255 2.33
Construction, land development and commercial 288,024 8.37 313,878 9.13
Mortgage, farmland 285,014 8.28 281,164 8.18
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family first liens 1,203,944 34.97 1,221,296 35.52
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family junior liens 143,831 4.18 144,524 4.20
Mortgage, multi-family 478,507 13.90 471,009 13.70
Mortgage, commercial 452,115 13.13 416,670 12.12
Loans to individuals 38,524 1.12 40,205 1.17
Obligations of state and political subdivisions 46,194 1.34 46,446 1.35
$ 3,442,419 100.00 % $ 3,438,423 100.00 %
Net unamortized fees and costs 341 359
$ 3,442,760 $ 3,438,782
Less allowance for credit losses 49,830 49,410
$ 3,392,930 $ 3,389,372

The Bank has an established formal loan origination policy.  In general, the loan origination policy attempts to reduce the risk of credit loss to the Company by requiring, among other things, maintenance of minimum loan to value ratios, evidence of appropriate levels of insurance carried by borrowers and documentation of appropriate types and amounts of collateral and sources of expected payment.  The collateral relied upon in the loan origination policy is generally the property being financed by the Company.  The source of expected payment is generally the income produced from the property being financed.  Personal guarantees are required of individuals owning or controlling at least 20% of the ownership of an entity.  Limited or proportional guarantees may be accepted in circumstances if approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.  Financial information provided by the borrower is verified as considered necessary by reference to tax returns, or audited, reviewed or compiled financial statements.  The Company does not originate subprime loans.  In order to modify, restructure or otherwise change the terms of a loan, the Company’s policy is to evaluate each borrower situation individually.  Modifications, restructures, extensions and other changes are done to improve the Company’s position and to protect the Company’s capital.  If a borrower is not current with its payments, any additional loans to such borrowers are evaluated on an individual borrower basis.

The Company has not experienced any significant time lapses in recognizing the required provisions for collateral dependent loans, nor has the Company delayed appropriate charge offs.  When an updated appraisal value has been obtained, the Company has used the appraisal amount in determining the appropriate charge off or required reserve.  The Company also evaluates any changes in the financial condition of the borrower and guarantors (if applicable), economic conditions, and the Company’s loss experience with the type of property in question.  Any information utilized in addition to the appraisal is intended to identify additional charge offs or provisions, not to override the appraised value.

In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 102, Selected Loan Loss Allowance Methodology and Documentation Issues, and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119, which aligns the staff's guidance with FASB ASC Topic 326, or CECL, the Company determines and assigns ratings to loans using factors that include the following: an assessment of the financial condition of the

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borrower; a realistic determination of the value and adequacy of underlying collateral; the condition of the local economy and the condition of the specific industry of the borrower; an analysis of the levels and trends of loan categories; and a review of delinquent and classified loans.

Through the credit risk rating process, loans are reviewed to determine if they are performing in accordance with the original contractual terms. If the borrower has failed to comply with the original contractual terms, further action may be required by the Company, including a downgrade in the credit risk rating, movement to non-accrual status, a charge-off or the establishment of a specific reserve. In the event a collateral shortfall is identified during the credit review process, the Company will work with the borrower for a principal reduction and/or a pledge of additional collateral and/or additional guarantees. In the event that these options are not available, the loan may be subject to a downgrade of the credit risk rating. If the Company determines a loan amount or portion thereof, is uncollectible, the loan’s credit risk rating may be downgraded and the uncollectible amount charged-off or recorded as a specific allowance for losses.  The Company’s credit and legal departments undertake a thorough and ongoing analysis to determine if additional specific reserves and/or charge-offs are appropriate and to begin a workout plan for the loan to minimize actual losses.

