10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

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:  0-22140

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. ®

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	42-1406262
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

121 East Fifth Street, Storm Lake, Iowa  50588

(Address of principal executive offices)

(712) 732-4117

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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.  YES x    NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).  YES x  NO 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.  (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  o Accelerated filer  o Non-accelerated filer  o  Smaller Reporting Company  x

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  YES   x NO

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

Class:	Outstanding at May 9, 2012:
Common Stock, $.01 par value	3,202,056 Common Shares

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-Q

Table of Contents

		Page No.
Part I.   Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited):
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011	2
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)  for the Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011	6
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	35
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk	47
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	49
Part II.  Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	50
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	50
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	50
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	50
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	50
Item 5.	Other Information	50
Item 6.	Exhibits	50
Signatures		51

1

Item 1.     Financial Statements (Unaudited)

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

ASSETS	March 31, 2012			September 30, 2011
	(Unaudited)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	236,074		$	276,893
Investment securities available for sale		91,051			28,330
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale		876,955			590,918
Loans receivable - net of allowance for loan losses of $4,762 at March 31, 2012 and $4,926 at September 30, 2011		321,685			314,410
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, at cost		6,739			4,737
Accrued interest receivable		5,740			4,133
Insurance receivable		4,364			2,264
Premises, furniture, and equipment, net		17,133			17,168
Bank-owned life insurance		14,579			14,322
Foreclosed real estate and repossessed assets		2,958			2,671
Intangible assets		1,795			1,315
MPS accounts receivable		8,963			7,677
Other assets		9,581			10,643
Total assets	$	1,597,617		$	1,275,481
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Non-interest-bearing checking	$	1,247,071		$	945,956
Interest-bearing checking		35,143			31,249
Savings deposits		27,587			11,136
Money market deposits		38,020			36,717
Time certificates of deposit		104,375			116,562
Total deposits		1,452,196			1,141,620
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank		11,000			11,000
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		13,598			8,055
Subordinated debentures		10,310			10,310
Accrued interest payable		197			223
Contingent liability		5,465			3,649
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		17,516			20,047
Total liabilities		1,510,282			1,194,904
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, 800,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding		-			-
Common stock, $.01 par value; 5,200,000 shares authorized, 3,372,999 shares issued, 3,202,056 and 3,146,867 shares outstanding at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively		34			34
Additional paid-in capital		32,538			32,471
Retained earnings - substantially restricted		57,724			45,494
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(99	)		6,336
Treasury stock, 170,943 and 226,132 common shares, at cost, at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively		(2,862	)		(3,758	)
Total stockholders’ equity		87,335			80,577
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,597,617		$	1,275,481

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

2

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

	Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
	March 31,					March 31,
	2012			2011		2012			2011
Interest and dividend income:
Loans receivable, including fees	$	4,492		$	4,909	$	9,032		$	10,356
Mortgage-backed securities		5,198			4,433		9,985			8,351
Other investments		609			238		897			493
		10,299			9,580		19,914			19,200
Interest expense:
Deposits		553			753		1,206			1,642
FHLB advances and other borrowings		335			410		659			863
		888			1,163		1,865			2,505
Net interest income		9,411			8,417		18,049			16,695
Provision for loan losses		200			214		899			186
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		9,211			8,203		17,150			16,509
Non-interest income:
Card fees		15,691			18,392		29,604			32,466
Gain on sale of securities available for sale, net		11,381			632		12,431			1,158
Deposit fees		143			163		305			344
Loan fees		290			85		619			286
Bank-owned life insurance income		130			130		258			263
Other income		(854	)		68		(754	)		259
Total non-interest income		26,781			19,470		42,463			34,776
Non-interest expense:
Compensation and benefits		8,057			8,188		15,233			15,984
Card processing expense		4,976			8,120		10,298			13,343
Occupancy and equipment expense		2,088			2,168		4,186			4,210
Legal and consulting expense		2,019			1,339		3,285			2,750
Goodwill impairment		-			-		-			1,508
Marketing		325			411		492			672
Data processing expense		278			273		553			546
Other expense		2,470			2,752		4,957			5,856
Total non-interest expense		20,213			23,251		39,004			44,869
Income before income tax expense		15,779			4,422		20,609			6,416
Income tax expense		5,809			1,675		7,548			2,948
Net income	$	9,970		$	2,747	$	13,061		$	3,468
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	3.12		$	0.88	$	4.10		$	1.11
Diluted	$	3.10		$	0.88	$	4.09		$	1.11

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	March 31,						March 31,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net income	$	9,970		$	2,747		$	13,061		$	3,468
Other comprehensive loss:
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale		(1,495	)		258			2,009			(1,960	)
Gains realized in net income		(11,381	)		(632	)		(12,431	)		(1,158	)
		(12,876	)		(374	)		(10,422	)		(3,118	)
Deferred income tax effect		(4,925	)		(145	)		(3,987	)		(1,193	)
Total other comprehensive loss		(7,951	)		(229	)		(6,435	)		(1,925	)
Total comprehensive income	$	2,019		$	2,518		$	6,626		$	1,543

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

									Accumulated
			Additional						Other						Total
	Common		Paid-in			Retained			Comprehensive			Treasury			Stockholders’
	Stock		Capital			Earnings			Income (Loss)			Stock			Equity
Balance, September 30, 2010	$	34	$	32,381		$	42,475		$	1,599		$	(4,445	)	$	72,044
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($.26 per share)		-		-			(810	)		-			-			(810	)
Issuance of 5,950 common shares from treasury stock due to issuance of restricted stock		-		(12	)		-			-			123			111
Stock compensation		-		42			-			-			-			42
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale		-		-			-			(1,925	)		-			(1,925	)
Net income		-		-			3,468			-			-			3,468
Balance, March 31, 2011	$	34	$	32,411		$	45,133		$	(326	)	$	(4,322	)	$	72,930
Balance, September 30, 2011	$	34	$	32,471		$	45,494		$	6,336		$	(3,758	)	$	80,577
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($.26 per share)		-		-			(831	)		-			-			(831	)
Issuance of 55,189 common shares from treasury stock due to issuance of restricted stock		-		49			-			-			896			945
Stock compensation		-		18			-			-			-			18
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale		-		-			-			(6,435	)		-			(6,435	)
Net income		-		-			13,061			-			-			13,061
Balance, March 31, 2012	$	34	$	32,538		$	57,724		$	(99	)	$	(2,862	)	$	87,335

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

	Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	13,061		$	3,468
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net		7,599			5,166
Disbursement of non-real estate consumer loans originated for sale		(431,935	)		(479,911	)
Proceeds from sale of non-real estate consumer loans		432,428			478,555
Disbursement of 1-4 family residential mortgage loans originated for sale		-			(1,713	)
Proceeds from sale of 1-4 family residential mortgage loans		368			2,904
Loss (gain) on sale of loans		7			(146	)
Provision for loan losses		899			186
Loss (gain) on sale of other assets		964			(128	)
Gain on sale of securities available for sale, net		(12,431	)		(1,158	)
Net change in accrued interest receivable		(1,607	)		312
Goodwill impairment		-			1,508
Net change in other assets		(2,966	)		(2,694	)
Net change in accrued interest payable		(26	)		(151	)
Net change in accrued expenses and other liabilities		(715	)		428
Net cash provided by operating activities		5,646			6,626
Cash flow from investing activities:
Purchase of securities available for sale		(811,441	)		(238,464	)
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale		364,911			46,239
Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments of
securities available for sale		93,906			68,066
Loans purchased		(4,372	)		(1,039	)
Net change in loans receivable		(6,399	)		37,271
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed real estate		382			362
Federal Home Loan Bank stock purchases		(29,353	)		-
Federal Home Loan Bank stock redemptions		27,351			89
Proceeds from the sale of premises and equipment		30			-
Purchase of premises and equipment		(1,718	)		(955	)
Other, net		3,987			1,193
Net cash used in investing activities		(362,716	)		(87,238	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in checking, savings, and money market deposits		322,763			177,003
Net change in time deposits		(12,187	)		(27,412	)
Net change in securities sold under agreements to repurchase		5,543			2,883
Cash dividends paid		(831	)		(810	)
Stock compensation		18			42
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		945			111
Net cash provided by financing activities		316,251			151,817
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(40,819	)		71,205
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		276,893			87,503
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	236,074		$	158,708
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	1,891		$	2,655
Income taxes		3,409			1,834
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
Loans transferred to foreclosed real estate	$	1,729		$	-

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.®

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 included in Meta Financial Group, Inc.’s (“Meta Financial” or the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on December 20, 2011.  Accordingly, footnote disclosures which would substantially duplicate the disclosure contained in the audited consolidated financial statements have been omitted.

The financial information of the Company included herein has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Such information reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments), that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of the interim period ended March 31, 2012, are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ending September 30, 2012.

NOTE 2. CREDIT DISCLOSURES

Loans are considered impaired if full principal or interest payments are not probable in accordance with the contractual loan terms.  Impaired loans are carried at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  A portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is deemed to be less than the unpaid balance.  If these allocations cause the allowance for loan losses to require an increase, such increase is reported as a component of the provision for loan losses.

The allowance consists of specific, general, and unallocated components.  The specific component relates to impaired loans.  For such loans, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan are lower than the carrying value of that loan.  The general component covers loans not considered impaired and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors.  An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses.  The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.

Smaller-balance homogeneous loans are evaluated for impairment in total.  Such loans include residential first mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family residences, residential construction loans, and automobile, manufactured homes, home equity and second mortgage loans.  Commercial and agricultural loans and mortgage loans secured by other properties are evaluated individually for impairment.  When analysis of borrower operating results and financial condition indicates that underlying cash flows of the borrower’s business are not adequate to meet its debt service requirements, the loan is evaluated for impairment.  Often this is associated with a delay or shortfall in payments of 90 days or more.  Generally, non-accrual loans are considered impaired.  Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible.

7

Loan receivables at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 are as follows:

	March 31, 2012			September 30, 2011
	(Dollars in Thousands)
One to four family residential mortgage loans	$	39,850		$	33,753
One to four family residential mortgage loans held for sale		-			375
Commercial and multi-family real estate loans		194,622			194,414
Agricultural real estate loans		21,087			20,320
Consumer loans		34,669			32,418
Consumer loans held for sale		1,690			1,980
Commercial operating loans		12,582			14,955
Agricultural operating loans		22,041			21,200
Total Loans Receivable		326,541			319,415
Less:
Allowance for loan losses		(4,762	)		(4,926	)
Net deferred loan origination fees		(94	)		(79	)
Total Loans Receivable, Net	$	321,685		$	314,410

Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	March 31,						March 31,
(Dollars in Thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Beginning balance	$	4,565		$	4,763		$	4,926		$	5,234
Provision for loan losses		200			214			899			186
Charge-offs		(3	)		(314	)		(1,072	)		(829	)
Recoveries		-			78			9			150
Ending balance	$	4,762		$	4,741		$	4,762		$	4,741

8

Allowance for loan losses and loans receivable for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

	1-4 Family Residential			Commercial and Multi Family Real Estate			Agricultural Real Estate		Consumer			Commercial Operating			Agricultural Operating			Unallocated			Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	181		$	3,609		$	-	$	21		$	38		$	65		$	651		$	4,565
Provision charged (credited) to expense		(31	)		366			-		6			(1	)		(65	)		(75	)		200
Losses charged off		(3	)		-			-		-			-			-			-			(3	)
Recoveries		-			-			-		-			-			-			-			-
Ending balance	$	147		$	3,975		$	-	$	27		$	37		$	-		$	576		$	4,762
Six Months Ended March 31, 2012
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	165		$	3,901		$	-	$	16		$	36		$	67		$	741		$	4,926
Provision charged (credited) to expense		(16	)		1,141			-		9			(3	)		(67	)		(165	)		899
Losses charged off		(3	)		(1,067	)		-		(2	)		-			-			-			(1,072	)
Recoveries		1			-			-		4			4			-			-			9
Ending balance	$	147		$	3,975		$	-	$	27		$	37		$	-		$	576		$	4,762
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	8		$	1,513		$	-	$	-		$	8		$	-		$	-		$	1,529
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	139		$	2,462		$	-	$	27		$	29		$	-		$	576		$	3,233
Loans:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	76		$	14,578		$	-	$	-		$	84		$	-		$	-		$	14,738
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	39,774		$	180,044		$	21,087	$	34,669		$	12,498		$	22,041		$	-		$	310,113

9

	1-4 Family Residential			Commercial and Multi Family Real Estate			Agricultural  Real Estate			Consumer			Commercial Operating			Agricultural  Operating			Unallocated			Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	47		$	3,174		$	25		$	370		$	110		$	102		$	935		$	4,763
Provision charged (credited) to expense		76			274			13			(142	)		(3	)		(34	)		30			214
Losses charged off		(41	)		-			-			(258	)		(15	)		-			-			(314	)
Recoveries		-			-			-			78			-			-			-			78
Ending balance	$	82		$	3,448		$	38		$	48		$	92		$	68		$	965		$	4,741
Six Months Ended March 31, 2011
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	50		$	3,053		$	111		$	738		$	131		$	125		$	1,026		$	5,234
Provision charged (credited) to expense		73			410			(73	)		(82	)		(24	)		(57	)		(61	)		186
Losses charged off		(41	)		(15	)		-			(758	)		(15	)		-			-			(829	)
Recoveries		-			-			-			150			-			-			-			150
Ending balance	$	82		$	3,448		$	38		$	48		$	92		$	68		$	965		$	4,741
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	62		$	1,135		$	14		$	-		$	4		$	-		$	-		$	1,215
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	20		$	2,313		$	24		$	48		$	88		$	68		$	965		$	3,526
Loans:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	150		$	11,797		$	1,383		$	-		$	95		$	-		$	-		$	13,425
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	36,184		$	188,573		$	17,912		$	38,866		$	14,843		$	25,022		$	-		$	321,400

Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets, such as debt and equity securities considered by our regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), to be of lesser quality, as “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss.”  An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the savings association will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified “substandard,” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable.”  Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such minimal value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted.

General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets.  When assets are classified as “loss,” MetaBank (the “Bank”) is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of that portion of the asset so classified or to charge-off such amount.  The Bank’s determinations as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances are subject to review by its regulatory authorities, which may order the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.

10

The asset classification of loans at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, which excludes loans held for sale, are as follows:

March 31, 2012
	1-4 Family Residential		Commercial and Multi Family Real Estate		Agricultural Real Estate		Consumer		Commercial Operating		Agricultural  Operating		Total
Pass	$	39,363	$	168,054	$	21,087	$	34,424	$	11,477	$	22,041	$	296,446
Watch		382		6,695		-		113		551		-		7,741
Special Mention		-		4,283		-		16		250		-		4,549
Substandard		105		15,590		-		86		304		-		16,085
Doubtful		-		-		-		30		-		-		30
	$	39,850	$	194,622	$	21,087	$	34,669	$	12,582	$	22,041	$	324,851

September 30, 2011
	1-4 Family Residential		Commercial and Multi Family Real Estate		Agricultural Real Estate		Consumer		Commercial Operating		Agricultural Operating		Total
Pass	$	33,830	$	161,109	$	20,320	$	31,967	$	13,737	$	14,500	$	275,463
Watch		281		10,446		-		318		913		6,700		18,658
Special Mention		17		3,006		-		38		53		-		3,114
Substandard		-		19,827		-		60		252		-		20,139
Doubtful		-		26		-		35		-		-		61
	$	34,128	$	194,414	$	20,320	$	32,418	$	14,955	$	21,200	$	317,435

One- to Four-Family Residential Mortgage Lending.  One- to four-family residential mortgage loan originations are generated by the Company’s marketing efforts, its present customers, walk-in customers and referrals.  The Company offers fixed-rate and ARM loans for both permanent structures and those under construction.  The Company’s one- to four-family residential mortgage originations are secured primarily by properties located in its primary market area and surrounding areas.

The Company originates one- to four-family residential mortgage loans with terms up to a maximum of 30 years and with loan-to-value ratios up to 100% of the lesser of the appraised value of the security property or the contract price.  The Company generally requires that private mortgage insurance be obtained in an amount sufficient to reduce the Company’s exposure to at or below the 80% loan-to-value level, unless the loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration, guaranteed by Veterans Affairs or guaranteed by the Rural Housing Administration. Residential loans generally do not include prepayment penalties.

The Company currently offers one, three, five, seven and ten year adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loans.  These loans have a fixed rate for the stated period and, thereafter, such loans adjust annually.  These loans generally provide for an annual cap of up to 200 basis points and a lifetime cap of 600 basis points over the initial rate.  As a consequence of using an initial fixed rate and caps, the interest rates on these loans may not be as rate sensitive as is the Company's cost of funds.  The Company’s ARMs do not permit negative amortization of principal and are not convertible into a fixed rate loan. The Company’s delinquency experience on its ARM loans has generally been similar to its experience on fixed rate residential loans.  Current market conditions make ARM loans unattractive and very few are originated.

Due to consumer demand, the Company also offers fixed-rate mortgage loans with terms up to 30 years, most of which conform to secondary market, i.e., Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, and Freddie Mac, standards.  Interest rates charged on these fixed-rate loans are competitively priced according to market conditions.  The Company currently sells most, but not all, of its fixed-rate loans with terms greater than 15 years.

