10-K 1 fibk-20151231x10k.htm 10-K 10-K
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
þ
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
or
o
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     .
Commission File Number: 001-34653
FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Montana
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
81-0331430
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
401 North 31st Street
Billings, Montana
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
59116
(Zip Code)
(406) 255-5390
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Class A common stock
(Title of each class)
 
NASDAQ Stock Market
(Name of each exchange on which registered)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Class B common stock
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. o Yes þ No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. o Yes þ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§223.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that registrant was required to submit and post such files). þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
o Large accelerated filer 
þ Accelerated filer  
o Non-accelerated filer 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
o Smaller reporting company 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.) o Yes þ No
The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $668,057,399.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of January 31, 2016:
Class A common stock
21,511,142

Class B common sock
23,729,282

Documents Incorporated by Reference
The registrant intends to file a definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be held May 25, 2016. The information required by Part III of this Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from such Proxy Statement.
 



EX-21.1
EX-23.1
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32



PART I
Item 1. Business

The disclosures set forth in this report are qualified by Item 1A. Risk Factors included herein and the section captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Factors that Could Affect Future Results” included in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. When we refer to “we,” “our,” “us” or the “Company” in this annual report, we mean First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries, including our wholly-owned subsidiary, First Interstate Bank, unless the context indicates that we refer only to the parent company, First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. When we refer to the “Bank” in this annual report, we mean First Interstate Bank.

Our Company

We are a financial and bank holding company incorporated as a Montana corporation in 1971. We are headquartered in Billings, Montana. As of December 31, 2015, we had consolidated assets of $8.7 billion, deposits of $7.1 billion, loans of $5.2 billion and total stockholders’ equity of $950 million. We currently operate 79 banking offices, including detached drive-up facilities, in 45 communities located in Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. We also offer internet and mobile banking services. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, First Interstate Bank, or FIB, we deliver a comprehensive range of banking products and services to individuals, businesses, municipalities and other entities throughout our market areas. Our customers participate in a wide variety of industries, including energy, healthcare and professional services, education and governmental services, construction, mining, agriculture, retail and wholesale trade and tourism. Our principal markets range in size from 23,000 to 150,000 people, have diversified economic characteristics and favorable population growth prospects and usually serve as trade centers for larger rural areas.

We are the licensee under a perpetual trademark license agreement granting us an exclusive, nontransferable license to use the “First Interstate” name and logo in Montana, Wyoming and the six neighboring states of Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota.

We have grown our business by adhering to a set of guiding principles and a long-term disciplined perspective that emphasizes our commitment to providing high-quality financial products and services, delivering quality customer service, effecting business leadership through professional and dedicated managers and employees, assisting our communities through socially responsible leadership and cultivating a strong and positive corporate culture. In the future, we intend to remain a leader in our markets by continuing to adhere to the core principles and values that have contributed to our growth and success and by continuing to follow our community banking model. In addition, we plan to continue to expand our business in a disciplined and prudent manner, including organic growth in our existing market areas and expansion into new and complementary markets when appropriate opportunities arise.

Recent Acquisitions

On July 24, 2015, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of Absarokee Bancorporation, Inc., a Montana-based bank holding company operating one wholly-owned subsidiary bank, United Bank, with branches located in three Montana communities adjacent to the Company's existing market areas. United Bank was merged with FIB immediately subsequent to the acquisition. We paid cash consideration for the acquisition of $7.2 million. As of the acquisition date, Absarokee Bancorporation, Inc. had total assets of $73 million, loans of $38 million and deposits of $64 million.

On July 31, 2014, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of Mountain West Financial Corp., a Montana-based bank holding company operating one wholly-owned subsidiary bank, Mountain West Bank, NA, with branches located in five of our current market areas in Montana. Mountain West Bank, NA was merged with FIB on October 17, 2014. Consideration for the acquisition of $74.5 million consisted of cash of $38.5 million and the issuance of 1,378,230 shares of our Class A common stock valued at $26.10 per share, the closing price of the shares as quoted on the NASDAQ stock market on the acquisition date. As of the acquisition date, Mountain West Financial Corp. had total assets of $612 million, loans of $360 million and deposits of $515 million.

For additional information regarding these acquisitions, see “Managements’ Discussion and Analysis — Recent Trends and Developments” included in Part II, Item 7 and “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Acquisitions” and “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Capital Stock and Dividend Restrictions” included in Part IV, Item 15.


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Community Banking

Community banking encompasses commercial and consumer banking services provided through our Bank, primarily the acceptance of deposits; extensions of credit; mortgage loan origination and servicing; and trust, employee benefit, investment and insurance services. Our community banking philosophy emphasizes providing customers with commercial and consumer banking products and services locally using a personalized service approach while strengthening the communities in our market areas through community service activities. We grant our banking offices significant authority in delivering and pricing products in response to local market considerations and customer needs. This authority enables our banking offices to remain competitive by responding quickly to local market conditions and enhances their relationships with the customers they serve by tailoring our products and price points to each individual customer’s needs. We also require accountability by having company-wide standards and established limits on the authority and discretion of each banking office. This combination of authority and accountability allows our banking offices to provide personalized customer service and be in close contact with our communities, while at the same time promoting strong performance at the branch level and remaining focused on our overall financial performance.
    
Lending Activities
        
We offer short and long-term real estate, consumer, commercial, agricultural and other loans to individuals and businesses in our market areas. We have comprehensive credit policies establishing company-wide underwriting and documentation standards to assist management in the lending process and to limit our risk. Each loan must meet minimum underwriting standards specified in our credit policies. Minimum underwriting standards generally specify that loans (i) are made to borrowers located within a designated geographical lending area with the exception of participation loans and loans to national accounts; (ii) are made only for identified legal purposes; (iii) have specifically identified sources of repayment; (iv) mature within designated maximum maturity periods that coincide with repayment sources; (v) are appropriately collateralized whenever possible, (vi) are supported by current credit information; (vii) do not exceed the Bank's legal lending limit; (viii) with fixed interest rates that reset are adjusted within designated time frames; and (ix) require a flood determination prior to closing. In addition, our minimum underwriting standards include lending limitations to prevent concentrations of credit in agricultural, commercial, real estate or consumer loans. Further, each minimum underwriting standard must be documented as part of the loan approval process.
        
While each loan must meet minimum underwriting standards established in our credit policies, lending officers are granted certain levels of authority in approving and pricing loans to assure that the banking offices are responsive to competitive issues and community needs in each market area. Lending authorities are established at individual, branch and market levels. Branch and market lending authorities are assigned annually by the Company's chief executive officer and chief credit officer based on the size of the branch or market's loan portfolio and the branch or market's historical credit performance. Individual loan officer lending limits are approved annually by branch or market management and are based on the lending experience of each individual loan officer. Branch and market lending limits and aggregate lending relationships in excess of established limits, ranging from $10 million to $15 million depending on the risk characteristics of the relationship, are approved by the Bank's board of directors after review by the Credit Committee of the Company's board of directors.
        
Deposit Products
    
We offer traditional depository products including checking, savings and time deposits. Deposits at the Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, up to statutory limits. We also offer repurchase agreements primarily to commercial and municipal depositors. Under repurchase agreements, we sell investment securities held by the Bank to our customers under an agreement to repurchase the investment securities at a specified time or on demand. All outstanding repurchase agreements are due in one business day.
    
Wealth Management
    
We provide a wide range of trust, employee benefit, investment management, insurance, agency and custodial services to individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations. These services include the administration of estates and personal trusts; management of investment accounts for individuals, employee benefit plans and charitable foundations; and insurance planning. As of December 31, 2015, the estimated fair value of trust assets held in a fiduciary or agent capacity was $4.5 billion.
    

2


Centralized Services
    
We have centralized certain operational activities to provide consistent service levels to our customers company-wide, to gain efficiency in management of those activities and to ensure regulatory compliance. Centralized operational activities generally support our banking offices in the delivery of products and services to customers and include marketing; credit review; credit cards; mortgage loan sales and servicing; indirect consumer loan purchasing and processing; loan collections and, other operational activities. Additionally, specialized staff support services have been centralized to enable our branches to serve their markets more efficiently. These services include credit administration, finance, accounting, human resource management, internal audit, facilities management, technology, risk management, compliance and other support services.

Competition

There is significant competition among commercial banks in our market areas. We also compete with other providers of financial services, such as savings and loan associations, credit unions, financial technology companies, internet banks, consumer finance companies, brokerage firms, mortgage banking companies, insurance companies, securities firms, mutual funds and certain government agencies as well as major retailers, all actively engaged in providing various types of loans and other financial services. Some of our competitors have greater resources and, as such, may have higher lending limits and may offer other services that we do not provide. We generally compete on the basis of customer service and responsiveness to customer needs, available loan and deposit products, rates of interest charged on loans, rates of interest paid for deposits, and the availability and pricing of trust, employee benefit, investment and insurance services.

Employees

We recognize quality, engaged employees are critical to our ability to serve our customers and to the success of our company. We strive to be the employer of choice in the markets we serve. At December 31, 2015, we employed 1,742 full-time equivalent employees, none of whom are represented by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our employee relations to be good.

Regulation and Supervision

Regulatory Authorities

We are subject to extensive regulation under federal and state laws. A description of certain material laws and regulations applicable to us is summarized below. This description is not intended to include a summary of all laws and regulations applicable to us. In addition to laws and regulations, state and federal banking regulatory agencies may issue policy statements, interpretive letters and similar written guidance applicable to us. Those issuances may affect the conduct of our business or impose additional regulatory obligations. Descriptions of statutory and regulatory provisions and requirements do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to those provisions.

As a financial and bank holding company, we are subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and to supervision, regulation and regular examination by the Federal Reserve. Because we are a public company, we are also subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act, as administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.

The Bank is subject to supervision and regular examination by its primary banking regulators, the Federal Reserve and the State of Montana, Department of Administration, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions, with respect to its activities in Wyoming the State of Wyoming, Department of Audit, and with respect to its activities in South Dakota, the State of South Dakota Department of Revenue & Regulation, Division of Banking. Although the Bank is not directly supervised by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, certain of the Bank's consumer banking activities are also subject to CFPB regulations.

The Bank's deposits are insured by the deposit insurance fund of the FDIC in the manner and to the extent provided by law. The Bank is subject to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, or FDIA, and FDIC regulations relating to deposit insurance and may also be subject to supervision and examination by the FDIC.


3


The extensive regulation of the Bank limits both the activities in which the Bank may engage and the conduct of its permitted activities. Further, the laws and regulations impose reporting and information collection obligations on the Bank. The Bank incurs significant costs relating to compliance with various laws and regulations and the collection and retention of information. As the regulatory framework for bank holding companies and banks continues to grow and become more complex, the cost of complying with regulatory requirements continues to increase. In addition, if our consolidated assets were to exceed $10 billion, we would become subject to additional statutory and regulatory requirements and would incur additional compliance costs. As of December 31, 2015, our consolidated assets were $8.7 billion.
    
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, or the Dodd-Frank Act, enacts other significant changes in federal statutes governing banks and bank holding companies generally as well as other entities. Although many of the significant changes are already in effect, additional significant changes will become effective in the near-term and other significant changes require action by federal banking agencies, including the Federal Reserve, our principal federal regulator. Except as otherwise noted, the following discussion assumes that provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act applicable to banks and bank holding companies to become effective in the near-term are currently in effect.
    
Financial and Bank Holding Company
    
We are a bank holding company and has registered as a financial holding company under regulations issued by the Federal Reserve. Under federal law, including the Dodd-Frank Act, we are required to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to the Bank, which may include providing financial assistance to the Bank if the Bank experiences financial distress. The federal banking agencies are required under the Dodd-Frank Act to issue joint rules to carry out the source of strength requirements. Under existing Federal Reserve source of strength policies, the Federal Reserve may require a bank holding company to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary bank. The Federal Reserve may also determine that the bank holding company is engaging in unsafe and unsound practices if it fails to commit resources to such a subsidiary bank.
    
We are required by the Bank Holding Company Act to obtain Federal Reserve approval prior to acquiring, directly or indirectly, ownership or control of voting shares of any bank, if, after such acquisition, we would own or control more than 5% of its voting stock. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, when acting on an application for approval, the Federal Reserve is required to consider whether the transaction would result in greater or more concentrated risks to the United States banking or financial system. Under federal law and regulations, including the Dodd-Frank Act, a bank holding company may acquire banks in states other than its home state if the bank holding company is both 'well-capitalized' and 'well-managed' both before and after the acquisition. The interstate acquisitions are subject to any state requirement that the bank has been organized and operating for a minimum period of time, not to exceed five years, and the requirement that the bank holding company not control, prior to or following the proposed acquisition, more than 10% of the total amount of deposits of insured depository institutions nationwide or, unless the acquisition is the bank holding company's initial entry into the state, more than 30% of such deposits in the state, or such lesser or greater amount set by state law of such deposits in that state.
    
With additional changes made to federal statutes under the Dodd-Frank Act, banks are also permitted to establish new branches in a state if a bank located in that state could establish a new branch at the proposed location without regard to state laws limiting interstate de novo branching. Branch offices may not be established outside of a bank's home state primarily for the purpose of deposit production which is determined based on a state-by-state test. The prohibition and regulatory test may limit the Company's ability to establish de novo branches in states other than Montana.
    
Banks may also merge across state lines. A state can prohibit interstate mergers entirely or prohibit them if the continuing bank would control insured bank deposits in excess of a specified percentage of total insured bank deposits in the state, provided such prohibition does not discriminate against out-of-state banks. For example, under Montana law, banks, bank holding companies and their respective subsidiaries, whether located in Montana or otherwise, cannot acquire control of a bank located in Montana if, after the acquisition, the acquiring institution and its affiliates would directly or indirectly control, in the aggregate, more than 22% of the total deposits of insured depository institutions located in Montana. As of December 31, 2015, the Bank controlled approximately 17% of the total deposits of all insured depository institutions located in Montana. The state limitation may limit our ability to directly or indirectly acquire additional banks located in Montana.
    

4


We have voluntarily registered with the Federal Reserve as a financial holding company. As a financial holding company, we may engage in certain business activities that are determined by the Federal Reserve to be financial in nature or incidental to financial activities as well as all activities authorized to bank holding companies generally. In most circumstances, we must notify the Federal Reserve of our financial activities within a specified time period following our initial engagement in each business or activity. If the type of proposed business or activity has not been previously determined by the Federal Reserve to be financially related or incidental to financial activities, we must receive the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before engaging in the activity.

We may engage in authorized financial activities, such as providing investment services, provided that we remain a financial holding company and meet certain regulatory standards of being “well capitalized” and “well managed.” If we fail to meet the “well capitalized” or “well managed” regulatory standards, we may be required to cease our financial holding company activities or, in certain circumstances, to divest of the Bank. We do not currently engage in significant financial holding company businesses or activities not otherwise permitted for bank holding companies generally. Should we engage in certain financial activities currently authorized to financial holding companies, we may become subject to additional laws, regulations, supervision and examination by regulatory agencies.

In order to assess the financial strength of the bank holding company, the Federal Reserve and the State of Montana also conduct periodic onsite and offsite inspections and credit reviews throughout the year. The federal banking agencies, including the Federal Reserve, may also require additional information and reports from us. In addition, the Federal Reserve may examine, and require reports and information regarding, any entity that we control, including entities other than banks or entities engaged in financial activities. In certain circumstances, the Federal Reserve may require us to divest of non-bank entities or limit the activities of those entities even if the activities are otherwise permitted to bank holding companies under governing law.

With limited exceptions and subject to certain limitations and requirements, banks and their affiliates are not permitted to engage in proprietary trading, or invest in, or serve as an advisor to, hedge funds or private equity funds. We have not historically engaged in any of those activities.

Restrictions on Transfers of Funds to Us and the Bank

Dividends from the Bank are the primary source of funds for the payment of our operating expenses and for the payment of dividends. Under both state and federal law, the amount of dividends that may be paid by the Bank from time to time is limited. In general, the Bank is limited to paying dividends that do not exceed the current year net profits together with retained earnings from the two preceding calendar years unless the prior consents of the Montana and federal banking regulators are obtained.

The capital buffer rules adopted by the federal banking regulators in accordance with the Basel Accords impose further limitations on the Bank’s ability to pay dividends. In general, the Bank’s ability to pay dividends is limited under the capital buffer rules unless the Bank’s common equity conservation buffer exceeds the minimum required capital ratio by at least 2.5 percent of risk-weighted assets.

A state or federal banking regulator may impose, by regulatory order or agreement of the Bank, specific dividend limitations or prohibitions in certain circumstances. The Bank is not currently subject to a specific regulatory dividend limitation other than generally applicable limitations.

In general, banks are also prohibited from making capital distributions, including dividends, and are prohibited from paying management fees to control persons if it would be “undercapitalized” under the regulatory framework for corrective action after making such payments. See “Capital Standards and Prompt Corrective Action.”

Also, under Montana corporate law, a dividend may not be paid if, after giving effect to the dividend: (1) the company would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or (2) the company's total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if the company were to be dissolved at the time of the dividend, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the dividend.


5


The Federal Reserve has issued policy statements and other guidance that suggests limitations on the dividends a bank holding company may pay. The guidance indicates that, in the view of the Federal Reserve, a bank holding company should not pay dividends per share that exceeds the earnings per share over the prior four fiscal quarters nor should a bank holding company pay dividends unless the company’s net income is sufficient to cover the dividend to be paid and the expected rate of earnings retention necessary to meet the company’s capital needs.

Furthermore, because we are a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank, our right to participate in the distribution of assets of the Bank upon its liquidation or reorganization will be subject to the prior claims of the Bank's creditors. In the event of such a liquidation or other resolution, the claims of depositors and other general or subordinated creditors of the Bank are entitled to a priority of payment of the claims of holders over any obligation of the Bank to its shareholders, including us, or our shareholders or creditors.

Restrictions on Transactions with Affiliates, Directors and Officers

Under the Federal Reserve Act, the Bank may not lend funds to our affiliates, except on specified types and amounts of collateral and other terms required by state and federal law. The limitation on lending may limit our ability to obtain funds from the Bank for our cash needs, including funds for payment of dividends, interest and operational expenses.

The Federal Reserve also has authority to define and limit the transactions between banks and their affiliates. The Federal Reserve's Regulation W and relevant federal statutes, among other things, impose significant additional limitations on transactions in which the Bank may engage with us or with other affiliates.
 
Federal Reserve Regulation O restricts loans to the Bank and Company insiders, which includes directors, officers and principal stockholders and their respective related interests. All extensions of credit to the insiders and their related interests must be on the same terms as, and subject to the same loan underwriting requirements as, loans to persons who are not insiders. In addition, Regulation O imposes lending limits on loans to insiders and their related interests and imposes, in certain circumstances, requirements for prior approval of the loans by the Bank board of directors.

Capital Standards and Prompt Corrective Action

Banks and bank holding companies are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations, involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weighting and other factors.

Currently, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC have substantially similar risk-based capital ratio and leverage ratio guidelines for banks similar in asset size to the Bank. The guidelines are intended to ensure that banks have adequate capital given the risk levels of assets and off-balance sheet financial instruments.

The federal banking regulators, including the Federal Reserve Board, adopted significant revisions to the regulatory capital requirements that apply to the Bank beginning on January 1, 2015, with some requirements phasing in between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2019. Among other things, the revised capital requirements modify previous minimum ratios requirements for tier 1 capital and total capital to risk-weighted assets. In addition, the revised capital requirements impose both a new common equity tier 1 capital ratio requirement and a capital buffer requirement both measured against risk-weighted assets. When completely phased in, the minimum capital requirements plus the capital buffer requirement will exceed the regulatory ‘well-capitalized’ threshholds. The regulations also implement changes to the definition of capital and require deductions from capital for regulatory purposes be made from common equity tier 1 capital.

Consistent with prior law, if the Bank fails to meet the regulatory capital requirements, its business activities may be limited and the amount of distributions it may pay to us may be reduced or eliminated. In addition, if the Bank or we fail to meet the regulatory capital requirements, the amount of distributions we may pay to our shareholders, and bonuses to executive officers, may be limited.


6


For purposes of calculating the ratios, a banking organization's assets and some of its specified off-balance sheet commitments and obligations are assigned to various risk categories. Generally, under the applicable guidelines, a financial institution's capital is divided into three tiers. These tiers are:

Common Equity Tier 1. Common equity tier 1 capital includes common stock plus related surplus, retained earnings plus limited amounts of minority interests in the form of common stock and is reduced by substantially all of the regulatory deductions including items such as goodwill and other intangibles and certain deferred tax assets.

Core Capital (Tier 1).  Tier 1 capital includes common equity, noncumulative perpetual preferred stock meeting eligibility requirements, limited minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries and portions of grandfathered cumulative preferred stock and grandfathered trust preferred securities, less both goodwill and other intangible assets and certain deferred tax assets, among other regulatory deductions.

Supplementary Capital (Tier 2).  Tier 2 capital includes, among other things, cumulative and limited-life preferred stock, hybrid capital instruments, mandatory convertible securities, qualifying subordinated debt and the allowance for loan and lease losses, subject to certain limitations and otherwise meeting regulatory requirements.

The Dodd-Frank Act provisions and the new regulatory capital requirements relating to required minimum capital also limit, in certain circumstances, the use of hybrid capital instruments in meeting regulatory capital requirements, including instruments similar to those which we currently have issued and outstanding. However, because our total consolidated assets are substantially less than $15 billion, the limitations on use of existing hybrid capital instruments are not expected to apply to us in the immediate future.

We are required under current guidelines to maintain tier 1 capital and total capital (the sum of tier 1 and tier 2 capital) equal to at least 4.0% and 8.0%, respectively, of our total risk-weighted assets. In addition, we are required to maintain a minimum common equity tier 1 capital ratio to risk-weighted assets of 4.5% and, when fully phased in, a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk weighted assets. For a depository institution to be considered “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action in effect on January 1, 2016, its minimum common equity tier 1 capital, tier 1 and total capital ratios must be at least 4.5%, 6.0% and 8.0% on a risk-adjusted basis, respectively. As of January 1, 2016 the required capital conservation buffer is 0.625% and will continue to phase in at 0.625% each January 1st until reaching 2.5% on January 1, 2019. We currently meet the ‘well-capitalized’ ratio requirements on all measures including requirements to be phased in through January 1, 2019. However, there can be no assurance that we will meet the requirements in the future.

Bank holding companies and banks are also required to comply with minimum leverage ratio requirements. The leverage ratio is the ratio of a banking organization's tier 1 capital to its total adjusted quarterly average assets (as defined for regulatory purposes). All financial holding companies and banks are required to maintain a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%, unless a different minimum is specified by an appropriate regulatory authority. For a depository institution to be considered “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, its leverage ratio must be at least 5.0%.

The capital guidelines also provide that banking organizations experiencing significant internal growth or making acquisitions will be expected to maintain strong capital positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels, without significant reliance on intangible assets. In addition, the regulations of the bank regulators provide that concentration of credit risks, as well as an institution's ability to manage these risks, are important factors to be taken into account by regulatory agencies in assessing an organization's overall capital adequacy. The Federal Reserve has not advised us of any specific minimum leverage ratio applicable to us or the Bank.

The FDIA requires, among other things, the federal banking agencies to take “prompt corrective action” in respect of depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. The FDIA sets forth the following five capital tiers: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized.” A depository institution's capital tier will depend upon how its capital levels compare with various relevant capital measures and certain other factors, as established by regulation. The relevant capital measures are the common equity tier 1 capital ratio, total capital ratio, the tier 1 capital ratio and the leverage ratio.


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The FDIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its parent holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. Undercapitalized institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. The agencies may not accept such a plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the depository institution's capital. In addition, for a capital restoration plan to be acceptable, the depository institution's parent holding company must guarantee that the institution will comply with such capital restoration plan. The aggregate liability of the parent holding company is limited to the lesser of (1) an amount equal to 5.0% of the depository institution's total assets at the time it became undercapitalized and (2) the amount which is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all capital standards applicable with respect to such institution as of the time it fails to comply with the plan. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.”

“Significantly undercapitalized” depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including mandated capital raising activities, such as orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become “adequately capitalized,” requirements to reduce total assets, restrictions for interest rates paid, removal of management and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator.

A bank that is not “well-capitalized” as defined by applicable regulations may, among other regulatory requirements or limitations, be prohibited under federal law and regulation from accepting or renewing brokered deposits.

In 2015, the Federal Reserve issued several new rules and proposed rules applicable to advanced approaches companies, certain complex bank holding companies and holding companies with consolidated assets in excess of $10 billion. Because the Company has consolidated assets of less than $10 billion and has not been designated a complex holding company, the recently issued rules do not generally apply to us.
 
The capital stock of banks organized under Montana law, such as the Bank, may be subject to assessment upon the direction of the Montana Department of Administration under the Montana Bank Act. Under the Montana Bank Act, if the Department of Administration determines an impairment of a bank's capital exists, it may notify the bank's board of directors of the impairment and require the impairment be made good by an assessment on the bank stock. If the bank fails to make good the impairment, the Department of Administration may, among other things, take charge of the bank and proceed to liquidate the bank.
 
Under the FDIA, the appropriate federal banking agency may take certain actions with respect to significantly or critically undercapitalized institutions. The actions may include requiring the sale of additional shares of the institution's stock or other actions deemed appropriate by the federal banking agency, which could include an assessment on the institution's stock.

Safety and Soundness Standards and Other Enforcement Mechanisms

The federal banking agencies have adopted guidelines establishing standards for safety and soundness, asset quality and earnings, internal controls and audit systems, among others, as required by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act, or FDICIA. These standards are designed to identify potential concerns and ensure that action is taken to address those concerns before they pose a risk to the deposit insurance fund, or DIF. If a federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any of these standards, the agency may require the institution to submit an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard. If the institution fails to submit an acceptable plan within the time allowed by the agency or fails in any material respect to implement an accepted plan, the agency must, by order, require the institution to correct the deficiency.

Federal banking agencies possess broad enforcement powers to take corrective and other supervisory action on an insured bank and its holding company. Moreover, federal laws require each federal banking agency to take prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of insured banks. Bank holding companies and insured banks are subject to a wide range of potential enforcement actions by federal regulators for violation of any law, rule, regulation, standard, condition imposed in writing by the regulator or term of a written agreement with the regulator.


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Deposit Insurance

The FDIC is an independent federal agency that insures deposits, up to prescribed statutory limits, of federally insured banks and savings institutions and safeguards the safety and soundness of the banking and savings industries. The FDIC insures our customer deposits through the DIF up to prescribed limits for each depositor. The maximum deposit insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor. The amount of FDIC assessments paid by each DIF member institution is based on its relative risk of default as measured by regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory factors. Currently, the Bank meets the ‘well-capitalized’ standards imposed by the FDIC in 2015 for purposes of determining FDIC assessments.

All FDIC-insured institutions are required to pay assessments to the FDIC to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation, or FICO, an agency of the Federal government established to recapitalize the predecessor to the DIF. The FICO assessment rates are set at 0.00165% of total assets and will continue until the FICO bonds mature in 2017.

The FDIC is also required to set its designated reserve ratio for each year at 1.35% of estimated insured deposits and take actions necessary to reach a reserve ratio of 1.35% of total estimated insured deposits by September 30, 2020. The FDIC may be required to increase deposit insurance premium assessments to meet the reserve ratio requirements. However, under the Dodd-Frank Act, the effects of any increases in deposit insurance premium assessments are to be offset for the benefit of depository institutions with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion. The Bank currently has total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion.

Insolvency of an Insured Depository Institution

If the FDIC is appointed the conservator or receiver of an insured depository institution upon its insolvency or in certain other events, the FDIC has the power, among other things: (1) to transfer any of the depository institution's assets and liabilities to a new obligor without the approval of the depository institution's creditors; (2) to enforce the terms of the depository institution's contracts pursuant to their terms; or (3) to repudiate or disaffirm any contract or lease to which the depository institution is a party, the performance of which is determined by the FDIC to be burdensome and the disaffirmation or repudiation of which is determined by the FDIC to promote the orderly administration of the depository institution.

Depositor Preference

The FDIA provides that, in the event of the “liquidation or other resolution” of an insured depository institution, the claims of depositors of the institution, including the claims of the FDIC as subrogee of insured depositors and certain claims for administrative expenses of the FDIC as a receiver, will have priority over other general unsecured claims against the institution. If an insured depository institution fails, insured and uninsured depositors, along with the FDIC, will have priority in payment ahead of unsecured, non-deposit creditors, including the parent bank holding company, with respect to any extensions of credit they have made to such insured depository institution.

Customer Privacy and Other Consumer Protections

Federal law imposes customer privacy requirements on any company engaged in financial activities, including the Bank and us. Under these requirements, a financial company is required to protect the security and confidentiality of customer nonpublic personal information. In addition, for customers who obtain a financial product such as a loan for personal, family or household purposes, a financial holding company is required to disclose its privacy policy to the customer at the time the relationship is established and annually thereafter. The financial company must also disclose its policies concerning the sharing of the customer's nonpublic personal information with affiliates and third parties. Finally, a financial company is prohibited from disclosing an account number or similar item to a third party for use in telemarketing, direct mail marketing or marketing through electronic mail.

The Bank is subject to a variety of federal and state laws, regulations and reporting obligations aimed at protecting consumers and Bank customers. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may, among other things, impair the collection of loans made in violation of the laws and regulations, provide borrowers or other customers certain rights and remedies or result in the imposition of penalties on the Bank.
 
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act generally prohibits discrimination in credit transactions on, among other things, the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status or age and, in certain circumstances, limits the Bank's ability to require co-obligors or guarantors as a condition of the extension of credit to an individual.

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The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, or RESPA, requires certain disclosures be provided to borrowers in real estate loan closings or other real estate settlements. In addition, RESPA limits or prohibits certain settlement practices, fee sharing, kickbacks and similar practices that are considered to be abusive.
 
The Truth in Lending Act, or TILA, and Regulation Z require disclosures to borrowers and other parties in consumer loans including, among other things, disclosures relating to interest rates and other finance charges, payments and payment schedules and annual percentage rates. TILA provides remedies to borrowers upon certain failures in compliance by a lender.
 
The Fair Housing Act regulates, among other things, lending practices in residential lending and prohibits discrimination in housing-related lending activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, disability or familial status.
 
The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act requires certain lenders and other firms engaged in the home mortgage industry to collect and report information relating to applicants, borrowers and home mortgage lending activities in which they engage in their market areas or communities. The information is used for, among other purposes, evaluation of discrimination or other impermissible acts in home mortgage lending.
 
The Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act regulates terms and disclosures of certain closed end home mortgage loans that are not purchase money loans and includes loans classified as “high cost loans.”
 
The Fair Credit Reporting Act, as amended by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, generally limits lenders and other financial firms in their collection, use or dissemination of customer credit information, gives customers some access to, and control over, their credit information and requires financial firms to establish policies and procedures intended to deter identity theft and related frauds.
 
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regulates actions that may be taken in the collection of consumer debts and provides consumers with certain rights of access to information related to collection actions.

 The Electronic Fund Transfer Act regulates fees and other terms on electronic funds transactions.
    
The Federal Reserve issued regulations relating to fees and charges in debit card transactions intended to implement provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. Card issuers with consolidated assets of less than $10 billion are exempt from the interchange fee standards but are subject to other rules addressing exclusivity and other requirements. The Bank is not subject to the interchange fee standards as its consolidated assets, together with affiliates, are less than $10 billion. While we do not currently have $10 billion or more in total consolidated assets, it is reasonable to assume that our total assets will exceed $10 billion in the future, based on our historic organic growth rates and our potential to grow through acquisitions. Based on our 2015 debit card transaction volume, we estimate interchange fee caps prescribed under the Dodd-Frank Act for issuers with consolidated assets in excess of $10 billion would have reduced our debit card interchange fee income by approximately $8 million.
    
Federal consumer protection laws have been expanded by the Dodd-Frank Act, pursuant to which the CFPB was created with authority to regulate consumer financial products and services and to implement and enforce federal consumer financial laws. Although the CFPB is accorded examination and enforcement authority, the CFPB's authority does not generally extend to depository institutions with total assets of less than $10 billion. The Bank currently has total assets of less than $10 billion.
    
The Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, generally requires the federal banking agencies to evaluate the record of a financial institution in meeting the credit needs of its local communities, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. In addition to substantial penalties and corrective measures that may be assessed for a violation of fair lending laws, the federal banking agencies may take compliance with such laws and the CRA into account when regulating and supervising our other activities or in authorizing new activities.
    
In connection with its assessment of CRA performance, the appropriate bank regulatory agency assigns a rating of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs to improve” or “substantial noncompliance.” The Bank received an “outstanding” rating on its most recent published examination. Although the Bank's policies and procedures are designed to achieve compliance with all fair lending and CRA requirements, instances of non-compliance are occasionally identified through normal operational activities. Management responds proactively to correct all instances of non-compliance and implement procedures to prevent further violations from occurring.

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USA PATRIOT Act
    
The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 amended the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970 and the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986 and adopted additional measures requiring insured depository institutions, broker-dealers and certain other financial institutions to have policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing. The USA PATRIOT Act includes the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 and also amends laws relating to currency control and regulation. The laws and related regulations also provide for information sharing, subject to conditions, between federal law enforcement agencies and financial institutions, as well as among financial institutions, for counter-terrorism purposes. Federal banking regulators are required, when reviewing bank holding company acquisition or merger applications, to take into account the effectiveness of the anti-money laundering activities of the applicants. Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution.
    
Office of Foreign Asset Control
     
The United States Treasury Office of Foreign Asset Control enforces economic and trade sanctions imposed by the United States on foreign persons and governments. Among other authorities, the Office of Foreign Asset Control may require United States financial institutions to block or “freeze” assets of identified foreign persons or governments which come within the control of the financial institution. Financial institutions are required to adopt procedures for identification of new and existing deposit accounts and other relationships with persons or governments identified by the Office of Foreign Asset Control and to timely report the accounts or relationships to the Office of Foreign Asset Control.
    
Website Access to SEC Filings
    
All of our reports and statements filed or furnished electronically with the SEC, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and Proxy Statements, as well as amendments to these reports and statements filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are accessible at no cost through our website at www.FIBK.com as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been filed with the SEC. These reports are also accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The public may read and copy materials we file with the SEC at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1580, 100 F Street N.E., Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our website and the information contained therein or connected thereto is not intended to be incorporated into this report and should not be considered a part of this report.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
    
Like other financial and bank holding companies, we are subject to a number of risks, many of which are outside of our control. If any of the events or circumstances described in the following risk factors actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be harmed. These risks are not the only ones that we may face. Other risks of which we are not aware, including those which relate to the banking and financial services industry in general and us in particular, or those which we do not currently believe are material, may harm our future business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Readers should consider carefully the following important factors in evaluating us, our business and an investment in our securities.
    
Risks Relating to the Market and Our Business
    
Declining business and economic conditions could materially and adversely affect us.
    
Since June 2009, the United States economy has been recovering from the most severe recession and financial crisis since the Great Depression. There have been sizable improvements in the United States labor market, personal consumption and industrial production; nevertheless, the pace of economic recovery has been uneven and slow. Financial markets have improved since the depths of the crisis but are still unsettled and volatile. There is continued concern about the U.S. economic outlook.
Our financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as well as demand for loans and other products and services we offer, is highly dependent upon the business environment in the markets where we operate in Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota and in the United States as a whole. A favorable business environment is generally characterized by, among other factors, economic growth, efficient capital markets, low inflation, low unemployment, high business and investor confidence, and strong

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business earnings. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by declines in economic growth, business activity or investor or business confidence; limitations on the availability or increases in the cost of credit and capital; increases in inflation or interest rates; high unemployment, natural disasters; or a combination of these or other factors. Economic pressure on consumers and uncertainty regarding continuing economic improvement may result in changes in consumer and business spending, borrowing and savings habits. Such conditions could adversely affect the credit quality of our loans and our business, financial condition and results of operations.
    
We may incur significant credit losses, particularly in light of recent and existing market conditions.
    
We take on credit risk by virtue of making loans and extending loan commitments and letters of credit. Our credit standards, procedures and policies may not prevent us from incurring substantial credit losses, particularly in light of market developments in recent years. Weakening economic conditions, increasing unemployment rates and/or deterioration of housing markets could exert pressure on our loan customers resulting in higher delinquencies, repossessions and losses, which would have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
    
Adverse economic conditions affecting Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota could harm our business.
        
Our customers are located predominantly in Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. Because of the concentration of loans and deposits in these states, existing or future adverse economic conditions in Montana, Wyoming or South Dakota could cause us to experience higher rates of loss and delinquency on our loans than if the loans were more geographically diversified. Adverse economic conditions, including inflation, recession and unemployment and other factors, such as regulatory or business developments, natural disasters, environmental contamination and other unfavorable conditions and events that affect these states, could reduce demand for credit or fee-based products and may delay or prevent borrowers from repaying their loans. Adverse conditions and other factors identified above could also negatively affect real estate and other collateral values, interest rate levels and the availability of credit to refinance loans at or prior to maturity. These results could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
        
We may be adversely affected by declining oil and gas prices.

Oil and gas drilling and production in Wyoming and in the Bakken Formation in Montana and North Dakota have been important contributors to our region's economic growth over the years. During 2015, decreased market oil prices compressed margins for oil producers as well as oilfield service providers, energy equipment manufacturers and transportation suppliers, among others. As of December 31, 2015, our direct exposure to the oil and gas industry was approximately $75 million in outstanding loans, including approximately $50 million related to drilling and extraction activity and approximately $25 million advanced to oil and gas service companies. As of December 31, 2015, we also had commitments to lend an additional $24 million to oil and gas borrowers. These borrowers may be significantly affected by volatility in oil and gas prices and further declines in the level of drilling and production activity. A prolonged period of low oil and gas prices or other events that result in a decline in drilling activity could have a negative impact on the economies of our market areas and on our customers. Additionally, adverse developments in the energy sector could have spillover effects on the broader economies of our market areas, including commercial and residential real estate values and the general level of economic activity. The State of Wyoming derives a significant portion of its operating budget from energy extraction and related industries. As such, reductions in oil and gas related revenues may have additional negative economic implications for the State of Wyoming.

We are carefully monitoring the impact of the continuing significant decline and volatility in oil and gas prices on our loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2015, 36.4% of our outstanding oil and gas loans were criticized. There is no assurance that our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows will not be adversely impacted by increases in non-performing oil and gas loans, or by the direct and indirect effects of current and future conditions in the energy industry.
    
We are subject to lending risk.
    
There are inherent risks associated with our lending activities. These risks include, among other things, the impact of changes in interest rates and changes in the economic conditions in the markets where we operate as well as those across Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota and the United States. Increases in interest rates and/or weakening economic conditions could adversely impact the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans or the value of the collateral securing these loans.
    