The following table presents the allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 by loan category, the percentage of the allowance for each category to the total allowance, and the percentage of all loans in each category to total loans:

March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
Amount % of Total<br>Allowance % of Loans to<br>Total Loans Amount % of Total<br>Allowance % of Loans to<br>Total Loans
(In Thousands) (In Thousands)
Agricultural $ 2,918 5.86 % 3.21 % $ 2,516 5.09 % 3.37 %
Commercial and financial 7,901 15.86 9.06 8,750 17.71 8.93
Real estate:
Construction, 1 to 4 family residential 1,417 2.84 2.44 1,113 2.25 2.33
Construction, land development and commercial 4,681 9.39 8.37 5,369 10.87 9.13
Mortgage, farmland 3,161 6.34 8.28 3,429 6.94 8.18
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family first liens 14,157 28.41 34.97 14,664 29.68 35.52
Mortgage, 1 to 4 family junior liens 4,031 8.09 4.18 3,888 7.87 4.20
Mortgage, multi-family 3,826 7.68 13.90 4,255 8.61 13.70
Mortgage, commercial 5,296 10.63 13.13 3,901 7.90 12.12
Loans to individuals 2,212 4.44 1.12 1,247 2.52 1.17
Obligations of state and political subdivisions 230 0.46 1.34 278 0.56 1.35
$ 49,830 100.00 % 100.00 % $ 49,410 100.00 % 100.00 %

The allowance for credit losses (ACL) totaled $49.83 million at March 31, 2024 compared to the allowance of $49.41 million at December 31, 2023. The percentage of the allowance to outstanding loans was 1.45% and 1.44% at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.  The allowance was based on management’s consideration of a number of factors, including composition of the loan portfolio, loans with higher credit risks and the overall amount of loans outstanding. The changes in the ACL in 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 is the result of the following factors: slight decrease in forecasted Iowa unemployment used in the ACL calculation which resulted in a decrease of $0.15 million; increase in loan volume which resulted in an increase of $0.09 million; changes in prepayment and curtailment rates resulting in an increase of $1.30 million; increase in the individually analyzed loans reserve of $0.44 million; changes in qualitative factors determined necessary by management which resulted in a decrease of $2.69 million and an increase in other changes of $1.43 million, primarily increased charge-offs leading to higher loss rates.

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The adequacy of the allowance is reviewed quarterly and adjusted as appropriate after consideration has been given to the impact of economic conditions on the borrowers’ ability to repay, loan collateral values, past collection experience, the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio and such other factors that deserve current recognition. The growth of the loan portfolio and the trends in nonperforming loans are significant elements in the determination of the allowance for credit losses.  Quantitative factors include the Company’s historical loss experience, which is then adjusted for levels and trends in past due, levels and trends in charged-off and recovered loans, trends in volume growth, trends in nonperforming loans, trends in modified loans, local economic trends and conditions, industry and other conditions, and effects of changing interest rates.

Management has determined that the allowance for credit losses was adequate at March 31, 2024, and that the loan portfolio is diversified and secured, without undue concentration in any specific risk area. This process involves a high degree of management judgment; however, the allowance for credit losses is based on a comprehensive, well documented, and consistently applied analysis of the Company’s loan portfolio. This analysis takes into consideration all available information existing as of the financial statement date, including environmental factors such as economic, industry, geographical and political factors. The relative level of allowance for credit losses is reviewed and compared to industry data. This review encompasses levels of total collateral-dependent loans, portfolio mix, portfolio concentrations, current geographic risks and overall levels of net charge-offs.

Investment securities available for sale held by the Company increased by $4.61 million from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024.  The fair value of securities available for sale was $39.06 million less than the amortized cost of such securities as of March 31, 2024. At December 31, 2023, the fair value of the securities available for sale was $35.42 million less than the amortized cost of such securities.

Deposits increased $79.31 million in the first three months of 2024. The increase can be attributed to approximately $100 million of temporary public funds received in March 2024. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the Company continues to have sufficient liquidity resources available to fund expected additional loan growth.

Brokered deposits are included in total deposits and totaled $24.34 million as of March 31, 2024 with an average rate of 5.35%.  Brokered deposits were $24.22 million as of December 31, 2023 with an average interest rate of 5.35%. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, brokered deposits were 0.72% and 0.74% of total deposits, respectively.