11

In underwriting one- to four-family residential real estate loans, the Company evaluates both the borrower’s ability to make monthly payments and the value of the property securing the loan.  Properties securing real estate loans made by the Company are appraised by independent appraisers approved by the Board of Directors. The Company generally requires borrowers to obtain an attorney’s title opinion or title insurance, and fire and property insurance (including flood insurance, if necessary) in an amount not less than the amount of the loan.  Real estate loans originated by the Company generally contain a “due on sale” clause allowing the Company to declare the unpaid principal balance due and payable upon the sale of the security property.  The Company has not engaged in sub-prime residential mortgage originations.

Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate Lending.  The Company engages in commercial and multi-family real estate lending in its primary market area and surrounding areas and, in order to supplement its loan portfolio, from time to time purchases whole loan and participation interests in loans from other financial institutions.  The purchased loans and loan participation interests are generally secured by properties located in the Midwest and West.

The Company’s commercial and multi-family real estate loan portfolio is secured primarily by apartment buildings, office buildings, and hotels.  Commercial and multi-family real estate loans generally have terms that do not exceed 20 years, have loan-to-value ratios of up to 80% of the appraised value of the security property, and are typically secured by personal guarantees of the borrowers.  The Company has a variety of rate adjustment features and other terms in its commercial and multi-family real estate loan portfolio.  Commercial and multi-family real estate loans provide for a margin over a number of different indices.  In underwriting these loans, the Company currently analyzes the financial condition of the borrower, the borrower’s credit history, and the reliability and predictability of the cash flow generated by the property securing the loan.  Appraisals on properties securing commercial real estate loans originated by the Company are performed by independent appraisers.

Commercial and multi-family real estate loans generally present a higher level of risk than loans secured by one- to four-family residences.  This greater risk is due to several factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, the effect of general economic conditions on income producing properties and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these types of loans.  Furthermore, the repayment of loans secured by commercial and multi-family real estate is typically dependent upon the successful operation of the related real estate project.  If the cash flow from the project is reduced (for example, if leases are not obtained or renewed, or a bankruptcy court modifies a lease term, or a major tenant is unable to fulfill its lease obligations), the borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired.

Agricultural Lending.  The Company originates loans to finance the purchase of farmland, livestock, farm machinery and equipment, seed, fertilizer and other farm related products.  Agricultural operating loans are originated at either an adjustable or fixed rate of interest for up to a one year term or, in the case of livestock, upon sale.  Most agricultural operating loans have terms of one year or less.  Such loans provide for payments of principal and interest at least annually or a lump sum payment upon maturity if the original term is less than one year.  Loans secured by agricultural machinery are generally originated as fixed-rate loans with terms of up to seven years.

Agricultural real estate loans are frequently originated with adjustable rates of interest.  Generally, such loans provide for a fixed rate of interest for the first one to five years, which then balloon or adjust annually thereafter.  In addition, such loans generally amortize over a period of ten to 20 years.  Adjustable-rate agricultural real estate loans provide for a margin over the yields on the corresponding U.S. Treasury security or prime rate.  Fixed-rate agricultural real estate loans generally have terms up to five years.  Agricultural real estate loans are generally limited to 75% of the value of the property securing the loan.

12

Agricultural lending affords the Company the opportunity to earn yields higher than those obtainable on one- to four-family residential lending.  Nevertheless, agricultural lending involves a greater degree of risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans because of the typically larger loan amount.  In addition, payments on loans are dependent on the successful operation or management of the farm property securing the loan or for which an operating loan is utilized.  The success of the loan may also be affected by many factors outside the control of the farm borrower.

Weather presents one of the greatest risks as hail, drought, floods, or other conditions can severely limit crop yields and thus impair loan repayments and the value of the underlying collateral.  This risk can be reduced by the farmer with a variety of insurance coverages which can help to ensure loan repayment.  Government support programs and the Company generally require that farmers procure crop insurance coverage.  Grain and livestock prices also present a risk as prices may decline prior to sale resulting in a failure to cover production costs.  These risks may be reduced by the farmer with the use of futures contracts or options to mitigate price risk.  The Company frequently requires borrowers to use future contracts or options to reduce price risk and help ensure loan repayment.  Another risk is the uncertainty of government programs and other regulations.  During periods of low commodity prices, the income from government programs can be a significant source of cash to make loan payments and if these programs are discontinued or significantly changed, cash flow problems or defaults could result.  Finally, many farms are dependent on a limited number of key individuals upon whose injury or death may result in an inability to successfully operate the farm.

Consumer Lending- Retail Bank.  The “Retail Bank” (generally referring to traditional banking operations in our four market areas) offers a variety of secured consumer loans, including home equity, home improvement, automobile, boat and loans secured by savings deposits.  In addition, the Retail Bank offers other secured and unsecured consumer loans.  The Retail Bank currently originates most of its consumer loans in its primary market area and surrounding areas.  The Retail Bank originates consumer loans on both a direct and indirect basis.

The largest component of the Retail Bank’s consumer loan portfolio consists of home equity loans and lines of credit.  Substantially all of the Retail Bank’s home equity loans and lines of credit are secured by second mortgages on principal residences.  The Retail Bank will lend amounts which, together with all prior liens, typically may be up to 100% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan.  Home equity loans and lines of credit generally have maximum terms of five years.

The Retail Bank primarily originates automobile loans on a direct basis, but also originates indirect automobile loans on a very limited basis.  Direct loans are loans made when the Retail Bank extends credit directly to the borrower, as opposed to indirect loans, which are made when the Retail Bank purchases loan contracts, often at a discount, from automobile dealers which have extended credit to their customers.  The Retail Bank’s automobile loans typically are originated at fixed interest rates with terms up to 60 months for new and used vehicles.  Loans secured by automobiles are generally originated for up to 80% of the N.A.D.A. book value of the automobile securing the loan.

Consumer loan terms vary according to the type and value of collateral, length of contract and creditworthiness of the borrower.  The underwriting standards employed by the Company for consumer loans include an application, a determination of the applicant’s payment history on other debts and an assessment of ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan.  Although creditworthiness of the applicant is a primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the security, if any, in relation to the proposed loan amount.

Consumer loans may entail greater credit risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans which are unsecured or are secured by rapidly depreciable assets, such as automobiles or recreational equipment.  In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation.  In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances.  Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.

13

Consumer Lending- Meta Payment Systems (“MPS”).  MPS offers credit products on a nationwide basis in the following categories (1) sponsorship lending and (2) portfolio lending.  In a sponsorship lending model, MPS typically originates loans and sells (without recourse) the resulting receivables to third party investors.  In portfolio lending, the Company retains some or all receivables and relies on the borrower as the underlying source of repayment.

Consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances.

The Company monitors concentrations of credit that may naturally occur and may take the form of a large volume of related loans to an individual, a specific industry, a geographic location or an occupation.

Commercial Operating Lending.  The Company also originates commercial operating loans.  Most of the Company’s commercial operating loans have been extended to finance local and regional businesses and include short-term loans to finance machinery and equipment purchases, inventory and accounts receivable.  Commercial loans also involve the extension of revolving credit for a combination of equipment acquisitions and working capital in expanding companies.

The maximum term for loans extended on machinery and equipment is based on the projected useful life of such machinery and equipment.  Generally, the maximum term on non-mortgage lines of credit is one year.  The loan-to-value ratio on such loans and lines of credit generally may not exceed 80% of the value of the collateral securing the loan.  The Company’s commercial operating lending policy includes credit file documentation and analysis of the borrower’s character, capacity to repay the loan, the adequacy of the borrower’s capital and collateral as well as an evaluation of conditions affecting the borrower.  Analysis of the borrower’s past, present and future cash flows is also an important aspect of the Company’s current credit analysis.

Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment and other income and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial operating loans typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business.  As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial operating loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself (which, in turn, is likely to be dependent upon the general economic environment).  The Company’s commercial operating loans are usually, but not always, secured by business assets and personal guarantees.  However, the collateral securing the loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.  Commercial operating loans have been a declining percentage of the Company’s loan portfolio since 2005.

Generally, when a loan becomes delinquent 90 days or more or when the collection of principal or interest becomes doubtful, the Company will place the loan on a non-accrual status and, as a result of this action, previously accrued interest income on the loan is deducted from interest income.  The loan will remain on non-accrual status until the loan has been brought current or until other circumstances occur that provide adequate assurance of full repayment of interest and principal.

14

Past due loans at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 are as follows:

March 31, 2012	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days  Past Due		Greater Than 90 Days		Total Past  Due		Current		Non-Accrual Loans		Total Loans Receivable
Residential 1-4 Family	$	93	$	-	$	-	$	93	$	39,681	$	76	$	39,850
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		46		-		-		46		188,288		6,288		194,622
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-		21,087		-		21,087
Consumer		14		-		55		69		34,600		-		34,669
Commercial Operating		-		-		-		-		12,559		23		12,582
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-		22,041		-		22,041
Total	$	153	$	-	$	55	$	208	$	318,256	$	6,387	$	324,851
September 30, 2011
Residential 1-4 Family	$	51	$	30	$	-	$	81	$	33,920	$	127	$	34,128
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		2,460		-		-		2,460		178,929		13,025		194,414
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-		20,320		-		20,320
Consumer		26		14		24		64		32,354		-		32,418
Commercial Operating		-		-		-		-		14,925		30		14,955
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-		21,200		-		21,200
Total	$	2,537	$	44	$	24	$	2,605	$	301,648	$	13,182	$	317,435

15

Impaired loans at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 are as follows:

	Recorded Balance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Specific Allowance		Average Investment in Impaired Loans		Interest Income  Recognized
March 31, 2012
Loans without a specific valuation allowance
Residential 1-4 Family	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		-		-		-		-		-
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-		-
Consumer		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial Operating		-		-		-		-		-
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Loans with a specific valuation allowance
Residential 1-4 Family	$	76	$	116	$	8	$	133	$	-
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		14,578		20,014		1,513		12,739		-
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		280		-
Consumer		-		-		-		10		-
Commercial Operating		84		127		8		73		-
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	14,738	$	20,257	$	1,529	$	13,235	$	-

	Recorded Balance		Unpaid Principal  Balance		Specific Allowance		Average Investment in Impaired Loans		Interest Income Recognized
September 30, 2011
Loans without a specific valuation allowance
Residential 1-4 Family	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		-		-		-		-		-
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-		-
Consumer		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial Operating		-		-		-		-		-
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Loans with a specific valuation allowance
Residential 1-4 Family	$	127	$	172	$	1	$	117	$	-
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		13,025		18,427		1,845		9,306		-
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		1,176		-
Consumer		-		-		-		36		-
Commercial Operating		30		45		3		109		-
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		80		-
Total	$	13,182	$	18,644	$	1,849	$	10,824	$	-

16

The Company’s troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) (which involved forgiving a portion of interest or principal on any loans or making loans at a rate materially less than that of market rates) are included in the below table.Loans modified in a TDR during the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012						For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance		Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance
Residential 1-4 Family		-	$	-	$	-		-	$	-	$	-
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		-		-		-		3		3,552		3,552
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-		-		-
Consumer		-		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial Operating		-		-		-		1		34		34
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total		-	$	-	$	-		4	$	3,586	$	3,586

	For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2012						For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance		Number of  Loans		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance
Residential 1-4 Family		-	$	-	$	-		-	$	-	$	-
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		-		-		-		3		3,552		3,552
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-		-		-
Consumer		-		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial Operating		-		-		-		1		34		34
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total		-	$	-	$	-		4	$	3,586	$	3,586

The following table provides information on TDR loans for which there was a payment default during the three month period ending March 31, 2012 and 2011, that had been modified during the 12-month period prior to the default:

	With Payment Defaults During the Following Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
	Number of Loans		Recorded  Investment		Number of Loans		Recorded Investment
Residential 1-4 Family		-	$	-		-	$	-
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		-		-		-		-
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-
Consumer		-		-		-		-
Commercial Operating		-		-		-		-
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-
Total		-	$	-		-	$	-

17

NOTE 3. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

At March 31, 2012, the Company’s allowance for loan losses was $4.8 million, a decrease of $0.1 million from $4.9 million at September 30, 2011.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $0.2 million. 

During the six months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded a provision for its Retail Bank division in the amount of $0.9 million due to increases in the general reserves caused by increases in the historical loss rates for commercial real estate and multi-family loans.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded a provision for loan losses for its Retail Bank division in the amount of $0.2 million due to increases in the general reserves caused by increases in the historical loss rates for commercial real estate and multi-family loans.

The Company’s total net charge-offs for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012 were $3,000 and $1.1 million, respectively.

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable loan losses which have been incurred as of the date of the consolidated financial statements.  The allowance for loan losses is increased by a provision for loan losses charged to expense and decreased by charge-offs (net of recoveries). Estimating the risk of loss and the amount of loss on any loan is necessarily subjective. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on the Company’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, and current economic conditions. While management may periodically allocate portions of the allowance for specific problem loan situations, the entire allowance is available for any loan charge-offs that occur.

The Company establishes its provision for loan losses, and evaluates the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses based upon a systematic methodology consisting of a number of factors including, among others, historic loss experience, the overall level of classified assets, non-performing loans, TDR loans, the composition of its loan portfolio and the general economic environment within which the Company and its borrowers operate.

Management closely monitors economic developments both regionally and nationwide, and considers these factors when assessing the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses.

NOTE 4.  EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders (the numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (the denominator) during the period. Shares issued during the period and shares reacquired during the period are weighted for the portion of the period that they were outstanding.  Allocated ESOP shares are considered outstanding for earnings per common share calculations as they are committed to be issued; unallocated ESOP shares are not considered outstanding.  Diluted EPS shows the dilutive effect of additional common shares issuable pursuant to stock option agreements.

18

A reconciliation of the income and common stock share amounts used in the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is presented below.

Three Months Ended March 31,	2012		2011
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)
Earnings
Net Income	$	9,970	$	2,747
Basic EPS
Weighted average common shares outstanding		3,197,117		3,115,640
Less weighted average unallocated ESOP and nonvested shares		-		(1,667	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		3,197,117		3,113,973
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic	$	3.12	$	0.88
Diluted EPS
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share		3,197,117		3,113,973
Add dilutive effect of assumed exercises of stock options, net of tax benefits		20,494		1,896
Weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding		3,217,611		3,115,869
Earnings Per Common Share
Diluted	$	3.10	$	0.88

Six Months Ended March 31,	2012		2011
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)
Earnings
Net Income	$	13,061	$	3,468
Basic EPS
Weighted average common shares outstanding		3,187,269		3,113,756
Less weighted average unallocated ESOP and nonvested shares		-		(1,667	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		3,187,269		3,112,089
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic	$	4.10	$	1.11
Diluted EPS
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share		3,187,269		3,112,089
Add dilutive effect of assumed exercises of stock options, net of tax benefits		8,475		-
Weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding		3,195,744		3,112,089
Earnings Per Common Share
Diluted	$	4.09	$	1.11

19

Stock options totaling 325,437 and 367,138 were not considered in computing diluted EPS for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012, respectively, because they were not dilutive.  Stock options totaling 364,478 and 364,907 were not considered in computing diluted EPS for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011, respectively, because they were not dilutive.

NOTE 5. SECURITIES

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of available for sale securities at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 are presented below.

			Gross		Gross
March 31, 2012	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Trust preferred and corporate securities	$	87,330	$	307	$	(7,036	)	$	80,601
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		10,084		376		(10	)		10,450
Mortgage-backed securities		870,752		7,253		(1,050	)		876,955
Total debt securities	$	968,166	$	7,936	$	(8,096	)	$	968,006

			Gross		Gross
September 30, 2011	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Trust preferred and corporate securities	$	30,582	$	-	$	(8,470	)	$	22,112
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		5,937		281		-			6,218
Mortgage-backed securities		572,467		18,591		(140	)		590,918
Total debt securities	$	608,986	$	18,872	$	(8,610	)	$	619,248

Included in securities available for sale are trust preferred securities as follows:

At March 31, 2012
					Unrealized			S&P	Moody
Issuer(1)	Book Value		Fair Value		(Loss)			Credit Rating	Credit Rating
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Key Corp. Capital I	$	4,983	$	3,853	$	(1,130	)	BBB-	Baa3
Huntington Capital Trust II SE		4,973		3,796		(1,177	)	BB+	Baa3
Bank Boston Capital Trust IV (2)		4,966		3,502		(1,464	)	BB+	Ba1
Bank America Capital III		4,955		3,505		(1,450	)	BB+	Ba1
PNC Capital Trust		4,955		3,903		(1,052	)	BBB	Baa2
Total	$	24,832	$	18,559	$	(6,273	)

(1) Trust preferred securities are single-issuance. There are no known deferrals, defaults or excess subordination with respect to such securities.

(2) Bank Boston was acquired by Bank of America.