We are also subject to various laws and regulations that affect our lending activities. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to regulatory enforcement action that could result in the assessment of significant civil money penalties against us.
        

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At December 31, 2015, we had $2.6 billion of commercial loans, including $1.8 billion of commercial real estate loans, representing approximately 49% of our total loan portfolio. These loans are often larger and involve greater risks than other types of lending. Because payments on such loans are often dependent on the successful operation or development of the property or business involved, repayment of such loans is more sensitive than other types of loans to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the general economy. Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrowers' ability to make repayment from their employment and other income and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial loans typically are made on the basis of the borrowers' ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the commercial venture. If the cash flow from business operations is reduced, the borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Due to the larger average size of each commercial loan as compared with other loans such as residential loans, as well as the collateral which is generally less readily-marketable, losses incurred on a small number of commercial loans could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
    
In addition, at December 31, 2015, we had $1.6 billion of agricultural, construction, residential and other real estate loans, representing approximately 31% of our total loan portfolio. Deterioration in economic conditions or in the real estate market could result in increased delinquencies and foreclosures and could have an adverse effect on the collateral value for many of these loans and on the repayment ability of many of our borrowers. Deterioration in economic conditions or in the real estate market could reduce the number of loans we make to businesses in the construction and real estate industry, which could negatively impact our interest income and results of operations. Similarly, the occurrence of a natural or manmade disaster in our market areas could impair the value of the collateral we hold for real estate secured loans. Any one or a combination of the factors identified above could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
    
If we experience loan losses in excess of estimated amounts, our earnings will be adversely affected.
    
The risk of credit losses on loans varies with, among other things, general economic conditions, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan and, in the case of a collateralized loan, the value and marketability of the collateral for the loan. We maintain an allowance for loan losses based upon, among other things, historical experience, an evaluation of economic conditions and regular reviews of loan portfolio quality. Based upon such factors, our management makes various assumptions and judgments about the ultimate collectability of our loan portfolio and provides an allowance for loan losses. These assumptions and judgments are complex and difficult to determine given the significant uncertainty surrounding future conditions in the general economy and banking industry. If management's assumptions and judgments prove to be incorrect and the allowance for loan losses is inadequate, or if the banking authorities or regulations require us to increase the allowance for loan losses, our earnings, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be significantly and adversely affected.

Our goodwill may become impaired, which may adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition and may limit our Bank's ability to pay dividends to us, thereby causing liquidity issues.
    
The excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets from acquisitions, or goodwill, is evaluated for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is likely impairment has occurred. In testing for impairment, the fair value of net assets is estimated based on analyses of our market value, discounted cash flows and peer values. Consequently, the determination of the fair value of goodwill is sensitive to market-based economics and other key assumptions. Variability in market conditions or in key assumptions could result in impairment of goodwill, which is recorded as a noncash adjustment to income. An impairment of goodwill could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. As of December 31, 2015, we had goodwill of $205 million, or 22% of our total stockholders' equity. Furthermore, an impairment of goodwill could cause our Bank to be unable to pay dividends to us. If our Bank is unable to pay dividends to us, our cash flow and liquidity would be reduced. See below “Our Bank's ability to pay dividends to us is subject to regulatory limitations, which, to the extent we are not able to receive such dividends, may impair our ability to grow, pay dividends, cover operating expenses and meet debt service requirements.”

We may not continue to have access to low-cost funding sources.
    
We depend on checking and savings, negotiable order of withdrawal, or NOW, and money market deposit account balances and other forms of customer deposits as our primary source of funding. Such account and deposit balances can decrease when customers perceive alternative investments, such as the stock market, as providing a better risk/return trade-off. Additionally, the availability of internet banking products has increased the mobility of customer deposits. If customers move money out of bank deposits and into other investments or internet banking products, we could lose a relatively low cost source of funds, increasing our funding costs and reducing our net interest income and net income.     



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We will become subject to additional regulatory requirements if our total assets exceed $10 billion, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Various federal banking laws and regulations, including rules adopted by the Federal Reserve pursuant to the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act, impose heightened requirements on certain large banks and bank holding companies. Most of these rules apply primarily to bank holding companies with at least $50 billion in total consolidated assets, but certain rules also apply to banks and bank holding companies with at least $10 billion in total consolidated assets.

Following the fourth consecutive quarter (and any applicable phase-in period) where our or the Bank’s total consolidated assets equal or exceed $10 billion, we or the Bank, as applicable, will, among other requirements:

be required to perform annual stress tests;
be required to establish a dedicated risk committee of our board of directors responsible for overseeing our enterprise-risk management policies, commensurate with our capital structure, risk profile, complexity, size and other risk-related factors, and including as a member at least one risk management expert;
calculate our FDIC deposits assessment base using a performance score and loss-severity score system;
be be subject to more frequent regulatory examinations; and,
be subject to examination for compliance with federal consumer protection laws primarily by the CFPB.

While we do not currently have $10 billion or more in total consolidated assets, we have begun analyzing these requirements to ensure we are prepared to comply with the rules when and if they become applicable. It is reasonable to assume that our total assets will exceed $10 billion in the future, based on our historic organic growth rates and our potential to grow through acquisitions.        

Changes in interest rates could negatively impact our net interest income, may weaken demand for our products and services or harm our results of operations and cash flows.
    
Our earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon net interest income, which is the difference between interest income earned on interest-earning assets such as loans and securities and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowed funds. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest we receive on loans and securities and the amount of interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also adversely affect (1) our ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, (2) the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities, including mortgage servicing rights, (3) our ability to realize gains on the sale of assets and (4) the average duration of our mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations portfolios. An increase in interest rates may reduce customers' desire to borrow money from us as it increases their borrowing costs and may adversely affect the ability of borrowers to pay the principal or interest on loans which may lead to an increase in non-performing assets and a reduction of income recognized, which could harm our results of operations and cash flows. Further, because many of our variable rate loans contain interest rate floors, as market interest rates begin to rise, the interest rates on these loans may not increase correspondingly. In contrast, decreasing interest rates have the effect of causing customers to refinance mortgage loans faster than anticipated. This causes the value of assets related to the servicing rights on mortgage loans sold to be lower than originally recognized. If this happens, we may need to write down our mortgage servicing rights assets faster, which would accelerate expense and lower our earnings. Any substantial, unexpected or prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations. If the current low interest rate environment continues for a prolonged period, our interest income could decrease, adversely impacting our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
    
We are dependent upon the services of our management team and directors.
 
Our future success and profitability is substantially dependent upon the management skills of our executive officers and directors, many of whom have held officer and director positions with us for many years. We do not currently have employment agreements or non-competition agreements with any of our key executives, other than an employment agreement with our president and chief executive officer, Kevin P. Riley. The unanticipated loss or unavailability of key employees could harm our ability to operate our business or execute our business strategy. We may not be successful in retaining these key employees or finding and integrating suitable successors in the event of their loss or unavailability.


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We may be unable to successfully integrate or profitably operate acquired organizations, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
        
Acquisitions of other banks and financial institutions involve risks of changes in results of operations or cash flows, unforeseen liabilities relating to the acquired institution or arising out of the acquisition, asset quality problems of the acquired entity and other conditions not within our control, such as adverse employee relations, loss of customers because of change of identity, deterioration in local economic conditions and other risks affecting the acquired institution. In addition, the process of integrating acquired entities could divert management time and resources. We may not be able to integrate successfully or operate profitably any financial institutions we may acquire. We may experience disruption and incur unexpected expenses in integrating acquisitions. There can be no assurance that any such acquisitions will enhance our cash flows, business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects and such acquisitions may have an adverse effect on our results of operations, particularly during periods in which the acquisitions are being integrated into our operations.

We may not be able to attract and retain qualified employees to operate our business effectively.
 
As a result of low unemployment rates in Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota and the surrounding region, there is substantial competition for qualified personnel in our markets. It may be difficult for us to attract and retain qualified employees at all management and staffing levels. Failure to attract and retain employees and maintain adequate staffing of qualified personnel could adversely impact our operations and our ability to execute our business strategy. Furthermore, relatively low unemployment rates in certain of our markets, compared with national unemployment rates, may lead to significant increases in salaries, wages and employee benefits expenses as we compete for qualified, skilled employees, which could negatively impact our results of operations and prospects.

We are subject to significant governmental regulation and new or changes in existing regulatory, tax and accounting rules and interpretations could significantly harm our business.
The financial services industry is extensively regulated. Federal and state banking regulations are designed primarily to protect the deposit insurance funds and consumers, not to benefit a financial company's stockholders. These regulations may impose significant limitations on operations. The significant federal and state banking regulations that affect us are described in this report under the heading “Regulation and Supervision.” These regulations, along with the currently existing tax, accounting, securities, insurance, employment, monetary and other laws and regulations, rules, standards, policies and interpretations control the methods by which we conduct business, implement strategic initiatives and tax compliance and govern financial reporting and disclosures. These laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies and interpretations are undergoing significant review and changes, particularly given the recent market developments in the banking and financial services industries and the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act in July 2010.
    
Other changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies or supervisory guidance, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations, policies, or supervisory guidance, could affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could subject us to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations, policies or supervisory guidance could result in enforcement and other legal actions by Federal or state authorities, including criminal and civil penalties, the loss of FDIC insurance, the revocation of a banking charter, other sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputation damage. In this regard, government authorities, including the bank regulatory agencies, often pursue aggressive enforcement actions with respect to compliance and other legal matters involving financial activities, which heightens the risks associated with actual and perceived compliance failures. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are dependent on our information technology and telecommunications systems and third-party servicers, and systems failures or interruptions could have a material adverse effect on us.

Our business is highly dependent on the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and telecommunications systems and third-party servicers. We outsource many of our major systems, such as certain data processing, loan servicing and deposit processing systems. The failure of these systems, or the termination of a third-party software license or service agreement on which any of these systems is based, could interrupt our operations. Because our information technology and telecommunications systems interface with and depend on third-party systems, we could experience disruptions if demand for such services exceeds capacity or such third-party systems fail or experience interruptions. If significant, sustained or repeated, a system failure or disruption could compromise our ability to operate effectively, damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, and/or subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.

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We are exposed to risks related to cyber-security.

Our computer systems and network infrastructure could be susceptible to cyber-attacks, such as denial of service attacks, hacking, terrorist activities or identity theft. Financial services institutions and companies engaged in data processing have reported breaches in the security of their websites or other systems, some of which have involved sophisticated and targeted attacks intended to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information, destroy data, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems, often through the introduction of computer viruses, malware, cyber-attacks and other means.

In addition, we provide our customers with the ability to bank remotely, including online, mobile and over the telephone. The secure transmission of confidential information over the internet and other remote channels is a critical element of remote banking. Our network could be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes and other internal and external security breaches. We may be required to spend significant capital and other resources to protect against the threat of security breaches and computer viruses, or to alleviate problems caused by security breaches or viruses. To the extent that our activities or the activities of our customers involve the storage and transmission of confidential information, security breaches and viruses could expose us to claims, regulatory scrutiny, litigation and other possible liabilities.

Despite efforts to ensure the integrity of our systems, cyber threats are rapidly evolving and we may not be able to anticipate or prevent all such attacks, nor may we be able to implement guaranteed preventive measures against such security breaches. The techniques used by cyber criminals change frequently, may not be recognized until launched and can originate from a wide variety of sources, including outside groups such as external service providers. These risks may increase in the future as we continue to increase our mobile-payment and other internet-based product offerings and expand our internal usage of web-based products and applications.

Further, targeted social engineering attacks may be sophisticated and difficult to prevent and our employees, customers or other users of our systems may be fraudulently induced to disclose sensitive information, allowing cyber criminals to gain access to our data or data of our customers.

A successful penetration or circumvention of system security could cause us serious negative consequences, including significant disruption of operations, misappropriation of confidential information, or damage to our computers or systems or those of our customers and counterparties. A successful security breach could result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws, financial loss to us or to our customers, loss of confidence in our security measures, significant litigation exposure, and harm to our reputation, all of which could have a material adverse effect on us.

The resolution of litigation, if unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for a particular period.

We face legal risks in our businesses, and the volume of claims and amount of damages and penalties claimed in litigation and regulatory proceedings against financial institutions remains high. Legal liability against us could have material adverse financial effects or cause harm to our reputation, which in turn could adversely impact our business prospects.

 We are subject to liquidity risks.
        
Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future cash flow needs on a timely basis at a reasonable cost. Our liquidity is used to make loans and to repay deposit liabilities as they become due or are demanded by customers. Potential alternative sources of liquidity include federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements. We maintain a portfolio of investment securities that may be used as a secondary source of liquidity to the extent the securities are not pledged for collateral. Other potential sources of liquidity include the sale of loans, the utilization of available government and regulatory assistance programs, the ability to acquire national market, non-core deposits, the issuance of additional collateralized borrowings such as Federal Home Loan Bank, or FHLB, advances, the issuance of debt securities, issuance of equity securities and borrowings through the Federal Reserve's discount window. Without sufficient liquidity from these potential sources, we may not be able to meet the cash flow requirements of our depositors and borrowers.    
    
Additionally, our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities or on terms that are acceptable to us could be impaired by factors specific to us, the financial services industry or the economy in general. Factors that could reduce our access to liquidity sources include a downturn in our local or national economies, difficult or illiquid credit markets or adverse regulatory actions against us. A failure to maintain adequate liquidity could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.          
        

16


We may become liable for environmental remediation and other costs on repossessed properties, which could adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.      

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real property. During the ordinary course of business, we may foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. If hazardous or toxic substances are found on these properties, we may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require us to incur substantial expenses and may materially reduce the affected property's value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase our exposure to environmental liability. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations.

Our systems of internal operating controls may not be effective.      

We establish and maintain systems of internal operational controls that provide us with critical information used to manage our business. These systems are subject to various inherent limitations, including cost, judgments used in decision-making, assumptions about the likelihood of future events, the soundness of our systems, the possibility of human error and the risk of fraud. Moreover, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions and the risk that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate over time. Because of these limitations, any system of internal operating controls may not be successful in preventing all errors or fraud or in making all material information known in a timely manner to the appropriate levels of management. From time to time, control deficiencies and losses from operational malfunctions or fraud have occurred and may occur in the future. Any future deficiencies, weaknesses or losses related to internal operating control systems could have an adverse effect on our business and, in turn, on our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

We face significant competition from other financial institutions and financial services providers.      

We face substantial competition in all areas of our operations from a variety of different competitors, many of which are larger and may have more financial resources, higher lending limits and larger branch networks. Such competitors primarily include national, regional and community banks within the various markets we serve. We also face competition from many other types of financial institutions, including, without limitation, savings and loans, credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, factoring companies and other financial intermediaries. The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. Banks, securities firms and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting) and merchant banking. Increased competition among financial services companies due to the recent consolidation of certain competing financial institutions and the conversion of certain investment banks to bank holding companies may adversely affect our ability to market our products and services. Also, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for nonbanks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic funds transfer and automatic payment systems. Many of our competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than we can.      

Our ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including, among other things:     

the ability to develop, maintain and build upon customer relationships based on quality service, high ethical standards and safe, sound assets;
    
the ability to expand our market position;
    
the scope, relevance and pricing of products and services offered to meet customer needs and demands;
    
the rate at which we introduce new products and services relative to our competitors;
    
customer satisfaction with our level of service; and
    
industry and general economic trends.     
    
Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken our competitive position, which could adversely affect our growth and profitability, which, in turn, could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.        


17


Our operations rely on certain external vendors.

We are reliant upon certain external vendors to provide products and services necessary to maintain our day-to-day operations. In addition, we are subject to certain long-term vendor contracts that limit our flexibility and increase our dependence on third party vendors. Failure of certain external vendors to perform in accordance with contractual arrangements could be disruptive to our operations and limit our ability to provide certain products and services demanded by our customers, which could have material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

We may be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions.
 
Financial services companies are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties. For example, we execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks and other institutional clients. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services companies or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. Many of these transactions expose us to increased credit risk in the event of default of a counterparty or client.

We may not effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers.
 
The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to perform more efficiently. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to use technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on our business and, in turn, on our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 Our Bank's ability to pay dividends to us is subject to regulatory limitations, which, to the extent we are not able to receive such dividends, may impair our ability to grow, pay dividends, cover operating expenses and meet debt service requirements.
         
We are a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank, our only bank subsidiary. Since we are a holding company with no significant assets other than the capital stock of our subsidiaries, we depend upon dividends from the Bank for a substantial part of our revenue. Accordingly, our ability to grow, pay dividends, cover operating expenses and meet debt service requirements depends primarily upon the receipt of dividends or other capital distributions from the Bank. The Bank's ability to pay dividends to us is subject to, among other things, its earnings, financial condition and need for funds, as well as federal and state governmental policies and regulations applicable to us and the Bank, which limit the amount that may be paid as dividends without prior approval. For example, in general, the Bank is limited to paying dividends that do not exceed the current year net profits together with retained earnings from the two preceding calendar years without the prior consents of the Montana and federal banking regulators.
     
New lines of business or new products and services may subject us to additional risks.
                    
From time to time, we may implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new products and services we may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives, and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business or a new product or service. Furthermore, any new line of business and/or new product or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business or new products or services could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 

18


We may be subject to claims and litigation pertaining to our fiduciary responsibilities.  
        
Some of the services we provide, such as trust and investment services, require us to act as fiduciaries for our customers and others. From time to time, third parties make claims and take legal action against us pertaining to the performance of our fiduciary responsibilities. If these claims and legal actions are not resolved in a manner favorable to us, we may be exposed to significant financial liability and/or our reputation could be damaged. Either of these results may adversely impact demand for our products and services or otherwise have a harmful effect on our business and, in turn, on our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
    
Risks Relating to Our Common Stock
         
Our dividend policy may change.
        
Although we have historically paid dividends to our stockholders, we have no obligation to continue doing so and may change our dividend policy at any time without notice to our stockholders. Holders of our common stock are only entitled to receive such cash dividends as our board of directors, or Board, may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. Furthermore, consistent with our strategic plans, growth initiatives, capital availability, projected liquidity needs and other factors, we may make and adopt capital management decisions and policies that could adversely impact the amount of dividends paid to our stockholders.     
    
 An investment in our Class A common stock is not an insured deposit.
         
Our Class A common stock is not a bank savings account or deposit and, therefore, is not insured against loss by the FDIC, any other deposit insurance fund or any other public or private entity. As a result, holders of our common stock could lose some or all of their investment.
        
Our Class A common stock share price could be volatile and could decline.
    
The market price of our Class A common stock is volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in price in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include:
    
prevailing market conditions;
our historical performance and capital structure;
estimates of our business potential and earnings prospects;
an overall assessment of our management; 
our Class B shareholders may convert their shares into Class A common stock and liquidate their holdings; and
the consideration of these factors in relation to market valuation of companies in related businesses.
     
At times the stock markets, including the NASDAQ Stock Market, on which our Class A common stock is listed, may experience significant price and volume fluctuations. As a result, the market price of our Class A common stock is likely to be similarly volatile and investors in our Class A common stock may experience a decrease in the value of their shares, including decreases unrelated to our operating performance or prospects. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a company's securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies. This litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management's attention and resources.
     
Holders of the Class B common stock have voting control of our company and are able to determine virtually all matters submitted to stockholders, including potential change in control transactions.
            
Members of the Scott family control in excess of 79% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock. Due to their holdings of common stock, members of the Scott family are able to determine the outcome of virtually all matters submitted to stockholders for approval, including the election of directors, amendment of our articles of incorporation (except when a class vote is required by law), any merger or consolidation requiring common stockholder approval and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets. Accordingly, such holders have the ability to prevent change in control transactions as long as they maintain voting control of the company.
     

19


In addition, because these holders have the ability to elect all of our directors they are able to control our policies and operations, including the appointment of management, future issuances of our common stock or other securities, the payments of dividends on our common stock and entering into extraordinary transactions, and their interests may not in all cases be aligned with the interests of all stockholders. The Scott family members have entered into a stockholder agreement giving family members a right of first refusal to purchase shares of Class B common stock that are intended to be sold or transferred, subject to certain exceptions, by other family members. This agreement may have the effect of continuing ownership of the Class B common stock and control within the Scott family. This concentrated control limits stockholders' ability to influence corporate matters. As a result, the market price of our Class A common stock could be adversely affected.

“Anti-takeover” provisions and the regulations to which we are subject also may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if the change in control would be beneficial to stockholders.
     
We are a financial and bank holding company incorporated in the State of Montana. Anti-takeover provisions in Montana law and our articles of incorporation and bylaws, as well as regulatory approvals that would be required under federal law, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us and may prevent stockholders from receiving a premium for their shares of our Class A common stock. These provisions could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock and could reduce the amount that stockholders might receive if we are sold.
        
Our articles of incorporation provide that our Board may issue up to 100,000 shares of preferred stock, in one or more series, without stockholder approval and with such terms, conditions, rights, privileges and preferences as the Board may deem appropriate. In addition, our articles of incorporation provide for staggered terms for our Board and limitations on persons authorized to call a special meeting of stockholders. In addition, certain provisions of Montana law may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making a proposal to acquire us or of impeding a change of control under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of our Class A common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of such Class A common stock.
     
Further, the acquisition of specified amounts of our common stock (in some cases, the acquisition or control of more than 5% of our voting stock) may require certain regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Federal Reserve and one or more of our state banking regulatory agencies. The filing of applications with these agencies and the accompanying review process can take several months. Additionally, as discussed above, the holders of the Class B common stock will have voting control of our company. This and the other factors described above may hinder or even prevent a change in control of us, even if a change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders.
     
Future equity issuances could result in dilution, which could cause our Class A common stock price to decline.
     
We are not restricted from issuing additional Class A common stock, including any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, Class A common stock. We may issue additional Class A common stock in the future pursuant to current or future employee equity compensation plans or in connection with future acquisitions or financings. Should we choose to raise capital by selling shares of Class A common stock for any reason, the issuance would have a dilutive effect on the holders of our Class A common stock and could have a material negative effect on the market price of our Class A common stock.
         
We qualify as a “controlled company” under the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and may rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.
As a result of the combined voting power of the members of the Scott family described above, we qualify as a “controlled company” under the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. As a controlled company, we may rely on exemptions from certain NASDAQ corporate governance standards that are available to controlled companies, including the requirements that:     
a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors;
the compensation of officers be determined, or recommended to the board of directors for determination, by a majority of the independent directors or a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors; and
director nominees be selected, or recommended for the board of directors' selection, by a majority of the independent directors or a nominating committee comprised solely of independent directors with a written charter or board resolution addressing the nomination process.
        

20


As a result, in the future, our compensation and governance & nominating committees may not consist entirely of independent directors. As long as we choose to rely on these exemptions from NASDAQ Marketplace Rules in the future, you will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the NASDAQ corporate governance requirements.      
The Class A common stock is equity and is subordinate to our existing and future indebtedness.
 Shares of our Class A common stock are equity interests and do not constitute indebtedness. As such, shares of our Class A common stock rank junior to all our indebtedness, including our subordinated term loans, the subordinated debentures held by trusts that have issued trust preferred securities and other non-equity claims on us with respect to assets available to satisfy claims on us. Additionally, holders of our Class A common stock are subject to the prior dividend and liquidation rights of any holders of Series A preferred stock then outstanding.
 In the future, we may make additional offerings of debt or equity securities, including medium-term notes, trust preferred securities, senior or subordinated notes and preferred stock. Or, we may issue additional debt or equity securities as consideration for future mergers and acquisitions. Such additional debt and equity offerings may place restrictions on our ability to pay dividends on or repurchase our common stock, dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders or reduce the market price of our Class A common stock. Furthermore, acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book and market values and therefore, some dilution of our tangible book value and net income per common share may occur in connection with any future transaction. Holders of our Class A common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights or other protections against dilution.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
                    
None.
                
Item 2. Properties
            
Our principal executive offices and one of our banking offices are anchor tenants in an eighteen story commercial building located in Billings, Montana. The building is owned by a joint venture limited liability company in which the Bank owns a 50% interest. We lease approximately 104,431 square feet of office space in the building. We also own a 65,226 square foot building that houses our operations center in Billings, Montana. We provide banking services at an additional 78 locations in Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota, of which 13 properties are leased from independent third parties and 65 properties are owned by us. We believe each of our facilities is suitable and adequate to meet our current operational needs.
    
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
            
In the normal course of business, we are named or threatened to be named as a defendant in various lawsuits. Management, following consultation with legal counsel, does not expect the ultimate disposition of one or a combination of these matters to have a material adverse effect on our business.
    
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
    
Not applicable.
PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
    
Description of Our Capital Stock
    
Our articles provide for two classes of common stock: Class A common stock, which has one vote per share, and Class B common stock, which has five votes per share. Class B common stock is convertible into Class A common stock as described below. Our common stock is uncertificated.
    
Our authorized capital stock consists of 200,100,000 shares, each with no par value per share, of which:
    
100,000,000 shares are designated as Class A common stock;
    
100,000,000 shares are designated as Class B common stock; and
    
100,000 shares are designated as preferred stock.

21


At December 31, 2015, we had issued and outstanding 21,698,594 shares of Class A common stock and 23,729,631 shares of Class B common stock. At December 31, 2015, we also had outstanding stock options to purchase an aggregate of 679,267 shares of our Class A common stock and 708,111 shares of our Class B common stock.

Members of the Scott family control in excess of 79% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock. The Scott family members have entered into a stockholder agreement giving family members a right of first refusal to purchase shares of Class B common stock that are intended to be sold or transferred, subject to certain exceptions, by other family members. This agreement may have the effect of continuing ownership of the Class B common stock and control of our Company within the Scott family.

Due to the ownership and control of our Company by members of the Scott family, we are a “controlled company” as that term is used under the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. As a “controlled company,” we may rely on exemptions from certain NASDAQ corporate governance requirements, including those regarding independent director requirements for the Board and committees of the Board.

Preferred Stock

Our Board is authorized, without approval of the holders of Class A common stock or Class B common stock, to provide for the issuance of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series in such number and with such designations, preferences, powers and other special rights as may be stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for such preferred stock. Our Board may cause us to issue preferred stock with voting, conversion and other rights that could adversely affect the holders of Class A common stock or Class B common stock or make it more difficult to effect a change in control.

Common Stock
    
The holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share and the holders of our Class B common stock are entitled to five votes per share on any matter to be voted upon by the stockholders. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class on all matters (including the election of directors) submitted to a vote of stockholders, unless otherwise required by law.
    
The holders of common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of directors, which means that the holders of a majority of the shares voted can elect all of the directors then standing for election. Directors are elected by a majority of the voting power present in person or represented by proxy at a shareholder meeting rather than by a plurality vote.
    
The holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to share equally in any dividends that our Board may declare from time to time from legally available funds and assets, subject to limitations under Montana law and the preferential rights of holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock. If a dividend is paid in the form of shares of common stock or rights to acquire shares of common stock, the holders of Class A common stock will be entitled to receive Class A common stock, or rights to acquire Class A common stock, as the case may be and the holders of Class B common stock will be entitled to receive Class B common stock, or rights to acquire Class B common stock, as the case may be.
    
Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or winding up of our company, the holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to share equally, on a per share basis, in all our assets available for distribution, after payment to creditors and subject to any prior distribution rights granted to holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock.
    
Our Class A common stock is not convertible into any other shares of our capital stock. Any holder of Class B common stock may at any time convert his or her shares into shares of Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis. The shares of Class B common stock will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis:
    
when the aggregate number of shares of our Class B common stock is less than 20% of the aggregate number of shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock then outstanding; or
    
upon any transfer, whether or not for value, except for transfers to the holder’s spouse, certain of the holder’s relatives, the trustees of certain trusts established for their benefit, corporations and partnerships wholly-owned by the holders and their relatives, the holder’s estate and other holders of Class B common stock.

22


    
Once converted into Class A common stock, the Class B common stock cannot be reissued. No class of common stock may be subdivided or combined unless the other class of common stock concurrently is subdivided or combined in the same proportion and in the same manner.
    
Other than in connection with dividends and distributions, subdivisions or combinations, the exercise of stock options for Class B shares or certain other circumstances, we are not authorized to issue additional shares of Class B common stock.
    
Class A and Class B common stock do not have any preemptive rights.
    
The Class B common stock is not and will not be listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market or any other exchange. Therefore, no trading market is expected to develop in the Class B common stock. Class A common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “FIBK.”
    
The table below sets forth, for each quarter in the past two years, the quarterly high and low closing sales prices per share of the Class A common stock, as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market.
Quarter Ended
 
High
 
Low
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
$28.90
 
$24.53
June 30, 2014
 
28.63
 
24.30
September 30, 2014
 
28.34
 
25.37
December 31, 2014
 
29.53
 
26.25
March 31, 2015
 
27.82
 
23.90
June 30, 2015
 
28.79
 
26.83
September 30, 2015
 
28.50
 
25.68
December 31, 2015
 
30.64
 
26.84

As of December 31, 2015, we had 707 record shareholders, including the Wealth Management division of FIB as trustee for 1,006,406 shares of Class A common stock held on behalf of 801 individual participants in the Savings and Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., or the Savings Plan. The Savings Plan Trustee votes the shares based on the instructions of each participant. In the event the participant does not provide the Savings Plan Trustee with instructions, the Savings Plan Trustee votes those shares in accordance with voting instructions received from a majority of the participants in the plan.

Dividends

It is our policy to pay a dividend to all common shareholders quarterly. We currently intend to continue paying quarterly dividends; however, the Board may change or eliminate the payment of future dividends.

Recent quarterly dividends follow:
Dividend Payment
 
Amount
Per Share
 
Total Cash
Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
First quarter 2014
 
$0.16
 
$7,035,389
Second quarter 2014
 
0.16
 
7,052,081
Third quarter 2014
 
0.16
 
7,262,359
Fourth quarter 2014
 
0.16
 
7,276,144
First quarter 2015
 
0.20
 
9,114,216
Second quarter 2015
 
0.20
 
9,073,574
Third quarter 2015
 
0.20
 
9,071,305
Fourth quarter 2015
 
0.20
 
9,030,775


23


Dividend Restrictions

For a description of restrictions on the payment of dividends, see Part I, Item 1, “Business — Regulation and Supervision — Restrictions on Transfers of Funds to Us and the Bank,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Capital Resources and Liquidity Management” included in Part II, Item 7 herein.

Sales of Unregistered Securities

There were no issuances of unregistered securities during the three months ended December 31, 2015.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

The following table provides information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of us or any "affiliated purchasers" (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act), of our common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2015.

 
 
 
 
 
Total Number of
 
Maximum Number
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares Purchased
 
of Shares That
 
 
Total Number
 
Average
 
as Part of Publicly
 
May Yet Be
 
 
of Shares
 
Price Paid
 
Announced Plans
 
Purchased Under the
Period
 
Purchased (1)
 
Per Share
 
or Programs
 
Plans or Programs
October 2015
 
 
$

 
 
1,000,000
November 2015
 
 

 
 
1,000,000
December 2015
 
3,334
 
29.61

 
 
1,000,000
Total
 
3,334
 
$
29.61

 
 
1,000,000
    
(1)
Stock repurchases were redemptions of vested restricted shares tendered in lieu of cash for payment of income tax withholding amounts by participants of the Company's 2006 Equity Compensation Plan.


24


Performance Graph

The performance graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on our Class A common stock since our Class A common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on March 23, 2010, as compared with the cumulative total return on equity securities of companies included in the Nasdaq Composite Index and the Nasdaq Bank Index over the same period. The Nasdaq Bank Index is a comparative peer index comprised of financial companies, including banks, savings institutions and related holding companies that perform banking-related functions, listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The Nasdaq Composite Index is a comparative broad market index comprised of all domestic and international common stocks listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. This graph assumes a $100 investment in our common stock on the first day of trading, and reinvestment of dividends on the date of payment without commissions. The plot points on the graph were provided by SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA. The performance graph represents past performance, which may not be indicative of the future performance of our common stock.


 
Period Ending
Index
3/23/10
12/31/10
12/31/11
12/31/12
12/31/13
12/31/14
12/31/15
First Interstate BancSystem, Inc.
$
100.00

$
108.27

$
95.89

$
117.38

$
219.74

$
220.82

$
237.65

NASDAQ Composite
100.00

110.78

109.92

129.43

181.43

208.33

223.15

NASDAQ Bank
100.00

98.86

88.48

105.02

148.83

156.15

169.95



25



Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data

The following selected consolidated financial data with respect to our consolidated financial position as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of our operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15. This data should be read in conjunction with Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and such consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto. The selected consolidated financial data with respect to our consolidated financial position as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and the results of our operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included herein.
Five Year Summary
(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)
As of or for the year ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Selected Balance Sheet Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net loans
$
5,169,379

$
4,823,243

$
4,259,514

$
4,123,401

$
4,073,968

Investment securities
2,057,505

2,287,110

2,151,543

2,203,481

2,169,645

Total assets
8,728,196

8,609,936

7,564,651

7,721,761

7,325,527

Deposits
7,088,937

7,006,212

6,133,750

6,240,411

5,826,971

Securities sold under repurchase agreements
510,635

502,250

457,437

505,785

516,243

Long-term debt
27,885

38,067

36,917

37,160

37,200

Preferred stock pending redemption (1)



50,000


Subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts
82,477

82,477

82,477

82,477

123,715

Preferred stockholders’ equity (1)




50,000

Common stockholders’ equity
950,493

908,924

801,581

751,186

721,020

Selected Income Statement Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
282,423

$
267,067

$
257,662

$
273,900

$
292,883

Interest expense
18,060

18,606

20,695

30,114

42,031

Net interest income
264,363

248,461

236,967

243,786

250,852

Provision for loan losses
6,822

(6,622
)
(6,125
)
40,750

58,151

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
257,541

255,083

243,092

203,036

192,701

Non-interest income
120,929

111,401

111,679

114,861

91,872

Non-interest expense
248,013

236,869

222,069

229,635

218,412

Income before income taxes
130,457

129,615

132,702

88,262

66,161

Income tax expense
43,662

45,214

46,566

30,038

21,615

Net income
86,795

84,401

86,136

58,224

44,546

Preferred stock dividends



3,300

3,422

Net income available to common shareholders
$
86,795

$
84,401

$
86,136

$
54,924

$
41,124

Common Share Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.92

$
1.89

$
1.98

$
1.28

$
0.96

Diluted
1.90

1.87

1.96

1.27

0.96

Dividends per share
0.80

0.64

0.41

0.61

0.45

Book value per share (2)
20.92

19.85

18.15

17.35

16.77

Tangible book value per share (3)
16.19

15.07

13.89

12.97

12.33

Weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
45,184,091

44,615,060

43,566,681

42,965,987

42,749,526

Diluted
45,646,418

45,210,561

44,044,602

43,092,978

42,847,196

 
 
 
 
 
 

26


Five Year Summary (continued)
(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)
As of or for the year ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Financial Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets
1.02
%
1.06
%
1.16
%
0.79
%
0.61
%
Return on average common equity
9.37

9.86

11.05

7.46

5.86

Return on average tangible common equity (4)
12.23

12.88

14.59

10.07

8.06

Average stockholders’ equity to average assets
10.87

10.77

10.49

10.57

10.25

Yield on average earning assets
3.70

3.75

3.84

4.10

4.43

Cost of average interest bearing liabilities
0.31

0.34

0.40

0.58

0.78

Interest rate spread
3.39

3.41

3.44

3.52

3.65

Net interest margin (5)
3.46

3.49

3.54

3.66

3.80

Efficiency ratio (6)
64.37

65.82

63.69

64.03

63.73

Common stock dividend payout ratio (7)
41.65

33.83

20.71

47.66

46.88

Loan to deposit ratio
74.01

69.90

70.84

67.69

71.85

Asset Quality Ratios
 
 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans to total loans (8)
1.37
%
1.32
%
2.22
%
2.61
%
4.87
%
Non-performing assets to total loans and other real estate owned (OREO) (9)
1.49

1.59

2.57

3.35

5.72

Non-performing assets to total assets
0.90

0.91

1.48

1.85

3.30

Allowance for loan losses to total loans
1.46

1.52

1.96

2.38

2.69

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans
106.71

114.58

88.28

91.31

55.16

Net charge-offs to average loans
0.08

0.10

0.21

1.26

1.54

Capital Ratios:
 

 

 

 

 

Tangible common equity to tangible assets (10)
8.64
%
8.22
%
8.32
%
7.46
%
7.43
%
Net tangible common equity to tangible assets (11)
9.35

8.94

9.14

8.26

8.28

Tier 1 common capital to total risk weighted assets (12)
12.69

13.08

13.31

11.94

11.04

Leverage ratio
10.12

9.61

10.08

8.81

9.84

Tier 1 risk-based capital
13.99

14.52

14.93

13.60

14.55

Total risk-based capital
15.36

16.15

16.75

15.59

16.54

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
On December 18, 2012, we provided notice to preferred stockholders of our intention to redeem the preferred stock on January 18, 2013. Upon notice to holders of the redemption, all preferred stock outstanding was reclassified from stockholder's equity to a liability.
(2)
For purposes of computing book value per share, book value equals common stockholders’ equity.
(3)
Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure that management uses to evaluate our capital adequacy. For purposes of computing tangible book value per share, tangible book value equals common stockholders’ equity less goodwill, core deposit intangibles and other intangible assets (except mortgage servicing rights). Tangible book value per share is calculated as tangible common stockholders’ equity divided by common shares outstanding, and its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is book value per share. See below our reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures under the caption “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Part II, Item 6.
(4)
Return on average tangible common equity is a non-GAAP financial measure that management uses to evaluate our capital adequacy. For purposes of computing return on average tangible common equity, average tangible common equity equals average stockholders' equity less average goodwill, average core deposit intangibles and average other intangible assets (except mortgage servicing rights). Return on average tangible common equity is calculated as net income available to common shareholders divided by average tangible common equity, and its most comparable GAAP financial measure is return on average common stockholders' equity. See below our reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures under the caption “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Part II, Item 6.
(5)
Net interest margin ratio is presented on a fully taxable equivalent, or FTE, basis.
(6)
Efficiency ratio represents non-interest expense, excluding loan loss provision, divided by the aggregate of net interest income and non-interest income.
(7)
Common stock dividend payout ratio represents dividends per common share divided by basic earnings per common share.
(8)
Non-performing loans include non-accrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest.
(9)
Non-performing assets include non-accrual loans, loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest and OREO.