There were $152.40 million and $296.65 million of Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) borrowings as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. There were $110 million of Federal Funds purchased as of March 31, 2024 and none as of December 31, 2023. Total funds purchased from the Bank Term Funding program was $219.00 million as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023. It is expected that the FHLB and Federal Funds funding sources will be considered in the future if loan growth exceeds core deposit increases and the interest rates on funds borrowed from the FHLB and Federal Funds are favorable compared to other funding alternatives.

Dividends and Equity

In January 2024, Hills Bancorporation paid a dividend of $10.05 million or $1.10 per share.  The dividend paid in January 2023 was $1.05 per share. After payment of the dividend and the adjustment for accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2024 totaled $465.44 million.

The Company elected to use the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR) framework as provided for in the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act. Under the CBLR framework, the Company is required to maintain a CBLR of greater than 9%, as measured by dividing the Bank's Tier 1 capital by its average total consolidated assets. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had regulatory capital in excess of the Federal Reserve’s minimum and well-capitalized definition requirements. The actual amounts and capital ratios as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are presented below (amounts in thousands):

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Actual
Amount of Tier 1 Capital Ratio
As of March 31, 2024:
Company:
Community Bank Leverage ratio $ 539,067 12.42 %
Bank:
Community Bank Leverage ratio 539,229 12.43 Actual
--- --- --- --- ---
Amount of Tier 1 Capital Ratio
As of December 31, 2023:
Company:
Community Bank Leverage ratio $ 539,815 12.77 %
Bank:
Community Bank Leverage ratio 541,566 12.82

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Discussion of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023

Net Income Overview

Total net income was $12.10 million in 2024 and $12.46 million in the comparable period in 2023, a decrease of $0.36 million or 2.90%.  The change in net income in 2024 from the first three months of 2023 was primarily the result of the following:

•Net interest income decreased by $1.53 million, before credit loss expense.

•For the three months ended March 31, 2024, credit loss (benefit) expense was $(0.36) million. This represents a decrease in expense of $0.73 million from the credit loss expense of $0.37 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

•Noninterest income increased by $0.63 million.

•Noninterest expenses increased by $0.40 million.

•Income tax expense decreased by $0.21 million.

For the three month period ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 basic earnings per share was $1.33 and $1.35, respectively. Diluted earnings per share was $1.33 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to $1.35 for the same period in 2023.

The Company’s net income for the period was driven primarily by three factors.  The first factor affecting the Company’s net income is the interaction between changes in net interest margin and changes in average volumes of the Company's earnings assets.  Net interest income of $27.67 million for the first three months of 2024 was derived from the Company’s $4.257 billion of average earning assets during that period and its tax-equivalent net interest margin of 2.68%.  Average earning assets in the three months ended March 31, 2023 were $3.961 billion and the tax-equivalent net interest margin was 3.05%. Net interest income for the Company decreased primarily as a result of increased interest expense from increased interest rates on investment checking and money market accounts as well as certificates of deposits. Interest expense also increased due to the increased volume of certificates of deposits and borrowings the Company has utilized. This is partially offset by increased interest income from increased interest rates and volume on real estate and commercial loans. Interest income also increased on higher interest rates and volume for investments. The Company expects net interest compression to impact earnings for the foreseeable future due to competition for loans and deposits. The Company believes growth in net interest income will be contingent on the growth of the Company’s earning assets, increasing yield on loans and the ongoing interest rate stance of the Federal Reserve Board.

The second factor is credit loss expense. The majority of the Company’s interest-earning assets are in loans outstanding, which amounted to more than $3.397 billion at March 31, 2024. Credit loss (benefit) expense was $(0.36) million in 2024 compared to $0.37 million in 2023. The decrease in expense when compared to the same period in 2023 is primarily attributable to the decreases in qualitative factors determined necessary by management which is partially offset by increased charge-offs leading to higher loss rates and an increase in the individually analyzed loans reserve. The Company believes that credit loss (benefit) expense is expected to be dependent on the Company’s loan growth, local economic conditions and asset quality.