20

Gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, are as follows:

	LESS THAN 12 MONTHS					OVER 12 MONTHS					TOTAL
	Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
March 31, 2012	Value		(Losses)			Value		(Losses)			Value		(Losses)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Trust preferred and corporate securities	$	45,595	$	(763	)	$	18,559	$	(6,273	)	$	64,154	$	(7,036	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		735		(10	)		-		-			735		(10	)
Mortgage-backed securities		201,517		(1,050	)		-		-			201,517		(1,050	)
Total debt securities	$	247,847	$	(1,823	)	$	18,559	$	(6,273	)	$	266,406	$	(8,096	)

	LESS THAN 12 MONTHS					OVER 12 MONTHS					TOTAL
	Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
September 30, 2011	Value		(Losses)			Value		(Losses)			Value		(Losses)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Trust preferred and corporate securities	$	5,713	$	(42	)	$	16,399	$	(8,428	)	$	22,112	$	(8,470	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		-		-			-		-			-		-
Mortgage-backed securities		23,886		(140	)		-		-			23,886		(140	)
Total debt securities	$	29,599	$	(182	)	$	16,399	$	(8,428	)	$	45,998	$	(8,610	)

Management has implemented a process to identify securities that could potentially have a credit impairment that is other-than-temporary. This process involves evaluating the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis, reviewing available information regarding the financial position of the issuer, monitoring the rating of the security and projecting cash flows. Other factors, but not necessarily all, considered are:  that the risk of loss is minimized and easier to determine due to the single-issuer, rather than pooled, nature of the individual securities, the financial condition of issuer, and whether there have been any payment deferrals or defaults to-date.  Such factors are subject to change over time.

Management also determines if it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis which, in some cases, may extend to maturity. To the extent we determine that a security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, an impairment loss is recognized in earnings.

For all securities that are considered temporarily impaired, the Company does not intend to sell these securities (has not made a decision to sell) and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may occur at maturity. The Company believes that it will collect all principal and interest due on all investments that have amortized cost in excess of fair value that are considered only temporarily impaired.

At March 31, 2012, the investment portfolio included securities with current unrealized losses which have existed for longer than one year.  All of these securities are considered to be acceptable credit risks.  Because the declines in fair value were due to changes in market interest rates and other market factors, not in estimated cash flows, no other-than-temporary impairment was recorded at March 31, 2012.  In addition, the Company has the intent and ability to hold these investment securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery.

21

NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

At March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding commitments to originate and purchase loans and unused lines of credit totaling $45.2 million and $48.0 million, respectively.  It is expected that outstanding loan commitments will be funded with existing liquid assets.  At March 31, 2012, the Company had no commitments to purchase or sell securities available for sale.

Legal Proceedings

All lawsuits against the Bank involving the sale of purported Bank certificates of deposit (“CDs”) have now been settled and have been approved by the Court.  The underlying matter was first disclosed in the Company's quarterly report for the period ended December 31, 2007, which stated that an employee of the Bank had sold fraudulent CDs for her own benefit.  The unauthorized and illegal actions of the employee prompted a number of demands and lawsuits to be filed against the Bank seeking recovery on the fraudulent CDs, which have been disclosed in subsequent filings.  The employee was prosecuted, convicted and, on June 2, 2010, sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $4 million in restitution.  The Company did not incur losses in addition to the amounts previously expensed.

In re Meta Financial Group, Inc., Securities Litigation; Case No. C10-4108MWB. Two former stockholders filed separate purported class action lawsuits against the Company and certain of its officers alleging violations of certain federal securities laws. The cases were filed on October 22, 2010 and November 5, 2010 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa purportedly on behalf of those who purchased the Company's stock between May 14, 2009 and October 15, 2010. On January 12, 2011, Judge Mark W. Bennett appointed The Eden Partnership lead plaintiff and on March 14, 2011 Eden Partnership filed its amended complaint. The amended complaint alleges that the named officers violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act and SEC Rule 10b-5 in connection with certain allegedly false and misleading public statements made between May 14, 2009 and October 15, 2010 by the Company and its officers. Defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint in its entirety but on July 18, 2011, the court denied the motion and ordered that discovery proceed. The parties conducted a mediation on December 5, 2011 and reached a tentative settlement of the matter. On March 8, 2012, the court preliminarily approved the terms of the settlement, directed that notice of the settlement be provided to all prospective class members and set the case for a final fairness hearing on June 29, 2012.  If, after that hearing, the court enters an order finally approving the settlement, the case will be dismissed with prejudice.  As of the filing of this Form 10-Q, provided that the amount of the tentative settlement is approved by the court, and the amount of the settlement is paid by the Company's insurance as expected by the Company, the Company does not expect to incur losses in addition to the amounts that it has previously expensed which would be material to its consolidated financial statements.

On December 9, 2011, a stockholder derivative complaint captioned Brown v. Haahr, et al., CL 123931, was filed in the Iowa District Court for Polk County against certain officers and directors of the Company. The suit alleges that named parties breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by, among other things, making statements between May, 2009 and October, 2010, which plaintiff claims were false and misleading and by allegedly failing to implement adequate internal controls and means of supervision at the Company.  The individual defendants intend to vigorously defend the suit.  An estimate of a range of reasonably possible loss cannot be made as of the filing of this Form 10-Q because of the early stage of the litigation.

In addition to the previously disclosed ATM lawsuits, there were two additional lawsuits filed  concerning ATMs sponsored by the Bank, each involving claims that a notification required to be placed upon an automated teller machine was absent on a specific date, in violation of Regulation E of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act: Richard Jiminez, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. MetaBank, Case No. 1:12-cv-00035, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Brownville Division; and Yaakov Katz, on behalf of himself and the class, v. Slice & Co. Fine Gourmet Brick Oven Pizza, Cardnet Group Corp., and MetaBank, Case No. 11-cv-9411, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  The Company denies liability in these matters, and will contest these lawsuits with the ATM operators, which are each obligated to indemnify the Company for losses, costs and expenses in these matters.  An estimate of a range of possible loss cannot be made at this stage of the litigation because the extent of the Company’s indemnification by the ATM operators is unknown.

22

A class action complaint has been filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau, titled Richard J. Strauss, M.D., on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, v. MetaBank, which complaint was served upon the Bank on March 28, 2012.  The complaint alleges that the plaintiff was the holder of two gift cards issued by the Bank.  The complaint further alleges that after the expiration date on the cards, plaintiff’s attempts to obtain replacement cards were unsuccessful due to the Bank’s refusal to issue replacement cards.  The Complaint contains several causes of action including breach of contract and violation of New York state law.  The Company denies liability in these matters and intends to vigorously defend the suit.  An estimate of a range of possible loss cannot be made at this early stage of the litigation.

On May 4, 2011, Patrick Finn and Light House Management Group, Inc. as Receivers for First United Funding, LLC and Corey N. Johnston (“Receivers”) filed a complaint, Patrick Finn and Light House Management Group, Inc. as Receiver for First United Funding, LLC and Corey N. Johnston v. MetaBank et al., Case No. 5:11-cv-04041, against the Bank in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa requesting judgment avoiding approximately $1.5 million of transfers that allegedly resulted in a profit to the Bank arising from the Bank’s participation in loans originated by First United Funding, LLC.  Similar complaints have been filed by the Receivers against other lenders who purchased participation interests in the same or similar loans originated by First United Funding, LLC.  The complaint states that First United Funding, LLC and Corey N. Johnston were involved in a criminal enterprise to defraud creditors.  Under a variety of theories, Receivers claim that loan repayments to the Bank constitute fraudulent transfers and the Bank was unjustly enriched to the detriment of these creditors.  The Bank intends to vigorously defend the case.  An estimate of a range of reasonably possible loss is approximately $0 to $0.5 million as of the filing date of this Form 10-Q.

The Bank utilizes various third parties for, among other things, its processing needs, both with respect to standard bank operations and with respect to its MPS division.  MPS was notified in April 2008 by one of the processors that the processor's computer system had been breached, which led to the unauthorized load and spending of funds from Bank-issued cards.  The Bank believes the amount in question to be approximately $2.0 million.  The processor and program manager both have agreements with the Bank to indemnify it for any losses as a result of such unauthorized activity, and the matter is reflected as such in its financial statements.  In addition, the Bank has given notice to its own insurer.  The Bank has been notified by the processor that its insurer has denied the claim filed.  The Bank made demand for payment and filed a demand for arbitration to recover the unauthorized loading and spending amounts and certain damages.  The Bank has settled its claim with the program manager, and has received an arbitration award against the processor.  That arbitration has been entered as a judgment in the State of South Dakota, which judgment has been transferred to the State of Florida for garnishment proceedings against the processor and its insurer.  The Company’s estimate of a range of reasonably possible loss is approximately $0 to $0.5 million as of the filing date of this Form 10-Q.

Certain corporate clients of an unrelated company named Springbok Services, Inc. (“Springbok”) requested through counsel a mediation as a means of reaching a settlement in lieu of commencing litigation against the Bank.  The results of that mediation have not led to a settlement.  These claimants purchased the Bank prepaid reward cards from Springbok, prior to Springbok’s bankruptcy.  As a result of Springbok’s bankruptcy and cessation of business, some of the rewards cards which had been purchased were never activated or funded.  Counsel for the corporate clients of Springbok have indicated that they are prepared to assert claims totaling approximately $1.5 million against the Bank based on principal/agency or failure to supervise theories.  The Company denies liability with respect to these claims.  The Company’s estimate of a range of reasonably possible loss is approximately $0 to $0.3 million.

23

Other than the matters set forth above, there are no other new material pending legal proceedings or updates to which the Company or its subsidiaries is a party other than ordinary litigation routine to their respective business.

NOTE 7.  STOCK OPTION PLAN

The Company maintains the 2002 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which, among other things, provides for the awarding of stock options and nonvested (restricted) shares to certain officers and directors of the Company.  Awards are granted by the Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors based on the performance of the award recipients or other relevant factors.

In accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, compensation expense for share based awards is recorded over the vesting period at the fair value of the award at the time of grant.  The exercise price of options or fair value of nonvested shares granted under the Company’s incentive plans is equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the grant date.  The Company assumes no projected forfeitures on its stock based compensation, since actual historical forfeiture rates on its stock based incentive awards has been negligible.

A summary of option activity for the six months ended March 31, 2012 is presented below:

						Weighted
				Weighted		Average
	Number			Average		Remaining		Aggregate
	of			Exercise		Contractual		Intrinsic
	Shares			Price		Term (Yrs)		Value
	(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)
Options outstanding, September 30, 2011		485,352		$	23.28		5.90	$	463
Granted		-			-
Exercised		(8,357	)		15.08
Forfeited or expired		(60,931	)		23.22
Options outstanding, March 31, 2012		416,064		$	23.46		5.33	$	640
Options exercisable, March 31, 2012		396,439		$	23.42		5.32	$	604

The Company had no outstanding nonvested shares at March 31, 2012 or September 30, 2011.  In addition, there was no grant activity for the six months ended March 31, 2012.

At March 31, 2012, stock based compensation expense not yet recognized in income totaled $36,000 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 0.84 years.

NOTE 8. SEGMENT INFORMATION

An operating segment is generally defined as a component of a business for which discrete financial information is available and whose results are reviewed by the chief operating decision-maker. Operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments if certain criteria are met. The Company has determined that it has two reportable segments. The first reportable segment, Retail Banking, a division of the Bank, operates as a traditional community bank providing deposit, loan and other related products to individuals and small businesses, primarily in the communities where their offices are located. The second reportable segment, MPS, a division of the Bank, provides a number of products and services to financial institutions and other businesses. These products and services include issuance of prepaid debit cards, sponsorship of ATMs into the debit networks, credit programs, ACH origination services, gift card programs, rebate programs, travel programs and tax related programs. Other programs are in the process of development. The remaining grouping under the caption “All Others” consists of the operations of the Company and inter-segment eliminations. Transactions between affiliates, the resulting revenues of which are shown in the intersegment revenue category, are conducted at market prices, meaning prices that would be paid if the companies were not affiliates. The following tables present segment data for the Company for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

24

	Retail		Meta Payment
	Banking		Systems®			All Others			Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
Interest income	$	7,167	$	3,132		$	-		$	10,299
Interest expense		724		43			121			888
Net interest income (expense)		6,443		3,089			(121	)		9,411
Provision for loan losses		200		-			-			200
Non-interest income		11,148		15,622			11			26,781
Non-interest expense		5,370		14,761			82			20,213
Income (loss) before tax		12,021		3,950			(192	)		15,779
Income tax expense (benefit)		4,440		1,445			(76	)		5,809
Net income (loss)	$	7,581	$	2,505		$	(116	)	$	9,970
Inter-segment revenue (expense)	$	3,362	$	(3,362	)	$	-		$	-
Total assets		310,314		1,285,412			1,891			1,597,617
Total deposits		217,757		1,235,041			(602	)		1,452,196

	Retail		Meta Payment
	Banking		Systems®			All Others			Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
Interest income	$	6,568	$	3,012		$	-		$	9,580
Interest expense		1,008		40			115			1,163
Net interest income (expense)		5,560		2,972			(115	)		8,417
Provision for loan losses		300		(86	)		-			214
Non-interest income		1,137		18,320			13			19,470
Non-interest expense		5,274		17,875			102			23,251
Income (loss) before tax		1,123		3,503			(204	)		4,422
Income tax expense (benefit)		431		1,327			(83	)		1,675
Net income (loss)	$	692	$	2,176		$	(121	)	$	2,747
Inter-segment revenue (expense)	$	2,584	$	(2,584	)	$	-		$	-
Total assets		310,905		870,443			2,055			1,183,403
Total deposits		219,460		828,332			(747	)		1,047,045

25

	Retail		Meta Payment
	Banking		Systems®			All Others			Total
Six Months Ended March 31, 2012
Interest income	$	13,648	$	6,266		$	-		$	19,914
Interest expense		1,548		81			236			1,865
Net interest income (expense)		12,100		6,185			(236	)		18,049
Provision for loan losses		900		(1	)		-			899
Non-interest income		12,951		29,495			17			42,463
Non-interest expense		10,153		28,703			148			39,004
Income (loss) before tax		13,998		6,978			(367	)		20,609
Income tax expense (benefit)		5,156		2,538			(146	)		7,548
Net income (loss)	$	8,842	$	4,440		$	(221	)	$	13,061
Inter-segment revenue (expense)	$	5,989	$	(5,989	)	$	-		$	-
Total assets		310,314		1,285,412			1,891			1,597,617
Total deposits		217,757		1,235,041			(602	)		1,452,196

	Retail		Meta Payment
	Banking		Systems®			All Others			Total
Six Months Ended March 31, 2011
Interest income	$	13,164	$	6,030		$	6		$	19,200
Interest expense		2,181		87			237			2,505
Net interest income (expense)		10,983		5,943			(231	)		16,695
Provision for loan losses		300		(114	)		-			186
Non-interest income		2,409		32,344			23			34,776
Non-interest expense		12,218		32,360			291			44,869
Income (loss) before tax		874		6,041			(499	)		6,416
Income tax expense (benefit)		855		2,285			(192	)		2,948
Net income (loss)	$	19	$	3,756		$	(307	)	$	3,468
Inter-segment revenue (expense)	$	4,888	$	(4,888	)	$	-		$	-
Total assets		310,905		870,443			2,055			1,183,403
Total deposits		219,460		828,332			(747	)		1,047,045

26

The following tables present gross profit data for MPS for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Three Months Ended March 31,	2012		2011
Interest income	$	3,132	$	3,012
Interest expense		43		40
Net interest income		3,089		2,972
Provision for loan losses		-		(86	)
Non-interest income		15,622		18,320
Card processing expense		4,953		8,120
Gross Profit		13,758		13,258
Other non-interest expense		9,808		9,755
Income before tax		3,950		3,503
Income tax expense		1,445		1,327
Net Income	$	2,505	$	2,176

Six Months Ended March 31,	2012			2011
Interest income	$	6,266		$	6,030
Interest expense		81			87
Net interest income		6,185			5,943
Provision for loan losses		(1	)		(114	)
Non-interest income		29,495			32,344
Card processing expense		10,263			13,343
Gross Profit		25,418			25,058
Other non-interest expense		18,440			19,017
Income before tax		6,978			6,041
Income tax expense		2,538			2,285
Net Income	$	4,440		$	3,756

NOTE 9. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements

This ASU applies to all entities that enter into agreements to transfer financial assets that both entitle and obligate the transferor to repurchase or redeem the financial assets before their maturity (repo arrangements). It focuses the transferor’s assessment of effective control on its contractual rights and obligations by removing the requirement to assess its ability to exercise those rights or honor those obligations. The ASU is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. It is effective prospectively for transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. The Company  adopted this update in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 and  the adoption did not have  a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

27

Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS

This ASU was issued concurrently with IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurements, to provide largely identical guidance about fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. The new standards do not extend the use of fair value but, rather, provide guidance about how fair value should be applied where it already is required or permitted under IFRS or U.S. GAAP. For U.S. GAAP, most of the changes are clarifications of existing guidance or wording changes to align with IFRS 13.

A public entity is required to apply this ASU prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is not permitted.  In the period of adoption, a reporting entity will be required to disclose a change, if any, in valuation technique and related inputs that result from applying the ASU and to quantify the total effect, if practicable.  The Company adopted this update in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 and  the adoption did not have  a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-05 Comprehensive Income, which provides an entity with the option to present the total comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and the interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and early adoption is permitted.  The Company anticipates adopting this update in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and does not expect the adoption to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

Accounting Standards Update No.  2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)

The objective of this update is to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. This update adds a qualitative analysis to step one of the two-step process, which enables the Company to qualitatively determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, and if not, skip the two step test for goodwill impairment.  The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, but early adoption is permitted.  The Company anticipates adopting this update in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 and does not expect the adoption to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

NOTE 10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities using a hierarchy system and expands disclosures about fair value measurement.  It clarifies that fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts.