27


(10)
Tangible common equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP financial measure that management uses to evaluate our capital adequacy. For purposes of computing tangible common equity to tangible assets, tangible common equity is calculated as common stockholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets (except mortgage servicing assets), and tangible assets is calculated as total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets (except mortgage servicing rights). See below our reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures under the caption “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Part II, Item 6.
(11)
Net tangible common equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP financial measure that management uses to evaluate our capital adequacy. For purposes of computing net tangible common equity to tangible assets, net tangible common equity is calculated as common stockholders’ equity less goodwill (adjusted for associated deferred tax liability) and other intangible assets (except mortgage servicing assets), and tangible assets is calculated as total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets (except mortgage servicing rights). See below our reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures under the caption “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Part II, Item 6.
(12)
For purposes of computing tier 1 common capital to total risk-weighted assets, tier 1 common capital excludes preferred stock and trust preferred securities.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    
In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principals in the United States of America, or GAAP, this annual report contains the following non-GAAP financial measures that management uses to evaluate our capital adequacy: return on average tangible common equity, tangible book value per share, tangible common equity to tangible assets and net tangible common equity to tangible assets. Return on average tangible equity is calculated as net income available to common shareholders divided by average tangible common stockholders' equity. Tangible book value per share is calculated as tangible common stockholders’ equity divided by common shares outstanding. Tangible assets is calculated as total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets (excluding mortgage servicing assets). Tangible common equity to tangible assets is calculated as tangible common stockholders’ equity divided by tangible assets. Net tangible common equity to tangible assets is calculated as net tangible common stockholders’ equity divided by tangible assets. These non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies because other companies may not calculate these non-GAAP measures in the same manner. They also should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
    

28


The following table shows a reconciliation from ending stockholders’ equity (GAAP) to ending tangible common stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP) and ending net tangible common stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP) and ending assets (GAAP) to ending tangible assets (non-GAAP), their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, in each instance as of the periods presented.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Five Year Summary
(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)
As of December 31,
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Total common stockholders' equity (GAAP)
$
950,493

$
908,924

$
801,581

$
751,186

$
721,020

Less goodwill and other intangible assets
  (excluding mortgage servicing rights)
215,119

218,870

188,214

189,637

191,065

Tangible common stockholders' equity
  (Non-GAAP)
735,374

690,054

613,367

561,549

529,955

Add deferred tax liability for deductible
  goodwill
60,499

60,499

60,499

60,499

60,499

Net tangible common stockholders' equity
  (Non-GAAP)
$
795,873

$
750,553

$
673,866

$
622,048

$
590,454

Total Assets (GAAP)
$
8,728,196

$
8,609,936

$
7,564,651

$
7,721,761

$
7,325,527

Less goodwill and other intangible assets
  (excluding mortgage servicing rights)
215,119

218,870

188,214

189,637

191,065

Tangible assets (Non-GAAP)
$
8,513,077

$
8,391,066

$
7,376,437

$
7,532,124

$
7,134,462

Average Balances:
 
 
 
 
 
Total common stockholders' equity (GAAP)
$
926,050

$
855,862

$
779,530

$
735,984

$
702,321

Less goodwill and other intangible assets
  (excluding mortgage servicing rights)
216,494

200,740

188,954

190,381

191,823

 Average tangible common stockholders' equity (Non-GAAP)
$
709,556

$
655,122

$
590,576

$
545,603

$
510,498

Common shares outstanding
45,428,225

45,788,415

44,155,063

43,290,323

42,981,174

Net income available to common shareholders
$
86,795

$
84,401

$
86,136

$
54,924

$
41,124

Book value per common share (GAAP)
$
20.92

$
19.85

$
18.15

$
17.35

$
16.77

Tangible book value per common share
   (Non-GAAP)
16.19

15.07

13.89

12.97

12.33

Tangible common equity to tangible assets (Non-GAAP)
8.64
%
8.22
%
8.32
%
7.46
%
7.43
%
Net tangible common equity to tangible assets (Non-GAAP)
9.35

8.94

9.14

8.26

8.28

Return on average common tangible equity (Non-GAAP)
12.23

12.88

14.59

10.07

8.06




29


Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Factors that Could Affect Future Results    
This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder, that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Any statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, strategies, beliefs, or future performance or events constitute forward-looking statements. Such statements are identified as those that include words or phrases such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “trend,” “objective,” “continue” or similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “may” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, estimates and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any results, performance or events expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
The following factors, among others, may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations in the forward-looking statements, including those set forth in this report:
declining business and economic conditions;
credit losses;
adverse economic conditions affecting Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota;
declining oil and gas prices;
lending risk;
adequacy of the allowance for loan losses;
impairment of goodwill;
failure to integrate or profitably operate acquired organizations;
additional regulatory requirements if our assets exceed $10 billion;
access to low-cost funding sources;
changes in interest rates;
dependence on the Company’s management team;
ability to attract and retain qualified employees;
governmental regulation and changes in regulatory, tax and accounting rules and interpretations;
failure of technology;
cyber-security;
unfavorable resolution of litigation;
inability to meet liquidity requirements;
environmental remediation and other costs;
ineffective internal operational controls;
competition;
reliance on external vendors;
implementation of new lines of business or new product or service offerings;
soundness of other financial institutions;
failure to effectively implement technology-driven products and services;
inability of our bank subsidiary to pay dividends;
risks associated with introducing new lines of business, products or services;
litigation pertaining to fiduciary responsibilities;
change in dividend policy;
uninsured nature of any investment in Class A common stock;
volatility of Class A common stock;
decline in market price of Class A common stock;
voting control of Class B stockholders;
anti-takeover provisions;
dilution as a result of future equity issuances;
controlled company status; and,
subordination of common stock to Company debt.
These factors are not necessarily all of the factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm our results.

30



All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and we do not undertake or assume any obligation to update publicly any of these statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable laws. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.
    
Executive Overview
    
We are a financial and bank holding company headquartered in Billings, Montana. As of December 31, 2015, we had consolidated assets of $8.7 billion, deposits of $7.1 billion, loans of $5.2 billion and total stockholders’ equity of $950 million.
We currently operate 79 banking offices, including detached drive-up facilities, in 45 communities located in Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. We also offer internet and mobile banking services. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, FIB, we deliver a comprehensive range of banking products and services to individuals, businesses, municipalities and other entities throughout our market areas. Our customers participate in a wide variety of industries, including energy, healthcare and professional services, education and governmental services, construction, mining, agriculture, retail and wholesale trade and tourism.
    
Our Business
    
Our principal business activity is lending to, accepting deposits from and conducting financial transactions for individuals, businesses, municipalities and other entities. We derive our income principally from interest charged on loans and, to a lesser extent, from interest and dividends earned on investments. We also derive income from non-interest sources such as fees received in connection with various lending and deposit services; trust, employee benefit, investment and insurance services; mortgage loan originations, sales and servicing; merchant and electronic banking services; and from time to time, gains on sales of assets. Our principal expenses include interest expense on deposits and borrowings, operating expenses, provisions for loan losses and income tax expense.
    
Our loan portfolio consists of a mix of real estate, consumer, commercial, agricultural and other loans, including fixed and variable rate loans. Our real estate loans comprise commercial real estate, construction (including residential, commercial and land development loans), residential, agricultural and other real estate loans. Fluctuations in the loan portfolio are directly related to the economies of the communities we serve. While each loan originated generally must meet minimum underwriting standards established in our credit policies, lending officers are granted discretion within pre-approved limits in approving and pricing loans to assure that the banking offices are responsive to competitive issues and community needs in each market area. We fund our loan portfolio primarily with the core deposits from our customers, generally without utilizing brokered deposits and with minimal reliance on wholesale funding sources. For additional information about our underwriting standards and loan approval process, see "Business—Lending Activities," included in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
    
Recent Trends and Developments
        
On July 24, 2015, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of Absarokee Bancorporation, Inc., or Absarokee, a Montana-based bank holding company operating one wholly-owned subsidiary bank, United Bank, with branches located in three Montana communities adjacent to the Company's existing market areas. United Bank was merged with FIB immediately subsequent to the acquisition. We paid cash consideration for the acquisition of $7.2 million. As of the acquisition date, Absarokee had total assets of $75 million, loans of $37 million and deposits of $64 million. For additional information regarding the acquisition, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Acquisition,” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.
    
On July 2, 2013, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Bank issued a final rule implementing a revised regulatory capital framework for U.S. banks in accordance with the Basel III international accord. The revised regulatory capital framework, or Basel III, became effective for us on January 1, 2015. Basel III includes a more stringent definition of capital and introduces a new common equity tier 1, or CET1, capital requirement, sets forth a comprehensive methodology for calculating risk-weighted assets, introduces a conservation buffer and sets out minimum capital ratios and overall capital adequacy standards. Certain deductions and adjustments to regulatory capital phase in starting January 1, 2015 and will be fully implemented on January 1, 2018. The capital conservation buffer phases in beginning January 1, 2016 and will be fully

31


implemented on January 1, 2019. As of December 31, 2015, we had capital levels that, in all cases, exceeded the well-capitalized guidelines. For additional information regarding our capital levels, see "Capital Resources and Liquidity Management" included herein and “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements—Regulatory Capital,” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.

Primary Factors Used in Evaluating Our Business
    
As a banking institution, we manage and evaluate various aspects of both our financial condition and our results of operations. We monitor our financial condition and performance and evaluate the levels and trends of the line items included in our balance sheet and statements of income, as well as various financial ratios that are commonly used in our industry. We analyze these ratios and financial trends against both our own historical levels and the financial condition and performance of comparable banking institutions in our region and nationally.
    
Results of Operations
        
Principal factors used in managing and evaluating our results of operations include return on average assets, net interest income, non-interest income, non-interest expense and net income. Net interest income is affected by the level of interest rates, changes in interest rates and changes in the volume and composition of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. The most significant impact on our net interest income between periods is derived from the interaction of changes in the rates earned or paid on interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, which we refer to as interest rate spread. The volume of loans, investment securities and other interest earning assets, compared to the volume of interest bearing deposits and indebtedness, combined with the interest rate spread, produces changes in our net interest income between periods. Non-interest bearing sources of funds, such as demand deposits and stockholders’ equity, also support earning assets.

The impact of free funding sources is captured in the net interest margin, which is calculated as net interest income divided by average earning assets. We evaluate our net interest income on factors that include the yields on our loans and other earning assets, the costs of our deposits and other funding sources, the levels of our net interest spread and net interest margin.
        
We seek to increase our non-interest income over time and we evaluate our non-interest income relative to the trends of the individual types of non-interest income in view of prevailing market conditions.
    
We manage our non-interest expenses in consideration of growth opportunities and our community banking model that emphasizes customer service and responsiveness. We evaluate our non-interest expense on factors that include our non-interest expense relative to our average assets, our efficiency ratio and the trends of the individual categories of non-interest expense.
    
Finally, we seek to increase our net income and provide favorable shareholder returns over time, and we evaluate our net income relative to the performance of other bank holding companies on factors that include return on average assets, return on average equity, total shareholder return and growth in earnings.
    
Financial Condition
    
Principal areas of focus in managing and evaluating our financial condition include liquidity, the diversification and quality of our loans, the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses, the diversification and terms of our deposits and other funding sources, the re-pricing characteristics and maturities of our assets and liabilities, including potential interest rate exposure and the adequacy of our capital levels. We seek to maintain sufficient levels of cash and investment securities to meet potential payment and funding obligations, and we evaluate our liquidity on factors that include the levels of cash and highly liquid assets relative to our liabilities, the quality and maturities of our investment securities, the ratio of loans to deposits and any reliance on brokered certificates of deposit or other wholesale funding sources.
    
We seek to maintain a diverse and high quality loan portfolio and evaluate our asset quality on factors that include the allocation of our loans among loan types, credit exposure to any single borrower or industry type, non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans and OREO, and loan charge-offs as a percentage of average loans. We seek to maintain our allowance for loan losses at a level adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio at each balance sheet date, and we evaluate the level of our allowance for loan losses relative to our overall loan portfolio and the level of non-performing loans and potential charge-offs.
        

32


We seek to fund our assets primarily using core customer deposits spread among various deposit categories, and we evaluate our deposit and funding mix on factors that include the allocation of our deposits among deposit types, the level of our non-interest bearing deposits, the ratio of our core deposits (i.e. excluding time deposits above $100,000) to our total deposits and our reliance on brokered deposits or other wholesale funding sources, such as borrowings from other banks or agencies. We seek to manage the mix, maturities and re-pricing characteristics of our assets and liabilities to maintain relative stability of our net interest rate margin in a changing interest rate environment, and we evaluate our asset-liability management using models to evaluate the changes to our net interest income under different interest rate scenarios.
    
Finally, we seek to maintain adequate capital levels to absorb unforeseen operating losses and to help support the growth of our balance sheet. We evaluate our capital adequacy using the regulatory and financial capital ratios including leverage capital ratio, tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, total risk-based capital ratio, tangible common equity to tangible assets and tier 1 common capital to total risk-weighted assets.
        
Critical Accounting Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies
    
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and follow general practices within the industries in which we operate. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our significant accounting policies are summarized in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in financial statements included Part IV, Item 15 of this report.
    
Our critical accounting estimates are summarized below. Management considers an accounting estimate to be critical if: (1) the accounting estimate requires management to make particularly difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and (2) changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, or the use of different estimates that management could have reasonably used in the current period, would have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.
    
Allowance for Loan Losses
        
The provision for loan losses creates an allowance for loan losses known and inherent in the loan portfolio at each balance sheet date. The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio.
        
We perform a quarterly assessment of the risks inherent in our loan portfolio, as well as a detailed review of each significant loan with identified weaknesses. Based on this analysis, we record a provision for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at appropriate levels. In determining the allowance for loan losses, we estimate losses on specific loans, or groups of loans, where the probable loss can be identified and reasonably determined. Determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant judgment and the use of subjective measurements, including management’s assessment of the internal risk classifications of loans, historical loan loss rates, changes in the nature of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, industry concentrations, delinquency trends and the impact of current local, regional and national economic factors on the quality of the loan portfolio. Changes in these estimates and assumptions are possible and may have a material impact on our allowance, and therefore our consolidated financial statements or results of operations. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at an amount we believe is sufficient to provide for estimated losses inherent in our loan portfolio at each balance sheet date, and fluctuations in the provision for loan losses result from management’s assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Management monitors qualitative and quantitative trends in the loan portfolio, including changes in the levels of past due, internally classified and non-performing loans. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for a description of the methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses. A discussion of the factors driving changes in the amount of the allowance for loan losses is included herein under the heading “—Financial Condition—Allowance for Loan Losses.” See also Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Market and Our Business.”
            

33


Goodwill
            
The excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets from acquisitions, or goodwill, is evaluated for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is likely impairment has occurred. In any given year, the Company may elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is in excess of its carrying value. If it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is in excess of the carrying value, or if the Company elects to bypass the qualitative assessment, a two-step quantitative impairment test is performed. In performing a quantitative test for impairment, the fair value of net assets is estimated based on an analysis of our market value, discounted cash flows and peer values. Determining the fair value of goodwill is considered a critical accounting estimate because of its sensitivity to market-based economics. In addition, any allocation of the fair value of goodwill to assets and liabilities requires significant management judgment and the use of subjective measurements. Variability in market conditions and key assumptions or subjective measurements used to estimate and allocate fair value are reasonably possible and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or results of operations.
        
Our annual goodwill impairment test is performed each year as of July 1st. Upon completion of this year's test, the estimated fair value of net assets was greater than carrying value of the Company. We will continue to monitor our performance and evaluate our goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently as needed.
    
For additional information regarding goodwill, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report and “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Market and Our Business,” included in Part I, Item 1A of this report.

Fair Values of Loans Acquired in Business Combinations
    
Loans acquired in business combinations are initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for credit losses. Determining the fair value of the loans involves estimating the amount and timing of principal and interest cash flows initially expected to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at an appropriate market rate of interest. Going forward, the Company continues to evaluate reasonableness of expectations for the timing and the amount of cash to be collected. Subsequent decreases in expected cash flows may result in changes in the amortization or accretion of fair market value adjustments, and in some cases may result in the loan being considered impaired.  For collateral dependent loans with deteriorated credit quality, the Company estimates the fair value of the underlying collateral of the loans. These values are discounted using market derived rates of return, with consideration given to the period of time and costs associated with the foreclosure and disposition of the collateral.

For additional information regarding acquired loans, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Acquisitions” and “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Loans,” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.
            
Results of Operations
    
The following discussion of our results of operations compares the years ended December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2014 and the years ended December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2013.
    
Net Interest Income
    
Net interest income, the largest source of our operating income, is derived from interest, dividends and fees received on interest earning assets, less interest expense incurred on interest bearing liabilities. Interest earning assets primarily include loans and investment securities. Interest bearing liabilities include deposits and various forms of indebtedness. Net interest income is affected by the level of interest rates, changes in interest rates and changes in the composition of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities.
    
The most significant impact on our net interest income between periods is derived from the interaction of changes in the volume of and rates earned or paid on interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. The volume of loans, investment
securities and other interest earning assets, compared to the volume of interest bearing deposits and indebtedness, combined with the interest rate spread, produces changes in the net interest income between periods.
    

34


The following table presents, for the periods indicated, condensed average balance sheet information, together with interest income and yields earned on average interest earning assets and interest expense and rates paid on average interest bearing liabilities.
    
Average Balance Sheets, Yields and Rates
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Average
Balance
Interest
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
Interest
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
Interest
Average
Rate
Interest earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans (1) (2)
$
5,056,810

$
248,015

4.90
%
 
$
4,602,907

$
233,273

5.07
%
 
$
4,281,673

$
222,450

5.20
%
Investment securities (2)
2,191,968

37,167

1.70

 
2,122,587

36,755

1.73

 
2,151,495

38,695

1.80

Federal funds sold
2,079

12

0.58

 
1,391

7

0.50

 
2,852

18

0.63

Interest bearing deposits in banks
508,314

1,537

0.30

 
506,067

1,334

0.26

 
391,515

992

0.25

Total interest earnings assets
7,759,171

286,731

3.70

 
7,232,952

271,369

3.75

 
6,827,535

262,155

3.84

Non-earning assets
762,535

 
 
 
715,846

 
 
 
600,919

 
 
Total assets
$
8,521,706

 
 
 
$
7,948,798

 
 
 
$
7,428,454

 
 
Interest bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
$
2,101,988

$
2,105

0.10
%
 
$
1,992,565

$
2,094

0.11
%
 
$
1,751,990

$
1,963

0.11
%
Savings deposits
1,908,091

2,541

0.13

 
1,723,073

2,444

0.14

 
1,566,211

2,445

0.16

Time deposits
1,171,952

8,461

0.72

 
1,198,053

9,241

0.77

 
1,289,108

11,392

0.88

Repurchase agreements
456,255

231

0.05

 
454,265

237

0.05

 
456,840

294

0.06

Other borrowed funds (3)
6



 
8



 
10



Long-term debt
44,654

2,300

5.15

 
37,442

2,016

5.38

 
37,102

1,936

5.22

Preferred stock pending redemption



 



 
2,329

159

6.85

Subordinated debentures held by by subsidiary trusts
82,477

2,422

2.94

 
88,304

2,574

2.91

 
82,477

2,506

3.04

Total interest bearing liabilities
5,765,423

18,060

0.31

 
5,493,710

18,606

0.34

 
5,186,067

20,695

0.40

Non-interest bearing deposits
1,774,696

 
 
 
1,543,079

 
 
 
1,411,270

 
 
Other non-interest bearing liabilities
55,537

 
 
 
56,147

 
 
 
51,587

 
 
Stockholders’ equity
926,050

 
 
 
855,862

 
 
 
779,530

 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
8,521,706

 
 
 
$
7,948,798

 
 
 
$
7,428,454

 
 
Net FTE interest income
 
$
268,671

 
 
 
$
252,763

 
 
 
$
241,460

 
Less FTE adjustments (2)
 
(4,308
)
 
 
 
(4,302
)
 
 
 
(4,493
)
 
Net interest income from consolidated statements of income
 
$
264,363

 
 
 
$
248,461

 
 
 
$
236,967

 
Interest rate spread
 
 
3.39
%
 
 
 
3.41
%
 
 
 
3.44
%
Net FTE interest margin (4)
 
 
3.46
%
 
 
 
3.49
%
 
 
 
3.54
%
Cost of funds, including non-interest bearing demand deposits (5)
 
 
0.24
%
 
 
 
0.26
%
 
 
 
0.31
%
    
(1)
Average loan balances include non-accrual loans. Interest income on loans includes amortization of deferred loan fees net of deferred loan costs, which is not material.
(2)
Interest income and average rates for tax exempt loans and securities are presented on a fully taxable equivalent, or FTE, basis.
(3)
Includes interest on federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds. Excludes long-term debt.
(4)
Net FTE interest margin during the period equals (i) the difference between interest income on interest earning assets and the interest expense on interest bearing liabilities, divided by (ii) average interest earning assets for the period.
(5)
Cost of funds including non-interest bearing demand deposits equals (i) interest expense on interest bearing liabilities, divided by (ii) the sum of average interest bearing liabilities and average non-interest bearing demand deposits.


35


During 2015, deposit growth combined with corresponding increases in interest earning assets and a 3 basis point reduction in our funding costs resulted in an increase in our net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent, or FTE, basis. Our FTE net interest income increased $15.9 million, or 6.3%, to $268.7 million in 2015, compared to $252.8 million in 2014. Interest accretion related to the fair valuation of acquired loans contributed $5.4 million of interest income during 2015, $1.5 million of which was the result of early loan pay-offs. Net FTE interest income was also positively impacted by recoveries of previously charged-off interest of $2.1 million in 2015, as compared to $3.6 million in 2014. Despite increases in our net FTE interest income, our net interest margin ratio decreased 3 basis points to 3.46% in 2015, compared to 3.49% in 2014. Declines in yields earned on the Company's loan and investment portfolios were partially offset by increases in average interest earning assets, primarily loans and investment securities, and reductions in funding costs. Exclusive of the accelerated interest accretion related to early payoffs of acquired loans and the impact of recoveries of charged-off interest, our net interest margin ratio was 3.40% during 2015 and 3.43% during 2014.

During 2014, our FTE net interest income increased $11.3 million, or 4.7%, to $252.8 million in 2014, compared to $241.5 million in 2013, primarily due to deposit growth combined with corresponding increases in interest earning assets and a 5 basis point reduction in our funding costs. Interest accretion related to the fair valuation of acquired loans contributed $2.6 million of interest income during 2014, $1.0 million of which was the result of early loan pay-offs. Net FTE interest income was also positively impacted by recoveries of previously charged-off interest of $3.6 million in 2014, as compared to $1.4 million in 2013. Despite increases in our net FTE interest income, our net interest margin ratio decreased 5 basis points to 3.49% in 2014, compared to 3.54% in 2013. Declines in yields earned on the Company's loan and investment portfolios were partially offset by increases in average outstanding loans and reductions in funding costs. Exclusive of the accelerated interest accretion related to early payoffs of acquired loans and the impact of recoveries of charged-off interest, our net interest margin ratio was 3.43% during 2014 and 3.52% during 2013.

The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense resulting from estimated changes in average asset and liability balances (volume) and estimated changes in average interest rates (rate). Changes which are not due solely to volume or rate have been allocated to these categories based on the respective percent changes in average volume and average rate as they compare to each other.
Analysis of Interest Changes Due To Volume and Rates
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
compared with
December 31, 2014
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
compared with
December 31, 2013
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
compared with
December 31, 2012
 
Volume
Rate
Net
 
Volume
Rate
Net
 
Volume
Rate
Net
Interest earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans (1)
$
23,004

$
(8,262
)
$
14,742

 
$
16,689

$
(5,866
)
$
10,823

 
$
5,864

$
(16,138
)
$
(10,274
)
Investment Securities (1)
1,201

(789
)
412

 
(520
)
(1,420
)
(1,940
)
 
594

(6,512
)
(5,918
)
Federal funds sold
6

197

203

 
(9
)
(2
)
(11
)
 
3

2

5

Interest bearing deposits in banks

5

5

 
290

52

342

 
(241
)
(2
)
(243
)
Total change
24,211

(8,849
)
15,362

 
16,450

(7,236
)
9,214

 
6,220

(22,650
)
(16,430
)
Interest bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
115

(104
)
11

 
270

(139
)
131

 
187

(614
)
(427
)
Savings deposits
262

(165
)
97

 
245

(246
)
(1
)
 
167

(1,284
)
(1,117
)
Time deposits
(201
)
(579
)
(780
)
 
(805
)
(1,346
)
(2,151
)
 
(2,047
)
(2,915
)
(4,962
)
Repurchase agreements
1

(7
)
(6
)
 
(2
)
(55
)
(57
)
 
(51
)
(234
)
(285
)
Long-term debt
388

(104
)
284

 
18

62

80

 
(4
)
(41
)
(45
)
Preferred stock pending redemption



 
(159
)

(159
)
 
28


28

Subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts
(170
)
18

(152
)
 
177

(109
)
68

 
(992
)
(1,619
)
(2,611
)
Total change
395

(941
)
(546
)
 
(256
)
(1,833
)
(2,089
)
 
(2,712
)
(6,707
)
(9,419
)
Increase (decrease) in FTE net interest income (1)
$
23,816

$
(7,908
)
$
15,908

 
$
16,706

$
(5,403
)
$
11,303

 
$
8,932

$
(15,943
)
$
(7,011
)
    
(1)
Interest income and average rates for tax exempt loans and securities are presented on a FTE basis.


36


Provision for Loan Losses
    
The provision for loan losses supports the allowance for loan losses known and inherent in the loan portfolio at each balance sheet date. We perform a quarterly assessment of the risks inherent in our loan portfolio, as well as a detailed review of each significant loan with identified weaknesses. Based on this analysis, we record a provision for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at appropriate levels. In determining the allowance for loan losses, we estimate losses on specific loans, or groups of loans, where the probable loss can be identified and reasonably determined. The balance of the allowance for loan losses is based on internally assigned risk classifications of loans, historical loan loss rates, changes in the nature of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, industry concentrations, delinquency trends, current economic factors and the estimated impact of current economic conditions on certain historical loan loss rates. Fluctuations in the provision for loan losses result from management’s assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Ultimate loan losses may vary from current estimates. For additional information concerning the provision for loan losses, see “—Critical Accounting Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies” included herein.
    
Fluctuations in the provision for loan losses reflect management's estimate of possible loan losses based upon evaluation of the borrowers' ability to repay, collateral value underlying loans, loan loss trends and estimated effects of current economic conditions on our loan portfolio. During 2015, we recorded a provision for loan losses of $6.8 million, as compared to a reversal of provision for loan losses of $6.6 million in 2014. The provision for loan losses recorded in 2015 was attributable to increases in specific reserves on impaired loans and loan growth.

During 2014, reductions in specific reserves on impaired loans and lower general reserves reflective of continued improvement in economic conditions in our market areas, combined with improvement in loss history trends used to estimate required reserves and decreases in the level of criticized real estate and construction loans, which typically require higher reserves based on loss history, resulted in a $6.6 million reversal of provision for loan losses. During 2013, declining levels of non-performing assets and criticized loans indicative of improvement in and stabilization of our credit quality, combined with our assessment of the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses resulted in a reversal of provision for loan losses of $6.1 million. For additional information concerning non-performing assets, see “—Financial Condition—Non-Performing Assets” herein.
    
Non-interest Income
    
Our principal sources of non-interest income include other service charges, commissions and fees; income from the origination and sale of loans; wealth management revenues; and, service charges on deposit accounts. Non-interest income increased $9.5 million, or 8.6%, to $120.9 million in 2015 as compared to $111.4 million in 2014, and decreased $278 thousand, or less than 1.0%, to $111.4 million in 2014, as compared to $111.7 million in 2013. Significant components of these fluctuations are discussed below.
    
Other service charges, commissions and fees primarily include debit and credit card interchange income, mortgage servicing fees, insurance and other commissions and ATM service charge revenues. Other service charges, commissions and fees increased $2.4 million, or 5.9%, to $43.2 million in 2015 as compared to $40.7 million in 2014, and increased $4.8 million, or 13.2%, to $40.7 million in 2014 as compared to $36.0 million in 2013, primarily due to increases in interchange revenue due to higher credit and debit card transaction volumes and increases in mortgage loan servicing fee income resulting from an increase in the number of loans serviced.
    
Income from the origination and sale of loans includes origination and processing fees on residential real estate loans held for sale and gains on residential real estate loans sold to third parties. Fluctuations in market interest rates have a significant impact on revenues generated from the origination and sale of loans. Higher interest rates can reduce the demand for home loans and loans to refinance existing mortgages. Conversely, lower interest rates generally stimulate refinancing and home loan origination. Income from the origination and sale of loans increased $6.0 million, or 25.2%, to $30.0 million during 2015, as compared to $23.9 million during 2014. Our mortgage loan production volume increased 25% during 2015, as compared to 2014. Loans originated for home purchases accounted for approximately 66% of our 2015 production, as compared to 75% in 2014 and 54% in 2013.

Income from the origination and sale of loans decreased $10.3 million, or 30.1%, to $23.9 million during 2014, as compared to $34.3 million during 2013, due to the combined impacts of lower demand for refinancing loans in our market areas and increased retention of select mortgage loan production in our residential real estate loan portfolio.
            

37


Wealth management revenues are principally comprised of fees earned for management of trust assets and investment services revenues. Wealth management revenues increased $911 thousand, or 4.8%, to $19.9 million in 2015, as compared to $19.0 million in 2014, and increased $1.9 million, or 11.2%, to $19.0 million in 2014, as compared to $17.1 million in 2013, primarily due to the addition of new wealth management customers and increases in the market values of new and existing assets under management.

Other income primarily includes company-owned life insurance revenues, net gains or losses on securities held under deferred compensation plans, check printing income, agency stock dividends and gains on sales of miscellaneous assets. Other income decreased $368 thousand, or 3.3%, to $10.7 million in 2015, as compared to $11.1 million in 2014. During 2015, other income included a one-time gain of $863 thousand on the sale of land and the reversal of a $1.0 million expense accrual due to final settlement of secondary investor claims assumed as part of the Mountain West Financial Corp., or MWFC, acquisition. In addition, income from life insurance policies increased $571 thousand in 2015, as compared to 2014. When comparing 2015 to 2014, increases in other income in 2015 were more than offset by significant one-time other income items recorded in 2014. During 2014, other income included one-time net gains of $1.2 million related to the sale of two FIB bank buildings and insurance death benefits of $921 thousand. Also contributing to the decrease in other income in 2015, as compared to 2014, were decreases of $1.0 million in earnings on securities held under deferred compensation plans.

Other income increased $3.6 million, or 47.4%, to $11.1 million in 2014, as compared to $7.5 million in 2013. Income from life insurance increased $2.2 million in 2014, as compared to 2013, due to a full year of earnings on $60.0 million of life insurance purchased in December 2013 and January 2014, additional earnings on $13 million of company-owned life insurance acquired in the MWFC acquisition and the receipt of death benefits of $921. In addition, during fourth quarter 2014, we recorded net gains of $1.2 million related to the sale of two FIB bank buildings and received a $616 thousand volume bonus from our card payment network. These increases in other income in 2014, as compared to 2013, were partially offset by a decrease of $911 thousand in earnings on securities held under deferred compensation plans.

Non-interest Expense

Non-interest expense increased $11.1 million, or 4.7%, to $248.0 million in 2015, as compared to $236.9 million in 2014, and increased $14.8 million, or 6.7%, to $236.9 million in 2014, from $222.1 million in 2013. Non-interest expense for 2015 and 2014 includes $5.8 million and $8.0 million, respectively, of acquisition and loss contingency expenses. Exclusive of these acquisition and loss contingency expenses, non-interest expense increased $13.3 million, or 5.8%, to $242.2 million in 2015 as compared to $228.9 million 2014, and increased $6.8 million, or 3.1%, to $228.9 million in 2014, as compared to $222.1 in 2013. Significant components of these increases are discussed in more detail below.

Salaries and wages increased $4.9 million, or 5.1%, to $101.5 million in 2015, from $96.5 million in 2014, primarily due to increased personnel costs associated with the MWFC acquisition in July 2014 and the Absarokee acquisition in July 2015, inflationary wage increases and higher commissions paid to mortgage loan originators due to higher loan production volumes. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $1.5 million in incentive bonus accruals reflective of our 2015 performance against our 2015 performance targets.

Salaries and wages increased $2.5 million, or 2.7%, to $96.5 million in 2014, from $94.0 million in 2013, primarily due to increased personnel costs associated with the MWFC acquisition and inflationary wage increases. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $2.8 million in incentive bonus accruals reflective of the addition of new performance metrics and changes in the weighting of metrics used in determining incentives payable under our short-term incentive program.

Employee benefits increased $608 thousand, or 2.0%, to $30.7 million in 2015, as compared to $30.1 million in 2014, primarily due to the increases in group health insurance expense reflective of higher claims experience in 2015 and increased benefits costs resulting from the MWFC acquisition in July 2014 and the Absarokee acquisition in July 2015. These increases were partially offset by lower earnings on securities held under deferred compensation plans. Employee benefits decreased $208 thousand, or less than 1.0%, to $30.1 million in 2014, as compared to $30.3 million in 2013, primarily due to lower earnings on securities held under deferred compensation plans, which were partially offset by higher payroll taxes.


38


Furniture and equipment expense increased $1.7 million, or 12.4%, to $15.5 million in 2015, as compared to $13.8 million in 2014, primarily due to costs associated with the implementation of new software systems placed into service during the last half of 2014, the continued upgrade of systems during 2015 and increased maintenance costs resulting from the MWFC acquisition in July 2014 and the Absarokee acquisition in July 2015. Furniture and equipment expense increased $1.3 million, or 10.1%, to $13.8 million in 2014, as compared to $12.6 million in 2013, primarily due to the addition of facilities in conjunction with the acquisition of MWFC and additional software costs associated with the implementation of new systems to assist in accounting for acquired loans, processing mortgage loans and automating certain reconciliation functions.

OREO expense is recorded net of OREO income. Variations in net OREO expense between periods are primarily due to fluctuations in write-downs of the estimated fair value of properties, net gains and losses recorded on the sale of properties and carrying costs and/or operating expenses and income. Net OREO income increased $1.2 million, or 442.3%, to $1.5 million in 2015, as compared to $272 thousand in 2014, primarily due to higher net gains recorded on the sale of properties. During 2015, we recorded net gains of $3.0 million, as compared to net gains of $1.8 million in 2014.

During 2014, we recorded net OREO income of $272 thousand, as compared to net OREO expense of $2.3 million in 2013. During 2014, we recorded gains on the sale of properties of $1.8 million, wrote-down the fair value of properties by $224 thousand and recorded net operating expenses of $1.4 million. This compares to net gains of $3.2 million, write-downs of $3.5 million and net operating expenses of $2.0 million in 2013.

Professional fees increased $1.6 million, or 32.3%, to $6.5 million in 2015, as compared to $4.9 million in 2014. During 2015, we incurred professional fees in conjunction with identifying and executing strategies for revenue enhancement and changing our wealth management data platform. Professional fees increased $109 thousand, or 2.3%, to $4.9 million in 2014, as compared to $4.8 million in 2013.

Core deposit intangibles represent the intangible value of depositor relationships resulting from deposit liabilities assumed and are amortized based on the estimated useful lives of the related deposits. Core deposit intangibles amortization expense increased $1.1 million, or 50.5%, to $3.4 million in 2015, as compared to $2.3 million in 2014 due to additional amortization of core deposit intangibles recorded in conjunction with recent acquisitions. Core deposit intangible assets of $11 million recorded in conjunction with the MWFC acquisition in July 2014 and $695 thousand recorded in conjunction with the Absarokee acquisition in July 2015, are are being amortized using an accelerated method over the estimated useful lives of the related deposits of ten years. Core deposit intangible amortization expense increased $833 thousand, or 58.7%, to $2.3 million during 2014, as compared to $1.4 million during 2013 due to the amortization of core deposit intangible assets associated with the MWFC acquisition.

Other expenses primarily include advertising and public relations costs; office supply, postage, freight, telephone and travel expenses; donations expense; debit and credit card expenses; board of director fees; legal expenses; and, other losses. Other expenses increased $3.5 million, or 7.3%, to $50.9 million in 2015, as compared to $47.5 million in 2014. During 2015, the Company recorded write-downs aggregating $806 thousand in the fair value of two vacated bank buildings held for sale; recorded a one-time contract termination fee of $876 thousand related to a change in payment service provider; and incurred an additional legal expense of approximately $1.0 million in conjunction with legal settlements reached in 2015. In addition, the Company recorded fraud losses of $1.7 million in 2015, as compared to $1.2 million in 2014, due to unusually high fraudulent credit card activity during the first half of 2015. The remaining increase in other expense in 2015, as compared to 2014, is reflective of additional operating expenses resulting from the MWFC acquisition in July 2014 and the Absarokee acquisition in July 2015. Other expenses increased $4.2 million, or 9.6%, to $47.5 million in 2014, as compared to $43.3 million in 2013, primarily due to additional expenses associated with the acquisition of MWFC.

During 2015 and 2014, we recorded loss contingency expense of $5.0 million and $4.0 million, respectively related to a legal and settlement costs associated with a lender liability lawsuit against FIB. The lawsuit was settled in 2015. For additional information regarding this pending litigation, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Commitments and Contingencies,” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.

During 2015 and 2014, we recorded $795 thousand and $4.0 million of acquisition expenses related to the Absarokee acquisition in July 2015 and MWFC acquisition in July 2014, respectively. Acquisition expenses primarily include legal and professional fees, employee retention payments and travel expenses. For additional information regarding the acquisition, see "Recent Developments" included herein and “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Acquisitions,” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.


39


Income Tax Expense

Our effective federal tax rate was 29.0% for the year ended December 31, 2015, 30.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 30.8% for the year ended December 31, 2013. Decreases in effective federal income tax rates are primarily due to higher levels of federal tax credits resulting from our increased participation in the New Markets Tax Credits Program. For additional information about our participation in the New Markets Tax Credits Program, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.

State income tax applies primarily to pretax earnings generated within Montana and South Dakota. Our effective state tax rate was 4.5% for the year ended December 31, 2015, 4.2% for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 4.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Net Income

Net income was $86.8 million, or $1.90 per diluted share, in 2015, compared to $84.4 million, or $1.87 per diluted share, in 2014 and $86.1 million, or $1.96 per diluted share, in 2013.

