SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations - Heartland Financial USA, Inc. ("Heartland") is a multi-bank holding company primarily operating full-service banking offices serving communities in and around Dubuque and Lee Counties in Iowa; Jo Daviess, Hancock and Winnebago Counties in Illinois; Dane, Green, Sheboygan and Brown Counties in Wisconsin; Bernalillo, Curry and Santa Fe Counties in New Mexico; Maricopa County in Arizona; Flathead, Gallatin, Jefferson, Ravalli, Sanders, Sheridan and Yellowstone Counties in Montana; Broomfield, Adams and Boulder Counties in Colorado; and Hennepin County in Minnesota. The principal services of Heartland, through its subsidiaries, are FDIC-insured deposit accounts and related services, and loans to businesses and individuals. The loans consist primarily of commercial and commercial real estate, agricultural and agricultural real estate and residential real estate.

Principles of Presentation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Heartland and its subsidiaries: Dubuque Bank and Trust Company; Galena State Bank & Trust Co.; Riverside Community Bank; Wisconsin Community Bank; New Mexico Bank & Trust; Arizona Bank & Trust; Rocky Mountain Bank; Summit Bank & Trust; Minnesota Bank & Trust; Citizens Finance Co.; DB&T Insurance, Inc.; DB&T Community Development Corp.; Heartland Community Development, Inc.; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust III; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust IV; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust V; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VI; Heartland Financial Statutory Trust VII; and Rocky Mountain Statutory Trust I. All of Heartland’s subsidiaries are wholly-owned except for Minnesota Bank & Trust, of which Heartland was an 80% owner on December 31, 2011. Heartland combined its First Community Bank charter with its Dubuque Bank and Trust Company charter in 2011. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The noncontrolling interest in the majority-owned subsidiaries is noted on the consolidated balance sheets and on the consolidated statements of income.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and prevailing practices within the banking industry. In preparing such financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change relates to the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses.

Heartland and its subsidiaries operate primarily in one segment, banking, which constitutes most of its consolidated results of operations and assets. Accordingly, the results of operations and assets for separate business segments are not presented.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, federal funds sold and other short-term investments. Generally, federal funds are purchased and sold for one-day periods.

Trading Securities - Trading securities represent those securities Heartland intends to actively trade and are stated at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in noninterest income.

Securities Available for Sale - Available for sale securities consist of those securities not classified as held to maturity or trading, which management intends to hold for indefinite periods of time or that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, prepayments or other similar factors. Available for sale securities are stated at fair value with any unrealized gain or loss, net of applicable income tax, reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Security premiums and discounts are amortized/accreted using the interest method over the period from the purchase date to the expected maturity or call date of the related security. Declines in the fair value of investment securities available for sale (with certain exceptions for debt securities noted below) that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are charged to earnings as a realized loss, and a new cost basis for the securities is established. In evaluating other-than-temporary impairment, Heartland considers the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of Heartland to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in the near term. Declines in the fair value of debt securities below amortized cost are deemed to be other-than-temporary in circumstances where: (1) Heartland has the intent to sell a security; (2) it is more likely than not that Heartland will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) Heartland does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If Heartland intends to sell a security or if it is more likely than not that Heartland will be required to sell the security before recovery, an other-than-temporary impairment write-down is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. If Heartland does not intend to sell the security or it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the other-than-temporary impairment write-down is separated into an amount representing credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and an amount related to all other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. Realized securities gains or losses on securities sales (using specific identification method) and declines in value judged to be other than temporary are included in investment securities gains, net, in the consolidated statements of income.

Securities Held to Maturity - Securities which Heartland has the ability and positive intent to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity. Such securities are stated at amortized cost, adjusted for premiums and discounts that are amortized/accreted using the interest method over the period from the purchase date to the expected maturity or call date of the related security. Unrealized losses determined to be other than temporary are charged to noninterest income.