The third factor affecting the Company’s net income is noninterest income, primarily the increase in trust fees and net gain on sale of loans. Trust fees were $3.50 million and $3.27 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of 6.94%. This is primarily driven by the increase in assets under management of $0.418 billion from $2.371 billion as of March 31, 2023 to $2.789 billion as of March 31, 2024. Net gain on sale of loans were $0.37 million and $0.15 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of 157.24%. This is primarily driven by increased activity compared to the same period in 2023.

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Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the excess of the interest and fees earned on interest-earning assets over the interest expense of the interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis decreased $1.38 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the comparable period in 2023.  The decrease was primarily as a result of increased interest expense from increased interest rates on investment checking and money market accounts as well as certificates of deposits. Interest expense also increased due to the increased volume of certificates of deposits and borrowings the Company has utilized. This is partially offset by increased interest income from increased interest rates and volume on real estate and commercial loans. The Company has continued to experience the migration of funds into time deposits with higher yields as well as increased borrowings leading to the increased interest expense. The net interest margin for the first three months of 2024 was 2.68% compared to 3.05% in 2023 for the same period. The measure is shown on a tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 21% to make the interest earned on taxable and non-taxable assets more comparable.  The change in average balances and average rates between periods and the effect on the net interest income on a tax equivalent basis for the three months ended in 2024 compared to the comparable period in 2023 are shown in the following table:

Increase (Decrease) in Net Interest Income
Change in<br>Average Balance Change in<br>Average Rate Volume Changes Rate Changes Net Change
(Amounts in Thousands)
Interest income:
Loans, net $ 279,752 0.61 % $ 3,687 $ 5,056 8,743
Taxable securities (23,968) 0.39 (1) 577 576
Nontaxable securities 20,745 0.65 137 315 452
Interest-bearing bank balances 19,573 0.90 237 77 314
$ 296,102 $ 4,060 $ 6,025 $ 10,085
Interest expense:
Interest-bearing demand deposits $ (135,926) 0.47 % $ 273 $ (1,055) $ (782)
Savings deposits (140,530) 0.43 54 (818) (764)
Time deposits 281,919 1.73 (1,588) (3,861) (5,449)
Other short-term borrowings 93,091 0.07 (1,138) (22) (1,160)
FHLB Borrowings $ 228,027 5.74 (3,310) (3,310)
$ 326,581 $ (5,709) $ (5,756) $ (11,465)
Change in net interest income $ (1,649) $ 269 $ (1,380)

Rate/volume variances are allocated on a consistent basis using the absolute values of changes in volume compared to the absolute values of the changes in rates. Interest on nontaxable securities and loans is shown on a tax-equivalent basis.

A summary of the net interest spread and margin is as follows:

(Tax Equivalent Basis) 2024 2023
Yield on average interest-earning assets 4.66 % 4.03 %
Rate on average interest-bearing liabilities 2.61 1.34
Net interest spread 2.05 % 2.69 %
Effect of noninterest-bearing funds 0.63 0.36
Net interest margin (tax equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets) 2.68 % 3.05 %

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In pricing loans and deposits, the Company considers the U.S. Treasury indexes as benchmarks in determining interest rates.  The Federal Open Market Committee met two times during the first three months of 2024.  The federal funds target rate increased to 5.50% as of March 31, 2024 from 5.00% as of the same period in 2023.  Interest rates on loans are generally affected by the federal funds target rate since interest rates for the U.S. Treasury market normally increase or decrease when the Federal Reserve Board raises or lowers the federal funds rate.  As of March 28, 2024, the rate indexes for the one, three and five year indexes were 5.03%, 4.40% and 4.21%, respectively.  The one year index increased 8.41% from 4.64% at March 31, 2023, the three year index increased 15.49% and the five year index increased 16.94%.  The three year index was 3.81% and the five year index was 3.60% at March 31, 2023.

Credit Loss Expense

Credit loss (benefit) was $(0.36) million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to $0.37 million in 2023, a decrease of expense of $0.73 million.  Credit loss expense is the amount necessary to adjust the allowance for credit losses to the level considered by management to appropriately account for the estimated current expected credit losses within the Company's loan portfolio.