Summary of Quarterly Results

The following table presents unaudited quarterly results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Quarterly Results
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
 
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Full
Year
Year Ended December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
68,792

$
69,718

$
70,780

$
73,133

$
282,423

Interest expense
4,467

4,430

4,450

4,713

18,060

Net interest income
64,325

65,288

66,330

68,420

264,363

Provision for loan losses
1,095

1,340

1,098

3,289

6,822

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
63,230

63,948

65,232

65,131

257,541

Non-interest income
27,782

31,770

30,482

30,895

120,929

Non-interest expense
59,592

61,978

65,502

60,941

248,013

Income before income taxes
31,420

33,740

30,212

35,085

130,457

Income tax expense
10,440

11,518

10,050

11,654

43,662

Net income
$
20,980

$
22,222

$
20,162

$
23,431

$
86,795

 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.46

$
0.49

$
0.45

$
0.52

$
1.92

Diluted earnings per common share
0.46

0.49

0.44

0.51

1.90

Dividends paid per common share
0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.80

 
 
 
 
 
 

40


Quarterly Results (continued)
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
 
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Full
Year
Year Ended December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
62,687

$
64,185

$
69,728

$
70,467

$
267,067

Interest expense
4,551

4,458

4,646

4,951

18,606

Net interest income
58,136

59,727

65,082

65,516

248,461

Provision for loan losses
(5,000
)
(2,001
)
261

118

(6,622
)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
63,136

61,728

64,821

65,398

255,083

Non-interest income
24,106

26,571

29,363

31,361

111,401

Non-interest expense
54,338

55,920

64,958

61,653

236,869

Income before income taxes
32,904

32,379

29,226

35,106

129,615

Income tax expense
11,511

11,302

10,071

12,330

45,214

Net income
$
21,393

$
21,077

$
19,155

$
22,776

$
84,401

 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.49

$
0.48

$
0.43

$
0.50

$
1.89

Diluted earnings per common share
0.48

0.47

0.42

0.49

1.87

Dividends paid per common share
0.16

0.16

0.16

0.16

0.64


Financial Condition

Total assets increased $118 million, or 1.4%, to $8,728 million as of December 31, 2015, from $8,610 million as of December  31, 2014, with $75 million of the increase attributable to the Absarokee acquisition. During 2015, deposit growth combined with proceeds from maturities and paydowns of investment securities were used to fund loan growth. Total assets increased $1,045 million, or 13.8%, to $8,610 as of December 31, 2014, from $7,565 as of December 31, 2013, with approximately $612 million of the increase attributable to the MWFC acquisition. Exclusive of the acquired MWFC assets, total assets increased $433 million, or 5.7%, compared to December 31, 2013, primarily due to organic deposit growth which was used to fund increases in interest earning assets.

Loans

Our loan portfolio consists of a mix of real estate, consumer, commercial, agricultural and other loans, including fixed and variable rate loans. Fluctuations in the loan portfolio are directly related to the economies of the communities we serve. While each loan originated generally must meet minimum underwriting standards established in our credit policies, lending officers are granted certain levels of authority in approving and pricing loans to assure that the banking offices are responsive to competitive issues and community needs in each market area. For additional information regarding our underwriting standards and loan approval policies, see "Community Banking—Lending Activities", included in Part I, Item I of this report.

Total loans increased $349 million, or 7.1%, to $5,246 million as of December 31, 2015, from $4,897 million as of December 31, 2014, with all major categories of loans, except agricultural real estate loans, showing growth. Approximately $37 million of the increase in total loans in 2015, as compared to 2014, was attributable to the Absarokee acquisition. Total loans increased $553 million, or 12.7%, to $4,897 million as of December 31, 2014, from $4,345 million as of December 31, 2013, with approximately $360 million of the increase attributable to the MWFC acquisition. Exclusive of the acquired MWFC loans, total loans increased $193 million, or 4.4%, compared to December 31, 2013, with the most notable organic growth occurring in residential real estate and consumer loans.


41


The following table presents the composition of our loan portfolio as of the dates indicated:
Loans Outstanding
(Dollars in thousands)
 
As of December 31,
 
2015
Percent
 
2014
Percent
 
2013
Percent
 
2012
Percent
 
2011
Percent
Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
1,793,258

34.2
%
 
$
1,639,422

33.5
%
 
$
1,449,174

33.3
%
 
$
1,497,272

35.6
%
 
$
1,553,155

37.1
%
Construction
430,719

8.2

 
418,269

8.5

 
351,635

8.1

 
334,529

7.9

 
400,773

9.6

Residential
1,032,851

19.7

 
999,903

20.4

 
867,912

20.0

 
708,339

16.8

 
571,943

13.7

Agricultural
156,234

3.0

 
167,659

3.4

 
173,534

4.0

 
177,244

4.2

 
175,302

4.2

Consumer
844,353

16.1

 
762,471

15.6

 
671,587

15.5

 
636,794

15.1

 
616,071

14.7

Commercial
792,416

15.1

 
740,073

15.1

 
676,544

15.6

 
688,753

16.3

 
693,261

16.6

Agricultural
142,151

2.7

 
124,859

2.5

 
111,872

2.6

 
113,627

2.8

 
119,710

2.8

Other loans
1,339


 
3,959


 
1,734


 
912


 
2,813


Mortgage loans held for sale
52,875

1.0

 
40,828

0.8

 
40,861

0.9

 
66,442

1.3

 
53,521

1.3

Total loans
5,246,196

100.0
%
 
4,897,443

100.0
%
 
4,344,853

100.0
%
 
4,223,912

100.0
%
 
4,186,549

100.0
%
Less allowance for loan losses
76,817

 
 
74,200

 
 
85,339

 
 
100,511

 
 
112,581

 
Net loans
$
5,169,379

 
 
$
4,823,243

 
 
$
4,259,514

 
 
$
4,123,401

 
 
$
4,073,968

 
Ratio of allowance to total loans
1.46
%
 
 
1.52
%
 
 
1.96
%
 
 
2.38
%
 
 
2.69
%
 
    
Real Estate Loans. We provide interim construction and permanent financing for both single-family and multi-unit properties, medium-term loans for commercial, agricultural and industrial property and/or buildings and equity lines of credit secured by real estate.
    
Commercial real estate loans. Commercial real estate loans include loans for property and improvements used commercially by the borrower or for lease to others for the production of goods or services. Approximately 50% and 51% of our commercial real estate loans were owner occupied as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Commercial real estate loans increased $154 million, or 9.4%, to $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2015, from $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2014, with approximately $12 million of the increase attributable to the Absarokee acquisition. Management attributes the remaining organic growth in commercial real estate loans to continuing business expansion in our market areas and the movement of completed commercial construction projects from construction loans to permanent financing.

Commercial real estate loans increased $190 million, or 13.1%, to $1,639 million as of December 31, 2014, from $1,449 million as of December 31, 2013. Exclusive of the MWFC acquired loans, commercial real estate loans decreased $25 million, or 1.7%, from December 31, 2013, primarily due to soft loan demand combined with the movement of loans out of the portfolio through charge-off, pay-off and foreclosure.
            
Construction loans. Construction loans are primarily to commercial builders for residential lot development and the construction of single-family residences and commercial real estate properties. Construction loans are generally underwritten pursuant to pre-approved permanent financing. During the construction phase the borrower pays interest only. As of December 31, 2015, our construction loan portfolio was divided among the following categories: approximately $112 million, or 26%, residential construction; approximately $95 million, or 22%, commercial construction; and, approximately $224 million, or 52%, land acquisition and development. This compares to approximately $97 million, or 23%, residential construction; approximately $101 million, or 24%, commercial construction; and, approximately $220 million, or 53%, land acquisition and development as of December 31, 2014.
    
Construction loans grew organically $12 million, or 3.0%, to $431 million as of December 31, 2015, from $418 million as of December 31, 2014. Exclusive of the of the MWFC acquired loans, construction loans increased $37 million, or 10.4%, from December 31, 2013. Management attributes organic growth in construction loans to continuing increased housing demand in our market areas during 2015 and 2014.
    

42


Residential real estate loans. Retained residential real estate loans are typically secured by first liens on the financed property and generally mature in less than fifteen years. Included in residential real estate loans were home equity loans and lines of credit of $299 million as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Residential real estate loans increased $33 million, or 3.3%, to $1,033 million as of December 31, 2015, from $1,000 million as of December 31, 2014, primarily due to continued increased housing demand in our market areas. Residential real estate loans grew $132 million, or 15.2%, to $1,000 million as of December 31, 2014, from $868 million as of December 31, 2013, with approximately $48 million of the increase attributable to the MWFC acquisition. Exclusive of the MWFC acquired loans, residential real estate loans grew $84 million, or 9.6%, from December 31, 2013, due to higher retention of residential loans in our portfolio combined with increased housing demand in our market areas.

Consumer Loans. Our consumer loans include direct personal loans; credit card loans and lines of credit; and, indirect loans created when we purchase consumer loan contracts advanced for the purchase of automobiles, boats and other consumer goods from the consumer product dealer network within the market areas we serve. Personal loans and indirect dealer loans are generally secured by automobiles, recreational vehicles, boats and other types of personal property and are made on an installment basis. Credit cards are offered to customers in our market areas. Lines of credit are generally floating rate loans that are unsecured or secured by personal property. Approximately 74% and 73% of our consumer loans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were indirect consumer loans.

Consumer loans increased $82 million, or 10.7%, to $844 million as of December 31, 2015, from $762 million as of December 31, 2014, with $70 million of this growth attributable to indirect consumer loans. Consumer loans increased $91 million, or 13.5%, to $762 million as of December 31, 2014, from $672 million as of December 31, 2013, with approximately $9 million of increase attributable to the MWFC acquisition. Exclusive of the MWFC acquisition, consumer loans grew organically $82 million, or 12.2%, from December 31, 2013. Management attributes organic growth in consumer loans to expansion of our indirect lending program within our existing market areas and increases in the average loan amounts advanced in 2015 and 2014.

Commercial Loans. We provide a mix of variable and fixed rate commercial loans. The loans are typically made to small and medium-sized manufacturing, wholesale, retail and service businesses for working capital needs and business expansions. Commercial loans generally include lines of credit, business credit cards and loans with maturities of five years or less. The loans are generally made with business operations as the primary source of repayment, but also include collateralization by inventory, accounts receivable, equipment and/or personal guarantees.

Commercial loans increased $52 million, or 7.1%, to $792 million as of December 31, 2015, from $740 million as of December 31, 2014. Commercial loans increased $64 million, or 9.4%, to $740 million as of December 31, 2014, from $677 million as of December 31, 2013, with approximately $48 million of increase attributable to the MWFC acquisition. Exclusive of the MWFC acquisition, commercial loans grew organically $15 million, or 2.2%, from December 31, 2013. Management attributes organic growth in commercial loans to continuing business expansion in certain of our market areas during 2015 and 2014.

Agricultural Loans. Our agricultural loans generally consist of short and medium-term loans and lines of credit that are primarily used for crops, livestock, equipment and general operations. Agricultural loans are ordinarily secured by assets such as livestock or equipment and are repaid from the operations of the farm or ranch. Agricultural loans generally have maturities of five years or less, with operating lines for one production season. Agricultural loans increased $17 million, or 13.8%, to $142 million as of December 31, 2015, from $125 million as of December 31, 2014, with approximately $7 million of the increase attributable to the Absarokee acquisition. Agricultural loans increased $13 million, or 11.6%, to $125 million as of December 31, 2014, from $112 million as of December 31, 2013, with approximately $2 million of increase attributable to the MWFC acquisition. Exclusive of the acquired loans, agricultural loans increased $11 million, or 10.0%, from December 31, 2013.
    

43


The following table presents the maturity distribution of our loan portfolio and the sensitivity of the loans to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2015:
Maturities and Interest Rate Sensitivities
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Within
One Year
One Year to
Five Years
After
Five Years
Total
Real estate
$
1,072,841

$
1,466,204

$
874,017

$
3,413,062

Consumer
247,393

504,224

92,736

844,353

Commercial
396,755

284,734

110,927

792,416

Agricultural
114,309

26,185

1,657

142,151

Other
1,339



1,339

Mortgage loans held for sale
52,875



52,875

Total loans
$
1,885,512

$
2,281,347

$
1,079,337

$
5,246,196

Loans at fixed interest rates
$
1,128,509

$
1,459,006

$
298,709

$
2,886,224

Loans at variable interest rates
757,003

822,341

714,243

2,293,587

Non-accrual loans


66,385

66,385

Total loans
$
1,885,512

$
2,281,347

$
1,079,337

$
5,246,196

        
Non-Performing Assets
    
Non-performing assets include non-performing loans and OREO. The following table sets forth information regarding non-performing assets as of the dates indicated:
Non-Performing Assets and Troubled Debt Restructurings
(Dollars in thousands)
As of December 31,
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Non-performing loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans
$
66,385

$
62,182

$
94,439

$
107,799

$
199,983

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
5,602

2,576

2,232

2,277

4,111

Total non-performing loans
71,987

64,758

96,671

110,076

204,094

OREO
6,254

13,554

15,504

32,571

37,452

Total non-performing assets
$
78,241

$
78,312

$
112,175

$
142,647

$
241,546

 
 
 
 
 
 
Troubled debt restructurings not included above (1)
$
15,419

$
20,952

$
21,780

$
31,932

$
37,376

 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performing loans to total loans (2)
1.37
%
1.32
%
2.22
%
2.61
%
4.87
%
Non-performing assets to total loans and OREO (3)
1.49

1.59

2.57

3.35

5.72

Non-performing assets to total assets (4)
0.90

0.91

1.48

1.85

3.30

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans (5)
106.71

114.58

88.28

91.31

55.16

    
(1)
Accruing loans modified in troubled debt restructurings are not considered non-performing loans. While still considered impaired under applicable accounting guidance, these loans are performing as agreed under their modified terms and management expects performance to continue.
(2)
Including accruing troubled debt restructurings described in footnote 1, the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans would be 1.67%, 1.75%, 2.73%, 3.36% and 5.77% as of December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(3)
Including accruing troubled debt restructurings described in footnote 1, the ratio of non-performing assets to total loans and OREO would be 1.78%, 2.02%, 3.07%, 4.10%, 6.60% and 5.55% as of December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.     
(4)
Including accruing troubled debt restructurings described in footnote 1, the ratio of non-performing assets to total assets would be 1.07%, 1.15%, 1.77%, 2.26% and 3.81% as of December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.     
(5)
Including accruing troubled debt restructurings described in footnote 1, the ratio of allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans would be 87.89%, 86.57%, 72.05%, 70.78% and 46.62% as of December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

44


Non-performing loans. Non-performing loans include non-accrual loans and loans contractually past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest. Impaired loans include all loans risk rated doubtful, loans placed on non-accrual status and loans renegotiated in troubled debt restructurings, with the exception of consumer loans. We monitor and evaluate collateral values on impaired loans quarterly. Appraisals are required on all impaired loans every 18-24 months, or sooner as conditions necessitate. We monitor real estate values by market for our larger market areas. Based on trends in real estate values, adjustments may be made to the appraised value based on time elapsed between the appraisal date and the impairment analysis or a new appraisal may be ordered. Appraised values in our smaller market areas may be adjusted based on trends identified through discussions with local realtors and appraisers. Appraisals are also adjusted for selling costs. The adjusted appraised value is then compared to the loan balance and any resulting shortfall is recorded in the allowance for loan losses as a specific valuation allowance. Overall increases in specific valuation allowances will result in higher provisions for loan losses. Provisions for loan losses are also impacted by changes in the historical or general valuation elements of the allowance for loan losses as well.     

Total non-performing loans increased $7 million, or 11.2%, to $72 million as of December 31, 2015, from $65 million as of December 31, 2014, and decreased $32 million, or 33.0%, to $65 million as of December 31, 2014, from $97 million as of December 31, 2013. Non-accrual loans, the largest component of non-performing loans, increased $4 million, or 6.8%, to $66 million as of December 31, 2015, from $62 million as of December 31, 2014, primarily due to placement of the loans of one commercial borrower on non-accrual status. Non-accrual loans decreased $32 million, or 34.2%, to $62 million as of December 31, 2014, from $94 million as of December 31, 2013, primarily due to pay-downs and the return of performing loans to accrual status.
    
We generally place loans on non-accrual when they become 90 days past due, unless they are well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, any interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed from income. Approximately $3.2 million, $4.0 million and $4.6 million of gross interest income would have been accrued if all loans on non-accrual had been current in accordance with their original terms for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and when, in the opinion of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest. Loans returned to accrual status are no longer considered impaired.

Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest increased $3 million, or 117.5%, to $6 million as of December 31, 2015, from $3 million as of December 31, 2014, primarily due to the loans of one borrower that were in the process of renewal as of December 31, 2015.


45


The following table sets forth the allocation of our non-performing loans among our different types of loans as of the dates indicated.    
Non-Performing Loans by Loan Type
(Dollars in thousands)
 
As of December 31,
 
2015
Percent
 
2014
Percent
 
2013
Percent
 
2012
Percent
 
2011
Percent
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
24,189

33.6
%
 
$
27,700

42.8
%
 
$
48,955

50.7
%
 
$
50,518

45.8
%
 
$
67,649

33.2
%
Construction:
 


 
 


 
 


 
 


 
 


Land acquisition and development
7,956

11.1

 
8,252

12.7

 
16,307

16.9

 
19,627

17.8

 
62,780

30.8

Commercial
955

1.3

 
2,564

4.0

 
225

0.2

 
8,126

7.4

 
24,536

12.0

Residential
293

0.4

 
272

0.4

 
1,372

1.4

 
2,175

2.0

 
4,472

2.2

Total construction
9,204

12.8

 
11,088

17.1

 
17,904

18.5

 
29,928

27.2

 
91,788

45.0

Residential
7,305

10.1

 
4,554

7.0

 
7,276

7.5

 
11,511

10.5

 
20,023

9.8

Agricultural
5,355

7.4

 
6,842

10.6

 
8,574

8.9

 
5,048

4.6

 
3,249

1.6

Total real estate
46,053

63.9

 
50,184

77.5

 
82,709

85.6

 
97,005

88.1

 
182,709

89.6

Consumer
1,918

2.7

 
1,282

2.0

 
1,350

1.4

 
1,727

1.6

 
2,054

1.0

Commercial
23,012

32.0

 
12,846

19.8

 
12,487

12.9

 
10,819

9.8

 
18,462

9.0

Agricultural
690

1.0

 
446

0.7

 
125

0.1

 
525

0.5

 
869

0.4

Other
$
314

0.4

 


 
$


 
$


 
$


Total non-performing loans
$
71,987

100.0
%
 
$
64,758

100.0
%
 
$
96,671

100.0
%
 
$
110,076

100.0
%
 
$
204,094

100.0
%
For additional information regarding non-performing loans, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Loans” included in financial statements included Part IV, Item 15 of this report.    

  OREO. OREO consists of real property acquired through foreclosure on the collateral underlying defaulted loans. We initially record OREO at fair value less estimated selling costs. Any excess of loan carrying value over the fair value of the real estate acquired is recorded as a charge against the allowance for loan losses. Estimated losses that result from the ongoing periodic valuation of these properties are charged to earnings in the period in which they are identified. The fair values of OREO properties are estimated using appraisals and management estimates of current market conditions. OREO properties are appraised every 18-24 months unless deterioration in local market conditions indicates the need to obtain new appraisals sooner. OREO properties are evaluated by management quarterly to determine if additional write-downs are appropriate or necessary based on current market conditions. Quarterly evaluations include a review of the most recent appraisal of the property and reviews of recent appraisals and comparable sales data for similar properties in the same or adjacent market areas. Commercial and agricultural OREO properties are listed with unrelated third party professional real estate agents or brokers local to the areas where the marketed properties are located. Residential properties are typically listed with local realtors, after any redemption period has expired. We rely on these local real estate agents and/or brokers to list the properties on the local multiple listing system, to provide marketing materials and advertisements for the properties and to conduct open houses.    
OREO decreased $7 million, or 53.9%, to $6 million as of December 31, 2015, from $14 million as of December 31, 2014. During 2015,we recorded additions to OREO of $6 million and sold OREO with a book value of $13 million at a $3.0 million gain. As of December 31, 2015, 34% of our OREO balance related to land and land development properties, 33% to commercial properties, 27% to residential real estate properties, 5% to agricultural real estate properties and 1% to construction properties.
OREO decreased $2 million, or 12.6%, to $14 million as of December 31, 2014, from $16 million as of December 31, 2013. During 2014, we recorded additions to OREO of $9 million, $4 million of which were acquired in conjunction with the MWFC acquisition, wrote down the fair value of OREO properties by $224 thousand and sold OREO with a book value of $11 million.

46


Troubled Debt Restructurings. Modifications of performing loans are made in the ordinary course of business and are completed on a case-by-case basis as negotiated with the borrower. Loan modifications typically include interest rate concessions, interest-only periods, short-term payment deferrals and extension of amortization periods to provide payment relief. A loan modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring if the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and we, for economic or legal reasons, grant a concession to the borrower that we would not otherwise consider. Those modifications deemed to be troubled debt restructurings are monitored centrally to ensure proper classification as a troubled debt restructuring and if or when the loan may be placed on accrual status.     
As of December 31, 2015, we had loans renegotiated in troubled debt restructurings of $40 million, of which $25 million were reported as non-accrual loans in the non-performing asset and troubled debt restructuring and non-performing loan tables above. The remaining $15 million were on accrual status and are reported as troubled debt restructurings in the non-performing asset and troubled debt restructurings table above.     
As of December 31, 2014, we had loans renegotiated in troubled debt restructurings of $44 million, of which $23 million were reported as non-accrual loans in the non-performing asset and troubled debt restructurings and non-performing loan tables above. The remaining $21 million were on accrual status and are reported as troubled debt restructurings in the non-performing asset and troubled debt restructurings table above.
For additional information regarding loans modified in troubled debt restructurings, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Loans” included in financial statements included Part IV, Item 15 of this report.
Allowance for Loan Losses    
The Company performs a quarterly assessment of the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The methodology used to assess the adequacy is consistently applied to the Company's loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses based on our evaluation of known and inherent risk in our loan portfolio at each balance sheet date. In determining the allowance for loan losses, we estimate losses on specific loans, or groups of loans, where the probable loss can be identified and reasonably determined. The balance of the allowance for loan losses is based on internally assigned risk classifications of loans, historical loan loss rates, changes in the nature of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, industry concentrations, delinquency trends, current economic factors and the estimated impact of current economic conditions on certain historical loan loss rates. See the discussion under “Critical Accounting Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies — Allowance for Loan Losses” above.    
The allowance for loan losses is increased by provisions charged against earnings and recoveries of charged-off loans and is reduced by negative provisions credited to earnings and loan charge-offs. Loans, or portions thereof, are charged-off when management believes that the collectibility of the principal is unlikely or, with respect to consumer installment and credit card loans, according to established delinquency schedules.    
The allowance for loan losses consists of three elements:     
(1)
Specific valuation allowances associated with impaired loans. Specific valuation allowances are determined based on assessment of the fair value of the collateral underlying the loans as determined through independent appraisals, the present value of future cash flows, observable market prices and any relevant qualitative or environmental factors impacting the loan. No specific valuation allowances are recorded for impaired loans that are adequately secured.
(2)
Historical valuation allowances based on loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends. Historical valuation allowances are determined by applying percentage loss factors to the credit exposures from outstanding loans. For commercial, agricultural and real estate loans, loss factors are applied based on the internal risk classifications of these loans. For consumer loans, loss factors are applied on a portfolio basis. For commercial, agriculture and real estate loans, loss factor percentages are based on a migration analysis of our historical loss experience, designed to account for credit deterioration. For consumer loans, loss factor percentages are based on a one-year loss history.        
(3) General valuation allowances determined based on changes in the nature of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, industry concentrations, delinquency trends, general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to us.     
Based on the assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, management records provisions for loan losses to maintain the allowance for loan losses at appropriate levels.    

47


Loans acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair value with no allowance for loan losses on the date of acquisition. Subsequent to the acquisition date, an allowance for loan loss is recorded for the emergence of new probable and estimable losses on loans acquired without evidence of credit impairment. Loans acquired with evidence of credit impairment are regularly monitored and to the extent that the performance has deteriorated from management's expectations at the date of acquisition, an allowance for loan losses is established. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, management determined that an allowance for loan losses of $382 thousand and $287 thousand, respectively, was required for acquired loans under generally accepted accounting principles.
Loans, or portions thereof, are charged-off against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely, or, with respect to consumer installment loans, according to an established delinquency schedule. Generally, loans are charged-off when (1) there has been no material principal reduction within the previous 90 days and there is no pending sale of collateral or other assets, (2) there is no significant or pending event which will result in principal reduction within the upcoming 90 days, (3) it is clear that we will not be able to collect all or a portion of the loan, (4) payments on the loan are sporadic, will result in an excessive amortization or are not consistent with the collateral held and (5) foreclosure or repossession actions are pending. Loan charge-offs do not directly correspond with the receipt of independent appraisals or the use of observable market data if the collateral value is determined to be sufficient to repay the principal balance of the loan.     

If the impaired loan is adequately collateralized, a specific valuation allowance is not recorded. As such, significant changes in impaired and non-performing loans do not necessarily correspond proportionally with changes in the specific valuation component of the allowance for loan losses. Additionally, management expects the timing of charge-offs will vary between quarters and will not necessarily correspond proportionally to changes in the allowance for loan losses or changes in non-performing or impaired loans due to timing differences among the initial identification of an impaired loan, recording of a specific valuation allowance for the impaired loan and any resulting charge-off of uncollectible principal.
In response to declines in national, regional and local economies we recorded additional general valuation allowances based on management's estimation of the probable impact that the declines would have on our loan portfolio. Accordingly, we recorded significantly higher provisions for loan losses in 2011 to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an appropriate level. Impaired and non-performing loans peaked in mid-2011 and our provision for loan losses, which began decreasing during the last half of 2011, continued to decrease through 2014, with negative provisions recorded during the last half of 2013 and the first half of 2014. During 2015, we recorded provisions for loan losses of $6.8 million, of which $3.3 million was recorded during fourth quarter. Approximately 73% of the fourth quarter 2015 provision for loan losses was the result of specific reserves related to the loans of one borrower. This compares to a reversal of provision for loan losses of $6.6 million in 2014. Increases in provisions for loan losses during 2015, as compared to 2014, are reflective of loan growth and increases in specific reserves primarily related to four commercial real estate relationships.
    

48


The following table sets forth information concerning our allowance for loan losses as of the dates and for the periods indicated.
Allowance for Loan Losses
(Dollars in thousands)
As of and for the year ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Balance at the beginning of period
$
74,200

$
85,339

$
100,511

$
112,581

$
120,480

Charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
326

2,042

4,430

13,014

13,227

Construction
2,363

328

3,515

25,510

26,125

Residential
717

637

2,177

4,879

6,199

Agricultural
669

7

102

103

213

Consumer
5,683

4,887

4,612

5,320

6,043

Commercial
1,658

6,030

5,672

11,990

19,332

Agricultural
221

64

5

120

142

Total charge-offs
11,637

13,995

20,513

60,936

71,281

Recoveries:
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
1,831

953

3,644

907

293

Construction
903

2,009

2,010

2,022

1,641

Residential
387

358

424

310

201

Agricultural
13

3

9

2


Consumer
2,549

2,347

2,059

1,945

1,739

Commercial
1,749

3,781

3,293

2,905

1,344

Agricultural

27

27

25

13

Total recoveries
7,432

9,478

11,466

8,116

5,231

Net charge-offs
4,205

4,517

9,047

52,820

66,050

Provision for loan losses
6,822

(6,622
)
(6,125
)
40,750

58,151

Balance at end of period
$
76,817

$
74,200

$
85,339

$
100,511

$
112,581

Period end loans
$
5,246,196

$
4,897,443

$
4,344,853

$
4,223,912

$
4,186,549

Average loans
5,056,810

4,602,907

4,281,673

4,176,439

4,275,128

Net charge-offs to average loans
0.08
%
0.10
%
0.21
%
1.26
%
1.54
%
Allowance to period-end loans
1.46

1.52

1.96

2.38

2.69

    
The allowance for loan losses was $77 million, or 1.46% of period-end loans, at December 31, 2015, compared to $74 million, or 1.52% of period-end loans, at December 31, 2014, and $85 million, or 1.96% of period-end loans, at December 31, 2013. The decrease in the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans as of December 31, 2015, compared to December 31, 2014, is primarily due to organic loan growth and the addition of acquired loans which are initially recorded at fair vale with no carryover of the related allowance for loan losses. The decreases in the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans as of December 31, 2014, compared to December 31, 2013, was largely due to the acquisition of MWFC loans, which were initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for loan losses.

Although we believe that we have established our allowance for loan losses in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and that the allowance for loan losses was adequate to provide for known and inherent losses in the portfolio at all times during the five-year period ended December 31, 2015, future provisions will be subject to on-going evaluations of the risks in the loan portfolio. If the economy declines or asset quality deteriorates, material additional provisions could be required.
    
The allowance for loan losses is allocated to loan categories based on the relative risk characteristics, asset classifications and actual loss experience of the loan portfolio. The following table provides a summary of the allocation of the allowance for loan losses for specific loan categories as of the dates indicated. The allocations presented should not be interpreted as an indication that charges to the allowance for loan losses will be incurred in these amounts or proportions, or that the portion

49


of the allowance allocated to each loan category represents the total amount available for future losses that may occur within these categories. The unallocated portion of the allowance for loan losses and the total allowance are applicable to the entire loan portfolio.
Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses
(Dollars in thousands)
As of December 31,
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
 
Allocated
Reserves
% of
Loan
Category
to Total
Loans
Allocated
Reserves
% of
Loan
Category
to Total
Loans
Allocated
Reserves
% of
Loan
Category
to Total
Loans
Allocated
Reserves
% of
Loan
Category
to Total
Loans
Allocated
Reserves
% of
Loan
Category
to Total
Loans
Real estate
$
52,296

65.1
%
$
53,884

65.9
%
$
63,923

65.4
%
$
75,782

64.5
%
$
87,396

64.6
%
Consumer
5,144

16.1

5,035

15.6

6,193

15.5

7,141

15.1

8,594

14.7

Commercial
18,775

15.1

14,307

15.1

14,747

15.6

17,085

16.3

15,325

16.6

Agricultural
602

2.7

974

2.5

476

2.6

503

2.8

1,266

2.8

Other loans



0.1







Mortgage loans held for sale

1.0


0.8


0.9


1.3


1.3

Unallocated

N/A


N/A


N/A


N/A


N/A

Totals
$
76,817

100.0
%
$
74,200

100.0
%
$
85,339

100.0
%
$
100,511

100.0
%
$
112,581

100.0
%
    
The allowance for loan losses allocated to commercial loans increased 31.2% to $19 million as of December 31, 2015, from $14 million as of December 31, 2014, primarily due to increases in specific valuation allowances on impaired loans. The allowance for loan losses allocated to real estate loans decreased 15.7% to $54 million as of December 31, 2014, from $64 million as of December 31, 2013, and decreased 15.6% to $64 million as of December 31 2013, from $76 million as of December 31, 2012, primarily due to improvement in real estate values and housing demand in our market areas. The allowance for loan losses allocated to real estate loans decreased 13.3% to $76 million as of December 31, 2012, from $87 million as of December 31, 2011, primarily due to the charge-off of non-performing loans.
    
Investment Securities
    
We manage our investment portfolio to obtain the highest yield possible, while meeting our risk tolerance and liquidity guidelines and satisfying the pledging requirements for deposits of state and political subdivisions and securities sold under repurchase agreements. Our portfolio principally comprises U.S. government agency residential mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, U.S. government agency securities and tax exempt securities. Federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits in bank are additional investments that are classified as cash equivalents rather than as investment securities. Investment securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value, while investment securities classified as held-to-maturity are recorded at amortized cost. Unrealized gains or losses, net of the deferred tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are reported as increases or decreases in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, a component of stockholders’ equity.

Investment securities decreased $230 million, or 10.0%, to $2,058 million as of December 31, 2015, from $2,287 million as of December 31, 2014. Proceeds from maturities and paydowns were primarily used to fund loan growth during 2015. Investment securities increased $136 million, or 6.3%, to $2,287 million as of December 31, 2014, from $2,152 million as of December 31, 2013, with approximately $37 million of the increase attributable to investment securities acquired in conjunction with the MWFC acquisition. The remaining increase was due to investment of funds generated through deposit growth.

On October 31, 2015, we transferred available-for-sale U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations with amortized costs and fair values of $100 million and $100 million, respectively, into the held-to-maturity category. Net unrealized losses of $203 thousand included in accumulated other comprehensive income at the time of the transfer are being amortized to yield over the remaining expected lives of the transferred securities of 4.0 years. On June 27, 2014, we transferred available-for-sale U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations with amortized costs and fair values of $397 million and $389 million, respectively, into the held-to-maturity category. Net unrealized losses of $8 million included in accumulated other comprehensive income at the time of the transfer are being amortized to yield over the remaining expected lives of the transferred securities of 4.3 years.

50


The following table sets forth the book value, percentage of total investment securities and weighted average yields on investment securities as of December 31, 2015. Weighted-average yields have been computed on a fully taxable-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 35%.
Securities Maturities and Yield
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Book
Value
% of Total
Investment
Securities
Weighted
Average
FTE Yield
U.S. Treasuries
 
 
 
Maturing within one year
$
301

0.01
 %
0.32
%
Maturing in one to five years
3,611

0.18

1.22

Mark-to-market adjustments on securities available-for-sale
(1
)

NA

Total
3,911

0.19

1.15

U.S. Government agency securities
 
 
 
Maturing within one year
97,394

4.73

1.02

Maturing in one to five years
413,685

20.11

1.38

Maturing in five to ten years
10,000

0.49

1.97

Mark-to-market adjustments on securities available-for-sale
(898
)
(0.04
)
NA

Total
520,181

25.29

1.33

Mortgage-backed securities
 
 
 
Maturing within one year
312,602

15.19

2.58

Maturing in one to five years
821,007

39.91

1.61

Maturing in five to ten years
86,507

4.20

2.60

Maturing after ten years
78,219

3.80

3.41

Mark-to-market adjustments on securities available-for-sale
7,347

0.36

NA

Total
1,305,682

63.46

2.01

Marketable CDs
 
 
 
Maturing within one year
1,479

0.07

1.22

Maturing in one to five years
2,071

0.10

1.75

Mark-to-market adjustments on securities available-for-sale
(4
)
NA

NA

Total
3,546

0.17

1.53

Tax exempt securities
 
 
 
Maturing within one year
8,903

0.43

2.36

Maturing in one to five years
58,117

2.82

3.63

Maturing in five to ten years
84,619

4.11

4.81

Maturing after ten years
22,146

1.08

4.60

Mark-to-market adjustments on securities available-for-sale
NA

NA

NA

Total
173,785

8.44

4.26

Corporate securities
 
 
 
Maturing within one year
9,654

0.47

1.03

Maturing in one to five years
40,392

1.96

1.92

Mark-to-market adjustments on securities available-for-sale
NA

NA

NA

Total
50,046

2.43

1.75

Other securities
 
 
 
Maturing in five to ten years
354

0.02

7.67

Mark-to-market adjustments on securities available-for-sale
NA

NA

NA

Total
354

0.02

7.67

Total
$
2,057,505

100.00
 %
2.01
%
    

51


Maturities of U.S. government agency securities noted above reflect $99 million of investment securities at their final maturities although they have call provisions within the next year. Based on current market interest rates, management expects approximately $78 million of these securities will be called in 2015.

As of December 31, 2015, the estimated duration of our investment portfolio was 2.8 years, as compared to 3.0 years as of December 31, 2014. The weighted average yield on investment securities decreased 3 basis points to 1.70% in 2015, from 1.73% in 2014, and 7 basis points to 1.73% in 2014, from 1.80% in 2013.

As of December 31, 2015, investment securities with amortized costs and fair values of $1,325 million and $1,329 million, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and securities sold under repurchase agreements, as compared to $1,352 million and $1,356 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. For additional information concerning securities sold under repurchase agreements, see “—Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements” included herein.
    
Mortgage-backed securities, and to a limited extent other securities, have uncertain cash flow characteristics that present additional interest rate risk in the form of prepayment or extension risk primarily caused by changes in market interest rates. This additional risk is generally rewarded in the form of higher yields. Maturities of mortgage-backed securities presented above have been adjusted to reflect shorter maturities based upon estimated prepayments of principal. As of December 31, 2015, the carrying value of our investments in non-agency mortgage-backed securities totaled $156 thousand. All other mortgage-backed securities included in the table above were issued by U.S. government agencies and corporations. As of December 31, 2015, there were no significant concentrations of investments (greater than 10% of stockholders’ equity) in any individual security issuer, except for U.S. government or agency-backed securities.    

As of December 31, 2015, approximately 81% of our tax-exempt securities were general obligation securities, of which 56% were issued by political subdivisions or agencies within the states of Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota.

As of December 31, 2014, we had U.S. government agency securities with carrying values of $721 million and a weighted average yield of 1.20%; mortgage-backed securities with carrying values of $1,344 million and a weighted average yield of 2.15%; tax exempt securities with carrying values of $189 million and a weighted average tax equivalent yield of 4.43%; corporate securities with carrying values of $33 million and a weighted average yield of 1.60%; and, other securities with carrying values of $504 thousand with a weighted average yield of 7.67%.    

As of December 31, 2013, we had U.S. government agency securities with carrying values of $763 million and a weighted average yield of 1.10%; mortgage-backed securities with carrying values of $1,184 million and a weighted average yield of 2.15%; tax exempt securities with carrying values of $186 million and a weighted average tax equivalent yield of 4.65%; and, corporate securities with carrying values of $18 million and a weighted average yield of 1.20%.

We evaluate our investment portfolio quarterly for other-than-temporary declines in the market value of individual investment securities. This evaluation includes monitoring credit ratings; market, industry and corporate news; volatility in market prices; and, determining whether the market value of a security has been below its cost for an extended period of time. As of December 31, 2015, we had investment securities with fair values of $162 million that had been in a continuous loss position more than twelve months. Gross unrealized losses on these securities totaled $2 million as of December 31, 2015, and were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates. No impairment losses were recorded during 2015, 2014 or 2013.

For additional information concerning investment securities, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Investment Securities” included in Part IV, Item 15.    

Cash and Cash Equivalents    

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, federal funds sold for one day periods and interest bearing deposits in banks with original maturities of less than three months. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $18 million, or 2.3%, to $780 million as of December 31, 2015, from $799 million as of December 31, 2014. During 2015, loan growth, debt repayment and stock repurchases were funded through available funds resulting in decreases in cash and cash equivalents from December 31, 2014. Cash and cash equivalents increased $264 million, or 49.3%, to $799 million as of December 31, 2014, from $535 million as of December 31, 2013. Fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents occur in the normal course of business and are not reflective of changes in business plan or strategy.    