The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

Level 1 Inputs – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at measurement date.

Level 2 Inputs – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active markets and model-based valuation techniques for which significant assumptions are observable in the market.

28

Level 3 Inputs – Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market and are used only to the extent that observable inputs are not available.  These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.

Securities Available for Sale.  Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using an independent pricing service.  Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government and agency securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets.  The Company had no Level 1 or Level 3 securities at March 31, 2012 or September 30, 2011.  Level 2 securities include agency mortgage-backed securities and private collateralized mortgage obligations, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities.

The fair values of securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs), or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs). The Company obtains, reviews and compares the valuations and methodologies from two third party providers.  These third party providers utilize several sources for valuing fixed-income securities. Sources utilized by the third party provider include pricing models that vary based by asset class and include available trade, bid, and other market information. This methodology includes broker quotes, proprietary models, descriptive terms and conditions databases, as well as extensive quality control programs.

The following table summarizes the assets of the Company for which fair values are determined on a recurring basis at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011.

	Fair Value at March 31, 2012
(Dollars in Thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Debt securities
Trust preferred and corporate securities	$	80,601	$	-	$	80,601	$	-
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		10,450		-		10,450		-
Mortgage-backed securities		876,955		-		876,955		-
Securities available for sale	$	968,006	$	-	$	968,006	$	-

	Fair Value at September 30, 2011
(Dollars in Thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Debt securities
Trust preferred and corporate securities	$	22,112	$	-	$	22,112	$	-
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		6,218		-		6,218		-
Mortgage-backed securities		590,918		-		590,918		-
Securities available for sale	$	619,248	$	-	$	619,248	$	-

The Company’s management reviews the status and potential impairment of all securities in a loss position on a monthly basis.  In its review, management considers duration of unrealized losses and reviews credit rating changes.  Other factors, but not necessarily all, considered are:  that the risk of loss is minimized and easier to determine due to the single-issuer, rather than pooled, nature of the securities, the condition of the issuer, and whether there have been any payment deferrals or defaults to-date.  Such factors are subject to change over time.

29

Foreclosed Real Estate and Repossessed Assets.  Real estate properties and repossessed assets are initially recorded at the fair value less selling costs at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis.  The carrying amount represents the lower of the new cost basis or the fair value less selling costs of foreclosed assets that were measured at fair value subsequent to their initial classification as foreclosed assets.

Loans.  The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, if a loan is considered impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan in accordance with ASC 310, Receivables.

The following table summarizes the assets of the Company for which fair values are determined on a non-recurring basis at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011.

	Fair Value at March 31, 2012
(Dollars in Thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Impaired Loans
One to four family residential mortgage loans	$	76	$	-	$	-	$	76
Commercial and multi-family real estate loans		14,578		-		-		14,578
Commercial operating loans		84		-		-		84
Total Impaired Loans		14,738		-		-		14,738
Foreclosed Assets, net		2,958		-		-		2,958
Total	$	17,696	$	-	$	-	$	17,696

	Fair Value at September 30, 2011
(Dollars in Thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Impaired Loans	$	13,182	$	-	$	-	$	13,182
Foreclosed Assets, net		2,671		-		-		2,671
Total	$	15,853	$	-	$	-	$	15,853

	Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(Dollars in Thousands)	Fair Value at 3/31/12		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input
Impaired Loans	$	14,738	Market approach	Appraised values (1)
Foreclosed Assets, net		2,958	Market approach	Appraised values (1)

(1) The Company generally relies on external appraisers to develop this information. Management will reduce the appraised value by estimated selling costs in a range of 4% to 10%.

30

The following table discloses the Company’s estimated fair value amounts of its financial instruments.  It is management’s belief that the fair values presented below are reasonable based on the valuation techniques and data available to the Company at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, as more fully described below.  The operations of the Company are man­aged from a going concern basis and not a liquidation basis.  As a result, the ultimate value realized for the finan­cial instruments presented could be substantially different when actually recognized over time through the normal course of operations.  Additionally, a substantial portion of the Company’s inherent value is the Bank’s capitalization and franchise value.  Neither of these components have been given consideration in the presentation of fair values below.

The following presents the carrying amount and estimated fair value of the financial instruments held by the Company at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011.  The information presented is subject to change over time based on a variety of factors.

	March 31, 2012
	Carrying		Estimated
	Amount		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	236,074	$	236,074	$	236,074	$	-	$	-
Securities available for sale		968,006		968,006		-		968,006		-
Loans receivable, net:
One to four family residential mortgage loans		39,850		41,582		-		-		41,582
Commercial and multi-family real estate loans		194,622		195,887		-		-		195,887
Agricultural real estate loans		21,087		22,292		-		-		22,292
Consumer loans		34,669		35,246		-		-		35,246
Consumer loans held for sale		1,690		1,690		-		1,690		-
Commercial operating loans		12,582		12,730		-		-		12,730
Agricultural operating loans		22,041		22,081		-		-		22,081
Total loans receivable, net		326,541		331,508		-		1,690		329,818
FHLB stock		6,739		6,739		-		6,739		-
Accrued interest receivable		5,740		5,740		5,740		-		-
Financial liabilities
Noninterest bearing demand deposits		1,247,071		1,247,071		-		1,247,071		-
Interest bearing demand deposits, savings, and money markets		100,750		100,750		-		100,750		-
Certificates of deposit		104,375		105,505		-		-		105,505
Total deposits		1,452,196		1,453,326		-		1,347,821		105,505
Advances from FHLB		11,000		13,974		-		-		13,974
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		13,598		13,598		-		13,598		-
Subordinated debentures		10,310		10,317		-		-		10,317
Accrued interest payable		197		197		197		-		-
Off-balance-sheet instruments, loan commitments		-		-		-		-		-

31

	September 30, 2011
	Carrying		Estimated
	Amount		Fair Value
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	276,893	$	276,893
Securities available for sale		619,248		619,248
Loans receivable, net:		314,410		316,152
FHLB stock		4,737		4,737
Accrued interest receivable		4,133		4,133
Financial liabilities
Noninterest bearing demand deposits		945,956		945,956
Interest bearing demand deposits, savings, and money markets		79,102		79,102
Certificates of deposit		116,562		118,288
Total deposits		1,141,620		1,143,346
Advances from FHLB		11,000		14,128
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		8,055		8,055
Subordinated debentures		10,310		10,325
Accrued interest payable		223		223
Off-balance-sheet instruments, loan commitments		-		-

The following sets forth the methods and assumptions used in determining the fair value estimates for the Company’s financial instruments at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The carrying amount of cash and short-term investments is assumed to approximate the fair value.

SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Fair values for investment securities are based on obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges, or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities.

LOANS RECEIVABLE, NET

The fair value of loans is estimated using a historical or replacement cost basis concept (i.e. an entrance price concept).  The fair value of loans was estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for similar remaining maturities.  When using the discounting method to determine fair value, loans were gathered by homogeneous groups with similar terms and conditions and discounted at a target rate at which similar loans would be made to borrowers at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011.  In addition, when computing the estimated fair value for all loans, allowances for loan losses have been subtracted from the calculated fair value for consideration of credit quality.

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair market value.  The carrying value of these loans approximate fair market value as they are generally sold at par within days of their origination.

32

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (THE “FHLB”) STOCK

The fair value of such stock is assumed to approximate book value since the Company is generally able to redeem this stock at par value.

ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE

The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable is assumed to approximate the fair value.

DEPOSITS

The carrying values of non-interest bearing checking deposits, interest bearing checking deposits, savings, and money markets is assumed to approximate fair value, since such deposits are immediately withdrawable without penalty.  The fair value of time certificates of deposit was estimated by discounting expected future cash flows by the current rates offered on certificates of deposit with similar remaining maturities.

In accordance with ASC 825, Financial Instruments, no value has been assigned to the Company’s long-term relationships with its deposit customers (core value of deposits intangible) since such intangible is not a financial instrument as defined under ASC 825.

ADVANCES FROM FHLB

The fair value of such advances was estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using current interest rates at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 for advances with similar terms and remaining maturities.

SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE AND SUBORDINATED

DEBENTURES

The carrying amount of securities sold under agreements to repurchase is assumed to approximate fair value.  The fair value of subordinated debentures was estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using derived interest rates approximating market as of March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 over the contractual maturity of such borrowings.

ACCRUED INTEREST PAYABLE

The carrying amount of accrued interest payable is assumed to approximate the fair value.

LOAN COMMITMENTS

The commitments to originate and purchase loans have terms that are consistent with current market terms.  Accordingly, the Company estimates that the fair values of these commitments are not significant.

LIMITATIONS

It must be noted that fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information about the financial instrument.  Additionally, fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business, customer relationships and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.  These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument for sale at one time.  Furthermore, since no market exists for certain of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates may be based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with a high level of precision.  Changes in assumptions as well as tax considerations could significantly affect the estimates.  Accordingly, based on the limitations described above, the aggregate fair value estimates are not intended to represent the underlying value of the Company, on either a going concern or a liquidation basis.

33

NOTE 11. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets for the six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	Retail		Meta Payment			Meta Payment
	Banking		Systems®			Systems®
	Goodwill		Patents			Other			Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Balance as of September 30, 2011	$	-	$	1,315		$	-		$	1,315
Acquisitions during the period		-		473			27			500
Amortization during the period		-		(16	)		(4	)		(20	)
Balance as of March 31, 2012	$	-	$	1,772		$	23		$	1,795

	Retail			Meta Payment		Meta Payment
	Banking			Systems®		Systems®
	Goodwill			Patents		Other			Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Balance as of September 30, 2010	$	1,508		$	1,078	$	77		$	2,663
Acquisitions during the period		-			112		-			112
Amortization during the period		-			-		(77	)		(77	)
Write-offs during the period		(1,508	)		-		-			(1,508	)
Balance as of March 31, 2011	$	-		$	1,190	$	-		$	1,190

The Company has eight patents which are  amortizing at March 31, 2012.

The Company tests goodwill and intangible assets for impairment at least annually or more often if conditions indicate a possible impairment.  The Company wrote-off $1.5 million of goodwill through the income statement during the three months ended December 31, 2010 due primarily to the decline in the stock price of the Company during that period.  There was no impairment to goodwill and intangible assets during the six months ended March 31, 2012.

NOTE 12. REGULATORY MATTERS AND SETTLEMENT OF OTS ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

As previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, on July 15, 2011, the Company and the Bank each stipulated and consented to a Cease and Desist Order (the “Consent Orders”) issued by the Office of Thrift Supervision (the “OTS”).  Since the issuance of the supervisory directives and the Consent Orders, the Company and the Bank have been continuing to cooperate with the OTS, and, as of July 21, 2011, its successors, the Federal Reserve and the OCC, to correct those aspects of its operations that were addressed in the Consent Orders.  Management of the Company and the Bank believe they have already made substantial progress. The Company and the Bank have completed many of the items in the Consent Orders and expect to complete substantially all of the required actions in the Consent Orders by their respective deadline dates.  Notwithstanding our belief as to substantial progress, we are currently undergoing an examination by our new regulator, the OCC, and we can provide no assurances as to whether the OCC will concur with our belief or what actions will be taken by the OCC if it does not so concur.  Failure to conform to the requirements of the Consent Orders or the expectations of our regulators could result in material adverse consequences for the Company and the Bank.

34

NOTE 13.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On May 9, 2012, the Company issued 640,000 shares of its common stock for approximately $13.2 million in a private placement to three investors.  The pricing of the shares was determined by a simple average of the daily volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) for the 20 trading days ending three days preceding closing.  The three private placements of common stock, completed on May 9, 2012, will incrementally increase the Tier 1 (core) capital to average adjusted total assets ratio by approximately 85 to 90 basis points.

On April 5, 2012, the Company recorded a gain of $1.1 million on the sale of a foreclosed asset with a book value of $2.0 million at March 31, 2012.

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

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC®.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Meta Financial Group, Inc.®, (“Meta Financial” or the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, MetaBank™ (the “Bank” or “MetaBank”), may from time to time make written or oral “forward-looking statements,” including statements contained in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in its reports to stockholders, and in other communications by the Company, which are made in good faith by the Company pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, expectations, estimates, and intentions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control.  Such statements address, among others, the following subjects: future operating results; customer retention; loan and other product demand; important components of the Company’s balance sheet and income statements; growth and expansion; new products and services, such as those offered by the Bank or Meta Payment Systems® (“MPS”), a division of the Bank; credit quality and adequacy of reserves; technology; and our employees.  The following factors, among others, could cause the Company’s financial performance to differ materially from the expectations, estimates, and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements:  the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which the Company conducts operations; the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary, and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”, the “FRB” or the “Board”), as well as efforts of the United States Treasury in conjunction with bank regulatory agencies to stimulate the economy and protect the financial system; inflation, interest rate, market, and monetary fluctuations; the timely development of and acceptance of new products and services offered by the Company as well as risks (including reputational and litigation) attendant thereto and the perceived overall value of these products and services by users; the risks of dealing with or utilizing third-party vendors; the scope of restrictions and compliance requirements imposed by the supervisory directives and/or the Consent Orders entered into by the Company and the Bank with the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) and any other such actions which may be initiated; the impact of changes in financial services’ laws and regulations, including but not limited to our relationship with our regulators, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and the Federal Reserve; technological changes, including but not limited to the protection of electronic files or databases; acquisitions; litigation risk in general, including but not limited to those risks involving the MPS division; the growth of the Company’s business as well as expenses related thereto; changes in consumer spending and saving habits; and the success of the Company at managing and collecting assets of borrowers in default.

35

The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive.  Additional discussions of factors affecting the Company’s business and prospects are contained in the Company’s periodic filings with the SEC.  The Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company or its subsidiaries.

GENERAL

The Company, a registered unitary savings and loan holding company, is a Delaware corporation, the principal assets of which are all the issued and outstanding shares of the Bank, a federal savings bank.  Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein to the Company include Meta Financial and the Bank, and all subsidiaries of Meta Financial, direct or indirect, on a consolidated basis.

The Company’s stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “CASH.”

The following discussion focuses on the consolidated financial condition of the Company and its subsidiaries, at March 31, 2012, compared to September 30, 2011, and the consolidated results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, for the year ended September 30, 2011.

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS AND OVERVIEW

MPS 2012 fiscal second quarter net income was $2.5 million compared to net income of $2.2 million in the 2011 quarter.  This increase was primarily the result of a decrease in non-interest expenses of $3.1 million which was partially offset by a decrease in card fee income of $2.7 million when comparing the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 to fiscal year 2011.

The fiscal year 2012 Retail Bank second quarter net income was $7.6 million compared to net income of $0.7 million in the 2011 quarter.  This increase was primarily from a sale of Ginnie Mae securities that resulted in an after tax gain of $7.2 million.  The Retail Bank segment focuses primarily on establishing lending and deposit relationships with commercial accounts and consumers.  Retail Bank checking balances continued to grow from $54.5 million at March 31, 2011 to $62.5 million, or 15%, at March 31, 2012.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the Company executed a strategic sale of its Ginnie Mae securities portfolio to enhance capital levels. The securities sold comprised the entire Bank portfolio of Ginnie Mae securities which had an amortized cost of $307.9 million, and as a point of reference, constituted approximately 43% of the Bank’s mortgage-backed securities portfolio at December 31, 2011.  The sale resulted in the recognition of an $11.4 million gain ($7.2 million after taxes).  The resulting addition to the Bank’s capital will help to support current and expected future growth.  The Company believes it was an opportune time to realize the high value of Ginnie Mae securities given market conditions relative to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities.  The Company immediately replaced the sold securities with Fannie Mae securities of similar average lives.

At March 31, 2012, Non-Performing Assets have decreased by $6.5 million to $9.4 million compared to $15.9 million at September 30, 2011.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the Company wrote down one commercial relationship that was in foreclosed real estate and repossessed assets by $0.9 million through other non-interest income.

36

The Company will discontinue its three credit sponsorship programs by the fourth fiscal quarter of 2012.  For the year ended September 30, 2011 and the six months ended March 31, 2012, these relationships provided approximately $1.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in net income to the Company.  The Company believes that other sources of revenue from other developing non-sponsorship credit programs will offset income that had been attributable to these relationships.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

At March 31, 2012, the Company’s assets grew by $322.1 million, or 25.3%, to $1.6 billion compared to $1.3 billion at September 30, 2011.  The increase in assets was reflected primarily in increases in the Company’s mortgage-backed and investment securities available for sale and, to a lesser extent, in an increase in the Company’s net loans receivable, offset in part by a decrease in cash and cash equivalents.

Total cash and cash equivalents were $236.1 million at March 31, 2012, a decrease of $40.8 million from $276.9 million at September 30, 2011.  The decline primarily was the result of the Company’s investing its excess liquidity in mortgage-backed securities and investment securities.  The Company maintains its cash equivalent investments in interest-bearing overnight deposits with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (“FHLB”) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (“FRB”).  Federal funds sold deposits may be maintained with the FHLB.  At March 31, 2012, the Company did not have any federal funds sold.