Loans and Leases - Interest on loans is accrued and credited to income based primarily on the principal balance outstanding. Income from leases is recorded in decreasing amounts over the term of the contract resulting in a level rate of return on the lease investment. Heartland’s policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest income on any loan or lease when, in the opinion of management, there is a reasonable doubt as to the timely collection of the interest and principal, normally when a loan or lease is 90 days past due. When interest accruals are deemed uncollectible, interest credited to income in the current year is reversed and interest accrued in prior years is charged to the allowance for loan and lease losses. Nonaccrual loans and leases are returned to an accrual status when, in the opinion of management, the financial position of the borrower indicates that there is no longer any reasonable doubt as to the timely payment of interest and principal.

Under Heartland’s credit policies, all nonaccrual and restructured loans meeting the criteria of a troubled debt restructuring are defined as impaired loans. Loan impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except where more practical, at the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Net nonrefundable loan and lease origination fees and certain direct costs associated with the lending process are deferred and recognized as a yield adjustment over the life of the related loan or lease.

Loans Held for Sale - Loans held for sale are stated at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis. Gains or losses on sales are recorded in noninterest income. Direct loan origination costs and fees are deferred at origination of the loan. These deferred costs and fees are recognized in noninterest income as part of the gain or loss on sales of loans upon sale of the loan.

Mortgage Servicing and Transfers of Financial Assets - Heartland regularly sells residential mortgage loans to others on a non-recourse basis. Sold loans are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Heartland generally retains the right to service the sold loans for a fee. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, Heartland was servicing loans for others with aggregate unpaid principal balances of $1.54 billion and $1.40 billion, respectively.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses - The allowance for loan and lease losses is maintained at a level estimated by management to provide for known and inherent risks in the loan and lease portfolios. The allowance is based upon a continuing review of past loan and lease loss experience, current economic conditions, volume growth, the underlying collateral value of the loans and leases and other relevant factors. Loans and leases which are deemed uncollectible are charged off and deducted from the allowance. Provisions for loan and lease losses and recoveries on previously charged-off loans and leases are added to the allowance.

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments - This reserve is maintained at a level that, in the opinion of management, is adequate to absorb probable losses associated with Heartland’s commitment to lend funds under existing agreements such as letters or lines of credit. Management determines the adequacy of the reserve for unfunded commitments based upon reviews of delinquencies, current economic conditions, the risk characteristics of the various categories of commitments and other relevant factors. The reserve is based on estimates, and ultimate losses may vary from the current estimates. These estimates are evaluated on a regular basis and, as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in earnings in the periods in which they become known. Draws on unfunded commitments that are considered uncollectible at the time funds are advanced are charged to the allowance. Provisions for unfunded commitment losses are added to the reserve for unfunded commitments, which is included in the Other Liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheets.

Premises, Furniture and Equipment - Premises, furniture and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The provision for depreciation of premises, furniture and equipment is determined by straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of 18 to 39 years for buildings, 15 years for land improvements and 3 to 7 years for furniture and equipment.

Other Real Estate - Other real estate represents property acquired through foreclosures and settlements of loans. Property acquired is carried at the lower of the principal amount of the loan outstanding at the time of acquisition, plus any acquisition costs, or the estimated fair value of the property, less disposal costs. The excess, if any, of such costs at the time acquired over the fair value is charged against the allowance for loan and lease losses. Subsequent write downs estimated on the basis of later valuations, gains or losses on sales and net expenses incurred in maintaining such properties are charged to other noninterest expense.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible assets consist of goodwill, core deposit premiums, customer relationship intangibles and mortgage servicing rights. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired subsidiaries’ net assets over their fair value. Heartland assesses goodwill for impairment annually, and more frequently if events occur which may indicate possible impairment, and assesses goodwill at the reporting unit level, also giving consideration to overall enterprise value as part of that assessment. Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. In the first step, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired and it is not necessary to continue to step two of the impairment process. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, step two is performed. In step two, the implied fair value of goodwill is compared to the carrying value of the reporting units’ goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is computed as a residual value after allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to its assets and liabilities. Heartland estimates the fair value of its reporting units using market multiples of comparable entities, including recent transactions, or a combination of market multiples and discounted cash flow methodology. These methods incorporate assumptions specific to the entity, such as the use of financial forecasts.