52


Goodwill. Goodwill decreased $1 million to $205 million as of December 31, 2015, from $206 million as of December 31, 2014. During third quarter 2015, we recorded goodwill of $148 thousand in conjunction with the Absarokee acquisition. This increase was offset by a $1 million decrease in recorded goodwill resulting from the finalization of the fair valuation of deferred tax assets acquired in the MWFC acquisition.
Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment decreased $4 million, or 2.3%, to $191 million as of December 31, 2015, from $195 million as of December 31, 2014. Premises and equipment increased $16 million, or 8.6%, to $195 million as of December 31, 2014, from $180 million as of December 31, 2013. In conjunction with the MWFC acquisition, we acquired premises and equipment with fair values aggregating $29 million. Subsequently, we sold $8 million of the vacated MWFC premises and equipment at carrying value. In addition, during fourth quarter 2014, we sold two FIB bank buildings with carrying values of $2 million at a net gain of $1.2 million.
Company-Owned Life Insurance
Company-owned life insurance increased $33 million, or 21.7%, to $187 million as of December 31, 2015, from $154 million as of December 31, 2014, due to the purchase of an additional $30 million of life insurance covering selected officers of our bank subsidiary and increases in cash surrender values of existing policies. Company-owned life insurance increased $32 million, or 25.9% to $154 million as of December 31, 2014, from $122 million as of December 31, 2013. In conjunction with the MWFC acquisition, we obtained group life insurance policies covering certain key employees of MWB. The net cash surrender value of these policies was $13 million at December 31, 2014. In addition, in January 2014, we purchased an additional $15 million of life insurance covering select officers of our bank subsidiary. For additional information regarding our company-owned life insurance, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Company-Owned Life Insurance” included in Part IV, Item 15.
Deferred Tax Asset/Liability    
As of December 31, 2015, we had a net deferred tax liability of $10 million, as compared to a net deferred tax asset of $5 million as of December 31, 2014. The shift in deferred taxes from a net asset to a net liability was primarily due to decreases in deferred tax assets related to discounts on acquired loans and unrealized losses on available-for sale investment securities. The shift in the deferred taxes from a net asset to a net liability was also impacted by increases in deferred tax liabilities related to tax deductible goodwill from previous acquisitions and increases in deferred tax liabilities related to depreciation of fixed assets.

Our net deferred tax asset decreased $7 million, or 59.9%, to $5 million as of December, 31, 2014, from $12 million as of December 31, 2013, Increases in net deferred tax assets resulting from the MWFC acquisition were more than offset by decreases related to unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities, reductions in temporary timing differences associated with our allowance for loan losses and increases in deferred tax liabilities related to tax deductible goodwill from previous acquisitions.
Other Assets
Other assets increased $5 million, or 6.2%, to $78 million as of December 31, 2015, from $73 million as of December 31, 2014, primarily due to increases in tax credit investments under the New Markets Tax Credit Program. Other assets increased $12 million, or 20.4%, to $73 million as of December 31, 2014, from $61 million as of December 31, 2013, primarily due to other assets acquired in, and increases in Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock holding requirements resulting from, the MWFC acquisition.
Deposits
    
We emphasize developing relationships with our customers in order to increase our core deposit base, which is our primary funding source. Our deposits consist of non-interest bearing and interest bearing demand, savings, individual retirement and time deposit accounts.
        

53


The following table summarizes our deposits as of the dates indicated:
Deposits
(Dollars in thousands)
As of December 31,
2015
Percent
2014
Percent
2013
Percent
2012
Percent
2011
Percent
Non-interest bearing demand
$
1,823,716

25.6
%
$
1,791,364

25.5
%
$
1,491,683

24.3
%
$
1,495,309

24.0
%
$
1,271,709

21.8
%
Interest bearing:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand
2,178,373

30.8

2,133,273

30.5

1,848,806

30.2

1,811,905

29.0

1,306,509

22.4

Savings
1,955,256

27.6

1,843,355

26.3

1,602,544

26.1

1,547,713

24.8

1,691,413

29.0

Time, $100 or more
487,372

6.9

520,125

7.4

492,051

8.0

594,712

9.5

681,047

11.7

Time, other
644,220

9.1

718,095

10.2

698,666

11.4

790,772

12.7

876,293

15.1

Total interest bearing
5,265,221

74.4

5,214,848

74.5

4,642,067

75.7

4,745,102

76.0

4,555,262

78.2

   Total deposits
$
7,088,937

100.0
%
$
7,006,212

100.0
%
$
6,133,750

100.0
%
$
6,240,411

100.0
%
$
5,826,971

100.0
%
    
Total deposits increased $83 million, or 1.2%, to $7,089 million as of December 31, 2015, from $7,006 million as of December 31, 2014, with approximately $64 million of the increase attributable to the Absarokee acquisition in July 2015. During 2015, the mix of deposits continued to shift from higher-costing time deposits to lower-costing savings and demand deposits. Management attributes this ongoing shift to the sustained low interest rate environment experienced during recent years as many customers appear to have become less inclined to invest their funds for extended periods.

Total deposits increased $872 million, or 14.2%, to $7,006 million as of December 31, 2014, from $6,134 million as of December 31, 2013. During 2014, we acquired approximately $515 million of deposits in connection with the acquisition of MWFC, including approximately $67 million of non-interest bearing demand deposits, $178 million of interest bearing demand deposits, $111 million of savings deposits, $68 million of time deposits of $100,000 or more, and $91 million of other time deposits.
    
Non-Interest Bearing Demand. Non-interest bearing demand deposits increased $32 million, or 1.8%, to $1,824 million as of December 31, 2015, from $1,791 million as of December 31, 2014, with approximately $10 million of the increase attributable to the Absarokee acquisition. Non-interest bearing demand deposits increased $300 million, or 20.1%, to $1,791 million as of December 31, 2014, from $1,492 million as of December 31, 2013. Exclusive of acquired MWFC deposits, non-interest bearing demand deposits increased $233 million, or 15.6%, compared to December 31, 2013, due to organic growth.

Interest Bearing Demand. Interest bearing demand deposits increased $45 million, or 2.1%, to $2,178 million as of December 31, 2015, from $2,133 million as of December 31, 2014, with approximately $13 million of the increase attributable to the Absarokee acquisition. Interest bearing demand deposits increased $284 million, or 15.4%, to $2,133 million as of December 31, 2014, from $1,849 million as of December 31, 2013. Exclusive of acquired MWFC deposits, interest bearing demand deposits increased $106 million, or 5.7%, compared to December 31, 2013, due to organic growth.

Savings Deposits. Savings deposits increased $112 million, or 6.1%, to $1,955 million as of December 31, 2015, from $1,843 million as of December 31, 2014, with approximately $24 million of the increase attributable to the Absarokee acquisition. Savings deposits increased $241 million, or 15.0%, to $1,843 million as of December 31, 2014, from $1,603 million as of December 31, 2013. Exclusive of acquired MWFC deposits, savings deposits increased $130 million, or 8.1%, compared to December 31, 2013, due to organic growth.

Management attributes organic growth in non-interest bearing demand, interest bearing demand and savings deposits during 2015 and 2014 to changes in customer liquidity combined with continued low interest rates offered on alternative interest earning deposit products.
                                                                  
Time deposits of $100,000 or more. Time deposits of $100,000 or more decreased $33 million, or 6.3%, to $487 million as of December 31, 2015, from $520 million as of December 31, 2014. Exclusive of deposits acquired in the Absarokee acquisition, time deposits of $100,000 or more decreased approximately $41 million, or 7.8%, from December 31, 2014. Time deposits of $100,000 or more increased $28 million, or 5.7%, to $520 million as of December 31, 2014, from $492 million as of December 31, 2013. Exclusive of deposits acquired in the MWFC acquisition, time deposits of $100,000 or more decreased approximately $40 million, or 8.0%, from December 31, 2013.


54


Other Time deposits. Other time deposits decreased $74 million, or 10.3%, to $644 million as of December 31, 2015, from $718 million as of December 31, 2014. Exclusive of deposits acquired in the Absarokee acquisition, other time deposits decreased approximately $81 million, or 11.3%, from December 31, 2014. Other time deposits increased $19 million, or 2.8%, to $718 million as of December 31, 2014, from $699 million as of December 31, 2013. Exclusive of deposits acquired in the MWFC acquisition, other time deposits decreased approximately $72 million, or 10.3%, from December 31, 2013.

Management attributes organic decreases in time deposits during 2015 and 2014 to the impact of a continued low interest rate environment as many customers appear to have become less inclined to invest their funds for extended periods.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service, or CDARS, deposits of $38 million and $40 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had no certificates of deposit issued in brokered transactions.
    
For additional information concerning customer deposits, including the use of repurchase agreements, see “Business—Community Banking—Deposit Products,” included in Part I, Item 1 and “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Deposits,” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.
    
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements
    
Under repurchase agreements with commercial and municipal depositors, customer deposit balances are invested in short-term U.S. government agency securities overnight and are then repurchased the following day. All outstanding repurchase agreements are due in one day. Repurchase agreement balances increased $8 million, or 1.7%, to $511 million as of December 31, 2015, from $502 million as of December 31, 2014, and increased $45 million, or 9.8%, to $502 million as of December 31, 2014, from $457 million as of December 31, 2013. Fluctuations in repurchase agreement balances correspond with fluctuations in the liquidity of our customers.
    
The following table sets forth certain information regarding securities sold under repurchase agreements as of the dates indicated:
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements
(Dollars in thousands)
As of and for the year ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
Securities sold under repurchase agreements:
 
 
 
Balance at period end
$
510,635

$
502,250

$
457,437

Average balance
456,255

454,265

456,840

Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end
510,635

547,153

533,965

Average interest rate:
 
 
 
During the year
0.05
%
0.05
%
0.06
%
At period end
0.07

0.10

0.07

    
Long-Term Debt. Long-term debt decreased $10 million, or 26.7%, to $28 million as of December 31, 2015, from $38 million as of December 31, 2014. On January 29, 2015, we borrowed $5 million on a 2.28% note payable maturing July 29, 2022, with interest payable monthly and principal due at maturity. The note is collateralized by our equity interest in Universal Sub CDE, LLC, a community development entity owned 99.9% by us. This increase was more than offset by the fourth quarter 2015 early repayment of a $15 million variable rate subordinated term loan with an original maturity date of February 28, 2018. There were no prepayment penalties associated with the repayment. Long-term debt increased $1 million, or 3.1%, to $38 million as of December 31, 2014, from $37 million as of December 31, 2013. For additional information regarding the long-term debt, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Long-Term Debt,” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.
    
Subordinated Debentures Held by Subsidiary Trusts
    
Subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts remained unchanged at $82 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. In conjunction with the acquisition of MWFC in July 2014, we assumed $20 million of subordinated debentures held by two business trusts, Mountain West Statutory Trust III and Mountain West Statutory Trust IV (collectively, the “Mountain West Subordinated Debentures”). On December 15, 2014, we redeemed $14 million of the Mountain West Subordinated Debentures bearing a cumulative floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.85% per annum, and on December 26, 2014, we redeemed

55


the remaining $6 million of the Mountain West Subordinated Debentures bearing a cumulative floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.10% per annum. The redemption price of the Mountain West Subordinated Debentures was equal to the $1 liquidation amount of each debenture plus all accrued and unpaid distributions to the date of redemption. The redemption of the Mountain West Subordinated Debentures caused a mandatory redemption of $20 million of Mountain West Trust Preferred Securities and $614 thousand of common equity securities. For additional information regarding the Subordinated Debentures, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Subordinated Debentures Held by Subsidiary Trusts,” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.
    
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased $13 million, or 19.8%, to $53 million as of December 31, 2015, from $66 million as of December 31, 2014. This decrease is primarily due to timing and amounts of corporate tax payments and lower incentive bonus and profit sharing accruals. Accounts payable and accrued expenses increased $19 million, or 39.2%, to $66 million as of December 31, 2014, from $48 million as of December 31, 2013, primarily due to the timing and amounts of corporate tax payments.
    
Contractual Obligations
    
Contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table.
Contractual Obligations
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Payments Due
 
Within
One Year
One Year to
Three Years
Three Years
to Five Years
After
Five Years
Total
Deposits without a stated maturity
$
5,957,345

$

$

$

$
5,957,345

Time deposits
737,326

278,266

115,957

43

1,131,592

Securities sold under repurchase agreements
510,635




510,635

Other borrowed funds (1)
2




2

Long-term debt obligations (2)

20,000


6,303

26,303

Capital lease obligations
65

148

173

1,196

1,582

Operating lease obligations
2,203

3,724

2,836

8,655

17,418

Purchase obligations (3)
1,341




1,341

Subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts (4)



82,477

82,477

Total contractual obligations
$
7,208,917

$
302,138

$
118,966

$
98,674

$
7,728,695

    
(1)
Included in other borrowed funds are tax deposits made by customers pending subsequent withdrawal by the federal government. For additional information concerning other borrowed funds, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Long Term Debt and Other Borrowed Funds” included in Part IV, Item 15.
        
(2)
Long-term debt obligations consists of a fixed rate note payable bearing interest of 2.28% and maturing on July 29, 2022; fixed rate note payable bearing interest of 6.24% and maturing on September 1, 2032; and, a fixed rate subordinated term loan bearing interest of 6.81% and maturing January 9, 2018. For additional information concerning long-term debt, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Long Term Debt and Other Borrowed Funds” included in Part IV, Item 15.
    
(3)
Purchase obligations relate to obligations under construction contracts to build or renovate banking offices.
    
(4)
The subordinated debentures are unsecured, with various interest rates and maturities from December 15, 2037 through April 1, 2038. Interest distributions are payable quarterly; however, we may defer interest payments at any time for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters. For additional information concerning the subordinated debentures, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Subordinated Debentures Held by Subsidiary Trusts” included in Part IV, Item 15.
    
We also have obligations under a postretirement healthcare benefit plan. These obligations represent actuarially determined future benefit payments to eligible plan participants. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Employee Benefit Plans” included in Part IV, Item 15.
    

56


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
    
We have entered into various arrangements not reflected on the consolidated balance sheet that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. These include guarantees, commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.
    
We guarantee the distributions and payments for redemption or liquidation of capital trust preferred securities issued by our wholly-owned subsidiary business trusts to the extent of funds held by the trusts. Although the guarantees are not separately recorded, the obligations underlying the guarantees are fully reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts. The subordinated debentures currently qualify as tier 1 capital under the Federal Reserve capital adequacy guidelines. For additional information regarding the subordinated debentures, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Subordinated Debentures Held by Subsidiary Trusts” included in Part IV, Item 15.

We are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. For additional information regarding our off-balance sheet arrangements, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk” included in Part IV, Item 15.

Capital Resources and Liquidity Management

Capital Resources

Stockholders’ equity is influenced primarily by earnings, dividends, sales and redemptions of common stock and changes in the unrealized holding gains or losses, net of taxes, on available-for-sale investment securities. Stockholders’ equity increased $42 million, or 4.6%, to $950 million as of December 31, 2015 from $909 million as of December 31, 2014, due primarily to the retention of earnings. Increases in stockholders' equity due to earnings retention were partially offset by the repurchase and retirement of our common stock. During 2015, we repurchased and retired 765,875 shares of our Class A common stock in open market transactions at an aggregate purchase price of $19.9 million. The repurchases were made pursuant to a stock repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors in January 2015. On September 24, 2015, our Board of Directors reauthorized the repurchase of up to one million shares of our Class A common stock under the repurchase program. We paid aggregate cash dividends of $36.3 million to common shareholders during 2015. On January 21, 2016, we declared a quarterly dividend to common stockholders of $0.22 per share, which was paid on February 12, 2016 to shareholders of record as of February 1, 2016.

Stockholders’ equity increased $107 million, or 13.4%, to $909 million as of December 31, 2014 from $802 million as of December 31, 2013, due primarily to the retention of earnings, the issuance of 1,378,230 shares of Class A common stock with an aggregate value of $36 million as partial consideration for the acquisition of MWFC and decreases in net unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities. We paid aggregate cash dividends of $28.6 million to common shareholders during 2014. Also during 2014, we repurchased and retired 362,121 of our shares of Class A common stock in a combination of privately negotiated and open market transactions at an aggregate purchase price of $9.1 million. The repurchases were made pursuant to a stock repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors in November 2013, authorizing the repurchase of up to 2 million shares of our Class A common stock in open market or privately negotiated transactions through November 14, 2014. For additional information regarding the repurchases, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Capital Stock and Dividend Restrictions” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.

On April 3, 2015, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 to register 2,000,000 shares of Class A common stock to be issued pursuant to the Company's 2015 Equity and Incentive Plan.

On January 24, 2014, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 to register 1,500,000 shares of Class A common stock to be issued pursuant to the Company's 2006 Equity Compensation Plan, as amended and restated. All shares of common stock available for future grant under the 2006 Equity Compensation Plan, as amended and restated, were transferred into the 2015 Equity and Incentive Plan in April 2015.

On May 24, 2013, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3, which was subsequently declared effective by the SEC. The registration statement permits us to offer and sell up to $160 million of our Class A common shares in one or more future public offerings. At the present time, we have no specific plans to offer any of the securities covered by the registration statement.

57



On July 2, 2013, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Bank, or the Federal Reserve Board, issued a final rule implementing a revised regulatory capital framework for U.S. banks in accordance with the Basel III international accord and satisfying related mandates under the Dodd-Frank Act. Under the final rule, minimum capital requirements will increase for both quantity and quality of capital held by banking organizations. The final rule includes a new common equity tier 1 minimum capital requirement of 4.5% of risk-weighted assets and increases the minimum tier 1 capital requirement from 4.0% to 6.0% of risk-weighted assets. The minimum total risk-based capital remains unchanged at 8.0% of total risk-weighted assets. In addition to the minimum common equity tier 1, tier 1 and total risk-based capital requirements, the final rule requires banking organizations to hold a buffer of common equity tier 1 capital in an amount above 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets to avoid restrictions on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. The minimum regulatory capital requirements and compliance with a standardized approach for determining risk-weighted assets of the final rule became effective for us on January 1, 2015. The capital conservation buffer framework transition period begins January 1, 2016, with full implementation effective January 1, 2019.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had capital levels that, in all cases, exceeded the well-capitalized guidelines. Additionally, our calculations indicate that as of December 31, 2015, we would meet all fully phased-in Basel III capital adequacy requirements. For additional information regarding the impact of this final rule, see "Regulation and Supervision — Capital Standards and Prompt Corrective Action" included in Part I, Item 1 of this report. For additional information regarding our capital levels, see “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements—Regulatory Capital,” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.

Liquidity

Liquidity measures our ability to meet current and future cash flow needs on a timely basis and at a reasonable cost. We manage our liquidity position to meet the daily cash flow needs of customers, while maintaining an appropriate balance between assets and liabilities to meet the return on investment objectives of our shareholders. Our liquidity position is supported by management of liquid assets and liabilities and access to alternative sources of funds. Liquid assets include cash, interest bearing deposits in banks, federal funds sold, available-for-sale investment securities and maturing or prepaying balances in our held-to-maturity investment and loan portfolios. Liquid liabilities include core deposits, federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements and borrowings. Other sources of liquidity include the sale of loans, the ability to acquire additional national market funds through non-core deposits, the issuance of additional collateralized borrowings such as FHLB advances, the issuance of debt securities, additional borrowings through the Federal Reserve’s discount window and the issuance of preferred or common securities.

Our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements are primarily to fund on-going operations, including payment of interest on deposits and debt, extensions of credit to borrowers, capital expenditures and shareholder dividends. These liquidity requirements are met primarily through cash flow from operations, redeployment of prepaying and maturing balances in our loan and investment portfolios, debt financing and increases in customer deposits. For additional information regarding our operating, investing and financing cash flows, see “Consolidated Financial Statements—Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows,” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.

As a holding company, we are a corporation separate and apart from our subsidiary Bank and, therefore, we provide for our own liquidity. Our main sources of funding include management fees and dividends declared and paid by our subsidiaries and access to capital markets. There are statutory, regulatory and debt covenant limitations that affect the ability of our Bank to pay dividends to us. Management believes that such limitations will not impact our ability to meet our ongoing short-term cash obligations. For additional information regarding dividend restrictions, see “—Financial Condition—Capital Resources and Liquidity Management” above and “Business—Regulation and Supervision—Restrictions on Transfers of Funds to Us and the Bank” and “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Market and Our Business."

Management continuously monitors our liquidity position and adjustments are made to the balance between sources and uses of funds as deemed appropriate. Our management is not aware of any events that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, capital resources or operations. In addition, our management is not aware of any regulatory recommendations regarding liquidity, which if implemented, would have a material adverse effect on us.


58


Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk. Our business and the composition of our balance sheet consists of investments in interest earning assets (principally loans and investment securities) which are primarily funded by interest bearing liabilities (deposits and indebtedness). Such financial instruments have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in market interest rates. Interest rate risk results when, due to different maturity dates and repricing intervals, interest rate indices for interest earning assets fluctuate adversely relative to interest bearing liabilities, thereby creating a risk of decreased net earnings and cash flow.

Although we characterize some of our interest-sensitive assets as securities available-for-sale, such securities are not purchased with a view to sell in the near term. Rather, such securities may be sold in response to or in anticipation of changes in interest rates and resulting prepayment risk. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.
    
Asset Liability Management
    
The goal of asset liability management is the prudent control of market risk, liquidity and capital. Asset liability management is governed by policies, goals and objectives adopted and reviewed by the Bank’s board of directors. Development of asset liability management strategies is the responsibility of the Asset Liability Committee, or ALCO, which is composed of members of senior management.
    
Interest Rate Risk
    
Interest rate risk is the risk of loss of future earnings or long-term value due to changes in interest rates. Our primary source of earnings is net interest income, which is affected by changes in interest rates, the relationship between rates on interest bearing assets and liabilities, the impact of interest rate fluctuations on asset prepayments and the mix of interest bearing assets and liabilities.
    
The ability to optimize net interest income is largely dependent upon the achievement of an interest rate spread that can be managed during periods of fluctuating interest rates. Interest sensitivity is a measure of the extent to which net interest income will be affected by market interest rates over a period of time. Interest rate sensitivity is related to the difference between amounts of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities which either reprice or mature within a given period of time. The difference is known as interest rate sensitivity gap.
    

59


The following table shows interest rate sensitivity gaps and the earnings sensitivity ratio for different intervals as of December 31, 2015. The information presented in the table is based on our mix of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities and historical experience regarding their interest rate sensitivity.
Interest Rate Sensitivity Gaps
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Projected Maturity or Repricing
 
Three
Months
or Less
Three
Months to
One Year
One
Year to
Five Years
After
Five Years
Total
Interest earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Loans (1)
$
1,616,135

$
939,046

$
2,263,635

$
360,995

$
5,179,811

Investment securities (2)
115,930

311,460

1,066,864

563,251

2,057,505

Interest bearing deposits in banks
647,299




647,299

Federal funds sold
563




563

Total interest earning assets
$
2,379,927

$
1,250,506

$
3,330,499

$
924,246

$
7,885,178

Interest bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing demand accounts (3)
$
654,406

$
494,472

$
1,029,720

$

$
2,178,598

Savings deposits (3)
1,090,685

448,459

416,112


1,955,256

Time deposits, $100 or more
109,343

213,440

164,589


487,372

Other time deposits
181,410

233,133

229,635

42

644,220

Securities sold under repurchase agreements
510,635




510,635

Other borrowed funds
2




2

Long-term debt
16

49

20,418

7,402

27,885

Subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts
82,477




82,477

Total interest bearing liabilities
$
2,628,974

$
1,389,553

$
1,860,474

$
7,444

$
5,886,445

Rate gap
$
(249,047
)
$
(139,047
)
$
1,470,025

$
916,802

$
1,998,733

Cumulative rate gap
(249,047
)
(388,094
)
1,081,931

1,998,733

 
Cumulative rate gap as a percentage of total interest earning assets
-3.16
 %
-4.92
 %
13.72
%
25.35
%
25.35
%

(1)
Does not include non-accrual loans of $66 million. Variable rate loans are included in the three months or less category in the above table although certain of these loans have reached interest rate floors and may not immediately reprice.
    
(2)
Adjusted to reflect: (a) expected shorter maturities based upon our historical experience of early prepayments of principal, and (b) the redemption of callable securities on their next call date.
    
(3)
Interest bearing demand and savings deposits, while technically subject to immediate withdrawal, actually display sensitivity characteristics that generally fall within one to five years. Their allocation is presented based on those sensitivity characteristics. If these deposits were included in the three month or less category, the above table would reflect a negative three month gap of $2.6 million, a negative cumulative one year gap of $1.8 million and a positive cumulative one to five year gap of $1.1 million.
    
Net Interest Income Sensitivity
    
We believe net interest income sensitivity provides the best perspective of how day-to-day decisions affect our interest rate risk profile. We monitor net interest income sensitivity by utilizing an income simulation model to subject twelve month net interest income to various rate movements. Simulations modeled quarterly include scenarios where market rates change suddenly up or down in a parallel manner and scenarios where market rates gradually change up resulting in a change in the slope of the yield curve. Estimates produced by our income simulation model are based on numerous assumptions including, but not limited to, the nature and timing of changes in interest rates, prepayments of loans and investment securities, volume of loans originated, level and composition of deposits, ability of borrowers to repay adjustable or variable rate loans and reinvestment opportunities for cash flows. Given these various assumptions, the actual effect of interest rate changes on our net interest income may be materially different than estimated.

60


    
We target a mix of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities such that no more than 5% of the net interest margin will be at risk over a one-year period should interest rates shift up or down 2%. As of December 31, 2015, our income simulation model predicted net interest income would increase $1.3 million, or 0.5%, assuming a 0.5% increase in interest rates during each of the next four consecutive quarters. This scenario predicts that our interest bearing liabilities reprice slightly faster than our interest earning assets. We have not engaged in significant derivative or balance sheet hedging activities to manage our interest rate risk.
    
We did not simulate a decrease in interest rates due to the extremely low rate environment as of December 31, 2015. Prime rate has historically been set at a rate of 300 basis points over the targeted federal funds rate, which is currently set between 25 and 50 basis points. Our income simulation model has an assumption that prime will continue to be set at a rate of 300 basis points over the targeted federal funds rate. Additionally, rates that are currently below 2% are modeled not to fall below 0% with an overall decrease of 2% in interest rates. Although we did not simulate a decrease in interest rates due to the extremely low rate environment as of December 31, 2015, a further decline in interest rates would result in an acceleration of the compression of our net interest income.
    
The preceding interest rate sensitivity analysis does not represent a forecast and should not be relied upon as being indicative of expected operating results. In addition, if the actual prime rate falls below a 300 basis point spread to targeted federal funds rates, we could experience a continued decrease in net interest income as a result of falling yields on earning assets tied to prime rate.
    
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
    
The expected impact of accounting standards recently issued but not yet adopted are discussed in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Authoritative Accounting Guidance” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
    
The following consolidated financial statements of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and subsidiaries are contained in Part IV, Item 15 of this report and are incorporated herein by reference.
    
Report of RSM US LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets — December 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Income — Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income — Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity — Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
    
There have been no disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure.
    
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
    
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
    
We have established and maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. As of December 31, 2015, our management evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as of December 31, 2015, were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods required by the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


61


Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our system of internal control over financial reporting within the meaning of Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of our published financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2015, our system of internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

RSM US LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. The report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, is included below.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
First Interstate BancSystem, Inc.

We have audited First Interstate BancSystem Inc. and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

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

In our opinion, First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.


62


We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 and our report dated February 29, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion.

/s/ RSM US LLP
Des Moines, Iowa
February 29, 2016

Item 9B. Other Information

There were no items required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of 2015 that were not reported.

PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information concerning “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” is set forth under the heading “Directors and Executive Officers” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2016 annual meeting of shareholders and is herein incorporated by reference.

Information concerning “Compliance With Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934” is set forth under the heading “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2015 annual meeting of shareholders and is herein incorporated by reference.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Information concerning “Executive Compensation” is set forth under the headings “Compensation of Executive Officers Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2016 annual meeting of shareholders and is herein incorporated by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information concerning “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” is set forth under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2016 annual meeting of shareholders and is herein incorporated by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

Information concerning “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence” is set forth under the headings “Directors and Executive Officers” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2016 annual meeting of shareholders and is herein incorporated by reference. In addition, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Related Party Transactions” included in Part IV, Item 15.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information concerning “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” is set forth under the heading “Directors and Executive Officers — Principal Accounting Fees and Services” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2016 annual meeting of shareholders and is herein incorporated by reference.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)
1. Our audited consolidated financial statements follow.

63


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM






To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
First Interstate BancSystem, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated February 29, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of First Interstate BancSystem Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ RSM US LLP
Des Moines, Iowa
February 29, 2016


64



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
December 31,
2015
 
2014
Assets
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
132,595

 
$
147,894

Federal funds sold
563

 
543

Interest bearing deposits in banks
647,299

 
650,233

Total cash and cash equivalents
780,457

 
798,670

Investment securities:
 
 
 
Available-for-sale
1,456,840

 
1,711,924

Held-to-maturity (estimated fair values of $607,550 and $584,533 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)
600,665

 
575,186

Total investment securities
2,057,505

 
2,287,110

Loans held for investment
5,193,321

 
4,856,615

Mortgage loans held for sale
52,875

 
40,828

Total loans
5,246,196

 
4,897,443

Less allowance for loan losses
76,817

 
74,200

Net loans
5,169,379

 
4,823,243

Premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
190,812

 
195,212

Goodwill
204,523

 
205,574

Company-owned life insurance
187,253

 
153,821

Other real estate owned (“OREO”)
6,254

 
13,554

Accrued interest receivable
27,729

 
27,063

Mortgage servicing rights, net of accumulated amortization and impairment reserve
15,621

 
14,038

Deferred tax asset, net

 
4,874

Core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization
10,589

 
13,282

Other assets
78,074

 
73,495

Total assets
$
8,728,196

 
$
8,609,936

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Non-interest bearing
$
1,823,716

 
$
1,791,364

Interest bearing
5,265,221

 
5,214,848

Total deposits
7,088,937

 
7,006,212

Securities sold under repurchase agreements
510,635

 
502,250

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
53,042

 
66,164

Accrued interest payable
4,960

 
5,833

Deferred tax liability, net
9,765

 

Long-term debt
27,885

 
38,067

Other borrowed funds
2

 
9

Subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts
82,477

 
82,477

Total liabilities
7,777,703

 
7,701,012

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Nonvoting noncumulative preferred stock without par value; authorized 100,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

 

Common stock
311,720

 
323,596

Retained earnings
638,367

 
587,862

Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss), net
406

 
(2,534
)
Total stockholders’ equity
950,493

 
908,924

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
8,728,196

 
$
8,609,936

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

65


FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and fees on loans
$
246,015

 
$
231,469

 
$
220,687

Interest and dividends on investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
30,861

 
29,900

 
31,237

Exempt from federal taxes
3,998

 
4,357

 
4,728

Interest on deposits in banks
1,537

 
1,334

 
992

Interest on federal funds sold
12

 
7

 
18

Total interest income
282,423

 
267,067

 
257,662

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on deposits
13,107

 
13,779

 
15,800

Interest on securities sold under repurchase agreements
231

 
237

 
294

Interest on long-term debt
2,300

 
2,016

 
1,936

Interest on preferred stock pending redemption

 

 
159

Interest on subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts
2,422

 
2,574

 
2,506

Total interest expense
18,060

 
18,606

 
20,695

Net interest income
264,363

 
248,461

 
236,967

Provision for loan losses
6,822

 
(6,622
)
 
(6,125
)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
257,541

 
255,083

 
243,092

Non-interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
Other service charges, commissions and fees
43,154

 
40,742

 
35,977

Income from the origination and sale of loans
29,973

 
23,940

 
34,254

Wealth management revenues
19,907

 
18,996

 
17,085

Service charges on deposit accounts
17,031

 
16,567

 
16,837

Investment securities gains, net
137

 
61

 
1

Other income
10,727

 
11,095

 
7,525

Total non-interest income
120,929

 
111,401

 
111,679

Non-interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and wages
101,451

 
96,513

 
94,002

Employee benefits
30,738

 
30,130

 
30,338

Occupancy, net
17,879

 
17,796

 
16,587

Furniture and equipment
15,524

 
13,816

 
12,554

Outsourced technology services
10,124

 
9,423

 
9,029

FDIC insurance premiums
4,858

 
4,608

 
5,057

Professional fees
6,458

 
4,882

 
4,773

OREO expense, net of income
(1,475
)
 
(272
)
 
2,291

Mortgage servicing rights amortization
2,434

 
2,361

 
2,787

Mortgage servicing rights impairment recovery
(97
)
 
(136
)
 
(99
)
Core deposit intangibles amortization
3,388

 
2,251

 
1,418

Other expenses
50,936

 
47,480

 
43,332

Loss contingency expense
5,000

 
4,000

 

Acquisition expenses
795

 
4,017

 

Total non-interest expense
248,013

 
236,869

 
222,069

Income before income tax expense
130,457

 
129,615

 
132,702

Income tax expense
43,662

 
45,214

 
46,566

Net income
$
86,795

 
$
84,401

 
$
86,136

 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
1.92

 
$
1.89

 
$
1.98

Diluted earnings per common share
1.90

 
1.87

 
1.96

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

66


FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net income
$
86,795

 
$
84,401

 
$
86,136

Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) during the period
5,863

 
21,147

 
(52,949
)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in income
(137
)
 
(61
)
 
(1
)
Change in unamortized loss on available-for-sale investment securities transferred into held-to-maturity
(1,101
)
 
(548
)
 

Change in net unrealized gain on derivatives
165

 

 

Defined benefit post-retirement benefit plans:
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net actuarial loss
58

 
1,731

 
137

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
4,848

 
22,269

 
(52,813
)
Deferred tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive income (loss)
(1,908
)
 
(8,762
)
 
20,781

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
2,940

 
13,507

 
(32,032
)
Comprehensive income
$
89,735

 
$
97,908

 
$
54,104


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


67


FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
Common
Stock
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
271,335

 
$
463,860

 
$
15,991

 
$
751,186

Net income

 
86,136

 

 
86,136

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 
(32,032
)
 
(32,032
)
Common stock transactions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25,677 common shares purchased and retired
(448
)
 

 

 
(448
)
26,096 common shares issued
543

 

 

 
543

120,873 non-vested common shares issued

 

 

 

30,648 non-vested common shares forfeited or canceled

 

 

 

774,096 stock options exercised, net of 392,411 shares tendered in payment of option price and income tax withholding amounts
9,271

 

 

 
9,271

Tax benefit of stock-based compensation
1,898

 

 

 
1,898

Stock-based compensation expense
2,936

 

 

 
2,936

Cash dividends declared:


 
 

 
 

 


Common ($0.41 per share)

 
(17,909
)
 

 
(17,909
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
285,535

 
532,087

 
(16,041
)
 
801,581

Net income

 
84,401

 

 
84,401

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 
13,507

 
13,507

Common stock transactions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
388,101 common shares purchased and retired
(9,739
)
 

 

 
(9,739
)
1,402,811 common shares issued
35,674

 

 

 
35,674

148,278 non-vested common shares issued

 

 

 

29,261 non-vested common shares forfeited or canceled

 

 

 

499,625 stock options exercised, net of 239,665 shares tendered in payment of option price and income tax withholding amounts
6,299

 

 

 
6,299

Tax benefit of stock-based compensation
2,193

 

 

 
2,193

Stock-based compensation expense
3,634

 

 

 
3,634

Cash dividends declared:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common ($0.64 per share)

 
(28,626
)
 

 
(28,626
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
323,596

 
$
587,862

 
$
(2,534
)

$
908,924


68


FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
Common
Stock
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
323,596

 
$
587,862

 
$
(2,534
)
 
$
908,924

Net income

 
86,795

 

 
86,795

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 
2,940

 
2,940

Common stock transactions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
793,077 common shares purchased and retired
(20,647
)
 

 

 
(20,647
)
21,414 common shares issued

 

 

 

169,577 non-vested common shares issued

 

 

 

19,184 non-vested common shares forfeited or canceled

 

 

 

261,080 stock options exercised, net of 89,358 shares tendered in payment of option price and income tax withholding amounts
3,369

 

 

 
3,369

Tax benefit of stock-based compensation
1,443

 

 

 
1,443

Stock-based compensation expense
3,959

 

 

 
3,959

Cash dividends declared:

 
 
 
 
 
 
Common ($0.80 per share)


 
(36,290
)
 

 
(36,290
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
311,720

 
$
638,367

 
$
406

 
$
950,493


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

69


FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
86,795

 
$
84,401

 
$
86,136

Adjustments to reconcile net income from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
6,822

 
(6,622
)
 
(6,125
)
Net gain on disposal of property and equipment
(731
)
 
(1,256
)
 
(217
)
Depreciation and amortization
18,313

 
16,855

 
16,245

Net premium amortization on investment securities
14,880

 
14,690

 
14,655

Net gain on investment securities transactions
(137
)
 
(61
)
 
(1
)
Net gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale
(21,748
)
 
(17,475
)
 
(24,482
)
Net gain on sale of OREO
(2,991
)
 
(1,849
)
 
(3,232
)
Write-down of OREO and other assets pending disposal
1,013

 
326

 
3,512

Mortgage servicing rights impairment recovery
(97
)
 
(136
)
 
(99
)
Deferred income tax expense
12,449

 
5,345

 
11,276

Net increase in cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance policies
(3,432
)
 
(3,600
)
 
(446
)
Stock-based compensation expense
3,959

 
3,634

 
2,936

Tax benefits from stock-based compensation
1,443

 
2,193

 
1,898

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
(1,184
)
 
(2,205
)
 
(2,031
)
Originations of loans held for sale
(1,148,098
)
 
(903,373
)
 
(1,557,288
)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
1,164,804

 
923,350

 
1,603,770

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable
(101
)
 
470

 
2,419

Decrease (increase) in other assets
(3,622
)
 
(6,956
)
 
3,440

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable
(1,006
)
 
286

 
(1,539
)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses
(11,931
)
 
13,991

 
(602
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
115,400

 
122,008


150,225

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity
(45,179
)
 
(21,627
)
 
(16,370
)
Available-for-sale
(474,846
)
 
(664,821
)
 
(741,579
)
Proceeds from maturities, paydowns, calls and sales of investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity
118,406

 
47,784

 
19,465

Available-for-sale
648,683

 
613,930

 
722,447

Purchase of company-owned life insurance
(30,000
)
 
(15,000
)
 
(45,000
)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage servicing rights

 
266

 
470

Extensions of credit to customers, net of repayments
(327,878
)
 
(216,730
)
 
(178,580
)
Recoveries of loans charged-off
7,432

 
9,478

 
11,466

Proceeds from sales of OREO
15,644

 
12,381

 
28,397

Acquisition of bank and bank holding company, net of cash and cash equivalents, received
(1,636
)
 
35,556

 

Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sales
(5,965
)
 
2,941

 
(5,653
)
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(95,339
)
 
$
(195,842
)
 
$
(204,937
)

70


INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
$
19,160

 
$
357,083

 
$
(106,661
)
Net increase (decrease) in repurchase agreements
6,385

 
43,892

 
(48,348
)
Net decrease in short-term borrowings
(7
)
 
(12,720
)
 
(29
)
Borrowings of long-term debt
5,103

 
68

 

Repayments of long-term debt
(16,538
)
 
(48
)
 
(243
)
  Write-off of debt issuance costs
7

 

 

Redemption of preferred stock

 

 
(50,000
)
Repayment of junior subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts

 
(20,439
)
 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock
3,369

 
6,299

 
9,814

Common stock issuance costs

 
(298
)
 

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
1,184

 
2,205

 
2,031

Purchase and retirement of common stock
(20,647
)
 
(9,739
)
 
(448
)
Dividends paid to common stockholders
(36,290
)
 
(28,626
)
 
(17,909
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(38,274
)
 
337,677

 
(211,793
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(18,213
)
 
263,843

 
(266,505
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
798,670

 
534,827

 
801,332

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
780,457

 
$
798,670

 
$
534,827

 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the year for income taxes
$
27,335

 
$
26,650

 
$
39,879

Cash paid during the year for interest expense
18,933

 
17,736

 
22,234


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


71



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

(1)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business. First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. (the “Parent Company” and collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a financial and bank holding company that, through the branch offices of its bank subsidiary, provides a comprehensive range of banking products and services to individuals, businesses, municipalities and other entities throughout Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. In addition to its primary emphasis on commercial and consumer banking services, the Company also offers trust, employee benefit, investment and insurance services through its bank subsidiary. The Company is subject to competition from other financial institutions and nonbank financial companies, and is also subject to the regulations of various government agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

Basis of Presentation. The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent Company and its operating subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had one significant subsidiary, First Interstate Bank (“FIB”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications, none of which were material, have been made in the consolidated financial statements for 2014 and 2013 to conform to the 2015 presentation. These reclassifications did not change previously reported net income or stockholders’ equity.