The total of mortgage-backed securities and investment securities available for sale increased $348.8 million, or 56.3%, to $968.0 million at March 31, 2012, as purchases exceeded investment maturities, sales, and principal paydowns.  The Company’s portfolio of securities available for sale consists primarily of mortgage-backed securities, which have relatively short expected lives.  During the six month period ended March 31, 2012, the Company purchased $750.2 million of mortgage-backed securities with estimated future maturities considering anticipated prepayments of five years or less and stated maturities of 30 years or less.  In addition, the Company purchased $61.2 million of investment securities.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the Company executed a strategic sale to enhance capital levels.  The securities sold comprised the entire Bank portfolio of Ginnie Mae securities which had an amortized cost of $307.9 million. The sale resulted in the recognition of an $11.4 million gain ($7.2 million after taxes).  The resulting addition to the Bank’s capital will help to support current and expected future growth.  The Company believes it was an opportune time to realize the high value of Ginnie Mae securities given market conditions relative to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities.  The Company immediately replaced the sold securities with Fannie Mae securities of similar average lives.

The Bank’s portfolio of net loans receivable increased $7.3 million, or 2.3%, to $321.7 million at March 31, 2012.  This increase primarily relates to an increase of $5.7 million in residential mortgage loans and $3.8 million in MPS consumer loans, offset by a decrease in commercial operating loans of $2.4 million and a decrease in Retail Bank consumer loans of $1.9 million.

Foreclosed real estate and repossessed assets increased to $3.0 million as compared to $2.7 million at September 30, 2011 due to the foreclosure of assets and loan collateral related to previously reported non-performing loans exceeding sales and write offs.  The majority of this increase from September 30, 2011 relates to one commercial relationship totaling $1.7 million which was transferred to foreclosed real estate and repossessed assets at December 31, 2011.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the Company wrote down $0.9 million of this commercial relationship.  This relationship was reported under non-performing loans at September 30, 2011.

Total deposits increased $310.6 million, or 27.2%, to $1.5 billion at March 31, 2012.  The Bank continues to increase its low- and no-cost deposit portfolio.  Deposits attributable to MPS were up $309.8 million, or 33.5%, at March 31, 2012, as compared to September 30, 2011.  This increase results mostly from growth in existing core prepaid card programs.  Offsetting the above increases was a $12.2 million decrease in certificates of deposits primarily related to a decrease in public funds.  The average balance of total deposits was $1.2 billion for the six month period ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $1.0 billion for the same period in the prior fiscal year.

37

Total borrowings increased $5.5 million, or 18.9%, from $29.4 million at September 30, 2011 to $34.9 million at March 31, 2012, primarily due to the increase of securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

At March 31, 2012, the Company’s stockholders’ equity totaled $87.3 million, up $6.7 million from $80.6 million at September 30, 2011.  The increase was related to net income, offset by a decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive income relating to the Company’s securities available for sale portfolio and by the payment of dividends on the Company’s common stock (see “Results of Operations” below).  At March 31, 2012, the Bank continues to exceed all regulatory requirements for classification as a well-capitalized institution.  See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further information.

Non-performing Assets and Allowance for Loan Losses

Generally, when a loan becomes delinquent 90 days or more or when the collection of principal or interest becomes doubtful, the Company will place the loan on a non-accrual status and, as a result of this action, previously accrued interest income on the loan is reversed against interest income.  The loan will remain on non-accrual status until the loan has been brought current or until other circumstances occur that provide adequate assurance of full repayment of interest and principal.

The Company believes that the level of allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2012 is appropriate and adequately reflects probable losses related to these loans; however, there can be no assurance that all loans will be fully collectible or that the present level of the allowance will be adequate in the future.  See “Allowance for Loan Losses” below.

38

The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of non-performing assets in the Company’s portfolio.  Foreclosed assets include assets acquired in settlement of loans.

	Non-Performing Assets As Of
	March 31, 2012			September 30, 2011
Non-Performing Loans	(Dollars in Thousands)
Non-Accruing Loans:
1-4 Family (2)	$	76		$	127
Commercial & Multi Family (2)		6,288			13,025
Commercial Operating (1) (2)		23			30
Total		6,387			13,182
Accruing Loans Delinquent 90 Days or More
Consumer		55			24
Total		55			24
Total Non-Performing Loans		6,442			13,206
Other Assets
Foreclosed Assets:
1-4 Family		93			451
Commercial & Multi Family		837			181
Agricultural Real Estate		2,020			2,020
Commercial Business		8			19
Total		2,958			2,671
Total Other Assets		2,958			2,671
Total Non-Performing Assets	$	9,400		$	15,877
Total as a Percentage of Total Assets		0.59	%		1.24	%

(1) At March 31, 2012, the Company had $23,000 of TDRs in Commercial Operating.

(2) At September 30, 2011, the Company had $42,000 of TDRs in 1-4 Family, $3.9 million in Commercial & Multi Family and $30,000 in Commercial Operating.

In addition to the non-performing TDRs in (1) and (2), the Company had an additional $8.6 million $4.8 million of TDRs performing in accordance with their terms at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively.

At March 31, 2012, non-performing loans totaled $6.4 million, representing 2.0% of total loans, compared to $13.2 million, or 4.1% of total loans at September 30, 2011.  The majority of this decrease from September 30, 2011 relates to two commercial loan relationships totaling $6.7 million, one of which was partially charged off with the remaining $1.7 million transferred to foreclosed real estate and repossessed assets at December 31, 2011. During the quarter ended March 31, 2012,  the Company wrote off $0.9 million from this commercial relationship through other non-interest income.

39

Classified Assets.  Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets, such as debt and equity securities considered by the OCC to be of lesser quality, as "substandard", "doubtful" or "loss."  An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the savings association will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Assets classified as “doubtful” have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as “substandard,” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, “highly questionable and improbable.”  Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such minimal value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific reserve is not warranted.

General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets.  When assets are classified as “loss,” the Bank is required either to establish a specific allowance for loan losses equal to 100% of that portion of the asset so classified or to charge-off such amount. The Bank’s determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances are subject to review by its regulatory authorities, which may order the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.  The discovery of additional information in the future may also affect both the level of classification and the amount of loss allowances.

On the basis of management's review of its loans and other assets, at March 31, 2012, the Company had classified a total of $33.9 million of its assets as substandard, $30,000 as doubtful and none as loss.  This compares to classifications at September 30, 2011 of $42.7 million as substandard, $60,000 as doubtful and none as loss. At March 31, 2012, $14.9 million out of a total of $33.9 million of substandard assets is attributable to the trust preferred securities as compared to $19.9 million out of a total $42.7 million of substandard assets at September 30, 2011.  See Note 10 to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Allowance for Loan Losses.  The Company establishes its provision for loan losses, and evaluates the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses based upon a systematic methodology consisting of a number of factors including, among others, historic loss experience, the overall level of classified assets and non-performing loans, the composition of its loan portfolio and the general economic environment within which the Company and its borrowers operate.

Management closely monitors economic developments both regionally and nationwide, and considers these factors when assessing the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses. While the Company has no direct exposure to sub-prime mortgage loans, management reiterates and restates its concern that developments in the sub-prime mortgage market may have a direct effect on residential real estate prices and an indirect effect on the economy in general.  In addition, the economic slowdown, which recently has shown some signs of abating, continues to strain the financial condition of some borrowers.  Management therefore believes that future losses in the residential portfolio may be somewhat higher than historical experience.  It should be noted that a sizeable portion of the Company’s consumer loan portfolio is secured by residential real estate.  Over the past five years, loss rates in the commercial and multi-family real estate market have remained moderate.  Management concludes that future losses in this portfolio may be somewhat higher than recent historical experience.  On the other hand, current trends in agricultural markets continue to be mostly positive.  Higher commodity prices as well as above average yields created positive economic conditions for most farmers in our markets.  Nonetheless, management still expects that future losses in this portfolio, which have been very low, could be higher than recent historical experience.  Management believes the continuing recessionary economic environment may also negatively impact consumers’ repayment capacities.

At March 31, 2012, the Company has established an allowance for loan losses totaling $4.8 million compared to $4.9 million at September 30, 2011. Management believes that, based on a detailed review of the loan portfolio, historic loan losses, current economic conditions, the size of the loan portfolio, and other factors, the current level of the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2012 reflects an appropriate allowance against probable losses from the loan portfolio.  Although the Company maintains its allowance for loan losses at a level that it considers to be adequate, investors and others are cautioned that there can be no assurance that future losses will not exceed estimated amounts, or that additional provisions for loan losses will not be required in future periods.

40

The allowance for loan losses reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the portfolio based on currently available information.  In addition to the factors mentioned above, future additions to the allowance for loan losses may become necessary based upon changing economic conditions, increased loan balances or changes in the underlying collateral of the loan portfolio.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  The financial information contained within these statements is, to a significant extent, financial information that is based on approximate measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred.  Based on its consideration of accounting policies that: (i) involve the most complex and subjective decisions and assessments which may be uncertain at the time the estimate was made, and (ii) different estimates that reasonably could have been used in the current period, or changes in the accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, would have a material impact on the financial statements, management has identified the policies described below as Critical Accounting Policies.  This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements and the accompanying notes presented in Part II, Item 8 “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011 and information contained herein.

Allowance for Loan Losses.  The Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology incorporates a variety of risk considerations, both quantitative and qualitative, in establishing an allowance for loan loss that management believes is appropriate at each reporting date.  Quantitative factors include the Company’s historical loss experience, delinquency and charge-off trends, collateral values, changes in non-performing loans, and other factors.  Quantitative factors also incorporate known information about individual loans, including borrowers’ sensitivity to interest rate movements.  Qualitative factors include the general economic environment in the Company’s markets, including economic conditions throughout the Midwest and, in particular, the state of certain industries.  Size and complexity of individual credits in relation to loan structure, existing loan policies, and pace of portfolio growth are other qualitative factors that are considered in the methodology.  As the Company adds new products and increases the complexity of its loan portfolio, it will enhance its methodology accordingly.  Management may have reported a materially different amount for the provision for loan losses in the consolidated statement of operations to change the allowance for loan losses if its assessment of the above factors were different.  Although management believes the levels of the allowance at both March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 were adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio, a decline in local economic conditions or other factors could result in increasing losses.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Intangible assets include patents filed by the MPS division.  Intangible assets are tested annually for impairment or more often if conditions indicate a possible impairment.  Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.  These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, comparison of the Company’s market value to book value and determination of appropriate market comparables.  Actual future results may differ from those estimates.

Each quarter the Company evaluates the estimated useful lives of intangible assets and whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization.  In accordance with ASC 350, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, recoverability of these assets is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the future undiscounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate. If the asset is considered to be impaired, the amount of any impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the impaired asset.

41

Assumptions and estimates about future values and remaining useful lives of the Company’s intangible and other long-lived assets are complex and subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in the Company’s business strategy and internal forecasts. Although the Company believes the historical assumptions and estimates used are reasonable and appropriate, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the reported financial results.

Self-Insurance.  The Company has a self-insured healthcare plan for its employees up to certain limits.  To mitigate a portion of these risks, the Company has a stop-loss insurance policy through a commercial insurance carrier for coverage in excess of $55,000 per individual occurrence with an unlimited lifetime maximum.  The estimate of self-insurance liability is based upon known claims and an estimate of incurred, but not reported (“IBNR”) claims.  IBNR claims are estimated using historical claims lag information received by a third party claims administrator.  Although management believes it uses the best information available to determine the accrual, unforeseen health claims could result in adjustments to the accrual.

Deferred Tax Assets.  The Company accounts for income taxes according to the asset and liability method.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates applicable to income for the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management’s judgment that realization is more-likely-than-not.  An estimate of probable income tax benefits that will not be realized in future years is required in determining the necessity for a valuation allowance.

Security Impairment. Management continually monitors the investment security portfolio for impairment on a security by security basis.  Management has a process in place to identify securities that could potentially have a credit impairment that is other than temporary.  This process involves the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis, review of available information regarding the financial position of the issuer, monitoring the rating of the security, cash flow projections, and the Company's intent to sell a security or whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost which, in some cases, may extend to maturity. To the extent we determine that a security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, an impairment loss is recognized. If the Company intends to sell a security or it is more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost, the Company recognizes an other-than-temporary impairment in earnings for the difference between amortized cost and fair value. If we do not expect to recover the amortized cost basis, we do not plan to sell the security and if it is not more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost, the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment is bifurcated. For those securities, the Company separates the total impairment into a credit loss component recognized in earnings, and the amount of the loss related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income net of taxes.

The amount of the credit loss component of a debt security impairment is estimated as the difference between amortized cost and the present value of the expected cash flows of the security. The present value is determined using the best estimate cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit to the security at the date of purchase or the current yield to accrete an asset- backed or floating rate security. Cash flow estimates for trust preferred securities are derived from scenario-based outcomes of forecasted default rates, loss severity, prepayment speeds and structural support.

42

Level 3 Fair Value Measurement. U.S. GAAP requires the Company to measure the fair value of financial instruments under a standard which describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. Level 3 measurement includes significant unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. Although management believes that it uses a best estimate of information available to determine fair value, due to the uncertainty of future events, the approach includes a process that may differ significantly from other methodologies and still produce an estimate that is in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General.  The Company recorded net income of $10.0 million, or $3.10 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to net income of $2.7 million, or 88 cents per diluted share, for the same period in fiscal year 2011.  Net earnings for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 were primarily impacted by a gain on sale of securities of $11.4 million, a reduction in card fee income and the related card processing expense and an increase in income tax expense due to increased profitability.

The Company recorded net income of $13.1 million, or $4.09 per diluted share, for the six months ended March 31, 2012 compared to $3.5 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, for the same period in fiscal year 2011.  Net earnings for the six month period ended March 31, 2012 were primarily impacted by a pre-tax gain on sale of securities of $12.4 million, a reduction in card fee income and the related card processing expense and an increase in income tax expense due to increased profitability.

The change in net income for the current period was affected by many factors within the general categories of net interest income, net interest income after provision for loan losses, total non-interest income, total non-interest expense, and income tax expense. Those factors are discussed in more detail below. In general, net interest income increased from $8.4 million to $9.4 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 from the prior year comparable period. Total non-interest income increased from $19.5 million to $26.8 for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 from the prior year comparable period, and total non-interest expense decreased from $23.3 million to $20.2 million during the same time periods.

 Net Interest Income.  Net interest income for the 2012 fiscal second quarter increased by $1.0 million, or 11.8%, to $9.4 million from $8.4 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year.  Net interest margin decreased to 2.72% for the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 as compared to 2.97% for the same period in 2011.  Overall, asset yields declined by 41 basis points due primarily to a change in asset mix to more government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.  Our government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities comprise 60% of average interest earning assets compared to 48% one year ago.  The Company’s average interest-earning assets for the 2012 second quarter grew by $243.3 million, or 21%, to $1.39 billion, up from $1.15 billion during the same quarter last year.

Overall, rates on all deposits and interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 15 basis points from 0.42% in the 2011 second fiscal quarter to 0.27% in 2012.  At March 31, 2012, low- and no-cost checking deposits represented 91% of total deposits compared to 88% one year earlier.  The growth in deposits was driven by an increase of $406.7 million, or 49%, in deposits generated by MPS at March 31, 2012 as compared to one year earlier.

For the six months ended March 31, 2012, net interest income was $18.1 million compared to $16.7 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year.  Contributing to this increase was a 51 basis point decrease in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities and an 18% increase in earning assets.  These were partially offset by asset yields that decreased 45 basis points, in part, due to faster prepayment speeds in the Company’s mortgage-backed securities portfolio as compared to the prior fiscal year.

43

The following tables present, for the periods indicated, the Company’s total dollar amount of interest income from average interest-earning assets and the resulting yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates.  No tax equivalent adjustments have been made, as these are not considered to be significant.  Non-accruing loans have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.