A significant component of the Company's approach to estimating expected credit losses are economic forecasts such as Iowa unemployment, all-transactions house price index for Iowa and Iowa real gross domestic product. The decrease in expense when compared to the same period in 2023 is primarily attributable to the decreases in qualitative factors determined necessary by management which is partially offset by increased charge-offs leading to higher loss rates and an increase in the individually analyzed loans reserve.

The allowance for credit losses balance is impacted by charge-offs, net of recoveries, for the periods presented.  For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, recoveries were $1.21 million and $0.29 million, respectively; and charge-offs were $1.18 million in 2024 and $0.89 million in 2023.  The allowance for credit losses totaled $49.83 million at March 31, 2024 compared to $49.41 million as of December 31, 2023. The allowance represented 1.45% and 1.44% of loans held for investment at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Noninterest Income

The following table sets forth the various categories of noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Three Months Ended March 31,
2024 2023 Change % Change
(Amounts in thousands)
Net gain on sale of loans $ 373 $ 145 157.24 %
Trust fees 3,497 3,270 227 6.94
Service charges and fees 3,033 3,033
Other noninterest income (expense) 104 (67) 171 (255.22)
$ 7,007 $ 6,381 9.81

All values are in US Dollars.

Trust fees were $3.50 million and $3.27 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of 6.94%. This is primarily driven by the increase in assets under management of $0.418 billion from $2.371 billion as of March 31, 2023 to $2.789 billion as of March 31, 2024.

Net gain on sale of loans were $0.37 million and $0.15 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of 157.24%. This is primarily driven by increased activity compared to the same period in 2023.

Other noninterest income categories experienced marginal period-to-period fluctuations for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

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Noninterest Expenses

The following table sets forth the various categories of noninterest expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Three Months Ended March 31,
2024 2023 Change % Change
(Amounts in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits $ 11,187 $ 11,503 (2.75) %
Occupancy 1,083 1,177 (94) (7.99)
Furniture and equipment 1,680 1,692 (12) (0.71)
Office supplies and postage 514 448 66 14.73
Advertising and business development 811 874 (63) (7.21)
Outside services 3,450 2,910 540 18.56
FDIC insurance assessment 481 270 211 78.15
Other noninterest expense 601 536 65 12.13
$ 19,807 $ 19,410 2.05

All values are in US Dollars.

In the three months ended March 31, 2024, outside services expense increased $0.54 million due an increase in other professional fees, data processing charges, and debit card processing expense compared to the same period in 2023.

In the three months ended March 31, 2024, FDIC insurance assessment expense increased $0.21 million due rate increases implemented in 2023.

Other noninterest expense categories experienced marginal period-to-period fluctuations for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Income Taxes

Federal and state income tax expenses were $3.13 million and $3.34 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Income taxes as a percentage of income before taxes were 20.57% in 2024 and 21.15% in 2023.

Liquidity

The Company actively monitors and manages its liquidity position with the objective of maintaining sufficient cash flows to fund operations, meet commitments, take advantage of market opportunities and provide a margin against unforeseeable liquidity needs.  Federal funds sold and investment securities available for sale are readily marketable assets.  Maturities of all investment securities are managed to meet the Company’s normal liquidity needs, to respond to market changes or to adjust the Company’s interest rate risk position.  Investment securities available for sale comprised 17.87% of the Company’s total assets at March 31, 2024 compared to 17.95% at December 31, 2023. As of March 31, 2024, investment securities with a carrying value of $416.57 million were pledged to collateralize public and trust deposits and other borrowings.  As of December 31, 2023, investment securities with a carrying value of $427.68 million were pledged.

The Company has historically maintained a stable deposit base and a relatively low level of large deposits, which has mitigated the volatility in the Company’s liquidity position.  Deposit inflows and outflows can vary widely based on prevailing market interest rates, competition, economic conditions, our business customers' liquidity needs and by recent developments in the financial services industry. Uninsured deposits as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were approximately $755.51 million and $693.83 million, respectively, which comprised 22.47% and 21.14% of total deposits.