Equity Method Investments. The Company has investments in real estate joint ventures that are not consolidated because the Company does not own a majority voting interest, control the operations or receive a majority of the losses or earnings of the joint venture. These joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting whereby the Company initially records its investment at cost (or fair value at the date of acquisition) and then subsequently adjusts the carrying value for the Company’s proportionate share of distributions and earnings or losses of the joint ventures.

Variable Interest Entities. The Company’s wholly-owned business trusts, FI Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”), FI Capital Trust II (“Trust II”), FI Statutory Trust III (“Trust III”), FI Capital Trust IV (“Trust IV”), FI Statutory Trust V (“Trust V”) and FI Statutory Trust VI (“Trust VI”) are variable interest entities for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the accounts of Trust I, Trust II, Trust III, Trust IV, Trust V and Trust VI are not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, and are instead accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

The Company has equity investments in variable interest Certified Development Entities (“CDEs”) which have received allocations under the New Markets Tax Credits Program. The underlying activities of the CDEs are community development projects designed primarily to promote community welfare, such as economic rehabilitation and development of low-income areas by providing housing, services, or jobs for residents. The maximum exposure to loss in the CDEs is the amount of equity invested and credit extended by the Company. The Company has credit protection in the form of indemnification agreements, guarantees, and collateral arrangements. As the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities, the Company’s consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the CDEs. The primary activities of the CDEs are recognized in interest and fees on loans, other non-interest income and long-term debt interest expense on the Company’s statements of operations. Related cash flows are recognized in loans originated, principal collected on loans and advances or repayments of long-term debt.

Assets Held in Fiduciary or Agency Capacity. The Company holds certain trust assets in a fiduciary or agency capacity. The Company also purchases and sells federal funds as an agent. These and other assets held in an agency or fiduciary capacity are not assets of the Company and, accordingly, are not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.


72



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Use of 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 amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of goodwill, fair valuations of investment securities and other financial instruments and the status of loss contingencies.

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 for one day periods and interest bearing deposits in banks with original maturities of less than three months. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had cash of $636,345 and $631,562, respectively, on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank. In addition, the Company maintained compensating balances with the Federal Reserve Bank of approximately $10,031 and $7,507 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, to reduce service charges for check clearing services.
    
Investment Securities. Investments in debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost. Investments in debt securities that may be sold in response to or in anticipation of changes in interest rates and resulting prepayment risk, or other factors, and marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses on these securities are reported, net of applicable income taxes, as a separate component of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income. Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase and at each reporting date management reassesses the appropriateness of the classification.
    
The amortized cost of debt securities classified as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale is adjusted for accretion of discounts to maturity and amortization of premiums over the estimated average life of the security, or in the case of callable securities, through the first call date, using the effective yield method. Such amortization and accretion is included in interest income. Realized gains and losses are included in investment securities gains (losses). Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are judged to be other-than-temporary are included in other expenses if the decline is related to credit losses. Other-than-temporary impairment losses related to other factors are recognized in other comprehensive income, net of income taxes. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, the Company considers, among other things, the length of time and the 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 the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.
    
Loans. Loans are reported at the principal amount outstanding. Interest income on loans is calculated using the simple interest method on the daily balance of the principal amount outstanding. Loan origination fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred, and the net amount is amortized as an adjustment of the related loan’s yield using a level yield method over the expected lives of the related loans.
    
The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due or when a loan becomes contractually past due ninety days or more with respect to interest or principal, unless such past due loan is well secured and in the process of collection. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed against current period interest income. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of principal due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and when, in the opinion of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest.
    
A loan is considered impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect, on a timely basis, all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan’s original agreement. The amount of the impairment is measured using cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except when it is determined that the primary source of repayment for the loan is the operation or liquidation of the underlying collateral. In such cases, the current fair value of the collateral, reduced by anticipated selling costs, is used to measure impairment. The Company considers impaired loans to include all loans, except consumer loans, that are risk rated as

73



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

doubtful or on which interest accrual has been discontinued or that have been renegotiated in a troubled debt restructuring. Interest payments received on impaired loans are applied based on whether they are on accrual or non-accrual status. Interest income recognized by the Company on impaired loans primarily relates to loans modified in troubled debt restructurings that remain on accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual impaired loans are applied to principal. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of principal due.

Loans acquired through the completion of a transfer, including loans acquired in business combinations, that have evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination and for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments receivable are initially recorded at fair value (as determined by the present value of expected future cash flows) with no valuation allowance. The difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the recorded fair value of the loan, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as interest income on a level-yield method over the life of the loan. Contractually required payments for interest and principal that exceed the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition, or the “nonaccretable difference,” are not recognized as a yield adjustment, a loss accrual or a valuation allowance. Increases in expected cash flows subsequent to the initial investment are recognized prospectively through adjustment of the yield on the loan over its remaining life. Decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairment. Valuation allowances on these impaired loans reflect only losses incurred after the acquisition.

A loan is considered a troubled debt restructuring when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties that leads to a restructuring of the loan and the Company grants concessions to the borrower in the restructuring that it would not otherwise consider. These concessions may include rate reductions, principal forgiveness, extension of maturity date and other actions to minimize potential losses. Certain troubled debt restructurings are on non-accrual status at the time of restructuring and are returned to accrual status only after considering the borrower's sustained repayment performance in accordance with the restructuring agreement for a reasonable period of at least six months and management is reasonably assured of future performance. If the troubled debt restructuring meets these performance criteria and the interest rate granted at the modification is equal to or greater than the rate that the Company was willing to accept at the time of the restructuring for a new loan with comparable risk, then the loan will no longer be disclosed as a troubled debt restructuring although they continue to be individually evaluated for impairment and disclosed as impaired loans.

Included in loans are certain residential mortgage loans originated for sale. These loans are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated market value. Market value is estimated based on binding contracts or quotes or bids from third party investors. Residential mortgages held for sale were $52,875 and $40,828 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans are determined using the specific identification method and are included in income from the origination and sale of loans.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had no recorded investments in consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process.

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses which is charged to expense. Loans, or portions thereof, are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that the collectibility of the principal is unlikely or, with respect to consumer installment and credit card loans, according to established delinquency schedules. The allowance balance is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb known and inherent losses in the loan portfolio based upon quarterly analyses of the current risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, an assessment of individual problem loans and actual loss experience, industry concentrations and current economic factors and the estimated impact of current economic and environmental conditions on historical loss rates.

Loans acquired in business combinations are recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. Accordingly, no allowance for loan losses related to these loans is recorded at the date of transfer. An allowance for loan losses is recorded for credit deterioration occurring subsequent to the transfer date, if any.


74



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Goodwill. The excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets from acquisitions, or goodwill, is evaluated for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is likely impairment has occurred. Goodwill impairment is determined by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount. In any given year the Company may elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is in excess of its carrying value. If it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is in excess of the carrying value, or if the Company elects to bypass the qualitative assessment, a two-step quantitative impairment test is performed. In performing a quantitative test for impairment, the fair value of net assets is estimated based on analyses of the Company's market value, discounted cash flows and peer values. The determination of goodwill impairment is sensitive to market-based economics and other key assumptions used in determining or allocating fair value. Variability in the market and changes in assumptions or subjective measurements used to allocate fair value are reasonably possible and may have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

Core Deposit Intangibles. Core deposit intangibles represent the intangible value of depositor relationships resulting from deposit liabilities assumed and are amortized using an accelerated method based on the estimated weighted average useful lives of the related deposits. Accumulated core deposit intangibles amortization was $28,040 as of December 31, 2015 and $24,652 as of December 31, 2014. Amortization expense related to core deposit intangibles recorded as of December 31, 2015 is expected to total $3,220, $1,933, $1,414, $1,201, $988, and $1,833 in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and thereafter, respectively.

Mortgage Servicing Rights. The Company recognizes the rights to service mortgage loans for others, whether acquired or internally originated. Mortgage servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value based on comparable market data and are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. Mortgage servicing rights are evaluated quarterly for impairment by discounting the expected future cash flows, taking into consideration the estimated level of prepayments based on current industry expectations and the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans including loan type, note rate and loan term. Impairment adjustments, if any, are recorded through a valuation allowance.

Premises and Equipment. Buildings, furniture and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is computed using straight-line methods over estimated useful lives of 5 to 45 years for buildings and improvements and 4 to 15 years for furniture and equipment. Leasehold improvements and assets acquired under capital lease are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases. Land is recorded at cost.

Company-Owned Life Insurance. Key executive and group life insurance policies are recorded at their cash surrender value. Separate account group life insurance policies are subject to a stable value contract that offsets the impact of interest rate fluctuations on the market value of the policies and are recorded at the stabilized investment value. Increases in the cash surrender or stabilized investment value of insurance policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are recorded as other non-interest income, and are not subject to income taxes.

Deferred Compensation Plan. The Company has a deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain highly compensated officers and directors of the Company. The plan allows for discretionary employer contributions in excess of tax limits applicable to the Company's 401(k) and profit sharing plans and the deferral of salary, short-term incentives or director fees subject to certain limitations. Deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities are included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Deferred compensation plan income or expense, consisting solely of net realized and unrealized holding gains and losses on deferred compensation plan assets, is recorded as other income in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The corresponding net realized and unrealized holding gains and losses on deferred compensation plan liabilities is offset against employee benefits expense.


75



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, deferred compensation plan assets were $10,149 and $10,312, respectively. Corresponding deferred compensation plan liabilities were $10,149 and $10,136 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During 2015, net realized and unrealized holding losses on deferred compensation plan assets of $585 were included in other non-interest income and employee benefits expense in the Company's consolidated statements of income. During 2014, net realized and unrealized holding gains on deferred compensation plan assets of $434 were included in other non-interest income and employee benefits expense in the Company's consolidated statements of income.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. Long-lived assets, including premises and equipment and certain identifiable intangibles, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The amount of the impairment loss, if any, is based on the asset’s fair value. Impairment losses of $806, $102 and $616 were recognized in other non-interest expense in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Other Real Estate Owned. Real estate acquired in satisfaction of loans is initially carried at current fair value less estimated selling costs. Any excess of loan carrying value over the fair value of the real estate acquired is recorded as a charge to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent declines in fair value less estimated selling costs are included in OREO expense. Subsequent increases in fair value less estimated selling costs are recorded as a reduction in OREO expense to the extent of recognized losses. Operating expenses, net of related income, and gains or losses on sales are included in OREO expense. Write-downs of $207, $224 and $3,512 were recorded in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The carrying value of foreclosed residential real estate properties included in other real estate owned was $1,686 as of December 31, 2015, and $2,644 as of December 31, 2014.

Restricted Equity Securities. The Company, as a member of the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), is required to maintain investments in each of the organization’s capital stock. As of December 31, 2015, restricted equity securities of the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of $16,421 and $10,135, respectively, were included in other assets at cost. As of December 31, 2014, restricted equity securities of the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank were $16,187 and $10,662, respectively. No ready market exists for these restricted equity securities, and they have no quoted market values. Restricted equity securities are periodically reviewed for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recovery of par value is influenced by the significance of the decline compared to the cost basis of the restricted equity securities, the length of time a decline has persisted, the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on the issuing organizations and the liquidity positions of the issuing organizations. Based on management’s assessment, no impairment losses were recorded on restricted equity securities during 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities. For asset and liability management purposes, the Company has entered into interest rate swap contracts to hedge against changes in forecasted cash flows due to interest rate exposures. Interest rate swaps are contracts in which a series of interest payments are exchanged over a prescribed period. The notional amount upon which the interest payments are based is not exchanged. The swap agreements are derivative instruments and convert a portion of the Company’s forecasted variable rate debt to a fixed rate (i.e., cash flow hedge) over the payment term of the interest rate swap. The effective portion of the gain or loss on cash flow hedging instruments is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on derivative instruments, if any, is recognized in earnings. The Company does not enter into interest rate swap agreements for trading or speculative purposes.

The Company also enters into certain interest rate swap contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments. These derivative contracts relate to transactions in which the Company enters into an interest rate swap with a customer while at the same time entering into an offsetting interest rate swap with a third party financial institution. Because the Company acts as an intermediary for the customer, changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts for the most part offset each other and do not significantly impact the Company's results of operations.


76



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

The Company has residential real estate derivatives for commitments to fund certain residential real estate loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of residential real estate loans to third party investors on a mandatory or best efforts basis. It is the Company’s practice to enter into forward commitments for the future delivery of residential real estate loans when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of changes in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans.

Income from Fiduciary Activities. Consistent with industry practice, income for trust services is recognized on the basis of cash received. However, use of this method in lieu of accrual basis accounting does not materially affect reported earnings.

Earnings Per Common Share. Basic and diluted earnings per common share are calculated using a two-class method. Under the two-class method, basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding outstanding participating securities. Participating securities include non-vested performance restricted stock awards granted prior to 2014 and all non-vested time restricted stock awards. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding determined for the basic earnings per share calculation plus the dilutive effect of stock compensation using the treasury stock method.

Income Taxes. The Parent Company and its subsidiaries have elected to be included in a consolidated federal income tax return. For state income tax purposes, the combined taxable income of the Parent Company and its subsidiaries is apportioned among the states in which operations take place. Federal and state income taxes attributable to the subsidiaries, computed on a separate return basis, are paid to or received from the Parent Company.

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on enacted income tax rates which will be in effect when the differences between the financial statement carrying values and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities are expected to be reported in taxable income.

Positions taken in the Company’s tax returns may be subject to challenge by the taxing authorities upon examination. Uncertain tax positions are initially recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are both initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. The Company provides for interest and, in some cases, penalties on tax positions that may be challenged by the taxing authorities. Interest expense is recognized beginning in the first period that such interest would begin accruing. Penalties are recognized in the period that the Company claims the position in the tax return. Interest and penalties on income tax uncertainties are classified within income tax expense in the income statement. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state examinations by tax authorities for years before 2012. The Company had accrued interest of $235, $206 and $176 as of December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013. The Company had no penalties as of December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.
    
Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income includes net income, as well as other changes in stockholders’ equity that result from transactions and economic events other than those with shareholders. In addition to net income, the Company’s comprehensive income includes the after tax effect of changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investment securities and derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the unamortized gain or loss on available-for-sale investment securities transferred to held-to-maturity and changes in net actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit post-retirement benefits plans.
    
Segment Reporting. An operating segment is defined as a component of a business for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and evaluate performance. The Company has one operating segment, community banking, which encompasses commercial and consumer banking services offered to individuals, businesses, municipalities and other entities.
    

77



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Advertising Costs. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $3,452, $3,734, and $3,532 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
            
Transfers of Financial Assets. Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company; the transferee obtains the right, free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right, to pledge or exchange the transferred assets; and, the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
    
Stock-Based Compensation. Compensation cost for all stock-based awards is measured at fair value on the date of grant and is recognized over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest. Stock-based compensation expense of $3,959, $3,634 and $2,936 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is included in benefits expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Related income tax benefits recognized for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $1,443, $1,390 and $1,122, respectively.
    
Fair Value Measurements. In general, fair value measurements are based upon quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value measurements are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and require some degree of judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments and other factors. The use of different assumptions or estimation techniques may have a significant effect on the fair value amounts reported.
    
(2)
ACQUISITIONS
    
On July 24, 2015, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Absarokee Bancorporation, Inc. ("Absarokee"), a Montana-based bank holding company operating one subsidiary bank, United Bank, with branches located in three Montana communities adjacent to the Company's existing market areas. As a result of the acquisition, the Company increased its presence in the state of Montana. The Company merged United Bank with and into FIB immediately subsequent to the acquisition. The Company paid cash consideration for the acquisition of $7,234.

On July 31, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Mountain West Financial Corp ("MWFC"), a Montana-based bank holding company operating one subsidiary bank, Mountain West Bank, NA ("MWB"), with branches located in five of the Company's current market areas in Montana. The Company merged MWB with and into FIB on October 17, 2014. The acquisition allowed the Company to gain market share in several of its current market areas. The Company also benefited from cost savings related to the merger of MWB with FIB. Consideration for the acquisition of $74,451 consisted of cash of $38,479 and the issuance of 1,378,230 shares of the Company's Class A common stock valued at $26.10 per share, the closing price of the Company's Class A common stock as quoted on the NASDAQ stock market on the acquisition date.

The Absarokee and MWFC acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method with cash consideration funded from cash on hand. The assets and liabilities of the acquired entities were recorded in the Company's consolidated financial statements at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition dates. The excess value of the consideration paid over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill. Goodwill arising from the acquisitions consists largely of the synergies and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of the acquired entities and the Company. These acquisitions were accounted for as tax-free exchanges; therefore, goodwill recorded in conjunction with the acquisitions is not deductible for income tax purposes. Fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the Absarokee and MWFC acquisitions were estimated using relevant market information and significant other inputs and generally fall within Levels 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy.


78



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

The following table summarizes the consideration paid, fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the resulting goodwill. During 2015, the Company completed its review of MWFC tax items and finalized the fair value of acquired deferred tax assets resulting in a $1,199 decrease in goodwill.
 
Absarokee
 
MWFC
 
July 24, 2015
 
July 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Assets acquired:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
5,598

 
$
74,035

Investment securities
27,574

 
104,911

Loans
36,644

 
360,272

Allowance for loan losses

 

Premises and equipment
3,128

 
29,436

Company-owned life insurance

 
13,046

Core deposit intangible assets
695

 
11,014

Other assets
898

 
18,885

Total assets acquired
74,537

 
611,599

Liabilities assumed:
 
 
 
Deposits
63,565

 
515,379

Repurchase agreements
2,000

 

Long term debt
1,253

 

Subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts

 
20,439

Other liabilities
633

 
23,231

Total liabilities assumed
67,451

 
559,049

Net assets acquired
7,086

 
52,550

Consideration paid:
 
 
 
Cash
7,234

 
38,479

Class A common stock

 
35,972

Total consideration paid
7,234

 
74,451

Goodwill
$
148

 
$
21,901

 
 
 
 

Core deposit intangible assets related to the Absarokee and MWFC acquisitions of $695 and $11,014, respectively, are being amortized using an accelerated method over the estimated useful lives of the related deposits of 10 years.

The Company recorded third party acquisition-related costs of $795 and $4,017 in 2015 and 2014, respectively. These costs are included in acquisition expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of income.

The accompanying consolidated statements of income include the results of operations of the acquired entities from their acquisition dates. The operations of Absarokee and MWFC were immediately integrated with the Company's operations and the acquired banks were merged with FIB. As such, the Company has determined it is not practical to report post-acquisition date revenues and net income of the acquired entities that were included in the Company's consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Unaudited pro forma consolidated revenues and net income as if the Absarokee acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2014, are not presented because the effect of this acquisition was not considered significant.


79



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

The following table presents unaudited pro forma consolidated revenues and net income as if the MWFC acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2013.
Year ended December 31, (unaudited)
2014
2013
Interest income
$
280,102

$
280,455

Non-interest income
114,984

120,005

Total revenues
$
395,086

$
400,460

 
 
 
Net income
$
87,129

$
84,264


The unaudited pro forma net income presented in the table above for 2014 was adjusted to exclude acquisition-related costs, including change in control expenses related to employee benefit plans, stock option cancellation fees and legal and professional expenses, of $5,052, net of tax. Pro forma net income presented in the table above for 2013 was adjusted to include the aforementioned acquisition-related costs. The unaudited pro forma net income presented in the table above for 2014 and 2013 includes adjustments for scheduled amortization of core deposit intangible assets acquired in the acquisition. No adjustments were made for operating costs savings and other business synergies expected as a result of the acquisition, or accretion or amortization of fair value adjustments other than core deposit intangible assets.

(3)
INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and approximate fair values of investment securities are summarized as follows:
December 31, 2015
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair
Value
Available-for-Sale
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury notes
$
3,912

$
3

$
(4
)
$
3,911

Obligations of U.S. government agencies
521,079

712

(1,610
)
520,181

U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed securities &
   collateralized mortgage obligations
921,699

9,448

(2,101
)
929,046

Private mortgage-backed securities
156

1

(1
)
156

Other investments
3,550

5

(9
)
3,546

Total
$
1,450,396

$
10,169

$
(3,725
)
$
1,456,840

December 31, 2015
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair
Value
Held-to Maturity
 
 
 
 
State, county and municipal securities
$
173,785

$
5,103

$
(227
)
$
178,661

Corporate securities
50,046

64

(220
)
49,890

U.S agency residential mortgage-backed securities &
collateralized mortgage obligations
376,480

7,686

(5,522
)
378,644

Other investments
354

1


355

Total
$
600,665

$
12,854

$
(5,969
)
$
607,550


Gross gains of $156 and gross losses of $19 were realized on the disposition of available-for-sale securities in 2015.

80



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

December 31, 2014
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair
Value
Available-for-Sale
 
 
 
 
Obligations of U.S. government agencies
$
725,408

$
895

$
(5,370
)
$
720,933

U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed securities &
   collateralized mortgage obligations
982,764

11,526

(3,624
)
990,666

Private mortgage-backed securities
322

5

(2
)
325

Total
$
1,708,494

$
12,426

$
(8,996
)
$
1,711,924

December 31, 2014
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair
Value
Held-to Maturity
 
 
 
 
State, county and municipal securities
$
188,941

$
5,949

$
(386
)
$
194,504

Corporate securities
32,565

54

(75
)
32,544

U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed securities &
   collateralized mortgage obligations
353,176

5,563

(1,758
)
356,981

Other securities
504



504

Total
$
575,186

$
11,566

$
(2,219
)
$
584,533


Gross gains of $274 and $49 were realized on the disposition of available-for-sale securities in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Gross losses of $213 and $48 were realized on the disposition of available-for-sale securities in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had general obligation securities with amortized costs of $140,458 included in state, county and municipal securities, of which $78,337 were issued by political subdivisions or agencies within the states of Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota.

On October 30, 2015, the Company transferred available-for-sale U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations with amortized costs and fair values of $100,343 and $100,140, respectively, into the held-to-maturity category. Unrealized net losses of $203 included in accumulated other comprehensive income at the time of the transfer are being amortized to yield over the remaining expected lives of the transferred securities of 4.0 years.

On June 27, 2014, the Company transferred available-for-sale U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations with amortized costs and fair values of $396,640 and $388,808, respectively, into the held-to-maturity category. Unrealized net losses of $7,832 at the time of the transfer are being amortized to yield over the remaining expected lives of the transferred securities of 4.3 years.


81



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

The following tables show the gross unrealized losses and fair values of investment securities, aggregated by investment category, and the length of time individual investment securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
December 31, 2015
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Available-for-Sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury notes
$
2,092

$
(4
)
$

$

$
2,092

$
(4
)
Obligations of U.S. government agencies
209,631

(1,077
)
54,619

(533
)
264,250

(1,610
)
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
   securities & collateralized mortgage
   obligations
343,875

(1,577
)
28,010

(524
)
371,885

(2,101
)
Private mortgage-backed securities


61

(1
)
61

(1
)
Other investments
1,225

(9
)


1,225

(9
)
Total
$
556,823

$
(2,667
)
$
82,690

$
(1,058
)
$
639,513

$
(3,725
)
 
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
December 31, 2015
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Held-to-Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
State, county and municipal securities
$
10,182

$
(39
)
$
9,476

$
(188
)
$
19,658

$
(227
)
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
securities & collateralized mortgage
obligations
87,033

(4,390
)
69,539

(1,132
)
156,572

(5,522
)
Corporate securities
31,135

(220
)


31,135

(220
)
Total
$
128,350

$
(4,649
)
$
79,015

$
(1,320
)
$
207,365

$
(5,969
)
 
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
December 31, 2014
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Available-for-Sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of U.S. government agencies
$
135,888

$
(702
)
$
309,283

$
(4,668
)
$
445,171

$
(5,370
)
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
   securities & collateralized mortgage
   obligations
219,214

(887
)
151,380

(2,737
)
370,594

(3,624
)
Private mortgage-backed securities


90

(2
)
90

(2
)
Total
$
355,102

$
(1,589
)
$
460,753

$
(7,407
)
$
815,855

$
(8,996
)
 
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
December 31, 2014
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Held-to-Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
State, county and municipal securities
$
7,979

$
(13
)
$
20,097

$
(373
)
$
28,076

$
(386
)
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
   securities & collateralized mortgage
   obligations
61,201

(1,758
)


$
61,201

$
(1,758
)
Corporate securities
14,755

(75
)


14,755

(75
)
Total
$
83,935

$
(1,846
)
$
20,097

$
(373
)
$
104,032

$
(2,219
)

82



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)


The investment portfolio is evaluated quarterly for other-than-temporary declines in the market value of each individual investment security. Consideration is given to the length of time and the 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 the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had 198 individual investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had 154 individual investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position. Unrealized losses as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 related primarily to fluctuations in the current interest rates. The fair value of these investment securities is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had the intent and ability to hold these investment securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery. Furthermore, the Company does not have the intent to sell any of the available-for-sale securities in the above table and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell any securities before a recovery in cost. No impairment losses were recorded during 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Maturities of investment securities at December 31, 2015 are shown below. Maturities of mortgage-backed securities have been adjusted to reflect shorter maturities based upon estimated prepayments of principal. All other investment securities maturities are shown at contractual maturity dates.
 
Available-for-Sale
 
Held-to-Maturity
December 31, 2015
Amortized
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
Within one year
$
329,638

$
331,620

 
$
100,695

$
101,885

After one year but within five years
1,018,573

1,022,351

 
320,310

322,281

After five years but within ten years
46,874

47,117

 
134,606

137,304

After ten years
55,311

55,752

 
45,054

46,080

Total
$
1,450,396

$
1,456,840

 
$
600,665

$
607,550


At December 31, 2015, the Company had investment securities callable within one year with amortized costs and estimated fair values of $98,885 and $98,664, respectively. These investment securities are primarily classified as available-for-sale and included in the after one year but within five years category in the table above. At December 31, 2015, the Company had no callable structured notes.

Maturities of securities do not reflect rate repricing opportunities present in adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had variable rate mortgage-backed securities with amortized costs of $68,440 and $40,666, respectively, classified as available-for-sale in the table above.

There are no significant concentrations of investments at December 31, 2015, (greater than 10 percent of stockholders’ equity) in any individual security issuer, except for U.S. government or agency-backed securities.

Investment securities with amortized cost of $1,325,078 and $1,351,787 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and securities sold under repurchase agreements. The approximate fair value of securities pledged at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $1,328,571 and $1,356,341, respectively. All securities sold under repurchase agreements are with customers and mature on the next banking day. The Company retains possession of the underlying securities sold under repurchase agreements.


83



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

(4)
LOANS
    
The following table presents loans by class as of the dates indicated:
December 31,
2015
 
2014
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
Commercial
$
1,793,258

 
$
1,639,422

Construction:
 
 
 
Land acquisition & development
224,066

 
220,443

Residential
111,763

 
96,580

Commercial
94,890

 
101,246

Total construction loans
430,719

 
418,269

Residential
1,032,851

 
999,903

Agricultural
156,234

 
167,659

Total real estate loans
3,413,062

 
3,225,253

Consumer:
 
 
 
Indirect consumer
622,529

 
552,863

Other consumer
153,717

 
144,141

Credit card
68,107

 
65,467

Total consumer loans
844,353

 
762,471

Commercial
792,416

 
740,073

Agricultural
142,151

 
124,859

Other, including overdrafts
1,339

 
3,959

Loans held for investment
5,193,321

 
4,856,615

Mortgage loans held for sale
52,875

 
40,828

Total loans
$
5,246,196

 
$
4,897,443

    
The Company has lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to maximize loan income within an acceptable level of risk. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis. A reporting system supplements the review process by providing management with frequent reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and internally risk-classified loans.
    
Real estate loans include construction and permanent financing for both single-family and multi-unit properties, term loans for commercial, agricultural and industrial property and/or buildings and home equity loans and lines of credit secured by real estate. Longer-term residential real estate loans are generally sold in the secondary market. Those residential real estate loans not sold are typically secured by first liens on the financed property and generally mature in less than fifteen years. Home equity loans and lines of credit are typically secured by first or second liens on residential real estate and generally do not exceed a loan to value ratio of 80%. The Company had home equity loans and lines of credit of $298,661 and $298,692 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Commercial and agricultural real estate loans are generally secured by first liens on income-producing real estate and generally mature in less than 5 years.
    
Construction loans are primarily to commercial builders for residential lot development and the construction of single-family residences and commercial real estate properties. Construction loans are generally underwritten pursuant to pre-approved permanent financing. During the construction phase the borrower pays interest only.
    
Consumer loans include direct personal loans, credit card loans, lines of credit and indirect dealer loans for the purchase of automobiles, recreational vehicles, boats and other consumer goods. Personal loans and indirect dealer loans are generally secured by automobiles, boats and other types of personal property and are made on an installment basis. Credit cards are offered to individuals in our market areas. Lines of credit are generally floating rate loans that are unsecured or secured by personal property.


84



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Commercial loans include a mix of variable and fixed rate loans made to small and medium-sized manufacturing, wholesale, retail and service businesses for working capital needs and business expansions. Commercial loans generally include lines of credit, business credit cards and loans with maturities of five years or less. The loans are generally made with business operations as the primary source of repayment, but also include collateralization by inventory, accounts receivable, equipment and/or personal guarantees.
    
Agricultural loans generally consist of short and medium-term loans and lines of credit that are primarily used for crops, livestock, equipment and general operations. Agricultural loans are ordinarily secured by assets such as livestock or equipment and are repaid from the operations of the farm or ranch. Agricultural loans generally have maturities of five years or less, with operating lines for one production season.
    
Included in the loan table above, are loans acquired in business combinations including certain loans that had evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination and for which it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected. The following table displays the outstanding unpaid principal balance, accrued interest receivable and accrual status of loans acquired with credit impairment as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.    
December 31,
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Outstanding balance
$
33,755

 
$
41,910

Carrying value:
 
 
 
Loans on accrual status
21,507

 
31,870

Loans on non-accrual status

 

Total carrying value
$
21,507

 
$
31,870

    
The following table summarizes changes in the accretable yield for loans acquired credit impaired for year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:
Year Ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
5,781

 
$

Acquisitions
432

 
5,233

Accretion income
(2,884
)
 
(735
)
Additions
594

 

Reductions due to exit events
(517
)
 
(201
)
Reclassifications from nonaccretable differences
3,307

 
1,484

Ending balance
$
6,713

 
$
5,781



85



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. The following tables present the contractual aging of the Company’s recorded investment in past due loans by class as of the period indicated:
 
 
 
 
Total Loans
 
 
 
 
30 - 59
60 - 89
> 90
30 or More
 
 
 
 
Days
Days
Days
Days
Current
Non-accrual
Total
As of December 31, 2015
Past Due
Past Due
Past Due
Past Due
Loans
Loans
Loans
Real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
6,051

$
724

$
418

$
7,193

$
1,762,294

$
23,771

$
1,793,258

Construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Land acquisition & development
3,190

163

1,325

4,678

212,757

6,631

224,066

Residential
1,288



1,288

110,182

293

111,763

Commercial
3,232



3,232

90,703

955

94,890

Total construction loans
7,710

163

1,325

9,198

413,642

7,879

430,719

Residential
5,991

1,196

2,063

9,250

1,018,359

5,242

1,032,851

Agricultural
176

17


193

150,686

5,355

156,234

Total real estate loans
19,928

2,100

3,806

25,834

3,344,981

42,247

3,413,062

Consumer:
 
 
 
 


 

 

Indirect consumer
6,675

1,089

210

7,974

614,029

526

622,529

Other consumer
1,312

331

34

1,677

151,381

659

153,717

Credit card
533

317

477

1,327

66,768

12

68,107

Total consumer loans
8,520

1,737

721

10,978

832,178

1,197

844,353

Commercial
8,493

1,060

699

10,252

759,851

22,313

792,416

Agricultural
879

152

62

1,093

140,430

628

142,151

Other, including overdrafts


314

314

1,025


1,339

Loans held for investment
37,820

5,049

5,602

48,471

5,078,465

66,385

5,193,321

Mortgage loans originated for sale




52,875


52,875

Total loans
$
37,820

$
5,049

$
5,602

$
48,471

$
5,131,340

$
66,385

$
5,246,196



86



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
 
 
 
Total Loans
 
 
 
 
30 - 59
60 - 89
> 90
30 or More
 
 
 
 
Days
Days
Days
Days
Current
Non-accrual
Total
As of December 31, 2014
Past Due
Past Due
Past Due
Past Due
Loans
Loans
Loans
Real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
4,692

$
1,609

$
331

$
6,632

$
1,605,421

$
27,369

$
1,639,422

Construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Land acquisition & development
839

383


1,222

210,969

8,252

220,443

Residential

475


475

95,833

272

96,580

Commercial
100



100

98,582

2,564

101,246

Total construction loans
939

858


1,797

405,384

11,088

418,269

Residential
6,969

645

1,762

9,376

987,735

2,792

999,903

Agricultural
1,624

236


1,860

158,957

6,842

167,659

Total real estate loans
14,224

3,348

2,093

19,665

3,157,497

48,091

3,225,253

Consumer:
 
 
 




 

 

Indirect consumer
3,235

482

6

3,723

548,757

383

552,863

Other consumer
988

140

32

1,160

142,432

549

144,141

Credit card
369

284

315

968

64,484

15

65,467

Total consumer loans
4,592

906

353

5,851

755,673

947

762,471

Commercial
3,659

994

147

4,800

722,575

12,698

740,073

Agricultural
1,125



1,125

123,288

446

124,859

Other, including overdrafts




3,959


3,959

Loans held for investment
23,600

5,248

2,593

31,441

4,762,992

62,182

4,856,615

Mortgage loans originated for sale




40,828


40,828

Total loans
$
23,600

$
5,248

$
2,593

$
31,441

$
4,803,820

$
62,182

$
4,897,443

        
Acquired loans that meet the criteria for non-accrual of interest prior to the acquisition were considered performing upon acquisition. If interest on non-accrual loans had been accrued, such income would have approximated $3,150, $3,970 and $4,630 during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
    

87



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

The Company considers impaired loans to include all loans, except consumer loans, that are risk rated as doubtful, or have been placed on non-accrual status or renegotiated in troubled debt restructurings. The following tables present information on the Company’s recorded investment in impaired loans as of dates indicated:
 
December 31, 2015
 
Unpaid
Total
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
Total
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
58,179

$
27,882

$
17,614

$
45,496

$
3,401

Construction:
 
 
 
 
 
Land acquisition & development
15,503

7,245

778

8,023

282

Residential
992

293


293


Commercial
1,264

340

739

1,079

739

Total construction loans
17,759

7,878

1,517

9,395

1,021

Residential
7,073

3,547

2,317

5,864

367

Agricultural
6,434

5,563

198

5,761

5

Total real estate loans
89,445

44,870

21,646

66,516

4,794

Commercial
29,593

10,744

13,727

24,471

6,487

Agricultural
1,349

622

356

978

294

Total
$
120,387

$
56,236

$
35,729

$
91,965

$
11,575

 
December 31, 2014
 
Unpaid
Total
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
Total
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
41,603

$
28,143

$
11,246

$
39,389

$
1,608

Construction:
 
 
 
 
 
Land acquisition & development
12,511

7,262

1,615

8,877

574

Residential
459

272


272


Commercial
2,729

253

2,442

2,695

904

Total construction loans
15,699

7,787

4,057

11,844

1,478

Residential
2,959

2,452

341

2,793

143

Agricultural
8,844

6,444

2,305

8,749

732

Total real estate loans
69,105

44,826

17,949

62,775

3,961

Commercial
16,904

11,882

2,644

14,526

1,190

Agricultural
1,231

342

837

1,179

641

Total
$
87,240

$
57,050

$
21,430

$
78,480

$
5,792



88



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
December 31, 2013
 
Unpaid
Total
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
Total
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
64,780

$
29,216

$
33,937

$
63,153

$
5,210

Construction:
 
 
 
 
 
Land acquisition & development
23,906

9,901

7,226

17,127

1,434

Residential
1,816

1,095

277

1,372

26

Commercial
397

279

84

363

85

Total construction loans
26,119

11,275

7,587

18,862

1,545

Residential
9,448

5,081

967

6,048

249

Agricultural
8,895

6,429

2,370

8,799

335

Total real estate loans
109,242

52,001

44,861

96,862

7,339

Commercial
15,448

10,684

2,901

13,585

1,504

Agricultural
177

39

86

125

86

Total
$
124,867

$
62,724

$
47,848

$
110,572

$
8,929

    
The following tables present the average recorded investment in and income recognized on impaired loans for the periods indicated:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Average Recorded Investment
Income Recognized
 
Average Recorded Investment
Income Recognized
 
Average Recorded Investment
Income Recognized
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
39,233

$
784

 
$
54,701

$
876

 
$
66,330

$
1,092

Construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land acquisition & development
8,337

54

 
13,056

43

 
19,523

487

Residential
282


 
822


 
1,893


Commercial
1,887

7

 
1,529

8

 
3,936

4

Total construction loans
10,506

61

 
15,407

51

 
25,352

491

Residential
4,055

1

 
4,537

5

 
8,104

17

Agricultural
7,156

39

 
8,774

78

 
8,230

8

Total real estate loans
60,950

885

 
83,419

1,010

 
108,016

1,608

Commercial
18,502

123

 
13,789

50

 
15,047

68

Agricultural
858

26

 
447

23

 
313

16

Total
$
80,310

$
1,034

 
$
97,655

$
1,083

 
$
123,376

$
1,692


The amount of interest income recognized by the Company within the period that the loans were impaired was primarily related to loans modified in troubled debt restructurings that remained on accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual impaired loans are applied to principal. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of principal due. If interest on impaired loans had been accrued, interest income on impaired loans during 2015, 2014 and 2013 would have been approximately $3,935, $4,951 and $5,786, respectively.
    

