X0306 4 2012-11-30 0 0000920112 HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA INC HTLF 0001184326 HORSTMANN DOUGLAS J 1398 CENTRAL AVE. DUBUQUE IA 52001 0 1 0 0 SVP, Lending Common Stock 2012-11-30 4 G 0 500 0 D 129061 D Common Stock 10516 I 401(k) Common Stock 27000 I By Spouse Common Stock 5204 I HTLF Retirement Plan Non-Qualified Stock Option (Right To Buy) 19.48 2014-01-20 Common Stock 3000 3000 D Non-Qualified Stock Option (Right to Buy) 21.00 2015-02-10 Common Stock 3000 3000 D Non-Qualified Stock Option (Right to Buy 21.60 2016-02-06 Common Stock 1500 1500 D Non-Qualified Stock Option (Right to Buy) 29.65 2017-01-16 Common Stock 1500 1500 D Non-Qualified Stock Option (Right to Buy) 18.60 2018-01-24 Common Stock 1500 1500 D The reporting person disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities, and this report shall not be deemed to be an admission that the reporting person is the beneficial owner of such securities for purposes of Section 16 or for any other purpose. Represents options to buy granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan, a Rule 16(b)(3) plan, which options vest one-third per year beginning on the 3rd anniversary of date of grant. Represents shares allocated to the reporting person's account under the Heartland Financial USA, Inc. Retirement Plan as a result of the Pension Plan Protection Act of 2006. Includes 12,688 Restricted Stock Units (RSU). Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of common stock. The grant vests in three equal installments on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date. Includes 3,188 shares of Performance Based Restricted Stock. /s/ Douglas J. Horstmann 2012-12-04