As of March 31, 2024, the Company had $152.40 million of outstanding borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Des Moines compared to $296.65 million as of December 31, 2023.  The Company had $110 million of Fed Funds purchased as of March 31, 2024 compared to no Fed Funds purchased as of December 31, 2023. The Company had $219 million outstanding in Bank Term Funding Program borrowings as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. These

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borrowings are used as a means of providing both long and short-term funding for certain assets and for managing interest rate risk.

The Company had additional borrowing capacity available from the FHLB of approximately $822.47 million at March 31, 2024. As additional sources of liquidity, the Company has the ability to borrow up to $100.00 million from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and has lines of credit with three banks totaling $175.00 million. The borrowings under these credit lines would be secured by the Company’s investment securities.  In addition, the Company has the option of issuing short-, medium-, and long-term debt, should the Company decide to do so. The Bank Term Funding Program was established by the Federal Reserve in March 2023 to provide an additional source of liquidity against high-quality securities. The combination of high levels of potentially liquid assets, low dependence on volatile liabilities, positive cash flows from operations, and both additional borrowing and brokered deposits capacity provided sources of liquidity for the Company which management considered sufficient at March 31, 2024.

Contractual Obligations

There have been no material changes with regard to contractual obligations disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Company's primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates.  Interest rate risk is the risk to current or anticipated earnings or capital arising from movements in interest rates.  Interest rate risk arises from repricing risk, basis risk, yield curve risk and options risk.  Repricing risk is the difference between the timing of rate changes and the timing of cash flows.  Basis risk is the difference from changing rate relationships among different yield curves affecting Bank activities.  Yield curve risk is the difference from changing rate relationships across the spectrum of maturities.  Option risk is the difference resulting from interest-related options embedded in Company products.  The Company’s primary source of interest rate risk exposure arises from repricing risk.  To measure this risk the Company uses a static gap measurement system that identifies the repricing gaps across the full maturity spectrum of the Company’s assets and liabilities and an earnings simulation approach.  The gap schedule is known as the interest rate sensitivity report.  The report reflects the repricing characteristics of the Company’s assets and liabilities.  The report details the calculation of 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 asset/liability management, or its management of interest rate risk, is focused primarily on evaluating and managing net interest income given various risk criteria.  Factors beyond the Company's control, such as market interest rates and competition, may also have an impact on the Company's interest income and interest expense.  In the absence of other factors, the Company's overall yield on interest-earning assets will increase as will its cost of funds on its interest-bearing liabilities when market interest rates increase over an extended period of time.  Inversely, the Company's yields and cost of funds will decrease when market rates decline.  The Company is able to manage these swings to some extent by attempting to control the maturity or rate adjustments of its interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities over given periods of time.

The Company maintains an Asset/Liability Committee, which meets at least quarterly to review the interest rate sensitivity position and to review and develop various strategies for managing interest rate risk within the context of the following factors: 1) capital adequacy, 2) asset/liability mix, 3) economic outlook, 4) market characteristics and 5) the interest rate forecast.  In addition, the Company uses a simulation model to review various assumptions relating to interest rate movement. The Company engages a third party that utilizes a modeling program to measure the Company’s 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 simulations allow for ongoing assessment of interest rate sensitivity and can include the impact of potential new business strategies. The modeled scenarios begin with a base case in which rates are unchanged and include parallel and nonparallel rate shocks. The results of these shocks are measured in two forms: first, the impact on the net interest margin and earnings over one and two year time frames; and second, the impact on the market value of equity. The results of the simulation are compared against approved policy limits. The model attempts to limit rate risk even if it appears the Company’s asset and liability maturities are perfectly matched and a favorable interest margin is present.  The Company’s policy is to generally maintain a balance between profitability and interest rate risk.

In order to minimize the potential effects of adverse material and prolonged increases or decreases in market interest rates on the Company's operations, management has implemented an asset/liability program designed to mitigate the Company's interest rate sensitivity.  The program emphasizes the origination of adjustable rate loans, which are held in the portfolio, the investment of excess cash in short or intermediate term interest-earning assets, and the solicitation of transaction deposit accounts, which are less sensitive to changes in interest rates and can be re-priced rapidly.