89



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Collateral dependent impaired loans are recorded at the fair value less selling costs of the underlying collateral determined using discounted cash flows, independent appraisals and management estimates based upon current market conditions. For loans measured under the present value of cash flows method, the change in present value attributable to the passage of time, if applicable, is recognized in the provision for loan losses and thus no interest income is recognized.
    
Modifications of performing loans are made in the ordinary course of business and are completed on a case-by-case basis as negotiated with the borrower. Loan modifications typically include interest rate changes, interest only periods of less than twelve months, short-term payment deferrals and extension of amortization periods to provide payment relief. A loan modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring if the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and the Company, for economic or legal reasons, grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. Certain troubled debt restructurings are on non-accrual status at the time of restructuring and may be returned to accrual status after considering the borrower's sustained repayment performance in accordance with the restructuring agreement for a period of at least six months and management is reasonably assured of future performance. If the troubled debt restructuring meets these performance criteria and the interest rate granted at the modification is equal to or greater than the rate that the Company was willing to accept at the time of the restructuring for a new loan with comparable risk, then the loan will return to performing status and the accrual of interest will resume, although they continue to be individually evaluated for impairment and disclosed as impaired loans.
    
The Company had loans renegotiated in troubled debt restructurings of $40,330 as of December 31, 2015, of which $24,911 were included in non-accrual loans and $15,419 were on accrual status. The Company had loans renegotiated in troubled debt restructurings of $44,227 as of December 31, 2014, of which $23,275 were included in non-accrual loans and $20,952 were on accrual status.

The following table presents information on the Company's troubled debt restructurings that occurred during the periods indicated:
 
 
Number of Notes
 
Type of Concession
Principal Balance at Restructure Date
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
Interest only period
Extension of terms or maturity
Interest rate adjustment
Other
Commercial Real Estate
 
2

 
$

$
628

$

$
54

$
682

Indirect Consumer
 
1

 



4

4

Commercial
 
12

 

8,689

3,318

455

12,462

Total
 
15

 
$

$
9,317

$
3,318

$
513

$
13,148

 
 
Number of Notes
 
Type of Concession
Principal Balance at Restructure Date
Year ended December 31, 2014
 
 
Interest only period
Extension of terms or maturity
Interest rate adjustment
Other
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
13

 
$
4,753

$
672

$
84

$
1,047

$
6,556

Residential
 
1

 



15

15

Total real estate loans
 
14

 
4,753

672

84

1,062

6,571

Consumer
 
1

 

113



113

Commercial
 
5

 
476



30

506

Total
 
20

 
$
5,229

$
785

$
84

$
1,092

$
7,190



90



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
 
Number of Notes
 
Type of Concession
Principal Balance at Restructure Date
Year ended December 31, 2013
 
 
Interest only period
Extension of terms or maturity
Interest rate adjustment
Other
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
19

 
$
543

$
1,378

$
11,420

$
2,310

$
15,651

Construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land acquisition & development
 
8

 
528

7,308

1,952


9,788

Residential
 
3

 

408

411


819

Total construction loans
 
11

 
528

7,716

2,363


10,607

Residential
 
5

 

708


79

787

Agriculture
 
1

 


188


188

Total real estate loans
 
36

 
1,071

9,802

13,971

2,389

27,233

Consumer
 
1

 


27


27

Commercial
 
6

 
613

178

265

87

1,143

Total
 
43

 
$
1,684

$
9,980

$
14,263

$
2,476

$
28,403


Other concessions include payment reductions or deferrals for a specified period of time or the extension of amortization schedules. A specific reserve may have been previously recorded for loans modified in troubled debt restructurings that were on non-accrual status or otherwise deemed impaired before the modification. In periods subsequent to modification, the Company continues to evaluate all loans modified in troubled debt restructurings for possible impairment, which is recognized through the allowance for loan losses. Financial effects of modifications may include principal loan forgiveness or other charge-offs directly related to the restructuring. The Company had no charge-offs directly related to loans modified in troubled debt restructurings taken at the time of restructuring during 2015, 2014 or 2013.

The Company considers a payment default to occur on loans modified in troubled debt restructurings when the loan is 90 days or more past due or was placed on non-accrual status after the modification. The following table presents information on the Company's troubled debt restructurings during the previous 12 months for which there was a payment default.
Year ended December 31, 2015
 
Number of Notes
 
Balance
Indirect Consumer
 
1

 
$
4

Commercial
 
2

 
240

Total
 
3

 
$
244


As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, loans modified in troubled debt restructurings within the previous 12 months for which there was a payment default during the period were not significant. As of December 31, 2015, and 2014, all of the loans modified in troubled debt restructurings with payment defaults during the previous twelve months were on non-accrual status.

At December 31, 2015, there were no material commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose existing loans have been renegotiated or are classified as non-accrual.

As part of the on-going and continuous monitoring of the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, management tracks internally assigned risk classifications of loans. The Company adheres to a Uniform Classification System developed jointly by the various bank regulatory agencies to internally risk rate loans.


91



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

The Uniform Classification System defines three broad categories of criticized assets, which the Company uses as credit quality indicators:

Other Assets Especially Mentioned — includes loans that exhibit weaknesses in financial condition, loan structure or documentation, which if not promptly corrected, may lead to the development of abnormal risk elements.

Substandard — includes loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower. Although the primary source of repayment for a Substandard is not currently sufficient; collateral or other sources of repayment are sufficient to satisfy the debt. Continuance of a Substandard loan is not warranted unless positive steps are taken to improve the worthiness of the credit.

Doubtful — includes loans that exhibit pronounced weaknesses to a point where collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, is highly questionable and improbable. Doubtful loans are required to be placed on non-accrual status and are assigned specific loss exposure.

The following tables present the Company’s recorded investment in criticized loans by class and credit quality indicator based on the most recent analysis performed as of the dates indicated:
As of December 31, 2015
Other Assets
Especially
Mentioned
Substandard
Doubtful
Total
Criticized
Loans
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
61,787

$
84,556

$
10,609

$
156,952

Construction:
 
 
 
 
Land acquisition & development
16,593

12,482

591

29,666

Residential
1,640

1,886


3,526

Commercial
166

323

756

1,245

Total construction loans
18,399

14,691

1,347

34,437

Residential
4,453

9,661

2,540

16,654

Agricultural
6,114

16,529


22,643

Total real estate loans
90,753

125,437

14,496

230,686

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
Indirect consumer
644

1,131

154

1,929

Other consumer
651

1,130

198

1,979

Total consumer loans
1,295

2,261

352

3,908

Commercial
32,975

27,982

15,085

76,042

Agricultural
2,247

7,105

417

9,769

Total
$
127,270

$
162,785

$
30,350

$
320,405


92



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

As of December 31, 2014
Other Assets
Especially
Mentioned
Substandard
Doubtful
Total
Criticized
Loans
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
84,533

$
83,448

$
15,246

$
183,227

Construction:
 
 
 
 
Land acquisition & development
11,826

15,016

2,507

29,349

Residential
2,029

2,666


4,695

Commercial
39

253

2,442

2,734

Total construction loans
13,894

17,935

4,949

36,778

Residential
10,473

10,848

1,121

22,442

Agricultural
10,122

12,328

612

23,062

Total real estate loans
119,022

124,559

21,928

265,509

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
Indirect consumer
916

1,590

121

2,627

Other consumer
553

1,085

432

2,070

Credit card

348

1,263

1,611

Total consumer loans
1,469

3,023

1,816

6,308

Commercial
25,766

32,433

10,273

68,472

Agricultural
7,827

3,660

837

12,324

Total
$
154,084

$
163,675

$
34,854

$
352,613


The Company maintains a credit review function, which is independent of the credit approval process, to assess assigned internal risk classifications and monitor compliance with internal lending policies and procedures. Written action plans with firm target dates for resolution of identified problems are maintained and reviewed on a quarterly basis for all categories of criticized loans.


93



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

(5)
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The following table presents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment:
Year ended December 31, 2015
Real Estate
Consumer
Commercial
Agriculture
Other
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
53,884

$
5,035

$
14,307

$
974

$

$
74,200

Provision charged (credited) to operating
   expense
(645
)
3,243

4,376

(152
)

6,822

Less loans charged-off
(4,076
)
(5,683
)
(1,657
)
(221
)

(11,637
)
Add back recoveries of loans previously charged-off
3,133

2,549

1,749

1


7,432

Ending balance
$
52,296

$
5,144

$
18,775

$
602

$

$
76,817

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
4,794

$

$
6,487

$
294

$

$
11,575

Collectively evaluated for impairment
47,502

5,144

12,288

308


65,242

Ending balance
$
52,296

$
5,144

$
18,775

$
602

$

$
76,817

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
66,516

$

$
24,471

$
978

$

$
91,965

Collectively evaluated for impairment
3,346,546

844,353

767,945

141,173

1,339

5,101,356

Total loans held for investment
$
3,413,062

$
844,353

$
792,416

$
142,151

$
1,339

$
5,193,321

Year ended December 31, 2014
Real Estate
Consumer
Commercial
Agriculture
Other
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
63,923

$
6,193

$
14,747

$
476

$

$
85,339

Provision charged (credited) to operating
   expense
(10,348
)
1,382

1,809

535


(6,622
)
Less loans charged-off
(3,014
)
(4,887
)
(6,030
)
(64
)

(13,995
)
Add back recoveries of loans previously charged-off
3,323

2,347

3,781

27


9,478

Ending balance
$
53,884

$
5,035

$
14,307

$
974

$

$
74,200

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
3,961

$

$
1,190

$
641

$

$
5,792

Collectively evaluated for impairment
49,923

5,035

13,117

333


68,408

Ending balance
$
53,884

$
5,035

$
14,307

$
974

$

$
74,200

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
62,775

$

$
14,526

$
1,179

$

$
78,480

Collectively evaluated for impairment
3,162,478

762,471

725,547

123,680

3,959

4,778,135

Total loans held for investment
$
3,225,253

$
762,471

$
740,073

$
124,859

$
3,959

$
4,856,615



94



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Year ended December 31, 2013
Real Estate
Consumer
Commercial
Agriculture
Other
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
75,782

$
7,141

$
17,085

$
503

$

$
100,511

Provision charged (credited) to operating
   expense
(7,722
)
1,605

41

(49
)

(6,125
)
Less loans charged-off
(10,224
)
(4,612
)
(5,672
)
(5
)

(20,513
)
Add back recoveries of loans previously charged-off
6,087

2,059

3,293

27


11,466

Ending balance
$
63,923

$
6,193

$
14,747

$
476

$

$
85,339

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
7,339

$

$
1,504

$
86

$

$
8,929

Collectively evaluated for impairment
56,584

6,193

13,243

390


76,410

Ending balance
$
63,923

$
6,193

$
14,747

$
476

$

$
85,339

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
96,862

$

$
13,585

$
125

$

$
110,572

Collectively evaluated for impairment
2,745,393

671,587

662,959

111,747

1,734

4,193,420

Total loans held for investment
$
2,842,255

$
671,587

$
676,544

$
111,872

$
1,734

$
4,303,992


The Company performs a quarterly assessment of the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The methodology used to assess the adequacy is consistently applied to the Company's loan portfolio and consists of three elements: (1) specific valuation allowances based on probable losses on impaired loans; (2) historical valuation allowances based on loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends; and (3) general valuation allowances determined based on changes in the nature of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, industry concentrations, delinquency trends, general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company.

Specific allowances are established for loans where management has determined that probability of a loss exists by analyzing the borrower’s ability to repay amounts owed, collateral deficiencies and any relevant qualitative or environmental factors impacting the loan. Historical valuation allowances are determined by applying percentage loss factors to the credit exposures from outstanding loans. For commercial, agricultural and real estate loans, loss factors are applied based on the internal risk classifications of these loans. For consumer loans, loss factors are applied on a portfolio basis. For commercial, agriculture and real estate loans, loss factor percentages are based on a migration analysis of our historical loss experience, designed to account for credit deterioration. For consumer loans, loss factor percentages are based on a one-year loss history. General valuation allowances are determined by evaluating, on a quarterly basis, changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, industry concentrations, current economic and regulatory factors and the estimated impact of current economic, environmental and regulatory conditions on historical loss rates.

An allowance for loan losses is established for loans acquired credit impaired and for which the Company projects a decrease in the expected cash flows in periods subsequent to the acquisition of such loans. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company's allowance for loans losses included $382 and $287, respectively, related to acquired credit impaired loans.


95



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)


(6)
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment and related accumulated depreciation are as follows:
December 31,
2015
 
2014
Land
$
37,999

 
$
40,620

Buildings and improvements
213,321

 
209,328

Furniture and equipment
81,354

 
74,959

 
332,674

 
324,907

Less accumulated depreciation
(141,862
)
 
(129,695
)
Premises and equipment, net
$
190,812

 
$
195,212


The Parent Company and a FIB branch office lease premises from an affiliated entity. See Note 17—Commitments and Contingencies.
    
(7)
COMPANY-OWNED LIFE INSURANCE
        
Company-owned life insurance consists of the following:
December 31,
2015
 
2014
Key executive, principal shareholder
$
3,926

 
$
3,798

Key executive split dollar
4,778

 
4,707

Group life
178,549

 
145,316

Total
$
187,253

 
$
153,821

        
The Company maintains key executive life insurance policies on certain principal shareholders. Under these policies, the Company receives benefits payable upon the death of the insured. The net cash surrender value of key executive, principal shareholder insurance policies was $3,926 and $3,798 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
    
The Company also has life insurance policies covering selected other key officers. The net cash surrender value of these policies was $4,778 and $4,707 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Under these policies, the Company receives benefits payable upon death of the insured. An endorsement split dollar agreement has been executed with the selected key officers whereby a portion of the policy death benefit is payable to their designated beneficiaries. The endorsement split dollar agreement will provide post-retirement coverage for those selected key officers meeting specified retirement qualifications. The Company expenses the earned portion of the post-employment benefit through the vesting period.
        
The Company has group life insurance policies covering selected officers of FIB. The net cash surrender value of these policies was $178,549 and $145,316 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Under these policies, the Company receives benefits payable upon death of the insured. The Company has entered into either an endorsement split dollar agreement or a survivor income benefit agreement with each insured officer. Under the endorsement split dollar agreements, a portion of the policy death benefit is payable to the insured's designated beneficiary if the insured is employed by the Company at the time of death. Under the survivor income benefit agreements, the Company makes a lump-sum payment to the insured's designated beneficiary if the insured is employed by the Company at the time of death.


96



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

(8)
OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED
        
Information with respect to the Company’s other real estate owned follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of year
$
13,554

 
$
15,504

 
$
32,571

Acquisitions

 
3,608

 

Additions
5,560

 
5,198

 
11,545

Capitalized improvements

 

 
65

Valuation adjustments
(207
)
 
(224
)
 
(3,512
)
Dispositions
(12,653
)
 
(10,532
)
 
(25,165
)
Balance at end of year
$
6,254

 
$
13,554

 
$
15,504

        
Write-downs of $207 during 2015 included adjustments of $106 directly related to receipt of updated appraisals and adjustments of $101 based on other sources, including management estimates of the current fair value of properties. Write-downs of $224 during 2014 included adjustments of $93 directly related to receipt of updated appraisals and adjustments of $131 based on other sources, including management estimates of the current fair value of properties. Write-downs of $3,512 during 2013 included adjustments of $1,083 directly related to receipt of updated appraisals and adjustments of $2,429 based on other sources, including management estimates of the current fair value of properties.
    
(9)
DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The notional amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's interest rate swap contracts are presented in the following table.


 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Notional Amount
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Notional Amount
Estimated
Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
$
100,000

$
165

 
$

$

Non-hedging interest rate derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap-assets
9,369

788

 
3,200

61

Interest rate swap-liabilities
9,369

829

 
3,200

59


On September 22, 2015, the Company entered into a forward starting interest rate swap with a notional amount of $100,000 that was designated as a cash flow hedge. Under the terms of the interest rate swap contract, the Company pays a fixed interest rate of 1.94% and the counterparty pays to the Company a variable interest rate equal to the three-month LIBOR. No cash is exchanged until the effective date, which begins on September 15, 2017 and ends on September 15, 2020. The Company designated the interest payments related to future Federal Home Loan Bank or other borrowings as the cash flow hedge. The hedge was fully effective during the current period. As such, no amount of ineffectiveness was included in the Company's income statement in 2015. The fair value of the interest rate swap is included in other liabilities in the Company's balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income. The Company expects the hedge to remain highly effective during the remaining term of the interest rate swap.
    

97



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

The following table presents the pre-tax gains or losses related to the interest rate swap derivative contracts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and other non-interest income in the Company's statements of income:
As of or For The Year Ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
Derivatives designated as hedges:
 
 
 
Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive income (effective portion)
$
165

 
$

Non-hedging interest rate derivatives:
 
 
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other non-interest income
(43
)
 
2


(10)
MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS
        
Information with respect to the Company’s mortgage servicing rights follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of year
$
14,374

 
$
14,018

 
$
13,224

Acquisitions of mortgage servicing rights
306

 

 

Originations of mortgage servicing rights
3,614

 
2,717

 
3,581

Amortization expense
(2,434
)
 
(2,361
)
 
(2,787
)
Balance at end of year
15,860

 
14,374

 
14,018

Less valuation reserve
(239
)
 
(336
)
 
(472
)
Balance at end of year
$
15,621

 
$
14,038

 
$
13,546

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal balance of serviced loans underlying mortgage servicing rights
$
2,906,239

 
$
2,615,311

 
$
2,416,621

Mortgage servicing rights as a percentage of serviced loans
0.54
%
 
0.54
%
 
0.56
%
            
At December 31, 2015, the estimated fair value and weighted average remaining life of the Company’s mortgage servicing rights were $31,011 and 7.3 years, respectively. The fair value of mortgage servicing rights was determined using discount rates ranging from 9.8% to 14.5% and monthly prepayment speeds ranging from 0.5% to 1.8% depending upon the risk characteristics of the underlying loans. The Company reversed impairment of $97, $136 and $99 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. No permanent impairment was recorded in 2015, 2014 or 2013.

(11)
DEPOSITS
    
Deposits are summarized as follows:
December 31,
2015
 
2014
Non-interest bearing demand
$
1,823,716

 
$
1,791,364

Interest bearing:
 
 
 
Demand
2,178,373

 
2,133,273

Savings
1,955,256

 
1,843,355

Time, $100 and over
487,372

 
520,125

Time, other
644,220

 
718,095

Total interest bearing
5,265,221

 
5,214,848

Total deposits
$
7,088,937

 
$
7,006,212

    
The Company had no brokered time deposits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
    
Other time deposits include deposits obtained through the Company’s participation in the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”). CDARS deposits totaled $38,336 and $40,491 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

98



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)


As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had time deposits of $222,912 and $228,410, respectively, that met or exceeded the FDIC insurance limit of $250.

Maturities of time deposits at December 31, 2015 are as follows:
 
Time, $100
and Over
 
Total Time
Due within 3 months or less
$
109,343

 
$
309,819

Due after 3 months and within 6 months
82,059

 
161,333

Due after 6 months and within 12 months
131,381

 
266,174

Due after 12 months
164,589

 
394,266

Total
$
487,372

 
$
1,131,592


Interest expense on time deposits of $100 or more was $3,739, $4,003 and $4,880 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

(12)
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWED FUNDS
    
A summary of long-term debt follows:
December 31,
2015
 
2014
Parent Company:
 
 
 
6.81% subordinated term loan maturing January 9, 2018, principal due at maturity, interest payable quarterly
$
20,000

 
$
20,000

Subsidiaries:
 
 
 
Variable rate subordinated term loan maturing February 28, 2018, principal due at maturity, interest payable quarterly

 
15,000

4.86% note payable to FHLB, maturing October 31, 2015

 
225

8.00% capital lease obligation with term ending October 25, 2029
1,582

 
1,643

6.24% note payable maturing September 2032, principal due at maturity, interest payable monthly
1,343

 
1,199

2.28% note payable maturing July 29, 2022, principal due at maturity, interest payable monthly
4,960

 

Total long-term debt
$
27,885

 
$
38,067

    
Maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2015 are as follows:
 
 
 
2016
 
 
$
65

2017
 
 
71

2018
 
 
20,077

2019
 
 
83

2020
 
 
90

Thereafter
 
 
7,499

Total
 
 
$
27,885


On January 10, 2008, the Company borrowed $20,000 on a 6.81% unsecured subordinated term loan maturing January 9, 2018, with interest payable quarterly and principal due at maturity. A portion of the unsecured subordinated term loan qualifies as tier 2 capital under regulatory capital adequacy guidelines.
    

99



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

During February 2008, the Company borrowed $15,000 on a variable rate unsecured subordinated term loan maturing February 28, 2018, with interest payable quarterly and principal due at maturity. The Company elected at various dates an interest rate equal to either prime or LIBOR plus 2.00%. The Company repaid this note on November 30, 2015. No prepayment penalties were incurred in conjunction with the early repayment. Unamortized debt issuance costs of $7 were charged to expense in 2015.

The Company has available lines of credit with the FHLB of approximately $752,639, subject to collateral availability. As of December 31, 2015, there were no long or short-term advances outstanding with the FHLB. As of December 31, 2014, FHLB advances of $225, which were secured by a blanket assignment of the Company’s qualifying residential and commercial real estate loans, were included in long-term debt.

The Company has a capital lease obligation on a banking office. The balance of the obligation was $1,582 and $1,643 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Assets acquired under capital lease, consisting solely of a building and leasehold improvements, are included in premises and equipment and are subject to depreciation.

In conjunction with the MWFC acquisition, the Company assumed a 6.24% fixed rate unsecured note payable maturing in September, 2032, with interest payable monthly and principal due at maturity. The balance of the obligation was $1,343 and $1,199 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

On January 29, 2015, the Company borrowed $4,960 on a 2.28% note payable maturing July 29, 2022, with interest payable monthly and principal due at maturity. The note is collateralized by the Company's equity interest in Universal Sub CDE, LLC, a CDE owned 99.9% by the Company.

The Company had other borrowed funds of $2 and $9 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, consisting of demand notes issued to the United States Treasury, secured by investment securities and bearing no interest.

The Company has federal funds lines of credit with third parties amounting to $165,000, subject to funds availability. These lines are subject to cancellation without notice. The Company also has a line of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank for borrowings up to $407,739 secured by a blanket pledge of indirect consumer loans.

(13)
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES HELD BY SUBSIDIARY TRUSTS

The Company sponsors six wholly-owned business trusts, Trust I, Trust II, Trust III, Trust IV, Trust V and Trust VI (collectively, the “Trusts”). The Trusts were formed for the exclusive purpose of issuing an aggregate of $80,000 of 30-year floating rate mandatorily redeemable capital trust preferred securities (“Trust Preferred Securities”) to third-party investors. The Trusts also issued, in aggregate, $2,477 of common equity securities to the Parent Company. Proceeds from the issuance of the Trust Preferred Securities and common equity securities were invested in 30-year junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (“Subordinated Debentures”) issued by the Parent Company.

A summary of Subordinated Debenture issuances follows:
 
 
 
 
Principal Amount Outstanding
as of December 31,
Issuance
 
Maturity Date
 
2015
 
2014
October 2007
 
January 1, 2038
 
$
10,310

 
$
10,310

November 2007
 
December 15, 2037
 
15,464

 
15,464

December 2007
 
December 15, 2037
 
20,619

 
20,619

December 2007
 
April 1, 2038
 
15,464

 
15,464

January 2008
 
April 1, 2038
 
10,310

 
10,310

January 2008
 
April 1, 2038
 
10,310

 
10,310

Total subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts
 
$
82,477

 
$
82,477



100



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

In October 2007, the Company issued $10,310 of Subordinated Debentures to Trust II. The Subordinated Debentures bear a cumulative floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.25% per annum. As of December 31, 2015 the interest rate on the Subordinated Debentures was 2.58%.

In November 2007, the Company issued $15,464 of Subordinated Debentures to Trust I. The Subordinated Debentures bore interest at a fixed rate of 7.50% for five years after issuance until December 16, 2012, and thereafter at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.75% per annum. As of December 31, 2015, the interest rate on the Subordinated Debentures was 3.26%.

In December 2007, the Company issued $20,619 of Subordinated Debentures to Trust III. The Subordinated Debentures bore interest at a fixed rate of 6.88% for five years after issuance until December 15, 2012, and thereafter at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.40% per annum. As of December 31, 2015, the interest rate on the Subordinated Debentures was 2.91%.
 
In December 2007, the Company issued $15,464 of Subordinated Debentures to Trust IV. The Subordinated Debentures bear a cumulative floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.70% per annum. As of December 31, 2015 the interest rate on the Subordinated Debentures was 3.03%.

In January 2008, the Company issued $10,310 of Subordinated Debentures to Trust V. The Subordinated Debentures bore interest at a fixed rate of 6.78% for five years after issuance until April 1, 2013, and thereafter at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.75% per annum. As of December 31, 2015 the interest rate on the Subordinated Debentures was 3.08%.

In January 2008, the Company issued $10,310 of Subordinated Debentures to Trust VI. The Subordinated Debentures bear a cumulative floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.75% per annum. As of December 31, 2015, the interest rate on the Subordinated Debentures was 3.08%.

The Subordinated Debentures are unsecured with interest distributions payable quarterly. The Company may defer the payment of interest at any time provided that the deferral period does not extend past the stated maturity. During any such deferral period, distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities will also be deferred and the Company’s ability to pay dividends on its common and preferred shares is restricted. The Subordinated Debentures may be redeemed, subject to approval by the Federal Reserve Bank, at the Company’s option on or after five years from the date of issue, or at any time in the event of unfavorable changes in laws or regulations. Debt issuance costs consisting primarily of underwriting discounts and professional fees were capitalized and are being amortized through maturity to interest expense using the straight-line method, which approximates level yield.

The terms of the Trust Preferred Securities are identical to those of the Subordinated Debentures. The Trust Preferred Securities are subject to mandatory redemption upon repayment of the Subordinated Debentures at their stated maturity dates or earlier redemption in an amount equal to their liquidation amount plus accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date of redemption. The Company guarantees the payment of distributions and payments for redemption or liquidation of the Trust Preferred Securities to the extent of funds held by the Trusts.

Subject to certain limitations, the Trust Preferred Securities qualify as tier 1 capital of the Parent Company under the Federal Reserve Board’s capital adequacy guidelines. Proceeds from the issuance of the Trust Preferred Securities were used to fund acquisitions.

In conjunction with the acquisition of MWFC on July 31, 2014, the Company acquired two business trusts, Mountain West Statutory Trust III and Mountain West Statutory Trust IV (collectively, the “Mountain West Trusts”). The Mountain West Trusts were formed for the exclusive purpose of issuing an aggregate of $19,825 of 30-year floating rate mandatorily redeemable capital trust preferred securities (“Mountain West Trust Preferred Securities”) to third-party investors. The Trusts also issued, in aggregate, $614 of common equity securities to MWFC. Proceeds from the issuance of the Trust Preferred Securities and common equity securities were invested in 30-year junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (“Mountain West Subordinated Debentures”) issued by the MWFC.


101



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

On December 15, 2014, the Company redeemed $14,433 of Mountain West Subordinated Debentures bearing a cumulative floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.85% per annum. The redemption price of $14,433 was equal to the $1 liquidation amount of each debenture plus all accrued and unpaid distributions to the date of redemption. The redemption of the Mountain West Subordinated Debentures caused a mandatory redemption of $14,000 of Mountain West trust Preferred Securities and $433 of common equity securities.

On December 26, 2014, the Company redeemed $6,006 of Mountain West Subordinated Debentures bearing a cumulative floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.10% per annum. The redemption price of $6,006 was equal to the $1 liquidation amount of each debenture plus all accrued and unpaid distributions to the date of redemption. The redemption of the Mountain West Subordinated Debentures caused a mandatory redemption of $5,825 of Mountain West Trust Preferred Securities and $181 of common equity securities.

(14)
CAPITAL STOCK AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS

The Company's authorized common stock consists of 200,000,000 shares, of which, 100,000,000 shares are designated as Class A common stock and 100,000,000 are designated as Class B common stock. The Class A common stock has one vote per share. The Class B common stock has five votes per share and is convertible to Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis at any time.

The Company had 21,698,594 shares of Class A common stock and 23,729,631 shares of Class B common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2015. The Company had 21,928,932 shares of Class A common stock and 23,859,483 shares of Class B common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2014.

During 2015, the Company issued 21,414 shares of its Class A common stock with an aggregate value of $591 to directors for their service on the Company's board of directors during 2015. During 2014, the Company issued 24,581 shares of its Class A common stock with an aggregate value of $620 to directors for their service on the Company's board of directors during 2014. In addition, on July 31, 2014, the Company issued 1,378,230 shares of its Class A common stock with an aggregate value of $35,972 as partial consideration for the acquisition of MWFC.

During 2015, the Company repurchased and retired 765,875 shares of its Class A common stock in a combination of open market and privately negotiated transactions at an aggregate purchase price of $19,921, or a weighted average price of $26.01 per share. The repurchases were made pursuant to a stock repurchase program approved by the Company's board of directors. All other stock repurchases during 2015 and 2014 were redemptions of vested restricted shares tendered in lieu of cash for payment of income tax withholding amounts by participants of the Company's 2006 Equity Compensation Plan.

On April 3, 2015, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 to register 2,000,000 shares of Class A common stock to be issued pursuant to the Company's 2015 Equity and Incentive Plan.

On January 24, 2014, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 to register 1,500,000 shares of Class A common stock to be issued pursuant to the Company's 2006 Equity Compensation Plan, as amended and restated. All shares of common stock available for future grant under the 2006 Equity Compensation Plan, as amended and restated, were transferred into the 2015 Equity and Incentive Plan in April 2015.

The payment of dividends by subsidiary banks is subject to various federal and state regulatory limitations. In general, a bank is limited, without the prior consent of its regulators, to paying dividends that do not exceed current year net profits together with retained earnings from the two preceding calendar years. The Company’s debt instruments also include limitations on the payment of dividends.


102



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

(15)
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period presented, excluding unvested restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares determined for the basic earnings per share computation plus the dilutive effects of stock-based compensation using the treasury stock method.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
Year Ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net income, basic and diluted
$
86,795

 
$
84,401

 
$
86,136

 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share computation
45,184,091

 
44,615,060

 
43,566,681

Dilutive effects of stock-based compensation
462,327

 
595,501

 
477,921

Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share computation
45,646,418

 
45,210,561

 
44,044,602

 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
1.92

 
$
1.89

 
$
1.98

Diluted earnings per common share
1.90

 
1.87

 
1.96


The Company had 12,890, 5,000 and 21,372 unvested time restricted stock and stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because their effect would be anti-dilutive. The Company had 142,512, 88,797 and 37,734 shares of unvested restricted stock as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because performance conditions for vesting had not been met.

(16)
REGULATORY CAPITAL

The Company is subject to the regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking regulators and the Federal Reserve. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Parent Company, like all bank holding companies, is not subject to the prompt corrective action provisions. Capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and of tier 1 capital to average assets, as defined in the regulations. As of December 31, 2015, the Company exceeded all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.


103



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

The Company’s actual capital amounts and ratios and selected minimum regulatory thresholds and prompt corrective action provisions as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented in the following tables:
 
Actual
 
Adequately Capitalized
 Basel III
Phase-In Schedule
 
Adequately Capitalized
Basel III
Fully Phased-In
 
Well Capitalized (1)
 
Amount
 Ratio
 
Amount
 Ratio
 
Amount
 Ratio
 
Amount
 Ratio
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total risk-based capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
$
946,156

15.4
%
 
$
492,692

8.0
%
 
$
646,658

10.50
%
 
$
615,865

10.0
%
FIB
882,504

14.4

 
490,866

8.0

 
644,262

10.50

 
$
613,582

10.0

Tier 1 risk-based capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
861,339

14.0

 
369,519

6.0

 
523,485

8.5

 
$
492,692

8.0

FIB
805,805

13.1

 
368,149

6.0

 
521,545

8.5

 
$
490,866

8.0

Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
781,339

12.7

 
383,040

4.5

 
595,840

7.0

 
$
400,312

6.5

FIB
805,805

13.1

 
381,730

4.5

 
593,802

7.0

 
$
398,829

6.5

Leverage capital ratio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
861,339

10.1

 
246,346

4.0

 
246,346

4.0

 
$
425,600

5.0

FIB
805,805

9.5

 
245,433

4.0

 
245,433

4.0

 
$
424,145

5.0

    
(1) The ratios for the well-capitalized requirement are only applicable to FIB. However, the Company manages its capital position as if the requirement applies to the consolidated entity and has presented the ratios as if they also applied on a consolidated basis.

 
Actual
 
Adequately Capitalized
 
Well Capitalized (1)
 
Amount
 Ratio
 
Amount
 Ratio
 
Amount
 Ratio
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total risk-based capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
$
897,769

16.2
%
 
$
444,685

8.0
%
 
$
555,856

10.0
%
FIB
832,907

15.1

 
442,468

8.0

 
553,085

10.0

Tier 1 risk-based capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
807,229

14.5

 
222,343

4.0

 
$
333,514

6.0

FIB
754,708

13.7

 
221,234

4.0

 
331,851

6.0

Leverage capital ratio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
807,229

9.6

 
335,897

4.0

 
$
419,871

5.0

FIB
754,708

9.1

 
330,006

4.0

 
412,507

5.0

    
(1) The ratios for the well-capitalized requirement are only applicable to FIB. However, the Company manages its capital position as if the requirement applies to the consolidated entity and has presented the ratios as if they also applied on a consolidated basis.


104



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

On July 2, 2013, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Bank issued a final rule implementing a revised regulatory capital framework for U.S. banks in accordance with the Basel III international accord and satisfying related mandates under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The revised regulatory capital framework (the "Basel III Capital Rules") substantially revised the risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and depository institutions by defining the components of capital and addressing other issues affecting the numerator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios, addressing risk weights and other issues affecting the denominator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios and replacing the existing risk-weighting approach with a more risk-sensitive approach. The Basel III Capital Rules became effective for the Company on January 1, 2015, subject to a phase-in period for certain provisions.

(17)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

FIB was a defendant in a lender liability lawsuit, Kelly Logging Inc. v. First Interstate Bank (the “case"), which was tried in August 2014 in the Montana Fourth Judicial District Court in Missoula, Montana. The case was settled on August 31, 2015. Legal and settlement costs related to the case of $5,000 and $4,000 during 2015 and 2014, respectively, are included in loss contingency expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of income.

In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various other claims and litigation. In the opinion of management, following consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate liability or disposition thereof is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

The Company had commitments under construction contracts of $1,341 as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the Company also had a commitment under a forward starting interest rate swap with a notional amount of $100,000. For additional information about the forward starting interest rate swap, see Note 9 — Derivatives and Hedging Activity.

The Parent Company and the Billings office of FIB are the anchor tenants in a building owned by an entity in which FIB has a 50% ownership interest.

The Company leases certain premises and equipment from third parties under operating leases. Total rental expense to third parties was $2,660 in 2015, $1,190 in 2014 and $1,403 in 2013.

The total future minimum rental commitments, exclusive of maintenance and operating costs, required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2015, are as follows:
 
Third
Parties
 
Related
Entity
 
Total
For the year ending December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
2016
$
1,913

 
$
290

 
$
2,203

2017
1,800

 
249

 
2,049

2018
1,537

 
138

 
1,675

2019
1,487

 

 
1,487

2020
1,349

 

 
1,349

Thereafter
8,655

 

 
8,655

Total
$
16,741

 
$
677

 
$
17,418


Residential mortgage loans sold to investors in the secondary market are sold with varying recourse provisions. Essentially all of the loan sales agreements require the repurchase of a mortgage loan by the seller in situations such as breach of representation, warranty or covenant; untimely document delivery; false or misleading statements; failure to obtain certain certificates or insurance; unmarketability; etc. Certain loan sales agreements contain repurchase requirements based on payment-related defects that are defined in terms of the number of days or months since the

105



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

purchase, the sequence number of the payment, and/or the number of days of payment delinquency. Based on the specific terms stated in the agreements, the Company had $3,465 and $4,486 of sold residential mortgage loans with recourse provisions still in effect as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company did not repurchase any significant amount of loans from secondary market investors under the terms of loan sales agreements during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. In the opinion of management, the risk of recourse and the subsequent requirement of loan repurchase to the Company is not significant, and accordingly no liabilities have been established related to such. In addition, the Company made various representations and warranties associated with the sale of loans. The Company has not incurred significant losses resulting from these provisions.

(18)
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 and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, premises and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.
    
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Generally, commitments to extend credit are subject to annual renewal. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Commitments to extend credit to borrowers approximated $1,401,686 at December 31, 2015, which included $581,695 on unused credit card lines and $388,752 with commitment maturities beyond one year. Commitments to extend credit to borrowers approximated $1,415,119 at December 31, 2014, which included $476,752 on unused credit card lines and $363,609 with commitment maturities beyond one year.
    