Three Months Ended March 31,	2012							2011
(Dollars in Thousands)	Average		Interest					Average		Interest
	Outstanding		Earned /		Yield /			Outstanding		Earned /		Yield /
	Balance		Paid		Rate			Balance		Paid		Rate
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable	$	324,400	$	4,492		5.57	%	$	345,310	$	4,909		5.77	%
Mortgage-backed securities		837,996		5,198		2.49	%		549,802		4,433		3.27	%
Other investments and fed funds sold		230,932		609		1.06	%		254,879		238		0.38	%
Total interest-earning assets		1,393,328	$	10,299		2.97	%		1,149,991	$	9,580		3.38	%
Non-interest-earning assets		56,911							51,407
Total assets	$	1,450,239						$	1,201,398
Non-interest bearing deposits	$	1,090,006	$	-		0.00	%	$	877,061	$	-		0.00	%
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking		34,117		66		0.78	%		34,352		106		1.25	%
Savings		12,390		10		0.32	%		11,073		10		0.37	%
Money markets		38,302		32		0.34	%		35,053		63		0.73	%
Time deposits		104,899		445		1.71	%		112,887		574		2.06	%
FHLB advances		47,887		203		1.70	%		28,021		287		4.15	%
Other borrowings		19,661		132		2.70	%		16,425		123		3.04	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		257,256		888		1.39	%		237,811		1,163		1.98	%
Total deposits and interest-bearing liabilities		1,347,262	$	888		0.27	%		1,114,872	$	1,163		0.42	%
Other non-interest bearing liabilities		21,348							16,332
Total liabilities		1,368,610							1,131,204
Shareholders' equity		81,629							70,194
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,450,239						$	1,201,398
Net interest income and net interest rate spread including non-interest bearing deposits			$	9,411		2.70	%			$	8,417		2.96	%
Net interest margin						2.72	%						2.97	%

44

Six Months Ended March 31,	2012							2011
(Dollars in Thousands)	Average		Interest					Average		Interest
	Outstanding		Earned /		Yield /			Outstanding		Earned /		Yield /
	Balance		Paid		Rate			Balance		Paid		Rate
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable	$	322,423	$	9,032		5.60	%	$	352,730	$	10,356		5.89	%
Mortgage-backed securities		745,259		9,985		2.68	%		511,709		8,351		3.27	%
Other investments and fed funds sold		198,614		897		0.90	%		206,452		493		0.48	%
Total interest-earning assets		1,266,296	$	19,914		3.15	%		1,070,891	$	19,200		3.60	%
Non-interest-earning assets		60,908							69,078
Total assets	$	1,327,204						$	1,139,969
Non-interest bearing deposits	$	969,314	$	-		0.00	%	$	781,686	$	-		0.00	%
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking		33,357		145		0.87	%		32,896		239		1.46	%
Savings		11,961		18		0.30	%		10,917		20		0.37	%
Money markets		38,211		75		0.39	%		34,613		132		0.76	%
Time deposits		109,280		968		1.77	%		121,865		1,251		2.06	%
FHLB advances		45,010		403		1.79	%		39,418		610		3.10	%
Other borrowings		18,556		256		2.76	%		16,851		253		3.01	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		256,375		1,865		1.45	%		256,560		2,505		1.96	%
Total deposits and interest-bearing liabilities		1,225,689	$	1,865		0.30	%		1,038,246	$	2,505		0.48	%
Other non-interest bearing liabilities		20,339							16,503
Total liabilities		1,246,028							1,054,749
Shareholders' equity		81,176							85,220
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,327,204						$	1,139,969
Net interest income and net interest rate spread including non-interest bearing deposits			$	18,049		2.85	%			$	16,695		3.12	%
Net interest margin						2.85	%						3.13	%

45

Provision for Loan Losses.  The Company recognized virtually the same provision for loan losses in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 of $0.2 million as it did for the same period in the prior fiscal year. This was the result of the evaluation of the allowance for loan loss as noted in Note 3.

For the six months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded a provision of $0.9 million compared to a provision of $0.2 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year due to the aforementioned factors.

Non-Interest Income.  Non-interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 increased by $7.3 million, or 37.6%, to $26.8 million from $19.5 million in the prior fiscal year second quarter.  The Bank recorded a gain on sale of securities in the 2012 fiscal second quarter of $11.4 million compared to $0.6 million in the prior fiscal year second quarter.  Conversely, fees earned on MPS-related programs were $15.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2012, compared to $18.4 million for the same quarter in fiscal year 2011.  MPS fee income declined due mainly to a reduced tax-related prepaid card volume.

For the six months ended March 31, 2012, non-interest income increased by $7.7 million, or 22.1%, to $42.5 million from $34.8 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year.  Fees earned on prepaid debit cards, income tax-related programs and other payment systems products and services were $29.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $32.5 million for the same period in fiscal year 2011.  In addition, for the six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Bank sold mortgage-backed securities resulting in a gain on sale of available for sale securities in the amount of $12.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

Non-Interest Expense.  Non-interest expense decreased by $3.1 million, or 13.1%, to $20.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 from $23.3 million for the same quarter in fiscal year 2011.  Non-interest expense decreased by $5.9 million, or 13.1%, to $39.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2012 from $44.9 million for the same period in fiscal year 2011.

There was no goodwill impairment expense in the six months ended March 31, 2012.  Goodwill impairment expense was recorded for the six months ended March 31, 2011 of $1.5 million due to the Retail Bank segment’s write off of goodwill related primarily to the decline in stock price of the Company.

Compensation expense decreased $0.1 million to $8.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $8.2 million for the same period in fiscal year 2011.  For the six months ended March 31, 2012, compensation expense totaled $15.2 million, compared to $16.0 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year.  Overall staffing is 1% lower than at March 31, 2011.

Legal and consulting expenses increased $0.7 million  to $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $1.3 million for the same period in fiscal year 2011.  For the six months ended March 31, 2012, legal and consulting expense totaled $3.3 million, compared to $2.8 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year.  These increases are primarily due to the use of outside specialists to assist in addressing matters relating to our regulatory examinations.

Income Tax. Income tax expense for the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 was $5.8 million, or an effective tax rate of 36.8%, compared to income tax expense of $1.7 million, or an effective tax rate of 37.9%, for the same period in the prior fiscal year.  For the six months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded an income tax expense in the amount of $7.5 million, or an effective tax rate of 36.6%, compared to $2.9 million, or an effective tax rate of 45.9% for the same period in the prior fiscal year.  The Company’s recorded income tax expense and the effective tax rate for the six months ended March 31, 2011 was impacted by permanent differences between book and taxable income primarily related to the write off of goodwill of $1.5 million.

46

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowings, principal and interest payments on loans and mortgage-backed securities, and maturing investments. While scheduled loan repayments and maturing investments are relatively predictable, deposit flows, prepayments on mortgage-backed securities and early loan repayments are influenced by the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, and competition.

The Company uses its capital resources principally to meet ongoing commitments to fund maturing certificates of deposits and loan commitments, to maintain liquidity, and to meet operating expenses.  At March 31, 2012, the Company had commitments to originate and purchase loans and unused lines of credit totaling $45.2 million.  The Company believes that loan repayments and other sources of funds will be adequate to meet its foreseeable short- and long-term liquidity needs.

Regulations require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total risk-based capital and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and a leverage ratio consisting of Tier 1 capital to average assets.  The following table sets forth the Bank's actual capital and required capital amounts and ratios at March 31, 2012 which, at that date, exceeded the minimum capital adequacy requirements.

											Minimum
											Requirement to Be
						Minimum					Well Capitalized
						Requirement For					Under Prompt
						Capital Adequacy					Corrective Action
	Actual					Purposes					Provisions
At March 31, 2012	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
	(Dollars in Thousands)
MetaBank
Tangible capital (to tangible assets)	$	93,626		5.87	%	$	23,910		1.50	%	$	n/a		n/a	%
Tier 1 (core) capital (to adjusted total assets)		93,626		5.87			63,761		4.00			79,702		5.00
Tier 1 (core) capital (to risk-weighted assets)		93,626		15.36			24,378		4.00			36,568		6.00
Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)		98,388		16.14			48,757		8.00			60,946		10.00

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA) established five regulatory capital categories and authorized the banking regulators to take prompt corrective action with respect to institutions in an undercapitalized category.  At March 31, 2012, the Bank exceeded all requirements for the well capitalized category.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and changes in the market value of its investments.

The Company originates predominantly adjustable-rate loans and fixed-rate loans up to ten years.  Long-term fixed-rate residential mortgages are generally sold into the secondary market.  As a result of its lending practices, the Company’s loan portfolio is relatively short in duration and yields respond quickly to the overall level of interest rates.

47

The Company's primary objective for its investment portfolio is to provide the liquidity necessary to meet the Company’s cash demands.  This portfolio may also be used in the ongoing management of interest rate risk.  As a result, funds may be invested among various categories of security types and maturities based upon the Company's need for liquidity and its desire to create an economic hedge against the effects that changes in interest rates may have on the overall market value of the Company.

The Company offers a full range of deposit products which are generally short term in nature.  Interest-bearing checking, savings, and money market accounts generally provide a stable source of funds for the bank and also respond relatively quickly to changes in short term interest rates.  The Company offers certificates of deposit with maturities of three months through five years, which serve to extend the duration of the overall deposit portfolio.  A significant and increasing portion of the Company’s deposit portfolio is concentrated in non-interest-bearing checking accounts.  These accounts serve to decrease the Company’s overall cost of funds and reduce its sensitivity to changes in short term interest rates.

The Company also has wholesale borrowings, predominantly advances from the FHLB and FRB, including both overnight advances and advances that carry fixed terms and fixed rates of interest.  The Company utilizes this portfolio to manage liquidity demands and also, when appropriate, in the ongoing management of interest rate risk.

The Board of Directors has established limits on the level of acceptable interest rate risk for the Bank.  There can be no assurance, however, that, in the event of an adverse change in interest rates, the Company's efforts to limit interest rate risk will be successful.

Net Portfolio Value.  The Bank uses a Net Portfolio Value ("NPV") approach to the quantification of interest rate risk.  This approach calculates the difference between the present value of expected cash flows from assets and the present value of expected cash flows from liabilities, as well as cash flows from any off-balance sheet contracts.  Management of the Bank’s assets and liabilities is performed within the context of the marketplace, but also within limits established by the Board of Directors on the amount of change in NPV that is acceptable given certain interest rate changes.

Presented below, at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, is an analysis of the Bank’s interest rate risk as measured by changes in NPV for an instantaneous and sustained parallel shift in the yield curve, in 100 basis point increments, up and down 200 basis points.  Down 100 basis points and down 200 basis points are not presented for March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 due to the extremely low rate environment.  At both March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the Bank’s interest rate risk profile was within the interest sensitivity limits set by the Board of Directors.

March 31, 2012										September 30, 2011
					Estimated Increase										Estimated Increase
			Estimated		in NPV								Estimated		in NPV
Change in			NPV							Change in			NPV
Interest Rates			Amount		Amount		Percent			Interest Rates			Amount		Amount		Percent
					(Dollars in Thousands)										(Dollars in Thousands)
Basis Points										Basis Points
	+200	bp		162,406		7,783		5.03	%		+200	bp		129,699		32,174		32.99	%
	+100	bp		166,860		12,237		7.91	%		+100	bp		121,361		23,836		24.44	%
	-			154,623		-		-			-			97,525		-		-

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the preceding table. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate mortgage loans, have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Furthermore, although management has estimated changes in the levels of prepayments and early withdrawal in these rate environments, such levels would likely deviate from those assumed in calculating the table. Finally, the ability of some borrowers to service their debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase.

48

In addition to the NPV approach, the Bank also reviews gap reports, which measure the differences in assets and liabilities repricing in given time periods, and net income simulations to assess its interest rate risk profile. Management reviews its interest rate risk profile on a quarterly basis.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable (not absolute) assurance that its objectives will be met.  Furthermore, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures”, as such term is defined in Rules 13a – 15(e) and 15d – 15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by the report.

Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, at March 31, 2012, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that (i) the information required to be disclosed by us in this report was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

With the participation of the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2012, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Based on such evaluation, management concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, there have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

49

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

FORM 10-Q

Item 1. Legal Proceedings – See “Legal Proceedings” of Note 6 to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors - In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also materially and adversely affect us in the future.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds – None

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities – None

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures – Not Applicable

Item 5. Other Information – None

Item 6. Exhibits

See Index to Exhibits.

50

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

SIGNATURES

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

	META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
Date:              May 10, 2012	By:	/s/ J. Tyler Haahr
		J. Tyler Haahr, President,
		and Chief Executive Officer
Date:              May 10, 2012	By:	/s/ David W. Leedom
		David W. Leedom, Executive Vice President
		and Chief Financial Officer

51

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number	Description
31.1	Section 302 certification of Chief Executive Officer.
31.2	Section 302 certification of Chief Financial Officer.
32.1	Section 906 certification of Chief Executive Officer.
32.2	Section 906 certification of Chief Financial Officer.
101.INS	Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, J. Tyler Haahr, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Meta Financial Group, Inc.;

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

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

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

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

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

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

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

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

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

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

Date:   May 10, 2012
	/s/ J. Tyler Haahr
	Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, David W. Leedom, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Meta Financial Group, Inc.;

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

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

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

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

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

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

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

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

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

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

Date:  May 10, 2012	/s/ David W. Leedom
	Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Meta Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, J. Tyler Haahr, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

By:    /s/ J. Tyler Haahr

Name:  J. Tyler Haahr

Chief Executive Officer

May 10, 2012

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Meta Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David W. Leedom, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

By:      /s/ David W. Leedom

Name:  David W. Leedom

Chief Financial Officer

May 10, 2012

XML

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract]

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 included in Meta Financial Group, Inc.'s ("Meta Financial" or the "Company") Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on December 20, 2011.  Accordingly, footnote disclosures which would substantially duplicate the disclosure contained in the audited consolidated financial statements have been omitted.

The financial information of the Company included herein has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial reporting and has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Such information reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments), that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of the interim period ended March 31, 2012, are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ending September 30, 2012.

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 13,061	$ 3,468
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net	7,599	5,166
Disbursement of non-real estate consumer loans originated for sale	(431,935)	(479,911)
Proceeds from sale of non-real estate consumer loans	432,428	478,555
Disbursement of 1-4 family residential mortgage loans originated for sale	0	(1,713)
Proceeds from sale of 1-4 family residential mortgage loans	368	2,904
Loss (gain) on sale of loans	7	(146)
Provision for loan losses	899	186
Loss (gain) on sale of other assets	964	(128)
Gain on sale of securities available for sale, net	(12,431)	(1,158)
Net change in accrued interest receivable	(1,607)	312
Goodwill impairment	0	1,508
Net change in other assets	(2,966)	(2,694)
Net change in accrued interest payable	(26)	(151)
Net change in accrued expenses and other liabilities	(715)	428
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,646	6,626
Cash flow from investing activities:
Purchase of securities available for sale	(811,441)	(238,464)
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale	364,911	46,239
Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments of securities available for sale	93,906	68,066
Loans purchased	(4,372)	(1,039)
Net change in loans receivable	(6,399)	37,271
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed real estate	382	362
Federal Home Loan Bank stock purchases	(29,353)	0
Federal Home Loan Bank stock redemptions	27,351	89
Proceeds from the sale of premises and equipment	30	0
Purchase of premises and equipment	(1,718)	(955)
Other, net	3,987	1,193
Net cash used in investing activities	(362,716)	(87,238)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in checking, savings, and money market deposits	322,763	177,003
Net change in time deposits	(12,187)	(27,412)
Net change in securities sold under agreements to repurchase	5,543	2,883
Cash dividends paid	(831)	(810)
Stock compensation	18	42
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	945	111
Net cash provided by financing activities	316,251	151,817
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(40,819)	71,205
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	276,893	87,503
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	236,074	158,708
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	1,891	2,655
Income taxes	3,409	1,834
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
Loans transferred to foreclosed real estate	$ 1,729	$ 0

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 236,074	$ 276,893
Investment securities available for sale	91,051	28,330
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale	876,955	590,918
Loans receivable - net of allowance for loan losses of $4,762 at March 31, 2012 and $4,926 at September 30, 2011	321,685	314,410
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, at cost	6,739	4,737
Accrued interest receivable	5,740	4,133
Insurance receivable	4,364	2,264
Premises, furniture, and equipment, net	17,133	17,168
Bank-owned life insurance	14,579	14,322
Foreclosed real estate and repossessed assets	2,958	2,671
Intangible assets	1,795	1,315
MPS accounts receivable	8,963	7,677
Other assets	9,581	10,643
Total assets	1,597,617	1,275,481
LIABILITIES
Non-interest-bearing checking	1,247,071	945,956
Interest-bearing checking	35,143	31,249
Savings deposits	27,587	11,136
Money market deposits	38,020	36,717
Time certificates of deposit	104,375	116,562
Total deposits	1,452,196	1,141,620
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank	11,000	11,000
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	13,598	8,055
Subordinated debentures	10,310	10,310
Accrued interest payable	197	223
Contingent liability	5,465	3,649
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	17,516	20,047
Total liabilities	1,510,282	1,194,904
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, 800,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value; 5,200,000 shares authorized, 3,372,999 shares issued, 3,202,056 and 3,146,867 shares outstanding at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively	34	34
Additional paid-in capital	32,538	32,471
Retained earnings - substantially restricted	57,724	45,494
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(99)	6,336
Treasury stock, 170,943 and 226,132 common shares, at cost, at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively	(2,862)	(3,758)
Total stockholders' equity	87,335	80,577
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,597,617	$ 1,275,481

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Balance at Sep. 30, 2010	$ 34	$ 32,381	$ 42,475	$ 1,599	$ (4,445)	$ 72,044
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cash dividends declared on common stock	0	0	(810)	0	0	(810)
Issuance of common shares from treasury stock due to issuance of restricted stock	0	(12)	0	0	123	111
Stock compensation	0	42	0	0	0	42
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale	0	0	0	(1,925)	0	(1,925)
Net income	0	0	3,468	0	0	3,468
Balance at Mar. 31, 2011	34	32,411	45,133	(326)	(4,322)	72,930
Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	34	32,471	45,494	6,336	(3,758)	80,577
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cash dividends declared on common stock	0	0	(831)	0	0	(831)
Issuance of common shares from treasury stock due to issuance of restricted stock	0	49	0	0	896	945
Stock compensation	0	18	0	0	0	18
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale	0	0	0	(6,435)	0	(6,435)
Net income	0	0	13,061	0	0	13,061
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 34	$ 32,538	$ 57,724	$ (99)	$ (2,862)	$ 87,335

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared on common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.26	$ 0.26
Issuance of common shares from treasury stock due to issuance of restricted stock (in shares)	55,189	5,950

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
ASSETS
Loans receivable - net of allowance for loan losses	$ 4,762	$ 4,926
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	800,000	800,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	5,200,000	5,200,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	3,372,999	3,372,999
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	3,202,056	3,146,867
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	170,943	226,132

XML

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS [Abstract]

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

NOTE 9. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements

This ASU applies to all entities that enter into agreements to transfer financial assets that both entitle and obligate the transferor to repurchase or redeem the financial assets before their maturity (repo arrangements). It focuses the transferor's assessment of effective control on its contractual rights and obligations by removing the requirement to assess its ability to exercise those rights or honor those obligations. The ASU is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. It is effective prospectively for transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. The Company  adopted this update in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 and  the adoption did not have  a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS

This ASU was issued concurrently with IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurements, to provide largely identical guidance about fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. The new standards do not extend the use of fair value but, rather, provide guidance about how fair value should be applied where it already is required or permitted under IFRS or U.S. GAAP. For U.S. GAAP, most of the changes are clarifications of existing guidance or wording changes to align with IFRS 13.