Core deposit premiums are amortized over eight to eighteen years on an accelerated basis. Customer relationship intangibles are amortized over 22 years on an accelerated basis. Periodically, Heartland reviews the intangible assets for events or circumstances that may indicate a change in the recoverability of the underlying basis, except mortgage servicing rights which are reviewed quarterly.

Mortgage servicing rights associated with loans originated and sold, where servicing is retained, are initially capitalized at fair value and recorded on the consolidated statements of income as loan servicing income. The values of these capitalized servicing rights are amortized as an offset to the servicing revenue earned in relation to the servicing revenue expected to be earned. The carrying values of these rights are reviewed quarterly for impairment based on the calculation of their fair value as performed by an outside third party. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified into certain risk characteristics including loan type, note rate, prepayment trends and external market factors. A valuation allowance of $19,000 was required as of December 31, 2011 and no valuation allowance was required as of December 31, 2010.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance - Heartland and its subsidiaries have purchased life insurance policies on the lives of certain officers. The one-time premiums paid for the policies, which coincide with the initial cash surrender value, are recorded as an asset. Increases or decreases in the cash surrender value, other than proceeds from death benefits, are recorded as noninterest income (loss). Proceeds from death benefits first reduce the cash surrender value attributable to the individual policy and then any additional proceeds are recorded as noninterest income.

Income Taxes - Heartland and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and separate or combined income or franchise tax returns as required by the various states. Heartland has a tax allocation agreement which provides that each subsidiary of the consolidated group pays a tax liability to, or receives a tax refund from Heartland, computed as if the subsidiary had filed a separate return.

Heartland recognizes certain income and expenses in different time periods for financial reporting and income tax purposes. The provision for deferred income taxes is based on an asset and liability approach and represents the change in deferred income tax accounts during the year, including the effect of enacted tax rate changes. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce deferred tax assets if their expected realization is deemed not to be more likely than not.

Derivative Financial Instruments - Heartland uses derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate risk management, including interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars and certain interest rate lock commitments and forward sales of securities related to mortgage banking activities. FASB Accounting Standards Topic 815 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. As required by ASC 815, Heartland records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. To qualify for hedge accounting, Heartland must comply with the detailed rules and documentation requirements at the inception of the hedge, and hedge effectiveness is assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of each hedging relationship. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is measured periodically throughout the life of the hedging relationship.

For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to interest income or expense when the hedged transaction affects earnings, while the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative, if any, is recognized immediately in other noninterest income. Heartland assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the cumulative changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the cumulative changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction. No component of the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

Heartland had no fair value hedging relationships at December 31, 2011 or 2010. Derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, classified as free-standing derivatives, have all changes in the fair value recorded on the income statement through noninterest income.

Heartland does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage Heartland’s exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks, but do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815.

Treasury Stock - Treasury stock is accounted for by the cost method, whereby shares of common stock reacquired are recorded at their purchase price. When treasury stock is reissued, any difference between the sales proceeds, or fair value when issued for business combinations, and the cost is recognized as a charge or credit to capital surplus.

Trust Department Assets - Property held for customers in fiduciary or agency capacities is not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as such items are not assets of the Heartland banks.

Earnings Per Share - Amounts used in the determination of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 are shown in the table below:



(Dollars and number of shares in thousands)
	2011			2010			2009
Net income	$	28,008		$	23,788		$	6,374
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	36			115			188
Net income attributable to Heartland	28,044			23,903			6,562
Preferred dividends and discount	(7,640		)	(5,344		)	(5,344		)
Net income available to common stockholders	$	20,404		$	18,559		$	1,218
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	16,437			16,372			16,304
Assumed incremental common shares issued upon exercise of stock options	139			90			21
Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share	16,576			16,462			16,325
Earnings per common share-basic	$	1.24		$	1.13		$	0.07
Earnings per common share-diluted	1.23			1.13			0.07
Number of antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share computation	514			562			573