The Company's interest rate risk, as monitored by management, has not significantly increased since year-end. Our earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon our net interest income. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including domestic and local economic conditions and the policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the Federal Reserve. Further increases to prevailing interest rates could influence the interest we receive on loans and investments and the amount of interest we pay on deposits and borrowings. For instance, if our liabilities are positioned to reprice faster than our assets in a rising-rate environment, our net interest income could be detrimentally impacted as a result. Moreover, additional increases to the target range for the federal funds rate, combined with recent bank failures and ongoing geopolitical instability, raise the risk of economic recession. Any such downturn, especially in the regions in which we operate, may adversely affect our asset quality, deposit levels, loan demand and results of operations.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

HILLS BANCORPORATION

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the Company’s risk factors from those disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

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

The following table sets forth information about the Company’s stock purchases, all of which were made pursuant to the 2005 Stock Repurchase Program, for the three months ended March 31, 2024:

Period Total number of shares<br>purchased Average price paid per<br>share Total number of <br>shares purchased <br>as part of publicly<br>announced plans <br>or programs Maximum number <br>of shares that may <br>yet be purchased <br>under the plans <br>or programs (1)
January 1 to January 31 980 $ 66.00 980 620,689
February 1 to February 29 32,507 66.42 32,507 588,182
March 1 to March 31 13,665 68.00 13,665 574,517
Total 47,152 $ 66.96 47,152 574,517

(1)  On July 26, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “2005 Stock Repurchase Program”).  On August 9, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the expansion of the 2005 Stock Repurchase Program to allow an additional 750,000 shares for repurchase and the continuation through December 31, 2027. The Company expects the purchases pursuant to the 2005 Stock Repurchase Program to be made from time to time in private transactions at a price equal to the most recent quarterly independent appraisal of the shares of the Company’s common stock and with the Board reviewing the overall results of the 2005 Stock Repurchase Program on a quarterly basis. All purchases made pursuant to the 2005 Stock Repurchase Program since its inception have been made on that basis.  The amount and timing of stock repurchases will be based on various factors, such as the Board’s assessment of the Company’s capital structure and liquidity, the amount of interest shown by shareholders in selling shares of stock to the Company at their appraised value, and applicable regulatory, legal and accounting factors.

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Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

Hills Bancorporation has no senior securities.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Director or Officer Rule 10b5-1 and Non-Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangements

None.

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Item 6. Exhibits
3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 10-K Filed with the Commission on May 5, 2024.
--- ---
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Hills Bancorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Form 10-K Filed with the Commission on May 5, 2024.
4.1 Description of Registered Securities, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 6, 2020.
31 Certifications under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32 Certifications under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS XBRL Instance Document (1), (2)
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1)
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1)
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (1)
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1)
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1)
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

(1)Users of this data are advised that, pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are otherwise not subject to liability under these sections.

(2)The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.

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SIGNATURES

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

HILLS BANCORPORATION
Date: May 8, 2024 By:  /s/ Dwight O. Seegmiller
Dwight O. Seegmiller, Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 8, 2024 By:  /s/ Anthony V. Roetlin
Anthony V. Roetlin, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

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Exhibit 31

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Dwight O. Seegmiller, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Hills Bancorporation;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 8, 2024 By:  /s/ Dwight O. Seegmiller
Dwight O. Seegmiller, Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Anthony V. Roetlin, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Hills Bancorporation;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 8, 2024 By:  /s/ Anthony V. Roetlin
Anthony V. Roetlin, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

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EXHIBIT 32

SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION BY DWIGHT O. SEEGMILLER

In connection with the quarterly report of Hills Bancorporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Dwight O. Seegmiller, Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

  1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

  2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: May 8, 2024 By:  /s/ Dwight O. Seegmiller
Dwight O. Seegmiller, Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION BY ANTHONY V. ROETLIN

In connection with the quarterly report of Hills Bancorporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Anthony V. Roetlin, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

  1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

  2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: May 8, 2024 By:  /s/ Anthony V. Roetlin
Anthony V. Roetlin, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

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