A public entity is required to apply this ASU prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is not permitted.  In the period of adoption, a reporting entity will be required to disclose a change, if any, in valuation technique and related inputs that result from applying the ASU and to quantify the total effect, if practicable.  The Company adopted this update in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 and  the adoption did not have  a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-05 Comprehensive Income, which provides an entity with the option to present the total comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and the interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and early adoption is permitted.  The Company anticipates adopting this update in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and does not expect the adoption to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

Accounting Standards Update No.  2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)

The objective of this update is to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. This update adds a qualitative analysis to step one of the two-step process, which enables the Company to qualitatively determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, and if not, skip the two step test for goodwill impairment.  The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, but early adoption is permitted.  The Company anticipates adopting this update in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 and does not expect the adoption to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

XML

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	May 07, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	META FINANCIAL GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000907471
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3,202,056
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012

XML

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

NOTE 10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities using a hierarchy system and expands disclosures about fair value measurement.  It clarifies that fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts.

The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

Level 1 Inputs - Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at measurement date.

Level 2 Inputs - Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active markets and model-based valuation techniques for which significant assumptions are observable in the market.

Level 3 Inputs - Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market and are used only to the extent that observable inputs are not available.  These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company's own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.

Securities Available for Sale.  Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using an independent pricing service.  Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government and agency securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets.  The Company had no Level 1 or Level 3 securities at March 31, 2012 or September 30, 2011.  Level 2 securities include agency mortgage-backed securities and private collateralized mortgage obligations, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities.

The fair values of securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs), or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities' relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs). The Company obtains, reviews and compares the valuations and methodologies from two third party providers.  These third party providers utilize several sources for valuing fixed-income securities. Sources utilized by the third party provider include pricing models that vary based by asset class and include available trade, bid, and other market information. This methodology includes broker quotes, proprietary models, descriptive terms and conditions databases, as well as extensive quality control programs.

The following table summarizes the assets of the Company for which fair values are determined on a recurring basis at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011.

	Fair Value at March 31, 2012
(Dollars in Thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Debt securities
Trust preferred and corporate securities	$	80,601	$	-	$	80,601	$	-
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		10,450		-		10,450		-
Mortgage-backed securities		876,955		-		876,955		-
Securities available for sale	$	968,006	$	-	$	968,006	$	-

	Fair Value at September 30, 2011
(Dollars in Thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Debt securities
Trust preferred and corporate securities	$	22,112	$	-	$	22,112	$	-
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		6,218		-		6,218		-
Mortgage-backed securities		590,918		-		590,918		-
Securities available for sale	$	619,248	$	-	$	619,248	$	-

The Company's management reviews the status and potential impairment of all securities in a loss position on a monthly basis.  In its review, management considers duration of unrealized losses and reviews credit rating changes.  Other factors, but not necessarily all, considered are:  that the risk of loss is minimized and easier to determine due to the single-issuer, rather than pooled, nature of the securities, the condition of the issuer, and whether there have been any payment deferrals or defaults to-date.  Such factors are subject to change over time.

Foreclosed Real Estate and Repossessed Assets.  Real estate properties and repossessed assets are initially recorded at the fair value less selling costs at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis.  The carrying amount represents the lower of the new cost basis or the fair value less selling costs of foreclosed assets that were measured at fair value subsequent to their initial classification as foreclosed assets.

Loans.  The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, if a loan is considered impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan in accordance with ASC 310, Receivables.

The following table summarizes the assets of the Company for which fair values are determined on a non-recurring basis at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011.

	Fair Value at March 31, 2012
(Dollars in Thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Impaired Loans
One to four family residential mortgage loans	$	76	$	-	$	-	$	76
Commercial and multi-family real estate loans		14,578		-		-		14,578
Commercial operating loans		84		-		-		84
Total Impaired Loans		14,738		-		-		14,738
Foreclosed Assets, net		2,958		-		-		2,958
Total	$	17,696	$	-	$	-	$	17,696

	Fair Value at September 30, 2011
(Dollars in Thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Impaired Loans	$	13,182	$	-	$	-	$	13,182
Foreclosed Assets, net		2,671		-		-		2,671
Total	$	15,853	$	-	$	-	$	15,853

	Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(Dollars in Thousands)	Fair Value at 3/31/12		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input
Impaired Loans	$	14,738	Market approach	Appraised values (1)
Foreclosed Assets, net		2,958	Market approach	Appraised values (1)

(1) The Company generally relies on external appraisers to develop this information. Management will reduce the appraised value by estimated selling costs in a range of 4% to 10%.

The following table discloses the Company's estimated fair value amounts of its financial instruments.  It is management's belief that the fair values presented below are reasonable based on the valuation techniques and data available to the Company at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, as more fully described below.  The operations of the Company are man­aged from a going concern basis and not a liquidation basis.  As a result, the ultimate value realized for the finan­cial instruments presented could be substantially different when actually recognized over time through the normal course of operations.  Additionally, a substantial portion of the Company's inherent value is the Bank's capitalization and franchise value.  Neither of these components have been given consideration in the presentation of fair values below.

The following presents the carrying amount and estimated fair value of the financial instruments held by the Company at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011.  The information presented is subject to change over time based on a variety of factors.

	March 31, 2012
	Carrying		Estimated
	Amount		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	236,074	$	236,074	$	236,074	$	-	$	-
Securities available for sale		968,006		968,006		-		968,006		-
Loans receivable, net:
One to four family residential mortgage loans		39,850		41,582		-		-		41,582
Commercial and multi-family real estate loans		194,622		195,887		-		-		195,887
Agricultural real estate loans		21,087		22,292		-		-		22,292
Consumer loans		34,669		35,246		-		-		35,246
Consumer loans held for sale		1,690		1,690		-		1,690		-
Commercial operating loans		12,582		12,730		-		-		12,730
Agricultural operating loans		22,041		22,081		-		-		22,081
Total loans receivable, net		326,541		331,508		-		1,690		329,818
FHLB stock		6,739		6,739		-		6,739		-
Accrued interest receivable		5,740		5,740		5,740		-		-
Financial liabilities
Noninterest bearing demand deposits		1,247,071		1,247,071		-		1,247,071		-
Interest bearing demand deposits, savings, and money markets		100,750		100,750		-		100,750		-
Certificates of deposit		104,375		105,505		-		-		105,505
Total deposits		1,452,196		1,453,326		-		1,347,821		105,505
Advances from FHLB		11,000		13,974		-		-		13,974
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		13,598		13,598		-		13,598		-
Subordinated debentures		10,310		10,317		-		-		10,317
Accrued interest payable		197		197		197		-		-
Off-balance-sheet instruments, loan commitments		-		-		-		-		-

	September 30, 2011
	Carrying		Estimated
	Amount		Fair Value
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	276,893	$	276,893
Securities available for sale		619,248		619,248
Loans receivable, net:		314,410		316,152
FHLB stock		4,737		4,737
Accrued interest receivable		4,133		4,133
Financial liabilities
Noninterest bearing demand deposits		945,956		945,956
Interest bearing demand deposits, savings, and money markets		79,102		79,102
Certificates of deposit		116,562		118,288
Total deposits		1,141,620		1,143,346
Advances from FHLB		11,000		14,128
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		8,055		8,055
Subordinated debentures		10,310		10,325
Accrued interest payable		223		223
Off-balance-sheet instruments, loan commitments		-		-

The following sets forth the methods and assumptions used in determining the fair value estimates for the Company's financial instruments at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The carrying amount of cash and short-term investments is assumed to approximate the fair value.

SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Fair values for investment securities are based on obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges, or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities' relationship to other benchmark quoted securities.

LOANS RECEIVABLE, NET

The fair value of loans is estimated using a historical or replacement cost basis concept (i.e. an entrance price concept).  The fair value of loans was estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for similar remaining maturities.  When using the discounting method to determine fair value, loans were gathered by homogeneous groups with similar terms and conditions and discounted at a target rate at which similar loans would be made to borrowers at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011.  In addition, when computing the estimated fair value for all loans, allowances for loan losses have been subtracted from the calculated fair value for consideration of credit quality.

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair market value.  The carrying value of these loans approximate fair market value as they are generally sold at par within days of their origination.

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (THE "FHLB") STOCK

The fair value of such stock is assumed to approximate book value since the Company is generally able to redeem this stock at par value.

ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE

The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable is assumed to approximate the fair value.

DEPOSITS

The carrying values of non-interest bearing checking deposits, interest bearing checking deposits, savings, and money markets is assumed to approximate fair value, since such deposits are immediately withdrawable without penalty.  The fair value of time certificates of deposit was estimated by discounting expected future cash flows by the current rates offered on certificates of deposit with similar remaining maturities.

In accordance with ASC 825, Financial Instruments, no value has been assigned to the Company's long-term relationships with its deposit customers (core value of deposits intangible) since such intangible is not a financial instrument as defined under ASC 825.

ADVANCES FROM FHLB

The fair value of such advances was estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using current interest rates at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 for advances with similar terms and remaining maturities.

SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE AND SUBORDINATED

DEBENTURES

The carrying amount of securities sold under agreements to repurchase is assumed to approximate fair value.  The fair value of subordinated debentures was estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using derived interest rates approximating market as of March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 over the contractual maturity of such borrowings.

ACCRUED INTEREST PAYABLE

The carrying amount of accrued interest payable is assumed to approximate the fair value.

LOAN COMMITMENTS

The commitments to originate and purchase loans have terms that are consistent with current market terms.  Accordingly, the Company estimates that the fair values of these commitments are not significant.

LIMITATIONS

It must be noted that fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information about the financial instrument.  Additionally, fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business, customer relationships and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.  These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument for sale at one time.  Furthermore, since no market exists for certain of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates may be based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with a high level of precision.  Changes in assumptions as well as tax considerations could significantly affect the estimates.  Accordingly, based on the limitations described above, the aggregate fair value estimates are not intended to represent the underlying value of the Company, on either a going concern or a liquidation basis.

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Interest and dividend income:
Loans receivable, including fees	$ 4,492	$ 4,909	$ 9,032	$ 10,356
Mortgage-backed securities	5,198	4,433	9,985	8,351
Other investments	609	238	897	493
Total interest and dividend income	10,299	9,580	19,914	19,200
Interest expense:
Deposits	553	753	1,206	1,642
FHLB advances and other borrowings	335	410	659	863
Total interest expense	888	1,163	1,865	2,505
Net interest income	9,411	8,417	18,049	16,695
Provision for loan losses	200	214	899	186
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	9,211	8,203	17,150	16,509
Non-interest income:
Card fees	15,691	18,392	29,604	32,466
Gain on sale of securities available for sale, net	11,381	632	12,431	1,158
Deposit fees	143	163	305	344
Loan fees	290	85	619	286
Bank-owned life insurance income	130	130	258	263
Other income	(854)	68	(754)	259
Total non-interest income	26,781	19,470	42,463	34,776
Non-interest expense:
Compensation and benefits	8,057	8,188	15,233	15,984
Card processing expense	4,976	8,120	10,298	13,343
Occupancy and equipment expense	2,088	2,168	4,186	4,210
Goodwill impairment	0	0	0	1,508
Legal and consulting expense	2,019	1,339	3,285	2,750
Data processing expense	278	273	553	546
Marketing	325	411	492	672
Other expense	2,470	2,752	4,957	5,856
Total non-interest expense	20,213	23,251	39,004	44,869
Income before income tax expense	15,779	4,422	20,609	6,416
Income tax expense	5,809	1,675	7,548	2,948
Net income	$ 9,970	$ 2,747	$ 13,061	$ 3,468
Earnings per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 3.12	$ 0.88	$ 4.10	$ 1.11
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 3.10	$ 0.88	$ 4.09	$ 1.11

XML

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (EPS)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (EPS) [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (EPS)

NOTE 4.  EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ("EPS")

Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders (the numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (the denominator) during the period. Shares issued during the period and shares reacquired during the period are weighted for the portion of the period that they were outstanding.  Allocated ESOP shares are considered outstanding for earnings per common share calculations as they are committed to be issued; unallocated ESOP shares are not considered outstanding.  Diluted EPS shows the dilutive effect of additional common shares issuable pursuant to stock option agreements.

A reconciliation of the income and common stock share amounts used in the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is presented below.

Three Months Ended March 31,	2012		2011
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)
Earnings
Net Income	$	9,970	$	2,747
Basic EPS
Weighted average common shares outstanding		3,197,117		3,115,640
Less weighted average unallocated ESOP and nonvested shares		-		(1,667	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		3,197,117		3,113,973
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic	$	3.12	$	0.88
Diluted EPS
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share		3,197,117		3,113,973
Add dilutive effect of assumed exercises of stock options, net of tax benefits		20,494		1,896
Weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding		3,217,611		3,115,869
Earnings Per Common Share
Diluted	$	3.10	$	0.88

Six Months Ended March 31,	2012		2011
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)
Earnings
Net Income	$	13,061	$	3,468
Basic EPS
Weighted average common shares outstanding		3,187,269		3,113,756
Less weighted average unallocated ESOP and nonvested shares		-		(1,667	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		3,187,269		3,112,089
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic	$	4.10	$	1.11
Diluted EPS
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share		3,187,269		3,112,089
Add dilutive effect of assumed exercises of stock options, net of tax benefits		8,475		-
Weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding		3,195,744		3,112,089
Earnings Per Common Share
Diluted	$	4.09	$	1.11

Stock options totaling 325,437 and 367,138 were not considered in computing diluted EPS for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012, respectively, because they were not dilutive.  Stock options totaling 364,478 and 364,907 were not considered in computing diluted EPS for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011, respectively, because they were not dilutive.

XML

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES [Abstract]

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

NOTE 3. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

At March 31, 2012, the Company's allowance for loan losses was $4.8 million, a decrease of $0.1 million from $4.9 million at September 30, 2011.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $0.2 million. 

During the six months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded a provision for its Retail Bank division in the amount of $0.9 million due to increases in the general reserves caused by increases in the historical loss rates for commercial real estate and multi-family loans.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded a provision for loan losses for its Retail Bank division in the amount of $0.2 million due to increases in the general reserves caused by increases in the historical loss rates for commercial real estate and multi-family loans.

The Company's total net charge-offs for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012 were $3,000 and $1.1 million, respectively.

The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of probable loan losses which have been incurred as of the date of the consolidated financial statements.  The allowance for loan losses is increased by a provision for loan losses charged to expense and decreased by charge-offs (net of recoveries). Estimating the risk of loss and the amount of loss on any loan is necessarily subjective. Management's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on the Company's past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, and current economic conditions. While management may periodically allocate portions of the allowance for specific problem loan situations, the entire allowance is available for any loan charge-offs that occur.

The Company establishes its provision for loan losses, and evaluates the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses based upon a systematic methodology consisting of a number of factors including, among others, historic loss experience, the overall level of classified assets, non-performing loans, TDR loans, the composition of its loan portfolio and the general economic environment within which the Company and its borrowers operate.

Management closely monitors economic developments both regionally and nationwide, and considers these factors when assessing the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses.

XML

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

NOTE 11. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The changes in the carrying amount of the Company's goodwill and intangible assets for the six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	Retail		Meta Payment			Meta Payment
	Banking		Systems®			Systems®
	Goodwill		Patents			Other			Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Balance as of September 30, 2011	$	-	$	1,315		$	-		$	1,315
Acquisitions during the period		-		473			27			500
Amortization during the period		-		(16	)		(4	)		(20	)
Balance as of March 31, 2012	$	-	$	1,772		$	23		$	1,795

	Retail			Meta Payment		Meta Payment
	Banking			Systems®		Systems®
	Goodwill			Patents		Other			Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Balance as of September 30, 2010	$	1,508		$	1,078	$	77		$	2,663
Acquisitions during the period		-			112		-			112
Amortization during the period		-			-		(77	)		(77	)
Write-offs during the period		(1,508	)		-		-			(1,508	)
Balance as of March 31, 2011	$	-		$	1,190	$	-		$	1,190

The Company has eight patents which are  amortizing at March 31, 2012.