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Most commitments extend for no more than two years and are generally subject to annual renewal. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had outstanding stand-by letters of credit of $52,250 and $58,950, respectively. The estimated fair value of the obligation undertaken by the Company in issuing standby letters of credit is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
    
(19)
INCOME TAXES
    
Income tax expense consists of the following:
Year ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
26,741

 
$
34,941

 
$
30,757

State
4,472

 
4,928

 
4,533

Total current
31,213

 
39,869

 
35,290

Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
11,047

 
4,870

 
10,056

State
1,402

 
475

 
1,220

Total deferred
12,449

 
5,345

 
11,276

Total income tax expense
$
43,662

 
$
45,214

 
$
46,566

    

106



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Total income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35 percent in 2015, 2014 and 2013 to income before income taxes as a result of the following:
Year ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Tax expense at the statutory tax rate
$
45,660

 
$
45,365

 
$
46,446

Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from:
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt income
(4,092
)
 
(4,255
)
 
(3,620
)
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit
3,791

 
3,541

 
3,741

Federal tax credits
(2,249
)
 
(313
)
 
(353
)
Other, net
552

 
876

 
352

Tax expense at effective tax rate
$
43,662

 
$
45,214

 
$
46,566


The tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities that give rise to significant portions of the net deferred tax asset (liability) relate to the following:
December 31,
2015
 
2014
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Loans, principally due to allowance for loan losses
$
28,999

 
$
28,506

Lease costs
596

 
719

Loss contingencies
108

 
1,785

Loan discount
4,552

 
7,022

Investment securities, unrealized losses
2,093

 
2,728

Employee benefits
9,009

 
8,256

Other real estate owned write-downs and carrying costs
598

 
2,536

Deferred gain on sale of subsidiary

 
253

Deferred revenue on contract
1,087

 
481

Other
126

 
760

Deferred tax assets
47,168

 
53,046

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Fixed assets, principally differences in bases and depreciation
(5,140
)
 
(569
)
Investment securities, unrealized gains
(2,538
)
 
(1,351
)
Investment in joint venture partnership, principally due to differences in depreciation of partnership assets
(1,301
)
 
(1,053
)
Prepaid amounts
(1,139
)
 
(1,385
)
Government agency stock dividends
(2,442
)
 
(2,407
)
Goodwill and core deposit intangibles
(39,886
)
 
(36,732
)
Mortgage servicing rights
(4,422
)
 
(4,144
)
Other
(65
)
 
(531
)
Deferred tax liabilities
(56,933
)
 
(48,172
)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
$
(9,765
)
 
$
4,874


The Company had a current net income tax payable of $6,275 at December 31, 2015 and $4,693 at December 31, 2014, which are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses.


107



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

(20)
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has equity awards outstanding under three stock-based compensation plans; the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2015 Plan"), the 2006 Equity Compensation Plan, as amended and restated, (the “2006 Plan”) and the 2001 Stock Option Plan. These plans were primarily established to enhance the Company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate employees. The Company’s Board of Directors or, upon delegation, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (“Compensation Committee”) has exclusive authority to select employees, advisors and others, including directors, to receive awards and to establish the terms and conditions of each award made pursuant to the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.

The 2015 Plan, approved by the Company’s shareholders in May 2015, was established to provide the Company with flexibility to select from various equity-based performance compensation methods, and to be able to address changing accounting and tax rules and corporate governance practices by optimally utilizing performance based compensation. The 2015 Plan did not increase the number of shares of common stock available for awards under the 2006 Plan.

The 2006 Plan, approved by the Company’s shareholders in May 2006 and May 2014, was established to consolidate into one plan the benefits available under the 2001 Stock Option Plan and all other then existing share-based award plans (collectively with the 2006 Plan, the “Previous Plans”). The Previous Plans continue with respect to awards made prior to June 2015. All shares of common stock available for future grant under the Previous Plans were transferred into the 2015 Plan. At December 31, 2015, there were 1,987,379 common shares available for future grant under the 2015 Plan. All stock based compensation awards granted subsequent to March 29, 2010 are for shares of Class A common stock. All awards granted prior to March 29, 2010 are for shares of Class B common stock.

Stock Options. All options granted have an exercise price equal to fair market value, which is currently defined as the closing sales price for the stock as quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market for the last market trading day preceding the date that the Company’s Board of Directors awards the benefit. Options may be subject to vesting as determined by the Company's Board of Directors or Compensation Committee, and can be exercised for periods of up to ten years from the date of grant.

Compensation expense related to stock option awards of $481, $905 and $1,390 was included in benefits on the Company’s consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Related income tax benefits recognized for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $184, $346 and $531, respectively.

No stock option awards were granted in 2015 or 2014. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted was $3.54 during 2013. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Weighted-average assumptions used in the option pricing model for 2013 awards included an expected volatility rate of 30.61%, an expected dividend yield of 3.00%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.88% and an expected life of the options granted of 5.52 years.

Expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s annualized expected dividends per share divided by the average common stock price. Risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury constant maturity yield for treasury securities with maturities approximating the expected life of the options granted on the date of grant. The expected life of options is based on the Company’s historical exercise and post-vesting termination behaviors. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's common stock since the Company's initial public offering, which concluded on March 29, 2010.


108



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

The following table summarizes stock option activity under the Company’s active stock option plans for the year ended December 31, 2015:
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contract Life
Outstanding options, beginning of year
1,748,032

 
$
17.01

 
 
Exercised
(350,438
)
 
16.77

 
 
Forfeited
(10,216
)
 
16.82

 
 
Outstanding options, end of year
1,387,378

 
$
17.06

 
3.68 years
Outstanding options exercisable, end of year
1,265,596

 
$
17.05

 
3.64 years
    
The total intrinsic value of fully-vested stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2015 was $15,218. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $3,931, $7,363 and $7,108 during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from option exercises totaled $1,504, $2,594 and $1,963 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company received cash of $3,369, $6,299 and $9,271 from stock option exercises during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company redeemed common stock with aggregate values of $2,507, $6,829 and $8,721 tendered in payment for stock option exercises during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Information with respect to the Company’s nonvested stock options as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 follows:
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested stock options, beginning of year
355,022

 
$
3.62

Vested
(225,961
)
 
3.73

Forfeited
(7,279
)
 
3.48

Nonvested stock options, end of year
121,782

 
$
3.48


As of December 31, 2015, there was $52 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options granted under the Company’s active stock option plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 00.12 years. The total fair value of shares vested during 2015 was $843.

Restricted Stock Awards. Common stock issued under the Company’s restricted stock plan may not be sold or otherwise transferred until restrictions have lapsed or performance objectives have been obtained. During the vesting periods, participants have voting rights and receive dividends on all time restricted shares and vesting performance restricted shares. Upon termination of employment, common shares upon which restrictions have not lapsed must be returned to the Company.

All restricted share awards are classified as equity awards. The fair value of equity-classified restricted stock awards is amortized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the period restrictions lapse or performance goals are met. Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards of $2,887, $2,109 and $1,546 was included in benefits on the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Related income tax benefits recognized for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $1,104, $807 and $591, respectively.
        

109



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

The following table presents information regarding the Company’s restricted stock as of December 31, 2015:
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Measurement Date
Fair Value
Restricted stock, beginning of year
248,399

 
$
21.16

Granted
169,577

 
26.27

Vested
(95,153
)
 
18.65

Forfeited
(16,583
)
 
24.07

Canceled
(2,601
)
 
17.22

Restricted stock, end of year
303,639

 
$
25.15

        
During 2015, the Company issued 169,577 restricted common shares. The 2015 restricted share awards included 78,378 performance restricted shares of which 26,126 vest in varying percentages upon achievement of defined return on asset performance goals, 26,126 vest in varying percentages upon achievement of defined return on equity performance goals and 26,126 vest in varying percentages upon achievement of defined total return to shareholder goals. Vesting of the performance restricted shares is also contingent on employment as of December 31, 2017. Additionally, 91,199 time-restricted shares were issued during 2015 that vest one-third on each annual anniversary of the grant date through September 24, 2018, contingent on continued employment through the vesting date.
        
As of December 31, 2015, there was $4,444 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards expected to be recognized over a period of 1.80 years.
        
(21)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
    
Profit Sharing Plan. The Company has a noncontributory profit sharing plan. All employees, other than temporary employees, working 20 hours or more per week are eligible to participate in the profit sharing plan. The Company’s Board of Directors authorize contributions to the profit sharing plan that are not to exceed, on an individual basis, the lesser of 100% of compensation or $50 annually. Participants become 100% vested upon the completion of three years of vesting service. Accrued contribution expense for this plan of $727, $1,509 and $1,555 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is included in employee benefits expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
    
Savings Plan. In addition, the Company has a contributory employee savings plan. Eligibility requirements for this plan are the same as those for the profit sharing plan discussed in the preceding paragraph. Employee participation in the plan is at the option of the employee. The Company contributes $1.25 for each $1.00 of employee contributions up to 4% of the participating employee’s compensation. Accrued contribution expense for this plan of $4,683, $4,256 and $4,067 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is included in employee benefits expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
    
Postretirement Healthcare Plan. The Company sponsors a contributory defined benefit healthcare plan (the “Plan”) for active employees and employees and directors retiring from the Company at the age of at least 55 years and with at least 15 years of continuous service. Retired Plan participants contribute the full cost of benefits based on the average per capita cost of benefit coverage for both active employees and retired Plan participants.
    
The Plan’s unfunded benefit obligation of $3,921 and $3,577 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Net periodic benefit costs of $400, $400 and $571 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are included in employee benefits expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
    
Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine the postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2015 , and the net periodic benefit costs for the year then ended, included a discount rate of 3.6% and a 6.0% annual increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits. Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine the postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2014, and the net periodic benefit costs for the year then ended,

110



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

included a discount rate of 3.6% and a 6.5% annual increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits.The estimated effect of a one percent increase or a one percent decrease in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would not significantly impact the service and interest cost components of the net periodic benefit cost or the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. Future benefit payments are expected to be $163, $194, $219, $254, $295 and $1,500 for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 through 2025, respectively.

At December 31, 2015, the Company had accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the Plan of $555, or $378 net of related income tax benefit, comprised of net actuarial losses of $255 and an unamortized transition asset of $300. The Company estimates $35 will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net period benefit costs in 2016.
    
(22)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The gross amounts of each component of other comprehensive income and the related tax effects for the periods indicated are as follows:
Year ended December 31, 2015
Before Tax Amount
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net of Tax Amount
Investment securities available-for sale:
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized gain during period
$
5,863

$
2,307

$
3,556

Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
(137
)
(54
)
(83
)
Change in unamortized loss on available-for-sale securities transferred into held-to-maturity
(1,101
)
(433
)
(668
)
Change in net unrealized gain on derivatives
165

65

100

Defined benefits post-retirement benefit plan:
 
 
 
Change in net actuarial loss
58

23

35

Total other comprehensive income
$
4,848

$
1,908

$
2,940

Year ended December 31, 2014
Before Tax Amount
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net of Tax Amount
Investment securities available-for sale:
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized gain during period
$
21,147

$
8,321

$
12,826

Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
(61
)
(24
)
(37
)
Unamortized premium on available-to-sale securities transferred into held-for-maturity
(548
)
(216
)
(332
)
Defined benefits post-retirement benefit plan:
 
 
 
Change in net actuarial loss
1,731

681

1,050

Total other comprehensive income
$
22,269

$
8,762

$
13,507

Year ended December 31, 2013
Before Tax Amount
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net of Tax Amount
Investment securities available-for sale:
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized loss during period
$
(52,949
)
$
(20,835
)
$
(32,114
)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
(1
)

(1
)
Defined benefits post-retirement benefit plan:
 
 
 
Change in net actuarial loss
137

54

83

Total other comprehensive loss
$
(52,813
)
$
(20,781
)
$
(32,032
)

111



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)


The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, are as follows:
Year ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities available-for-sale
$
684

 
$
(2,121
)
Net actuarial loss on defined benefit post-retirement benefit plans
(378
)
 
(413
)
Net unrealized gain on derivatives
100

 

Net accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
$
406

 
$
(2,534
)

(23)
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    
The Company transferred loans of $5,560, $5,198 and $11,545 to other real estate owned in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
    
The Company transferred internally originated mortgage servicing assets of $3,614, $2,717 and $3,581 from loans to mortgage servicing assets in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
    
During 2014, the Company issued 1,378,230 shares of its Class A common stock valued at $35,972 as partial consideration for the acquisition of MWFC.
    
The Company transferred real property pending disposal of $1,805 and $1,448 to other assets in 2015 and 2013, respectively.
    
The Company reclassified tax credit investments of $429 from held-to-maturity investment securities to other assets during 2013.
        
(24)
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

Following is condensed financial information of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc.
December 31,
2015
 
2014
Condensed balance sheets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
55,162

 
$
65,483

Investment in subsidiaries, at equity:
 
 
 
Bank subsidiary
975,236

 
936,817

Nonbank subsidiaries
1,985

 
1,982

Total investment in subsidiaries
977,221

 
938,799

Advances to subsidiaries, net
6,257

 
4,337

Other assets
39,668

 
29,335

Total assets
$
1,078,308

 
$
1,037,954

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
$
25,338

 
$
26,553

Long-term debt
20,000

 
20,000

Subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts
82,477

 
82,477

Total liabilities
127,815

 
129,030

Stockholders’ equity
950,493

 
908,924

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,078,308

 
$
1,037,954


112



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Years Ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Condensed statements of income:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from subsidiaries
$
70,000

 
$
58,900

 
$
71,400

Other interest income
23

 
42

 
34

Other income, primarily management fees from subsidiaries
13,207

 
12,166

 
12,809

Total income
83,230

 
71,108

 
84,243

Salaries and benefits
16,267

 
15,722

 
15,914

Interest expense
3,844

 
4,002

 
4,098

Acquisition expenses
795

 
4,017

 

Other operating expenses, net
9,920

 
7,512

 
7,546

Total expenses
30,826

 
31,253

 
27,558

Earnings before income tax benefit
52,404

 
39,855

 
56,685

Income tax benefit
(6,952
)
 
(6,862
)
 
(5,703
)
Income before undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
59,356

 
46,717

 
62,388

Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
27,439

 
37,684

 
23,748

Net income
$
86,795

 
$
84,401

 
$
86,136


Years Ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Condensed statements of cash flows:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
86,795

 
$
84,401

 
$
86,136

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
(27,439
)
 
(37,684
)
 
(23,748
)
Stock-based compensation expense
3,959

 
3,634

 
2,936

Tax benefits from stock-based compensation
1,443

 
2,193

 
1,898

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
(1,184
)
 
(2,205
)
 
(2,031
)
Other, net
(11,333
)
 
8,991

 
(5,804
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
52,241

 
59,330

 
59,387

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition of bank holding company, net of cash and cash equivalents received
(7,207
)
 
(37,891
)
 

Net cash used in investing activities
$
(7,207
)
 
$
(37,891
)
 
$


113



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Years Ended December 31,
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Condensed statements of cash flows (continued):
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in advances from nonbank subsidiaries
$
(2,021
)
 
$
(10,632
)
 
$
6,992

Redemption of preferred stock

 

 
(50,000
)
Repayment of long-term debt
(950
)
 

 

Repayment of junior subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts

 
(20,439
)
 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of stock issuance costs
3,369

 
6,001

 
9,814

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
1,184

 
2,205

 
2,031

Purchase and retirement of common stock
(20,647
)
 
(9,739
)
 
(448
)
Dividends paid to common stockholders
(36,290
)
 
(28,626
)
 
(17,909
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(55,355
)
 
(61,230
)
 
(49,520
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(10,321
)
 
(39,791
)
 
9,867

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
65,483

 
105,274

 
95,407

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
$
55,162

 
$
65,483

 
$
105,274


There were no noncash investing or financing activities during 2015, 2014 or 2013.

(25)
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
    
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There is a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of of assets or liabilities

Transfers in and out of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 are recognized on the actual transfer date. There were no transfers between fair value hierarchy levels during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

The methodologies used by the Company in determining the fair values of each class of financial instruments are based primarily on the use of independent, market-based data to reflect a value that would be reasonably expected in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There have been no significant changes in the valuation techniques during the periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.


114



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Further details on the methods used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments above are discussed below:

Investment Securities Available-for-Sale. The methodologies used by the Company in determining the fair values of each class of financial instruments are based primarily on the use of independent, market-based data to reflect a value that would be reasonably expected in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, and therefore as classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The Company obtains fair value measurements for investment securities from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the investment's terms and conditions, among other things. Vendors chosen by the Company are widely recognized vendors whose evaluations support the pricing functions of financial institutions, investment and mutual funds, and portfolio managers. The Company has documented and evaluated the pricing methodologies used by the vendors and maintains internal processes that regularly test valuations. These internal processes include obtaining and reviewing available reports on internal controls, evaluating the prices for reasonableness given market changes, obtaining and evaluating the inputs used in the model for a sample of securities, investigating anomalies and confirming determinations through discussions with the vendor. For investment securities, if needed, a broker may be utilized to determine the reported fair value.

Interest Rate Swap Derivative Financial Instruments. Fair values for interest rate swap derivative financial instruments are based upon the estimated amounts to settle the contracts considering current interest rates and are calculated using discounted cash flows that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data and, therefore, are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The inputs used to determine fair value include the 3 month LIBOR forward curve to estimate variable rate cash inflows and the fed funds effective swap rate to estimate the discount rate. The estimated variable rate cash inflows are compared to the fixed rate outflows and such difference is discounted to a present value to estimate the fair value of the interest rate swaps. The change in the value of derivative assets attributable to basis risk, or the risk that offsetting investments in a hedging strategy will not experience price changes in entirely opposite directions from each other, was not significant in the reported periods. The Company also obtains and compares the reasonableness of the pricing from an independent third party.

For purposes of potential valuation adjustments to our derivative positions, we evaluate the credit risk of our counterparties as well as ours. Accordingly, we have considered factors such as the likelihood of our default and the default of our counterparties, our net exposures and remaining contractual life, among other things, in determining if any fair value adjustments related to credit risk are required. The change in value of derivative assets and derivative liabilities attributable to credit risk was not significant during the reported periods.

Deferred Compensation Plan. The fair values of deferred compensation plan assets are based primarily on the use of independent, market-based data to reflect a value that would be reasonably expected in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, and therefore are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. These investments are in the same funds and purchased in the same amounts as the participants’ selected investments, which represent the underlying liabilities to plan participants. Deferred compensation plan liabilities are recorded at amounts due to participants, based on the fair value of participants’ selected investments.


115



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
As of December 31, 2015
Balance
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Investment securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury Notes
$
3,911

 
$

 
$
3,911

 
$

Obligations of U.S. government agencies
520,181

 

 
520,181

 

U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities & collateralized mortgage obligations
929,046

 

 
929,046

 

Private mortgage-backed securities
156

 

 
156

 

Other investments
3,546

 

 
3,546

 

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
953

 

 
953

 

Derivative liabilities:


 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
829

 

 
829

 

Deferred compensation plan assets
10,149

 

 
10,149

 

Deferred compensation plan liabilities
10,149

 

 
10,149

 

 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
As of December 31, 2014
Balance
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Investment securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of U.S. government agencies
$
720,933

 
$

 
$
720,933

 
$

U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities & collateralized mortgage obligations
990,666

 

 
990,666

 

Private mortgage-backed securities
325

 

 
325

 

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
61

 

 
61

 

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
59

 

 
59

 

Deferred compensation plan assets
10,312

 

 
10,312

 

Deferred compensation plan liabilities
10,312

 

 
10,312

 


Additionally, from time to time, certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Adjustments to fair value generally result from the application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets due to impairment. The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

116



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
 
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
As of December 31, 2015
Total
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Gains (Losses)
Impaired loans
$
20,875

$

$

$
20,875

$
(21,804
)
Other real estate owned
1,789



1,789

(382
)
Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale
1,506



1,506

(857
)

 
 
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
As of December 31, 2014
Total
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Gains (Losses)
Impaired loans
$
30,494

$

$

$
30,494

$
(14,552
)
Other real estate owned
4,554



4,554

(12,665
)
Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale
1,083



1,083

(702
)

Impaired Loans. Collateralized impaired loans are reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from collateral. The impaired loans are reported at fair value through specific valuation allowance allocations. In addition, when it is determined that the fair value of an impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the carrying value of the loan is adjusted to fair value through a charge to the allowance for loan losses. Collateral values are estimated using independent appraisals and management estimates of current market conditions. As of December 31, 2015, certain impaired loans with a carrying value of $42,679 were reduced by specific valuation allowance allocations of $11,575 and partial loan charge-offs of $10,229 resulting in a reported fair value of $20,875. As of December 31, 2014, certain impaired loans with a carrying value of $45,046 were reduced by specific valuation allowance allocations of $5,792 and partial loan charge-offs of $8,760 resulting in a reported fair value of $30,494.

OREO. The fair values of OREO are estimated using independent appraisals and management estimates of current market conditions. Upon initial recognition, write-downs based on the foreclosed asset's fair value at foreclosure are reported through charges to the allowance for loan losses. Periodically, the fair value of foreclosed assets is remeasured with any subsequent write-downs charged to OREO expense in the period in which they are identified.

Long-lived Assets to be Disposed of by Sale. Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value less estimated costs to sell. The fair values of long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are based upon observable market data and management estimates of current market conditions. As of December 31, 2015, long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale with carrying values of $2,363 that were reduced by write-downs of $857 charged to other expense resulting in a reported fair value of $1,506. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale of $1,785 that were reduced by write-downs of $702 charged to other expense resulting in a reported fair value of $1,083.

In addition, mortgage loans held for sale are required to be measured at the lower of cost or fair value. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is based upon binding contracts or quotes or bids from third party investors. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, all mortgage loans held for sale were recorded at cost.


117



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

The following table presents additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair values:
As of December 31, 2015
Fair
Value
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable
Inputs
Range
(Weighted Average)
Impaired loans
$
20,875

Appraisal
Appraisal adjustment
0%
-
53%
(38%)
Other real estate owned
1,789

Appraisal
Appraisal adjustment
2%
-
96%
(19%)
Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale
1,506

Appraisal
Appraisal adjustment
0%
-
9%
(6%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2014
Fair
Value
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable
Inputs
Range
(Weighted Average)
Impaired loans
$
30,494

Appraisal
Appraisal adjustment
0%
-
51%
(19%)
Other real estate owned
4,554

Appraisal
Appraisal adjustment
0%
-
50%
(15%)
Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale
1,083

Appraisal
Appraisal adjustment
0%
-
9%
(5%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company is required to disclose the fair value of financial instruments for which it is practical to estimate fair value. The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis are discussed above. The methodologies for estimating the fair value of other financial instruments are discussed below. For financial instruments bearing a variable interest rate where no credit risk exists, it is presumed that recorded book values are reasonable estimates of fair value.

Financial Assets. Carrying values of cash, cash equivalents and accrued interest receivable approximate fair values due to the liquid and/or short-term nature of these instruments. Fair values for investment securities, derivative assets and deferred compensation plan assets are obtained from an independent pricing service, which considers observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the investment’s terms and conditions, among other things. Fair values of fixed rate loans and variable rate loans that reprice on an infrequent basis are estimated by discounting future cash flows using current interest rates at which similar loans with similar terms would be made to borrowers of similar credit quality. Carrying values of variable rate loans that reprice frequently, and with no change in credit risk, approximate the fair values of these instruments.

Financial Liabilities. The fair values of demand deposits, savings accounts, securities sold under repurchase agreements and accrued interest payable are the amounts payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair values of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit are estimated using external market rates currently offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities. The carrying values of the interest bearing demand notes to the United States Treasury are deemed an approximation of fair values due to the frequent repayment and repricing at market rates. The floating rate subordinated debenture, floating rate subordinated term loan, fixed rate notes payable, fixed rate subordinated term debt, fixed rate subordinated debentures and capital lease obligation are estimated by discounting future cash flows using current rates for advances with similar characteristics. Fair values of derivative liabilities and deferred compensation plan liabilities are obtained from an independent pricing service, which considers observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the investment’s terms and conditions, among other things.

Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit. The fair value of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, is not significant.


118



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

A summary of the estimated fair values of financial instruments follows:
 
`
 
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
As of December 31, 2015
Carrying Amount
Estimated
Fair Value
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
780,457

$
780,457

$
780,457

$

$

Investment securities available-for-sale
1,456,840

1,456,840


1,456,840


Investment securities held-to-maturity
600,665

607,550


607,550


Accrued interest receivable
27,729

27,729


27,729


Mortgage servicing rights, net
15,621

31,011


31,011


Net loans
5,169,379

5,128,705


5,107,830

20,875

Derivative assets
953

953


953


Deferred compensation plan assets
10,149

10,149


10,149


Total financial assets
$
8,061,793

$
8,043,394

$
780,457

$
7,242,062

$
20,875

 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Total deposits, excluding time deposits
$
5,957,345

$
5,975,345

$
5,975,345

$

$

Time deposits
1,131,592

1,137,289


1,137,289


Securities sold under repurchase agreements
510,635

510,635


510,635


Other borrowed funds
2

2


2


Accrued interest payable
4,960

4,960


4,960


Long-term debt
27,885

27,622


27,622


Subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts
82,477

74,969


74,969


Derivative liabilities
829

829


829


Deferred compensation plan liabilities
10,149

10,149


10,149


Total financial liabilities
$
7,725,874

$
7,741,800

$
5,975,345

$
1,766,455

$



119



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
As of December 31, 2014
Carrying Amount
Estimated
Fair Value
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
798,670

$
798,670

$
798,670

$

$

Investment securities available-for-sale
1,711,924

1,711,924


1,711,924


Investment securities held-to-maturity
575,186

584,533


584,533


Accrued interest receivable
27,063

27,063


27,063


Mortgage servicing rights, net
14,038

21,434


21,434


Net loans
4,823,243

4,800,725


4,770,231

30,494

Derivative assets
61

61


61


Deferred compensation plan assets
10,312

10,312


10,312


Total financial assets
$
7,960,497

$
7,954,722

$
798,670

$
7,125,558

$
30,494

 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Total deposits, excluding time deposits
$
5,767,992

$
5,767,992

$
5,767,992

$

$

Time deposits
1,238,220

1,244,324


1,244,324


Securities sold under repurchase agreements
502,250

502,250


502,250


Other borrowed funds
9

9


9


Accrued interest payable
5,833

5,833


5,833


Long-term debt
38,067

37,781


37,781


Subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trusts
82,477

75,734


75,734


Derivative liabilities
829

59


59


Deferred compensation plan liabilities
10,149

10,312


10,312


Total financial liabilities
$
7,645,826

$
7,644,294

$
5,767,992

$
1,876,302

$


(26)
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company conducts banking transactions in the ordinary course of business with related parties, including directors, executive officers, shareholders and their associates, on the same terms as those prevailing at the same time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons and that do not involve more than a normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

Certain executive officers, directors and greater than 5% shareholders of the Company and certain entities and individuals related to such persons, incurred indebtedness in the form of loans, as customers, of $33,008 and $33,002 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During 2015, new loans and advances on existing loans of $7,400 were funded and loan repayments totaled $7,283. In addition, $111 of loans were removed due to changes in related parties during the year. These loans were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to the Company.


120



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

During 2014, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 37,615 shares of its Class A common stock from two directors and one greater than 10% shareholder of the Company at a weighted average price of $24.96 per share. The repurchases were made in privately negotiated transactions pursuant to a stock repurchase program approved by the Company's Board of Directors in November 2013. For additional information regarding the Company's stock repurchases, see Note 14 — Capital Stock and Dividend Restrictions.

The Company leases an aircraft from an entity wholly-owned by the chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. Under the terms of the lease, the Company pays a fee for each flight hour plus certain third party operating expenses related to the aircraft. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company paid total fees and operating expenses of $332, $306 and $309, respectively, for its use of the aircraft. In addition, the Company leases a portion of its hanger and provides pilot services to the related entity. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company received payments from the related entity of $64, $77 and $61, respectively, for hanger use, pilot fees and reimbursement of certain third party operating expenses related to the chairman’s personal use of the aircraft.

The Company purchases services from an entity in which six directors of the Company, including the chairman and executive vice chairman of the Board of Directors, have an aggregate ownership interest of 15%, and in which one director is the chairman and two directors are members of the board of such entity. Services provided for the Company’s benefit include shareholder education and communication, strategic enterprise planning and corporate governance consultation. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company paid $210, $255 and $224, respectively, for these services.

During 2012, the Company entered into a contract with an entity wholly-owned by a director of the Company to provide construction management and advisory services related to the construction of a bank office building. Under the terms of the agreement, the entity will receive payments equal to the lesser of a fixed price of $180 or 4% of the actual construction contract price, with an initial payment of $60 due upon execution of the agreement and the remainder due in two equal installments over a two year period. Under the terms of the contract, the Company paid the entity $60 during each of 2014 and 2013.
    
The Company purchases property, casualty and other insurance through an agency in which a director of the Company, whose term as a director ended in May 2013, has a controlling ownership interest. The Company paid insurance premiums to the agency of $764 in 2013.

(27)
RECENT AUTHORITATIVE ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE
    
ASU 2014-04 “Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure.” The amendments in Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-04 clarify that an in-substance repossession or foreclosures occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (i) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (ii) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy the loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. The amendments in ASU 2014-04 also require interim and annual disclosure of both (i) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (ii) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure. The Company adopted the amendments in ASU 2014-04 effective January 1, 2015 using a prospective transition method. Adoption of the amendments in ASU 2014-04 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.
    

121



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

ASU 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The amendments in ASU 2014-09 introduce a new five-step revenue recognition model in which an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires disclosures sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2015-14 was released in August of 2015 and the amendments defer the effective date of 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Public companies, certain not-for-profit and certain employee benefit plans should apply the guidance to annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is continuing to evaluate the new guidance to determine the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.
    
ASU 2014-11 "Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures." The amendments in ASU 2014-11 expand secured borrowing treatment for certain repurchase agreements. Under the amendments in ASU 2014-11, repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase agreements executed as repurchase financing transactions are required to be accounted for as secured borrowings. ASU 2014-11 requires additional disclosures about certain transactions accounted for as a sale in which the transferor retains substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial assets through an agreement with the same counterparty. ASU 2014-11 also requires disclosure of the types of collateral pledged and liabilities associated with an entity's repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions and repurchase-to-maturity transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. The Company adopted the amendments in ASU 2014-11 effective January 1, 2015. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.
    
ASU 2014-12 "Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period." ASU 2014-12 amends Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, to clarify that a performance target that affects the vesting of a share-based payment award and that could be achieved after the requisite service period should be treated as a performance condition that affects the vesting of the award. ASU 2014-12 further clarifies that the requisite service period ends when the employees can cease rendering service and still be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved. The amendments in ASU 2014-12 are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments in ASU 2014-12 may be applied prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The amendments in ASU 2014-12 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.
    
ASU 2014-14 "Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure." ASU 2014-14 updates ASC Subtopic 310-40, Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, to require that a mortgage loan be derecognized and that a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if (i) the loan has a government guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure; (ii) at the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate property to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under that claim; and, (iii) any amount of the claim that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is fixed at the time of foreclosure. ASU 2014-14 provides that, upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor. The Company adopted the amendments in ASU 2014-14 effective January 1, 2015, using a prospective transition method. Adoption of the amendments in ASU 2014-12 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.

ASU 2014-16 "Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share is More Akin to Debt or to Equity." The amendments in ASU 2014-16 clarify that an entity should consider all relevant terms and features-including the embedded derivative feature being evaluated for bifurcation-in evaluating the nature of the host contract within a hybrid financial instrument. The amendments further clarify that no single term or feature would necessarily determine the economic characteristics and risk of the host contract. Rather,

122



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

the nature of the host contract depends upon the economic characteristics and risk of the entire hybrid financial instrument. The amendments in ASU 2014-16 are effective for the Company for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. The effects of initially adopting the amendments in ASU 2014-16 should be applied on a modified retrospective basis to existing hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share as of the beginning of the fiscal year for which the amendments are effective. Retrospective application is permitted to all relevant prior periods. The amendments in ASU 2014-16 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.

ASU 2015-02 "Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." The amendments in ASU 2015-02 (i) modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities, (ii) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, (iii) affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with variable interest entities, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships, and (iv) provide scope exceptions from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interest in legal entities that are required to comply or operate in accordance with requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered market funds. The amendments in ASU 2015-02 are effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in ASU 2015-02, which may be adopted using a retrospective or modified retrospective approach, will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.

ASU 2015-03 "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." The amendments in ASU 2015-03 require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, rather than as a deferred charge. The guidance in Update 2015-03 did not address presentation or subsequent measurement of debt issues costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. ASU 2015-15 addresses this gap. ASU 2015-15 adds that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The amendments in ASU 2015-03 are effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015, and should be applied on a retrospective basis. The amendments in ASU 2015-03 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.

ASU 2015-05 "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other Internal-Use Software." The amendments in ASU 2015-05 (i) provide guidance about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. Under the guidance in ASU 2015-05, if a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The guidance in ASU 2015-05 does not change generally accepted accounting principles for a customer's accounting for service contracts. The amendments in ASU 2015-05 are effective for public entities for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in ASU 2015-05 may be adopted retrospectively or prospectively to all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the effective date. Adoption of the amendments in ASU 2015-05 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.

ASU 2015-10 "Technical Corrections and Improvements." The amendments in ASU 2015-10 represent changes to clarify the codification, correct unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the codification that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. The amendments in ASU 2015-10 that require transition guidance are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. All other amendments in ASU 2015-10 became effective in June 2015. The amendments in ASU 2015-03 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.


123



FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

ASU 2015-16 “Business Combinations-Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments.” The amendments in ASU 2015-16 eliminate the requirement to retrospectively account for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized as part of a business combination. Under the amendments in ASU 2015-16, an acquirer must recognize adjustments to the provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 require that the acquirer record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in ASU 2015-16, which are applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date, will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.

ASU 2016-01 "Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." ASU 2016-1, among other things, (i) requires equity investments, with certain exceptions, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (ii) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, (iii) eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet, (iv) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, (v) requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments, (vi) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements and (viii) clarifies that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale investment securities. ASU 2016-1 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.

ASU 2016-02 "Leases (Topic 842)." On February 25, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new lease accounting guidance in ASU No. 2016-02. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability and a right of use asset for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date of the lease and disclose key information about leasing arrangements.  Accounting by lessors is largely unchanged.  ASU 2016-02 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 and will be applied on a modified retrospective basis.  The Company is evaluating the effects of ASU 2016-02, but does not expect its adoption to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.

(28)
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent events have been evaluated for potential recognition and disclosure through the date financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. On January 21, 2016, the Company declared a quarterly dividend to common shareholders of $0.22 per share, paid on February 12, 2016 to shareholders of record as of February 1, 2016.

No other events requiring recognition or disclosure were identified.




124


(a)
2. Financial statement schedules
    
All other schedules to the consolidated financial statements of the Registrant are omitted since the required information is either not applicable, deemed immaterial, or is shown in the respective financial statements or in notes thereto.
    
(a)    3. Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
2.1
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger between First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and Mountain West Financial Corp dated February 10, 2014 (incorporated herein reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-194050, dated April 2, 2014)
 
 
 
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation dated March 5, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 10, 2010)
 
 
 
3.2
 
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws dated January 27, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.8 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2011)
 
 
 
10.1
 
Credit Agreement Re: Subordinated Term Note dated as of January 10, 2008, between First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and First Midwest Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 16, 2008)
 
 
 
10.2
 
Lease Agreement between Billings 401 Joint Venture and First Interstate Bank Montana dated September 20, 1985 and addendum thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 033-84540, filed on September 29, 1994)
 
 
 
10.3†
 
First Interstate BancSystem’s Deferred Compensation Plan dated December 1, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 333-164380, filed on March 23, 2010)
 
 
 
10.4†
 
First Amendment to the First Interstate BancSystem’s Deferred Compensation Plan dated October 24, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 333-164380, filed on March 23, 2010)
 
 
 
10.5†
 
2001 Stock Option Plan, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.12 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, No. 333-106495, filed on June 25, 2003)
 
 
 
10.6†
 
Second Amendment to 2001 Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010)
 
 
 
10.7†
 
First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. 2006 Equity Compensation Plan, amended and restated as of November 21, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, No. 333-193543, filed January 24, 2014 )
 
 
 
10.8†
 
First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. 2015 Equity and Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A of the Company's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed on April 2, 2015)
 
 
 
10.9†*
 
Form of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. 2015 Equity and Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Agreement (Time) for Certain Executive and Other Officers
 
 
 
10.10†*
 
Form of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. 2015 Equity and Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Agreement (Performance) for Certain Executive and Other Officers
 
 
 
10.11†
 
Executive Employment Agreement between First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and Kevin P. Riley dated September 23, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015)
 
 
 
10.12
 
Trademark License Agreements between Wells Fargo & Company and First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed on April 22, 1997)
 
 
 

125


Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
14.1
 
Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14.1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010)
 
 
 
21.1*
 
Subsidiaries of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc.
 
 
 
23.1*
 
Consent of RSM US LLP Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
 
31.1*
 
Certification of Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
31.2*
 
Certification of Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
32*
 
Certification of Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 101**
 
Interactive data file
† Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
* Filed herewith.
** As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information is furnished and not filed for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(b)
Exhibits
See Item 15(a)3 above.
(c)
Financial Statements Schedules
See Item 15(a)2 above.


126


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
First Interstate BancSystem, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ KEVIN P. RILEY
 
February 29, 2016
 
 
Kevin P. Riley
 
Date
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By:
/s/ JAMES R. SCOTT
 
February 29, 2016
 
James R. Scott, Chairman of the Board
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ STEVEN J. CORNING
 
February 29, 2016
 
Steven J. Corning, Director
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ DANA L. CRANDALL
 
February 29, 2016
 
Dana L. Crandall, Director
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ DAVID H. CRUM
 
February 29, 2016
 
David H. Crum, Director
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ WILLIAM B. EBZERY
 
February 29, 2016
 
William B. Ebzery, Director
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ CHARLES E. HART, M.D., M.S.
 
February 29, 2016
 
Charles E. Hart, M.D., M.S., Director
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ CHARLES M. HEYNEMAN
 
February 29, 2016
 
Charles M. Heyneman, Director
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ JOHN M. HEYNEMAN, JR.
 
February 29, 2016
 
John M. Heyneman, Jr., Director
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ DAVID L. JAHNKE
 
February 29, 2016
 
David L. Jahnke, Director
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ ROSS E. LECKIE
 
February 29, 2016
 
Ross E. Leckie, Director
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ JONATHAN R. SCOTT
 
February 29, 2016
 
Jonathan R. Scott, Director
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ RANDALL I. SCOTT
 
February 29, 2016
 
Randall I. Scott, Director
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN
 
February 29, 2016
 
Michael J. Sullivan, Director
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ TERESA A. TAYLOR
 
February 29, 2016
 
Teresa A. Taylor, Director
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ THEODORE H. WILLIAMS
 
February 29, 2016
 
Theodore H. Williams, Director
 
Date



127


By:
/s/ KEVIN P. RILEY
 
February 29, 2016
 
Kevin P. Riley
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal executive officer)
 
Date
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ MARCY D. MUTCH
 
February 29, 2016
 
Marcy D. Mutch
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal financial and accounting officer)
 
Date


128