Effect of New Financial Accounting Standards - In January 2010, the FASB issued an accounting standard which requires (i) fair value disclosures by each class of assets and liabilities (generally a subset within a line item as presented in the statement of financial position) rather than major category, (ii) for items measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the amounts of significant transfers between Levels 1 and 2, and transfers into and out of Level 3, and the reasons for those transfers, including separate discussion related to the transfers into each level apart from transfers out of each level, and (iii) gross presentation of the amounts of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the Level 3 recurring measurement reconciliation. Additionally, the standard clarifies that a description of the valuation techniques(s) and inputs used to measure fair values is required for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. Also, if a valuation technique has changed, entities should disclose that change and the reason for the changes. Disclosures other than the gross presentation changes in the Level 3 reconciliation were effective for the first reporting period beginning after December 31, 2009. Heartland adopted this accounting standard at the beginning of 2010, except for the detailed Level 3 disclosures, with no material impact on the results of operations, financial position and liquidity. Heartland adopted the presentment of detailed Level 3 disclosures during the first quarter of 2011 with no material impact on the results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-20, "Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses," which requires significant new disclosures about the allowance for credit losses and the credit quality of financing receivables. The requirements are intended to enhance transparency regarding credit losses and the credit quality of loan and lease receivables. Under this statement, the activity in the allowance for credit losses and recorded investment in financing receivables are to be disclosed by portfolio segment, while credit quality information, impaired financing receivables and nonaccrual status are to be presented by class of financing receivable. Disclosure of the nature and extent, the financial impact and segment information of troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs") is also required. The disclosures are to be presented at the level of disaggregation that management uses when assessing and monitoring the portfolio's risk and performance. Heartland adopted this accounting standard as of December 31, 2010, except for the activity-related disclosures, with no material impact on the results of operations, financial position and liquidity. Heartland adopted the activity-related disclosures during the first quarter of 2011 with no material impact on the results of operations, financial position and liquidity. Heartland adopted the disclosure requirements related to the TDRs effective July 1, 2011, with no material impact on the results of operations, financial position and liquidity. See Note 4 for additional disclosures regarding this accounting standard.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-02, "A Creditor's Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring," which modifies guidance for identifying restructurings of receivables that constitute a TDR. This standard requires retrospective application to all restructurings occurring during 2011, along with disclosure of certain additional information. Heartland adopted this guidance effective July 1, 2011, with no significant impact to the restructurings that are considered TDRs and the related allowance for loan losses required for these loans.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03, "Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements," which removes the collateral maintenance provision that is currently required when determining whether a transfer of a financial instrument is accounted for as a sale or a secured borrowing. The adoption of this accounting standard will be required for Heartland's first quarter 2012 Form 10-Q and is not expected to have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, "Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS," which is a joint effort between the FASB and IASB to converge fair value measurement and disclosure guidance. This standard permits measuring financial assets and liabilities on a net credit risk basis, if certain criteria are met. This standard also increases disclosure surrounding company-determined market prices (Level 3) financial instruments and requires the fair value hierarchy disclosure of financial assets and liabilities that are not recognized at fair value in the statement of financial position for which fair values are disclosed. The adoption of this accounting standard will be required for Heartland's first quarter 2012 Form 10-Q, and is not expected to have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, "Presentation of Comprehensive Income," which requires companies to report total net income, each component of comprehensive income, and total comprehensive income on the face of the income statement, or as two consecutive statements. The components of comprehensive income will not be changed, nor does the standard affect how earnings per share is calculated or reported. These amendments will be reported retrospectively upon adoption. The adoption of this standard will be required for Heartland's first quarter 2012 Form 10-Q, and is not expected to have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position and liquidity. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, "Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05." This standard indefinitely defers the requirements of ASU No. 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of classification adjustments. This ASU does not affect any other requirements of ASU No. 2011-05.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment," which allows an entity to make an initial qualitative evaluation as to whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The results of this qualitative assessment determine if it is necessary to perform the currently required two-step impairment test. ASU 2011-08 also expands upon the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider between annual impairment tests in determining if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. Heartland anticipates that the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position and liquidity.