The Company tests goodwill and intangible assets for impairment at least annually or more often if conditions indicate a possible impairment.  The Company wrote-off $1.5 million of goodwill through the income statement during the three months ended December 31, 2010 due primarily to the decline in the stock price of the Company during that period.  There was no impairment to goodwill and intangible assets during the six months ended March 31, 2012.

XML

STOCK OPTION PLAN

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

STOCK OPTION PLAN [Abstract]

STOCK OPTION PLAN

NOTE 7.  STOCK OPTION PLAN

The Company maintains the 2002 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which, among other things, provides for the awarding of stock options and nonvested (restricted) shares to certain officers and directors of the Company.  Awards are granted by the Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors based on the performance of the award recipients or other relevant factors.

In accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, compensation expense for share based awards is recorded over the vesting period at the fair value of the award at the time of grant.  The exercise price of options or fair value of nonvested shares granted under the Company's incentive plans is equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the grant date.  The Company assumes no projected forfeitures on its stock based compensation, since actual historical forfeiture rates on its stock based incentive awards has been negligible.

A summary of option activity for the six months ended March 31, 2012 is presented below:

						Weighted
				Weighted		Average
	Number			Average		Remaining		Aggregate
	of			Exercise		Contractual		Intrinsic
	Shares			Price		Term (Yrs)		Value
	(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)
Options outstanding, September 30, 2011		485,352		$	23.28		5.90	$	463
Granted		-			-
Exercised		(8,357	)		15.08
Forfeited or expired		(60,931	)		23.22
Options outstanding, March 31, 2012		416,064		$	23.46		5.33	$	640
Options exercisable, March 31, 2012		396,439		$	23.42		5.32	$	604

The Company had no outstanding nonvested shares at March 31, 2012 or September 30, 2011.  In addition, there was no grant activity for the six months ended March 31, 2012.

At March 31, 2012, stock based compensation expense not yet recognized in income totaled $36,000 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 0.84 years.

XML

SECURITIES

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

SECURITIES [Abstract]

SECURITIES

NOTE 5. SECURITIES

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of available for sale securities at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 are presented below.

			Gross		Gross
March 31, 2012	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Trust preferred and corporate securities	$	87,330	$	307	$	(7,036	)	$	80,601
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		10,084		376		(10	)		10,450
Mortgage-backed securities		870,752		7,253		(1,050	)		876,955
Total debt securities	$	968,166	$	7,936	$	(8,096	)	$	968,006

			Gross		Gross
September 30, 2011	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Trust preferred and corporate securities	$	30,582	$	-	$	(8,470	)	$	22,112
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		5,937		281		-			6,218
Mortgage-backed securities		572,467		18,591		(140	)		590,918
Total debt securities	$	608,986	$	18,872	$	(8,610	)	$	619,248

Included in securities available for sale are trust preferred securities as follows:

At March 31, 2012
					Unrealized			S&P	Moody
Issuer(1)	Book Value		Fair Value		(Loss)			Credit Rating	Credit Rating
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Key Corp. Capital I	$	4,983	$	3,853	$	(1,130	)	BBB-	Baa3
Huntington Capital Trust II SE		4,973		3,796		(1,177	)	BB+	Baa3
Bank Boston Capital Trust IV (2)		4,966		3,502		(1,464	)	BB+	Ba1
Bank America Capital III		4,955		3,505		(1,450	)	BB+	Ba1
PNC Capital Trust		4,955		3,903		(1,052	)	BBB	Baa2
Total	$	24,832	$	18,559	$	(6,273	)

(1) Trust preferred securities are single-issuance. There are no known deferrals, defaults or excess subordination with respectto such securities.

(2) Bank Boston was acquired by Bank of America.

Gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, are as follows:

	LESS THAN 12 MONTHS					OVER 12 MONTHS					TOTAL
	Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
March 31, 2012	Value		(Losses)			Value		(Losses)			Value		(Losses)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Trust preferred and corporate securities	$	45,595	$	(763	)	$	18,559	$	(6,273	)	$	64,154	$	(7,036	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		735		(10	)		-		-			735		(10	)
Mortgage-backed securities		201,517		(1,050	)		-		-			201,517		(1,050	)
Total debt securities	$	247,847	$	(1,823	)	$	18,559	$	(6,273	)	$	266,406	$	(8,096	)

	LESS THAN 12 MONTHS					OVER 12 MONTHS					TOTAL
	Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
September 30, 2011	Value		(Losses)			Value		(Losses)			Value		(Losses)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Trust preferred and corporate securities	$	5,713	$	(42	)	$	16,399	$	(8,428	)	$	22,112	$	(8,470	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		-		-			-		-			-		-
Mortgage-backed securities		23,886		(140	)		-		-			23,886		(140	)
Total debt securities	$	29,599	$	(182	)	$	16,399	$	(8,428	)	$	45,998	$	(8,610	)

Management has implemented a process to identify securities that could potentially have a credit impairment that is other-than-temporary. This process involves evaluating the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis, reviewing available information regarding the financial position of the issuer, monitoring the rating of the security and projecting cash flows. Other factors, but not necessarily all, considered are:  that the risk of loss is minimized and easier to determine due to the single-issuer, rather than pooled, nature of the individual securities, the financial condition of issuer, and whether there have been any payment deferrals or defaults to-date.  Such factors are subject to change over time.

Management also determines if it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis which, in some cases, may extend to maturity. To the extent we determine that a security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, an impairment loss is recognized in earnings.

For all securities that are considered temporarily impaired, the Company does not intend to sell these securities (has not made a decision to sell) and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may occur at maturity. The Company believes that it will collect all principal and interest due on all investments that have amortized cost in excess of fair value that are considered only temporarily impaired.

At March 31, 2012, the investment portfolio included securities with current unrealized losses which have existed for longer than one year.  All of these securities are considered to be acceptable credit risks.  Because the declines in fair value were due to changes in market interest rates and other market factors, not in estimated cash flows, no other-than-temporary impairment was recorded at March 31, 2012.  In addition, the Company has the intent and ability to hold these investment securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery.

XML

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

At March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding commitments to originate and purchase loans and unused lines of credit totaling $45.2 million and $48.0 million, respectively.  It is expected that outstanding loan commitments will be funded with existing liquid assets.  At March 31, 2012, the Company had no commitments to purchase or sell securities available for sale.

Legal Proceedings

All lawsuits against the Bank involving the sale of purported Bank certificates of deposit ("CDs") have now been settled and have been approved by the Court.  The underlying matter was first disclosed in the Company's quarterly report for the period ended December 31, 2007, which stated that an employee of the Bank had sold fraudulent CDs for her own benefit.  The unauthorized and illegal actions of the employee prompted a number of demands and lawsuits to be filed against the Bank seeking recovery on the fraudulent CDs, which have been disclosed in subsequent filings.  The employee was prosecuted, convicted and, on June 2, 2010, sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $4 million in restitution.  The Company did not incur losses in addition to the amounts previously expensed.

In re Meta Financial Group, Inc., Securities Litigation; Case No. C10-4108MWB. Two former stockholders filed separate purported class action lawsuits against the Company and certain of its officers alleging violations of certain federal securities laws. The cases were filed on October 22, 2010 and November 5, 2010 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa purportedly on behalf of those who purchased the Company's stock between May 14, 2009 and October 15, 2010. On January 12, 2011, Judge Mark W. Bennett appointed The Eden Partnership lead plaintiff and on March 14, 2011 Eden Partnership filed its amended complaint. The amended complaint alleges that the named officers violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act and SEC Rule 10b-5 in connection with certain allegedly false and misleading public statements made between May 14, 2009 and October 15, 2010 by the Company and its officers. Defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint in its entirety but on July 18, 2011, the court denied the motion and ordered that discovery proceed. The parties conducted a mediation on December 5, 2011 and reached a tentative settlement of the matter. On March 8, 2012, the court preliminarily approved the terms of the settlement, directed that notice of the settlement be provided to all prospective class members and set the case for a final fairness hearing on June 29, 2012.  If, after that hearing, the court enters an order finally approving the settlement, the case will be dismissed with prejudice.  As of the filing of this Form 10-Q, provided that the amount of the tentative settlement is approved by the court, and the amount of the settlement is paid by the Company's insurance as expected by the Company, the Company does not expect to incur losses in addition to the amounts that it has previously expensed which would be material to its consolidated financial statements.

On December 9, 2011, a stockholder derivative complaint captioned Brown v. Haahr, et al., CL 123931, was filed in the Iowa District Court for Polk County against certain officers and directors of the Company. The suit alleges that named parties breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by, among other things, making statements between May, 2009 and October, 2010, which plaintiff claims were false and misleading and by allegedly failing to implement adequate internal controls and means of supervision at the Company.  The individual defendants intend to vigorously defend the suit.  An estimate of a range of reasonably possible loss cannot be made as of the filing of this Form 10-Q because of the early stage of the litigation.

In addition to the previously disclosed ATM lawsuits, there were two additional lawsuits filed  concerning ATMs sponsored by the Bank, each involving claims that a notification required to be placed upon an automated teller machine was absent on a specific date, in violation of Regulation E of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act: Richard Jiminez, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. MetaBank, Case No. 1:12-cv-00035, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Brownville Division; and Yaakov Katz, on behalf of himself and the class, v. Slice & Co. Fine Gourmet Brick Oven Pizza, Cardnet Group Corp., and MetaBank, Case No. 11-cv-9411, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  The Company denies liability in these matters, and will contest these lawsuits with the ATM operators, which are each obligated to indemnify the Company for losses, costs and expenses in these matters.  An estimate of a range of possible loss cannot be made at this stage of the litigation because the extent of the Company's indemnification by the ATM operators is unknown.

A class action complaint has been filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau, titled Richard J. Strauss, M.D., on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, v. MetaBank, which complaint was served upon the Bank on March 28, 2012.  The complaint alleges that the plaintiff was the holder of two gift cards issued by the Bank.  The complaint further alleges that after the expiration date on the cards, plaintiff's attempts to obtain replacement cards were unsuccessful due to the Bank's refusal to issue replacement cards.  The Complaint contains several causes of action including breach of contract and violation of New York state law.  The Company denies liability in these matters and intends to vigorously defend the suit.  An estimate of a range of possible loss cannot be made at this early stage of the litigation.

On May 4, 2011, Patrick Finn and Light House Management Group, Inc. as Receivers for First United Funding, LLC and Corey N. Johnston ("Receivers") filed a complaint, Patrick Finn and Light House Management Group, Inc. as Receiver for First United Funding, LLC and Corey N. Johnston v. MetaBank et al., Case No. 5:11-cv-04041, against the Bank in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa requesting judgment avoiding approximately $1.5 million of transfers that allegedly resulted in a profit to the Bank arising from the Bank's participation in loans originated by First United Funding, LLC.  Similar complaints have been filed by the Receivers against other lenders who purchased participation interests in the same or similar loans originated by First United Funding, LLC.  The complaint states that First United Funding, LLC and Corey N. Johnston were involved in a criminal enterprise to defraud creditors.  Under a variety of theories, Receivers claim that loan repayments to the Bank constitute fraudulent transfers and the Bank was unjustly enriched to the detriment of these creditors.  The Bank intends to vigorously defend the case.  An estimate of a range of reasonably possible loss is approximately $0 to $0.5 million as of the filing date of this Form 10-Q.

The Bank utilizes various third parties for, among other things, its processing needs, both with respect to standard bank operations and with respect to its MPS division.  MPS was notified in April 2008 by one of the processors that the processor's computer system had been breached, which led to the unauthorized load and spending of funds from Bank-issued cards.  The Bank believes the amount in question to be approximately $2.0 million.  The processor and program manager both have agreements with the Bank to indemnify it for any losses as a result of such unauthorized activity, and the matter is reflected as such in its financial statements.  In addition, the Bank has given notice to its own insurer.  The Bank has been notified by the processor that its insurer has denied the claim filed.  The Bank made demand for payment and filed a demand for arbitration to recover the unauthorized loading and spending amounts and certain damages.  The Bank has settled its claim with the program manager, and has received an arbitration award against the processor.  That arbitration has been entered as a judgment in the State of South Dakota, which judgment has been transferred to the State of Florida for garnishment proceedings against the processor and its insurer.  The Company's estimate of a range of reasonably possible loss is approximately $0 to $0.5 million as of the filing date of this Form 10-Q.

Certain corporate clients of an unrelated company named Springbok Services, Inc. ("Springbok") requested through counsel a mediation as a means of reaching a settlement in lieu of commencing litigation against the Bank.  The results of that mediation have not led to a settlement.  These claimants purchased the Bank prepaid reward cards from Springbok, prior to Springbok's bankruptcy.  As a result of Springbok's bankruptcy and cessation of business, some of the rewards cards which had been purchased were never activated or funded.  Counsel for the corporate clients of Springbok have indicated that they are prepared to assert claims totaling approximately $1.5 million against the Bank based on principal/agency or failure to supervise theories.  The Company denies liability with respect to these claims.  The Company's estimate of a range of reasonably possible loss is approximately $0 to $0.3 million.

Other than the matters set forth above, there are no other new material pending legal proceedings or updates to which the Company or its subsidiaries is a party other than ordinary litigation routine to their respective business.

XML

SEGMENT INFORMATION

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]

SEGMENT INFORMATION

NOTE 8. SEGMENT INFORMATION

An operating segment is generally defined as a component of a business for which discrete financial information is available and whose results are reviewed by the chief operating decision-maker. Operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments if certain criteria are met. The Company has determined that it has two reportable segments. The first reportable segment, Retail Banking, a division of the Bank, operates as a traditional community bank providing deposit, loan and other related products to individuals and small businesses, primarily in the communities where their offices are located. The second reportable segment, MPS, a division of the Bank, provides a number of products and services to financial institutions and other businesses. These products and services include issuance of prepaid debit cards, sponsorship of ATMs into the debit networks, credit programs, ACH origination services, gift card programs, rebate programs, travel programs and tax related programs. Other programs are in the process of development. The remaining grouping under the caption "All Others" consists of the operations of the Company and inter-segment eliminations. Transactions between affiliates, the resulting revenues of which are shown in the intersegment revenue category, are conducted at market prices, meaning prices that would be paid if the companies were not affiliates. The following tables present segment data for the Company for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

	Retail		Meta Payment
	Banking		Systems®			All Others			Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
Interest income	$	7,167	$	3,132		$	-		$	10,299
Interest expense		724		43			121			888
Net interest income (expense)		6,443		3,089			(121	)		9,411
Provision for loan losses		200		-			-			200
Non-interest income		11,148		15,622			11			26,781
Non-interest expense		5,370		14,761			82			20,213
Income (loss) before tax		12,021		3,950			(192	)		15,779
Income tax expense (benefit)		4,440		1,445			(76	)		5,809
Net income (loss)	$	7,581	$	2,505		$	(116	)	$	9,970
Inter-segment revenue (expense)	$	3,362	$	(3,362	)	$	-		$	-
Total assets		310,314		1,285,412			1,891			1,597,617
Total deposits		217,757		1,235,041			(602	)		1,452,196

	Retail		Meta Payment
	Banking		Systems®			All Others			Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
Interest income	$	6,568	$	3,012		$	-		$	9,580
Interest expense		1,008		40			115			1,163
Net interest income (expense)		5,560		2,972			(115	)		8,417
Provision for loan losses		300		(86	)		-			214
Non-interest income		1,137		18,320			13			19,470
Non-interest expense		5,274		17,875			102			23,251
Income (loss) before tax		1,123		3,503			(204	)		4,422
Income tax expense (benefit)		431		1,327			(83	)		1,675
Net income (loss)	$	692	$	2,176		$	(121	)	$	2,747
Inter-segment revenue (expense)	$	2,584	$	(2,584	)	$	-		$	-
Total assets		310,905		870,443			2,055			1,183,403
Total deposits		219,460		828,332			(747	)		1,047,045

	Retail		Meta Payment
	Banking		Systems®			All Others			Total
Six Months Ended March 31, 2012
Interest income	$	13,648	$	6,266		$	-		$	19,914
Interest expense		1,548		81			236			1,865
Net interest income (expense)		12,100		6,185			(236	)		18,049
Provision for loan losses		900		(1	)		-			899
Non-interest income		12,951		29,495			17			42,463
Non-interest expense		10,153		28,703			148			39,004
Income (loss) before tax		13,998		6,978			(367	)		20,609
Income tax expense (benefit)		5,156		2,538			(146	)		7,548
Net income (loss)	$	8,842	$	4,440		$	(221	)	$	13,061
Inter-segment revenue (expense)	$	5,989	$	(5,989	)	$	-		$	-
Total assets		310,314		1,285,412			1,891			1,597,617
Total deposits		217,757		1,235,041			(602	)		1,452,196

	Retail		Meta Payment
	Banking		Systems®			All Others			Total
Six Months Ended March 31, 2011
Interest income	$	13,164	$	6,030		$	6		$	19,200
Interest expense		2,181		87			237			2,505
Net interest income (expense)		10,983		5,943			(231	)		16,695
Provision for loan losses		300		(114	)		-			186
Non-interest income		2,409		32,344			23			34,776
Non-interest expense		12,218		32,360			291			44,869
Income (loss) before tax		874		6,041			(499	)		6,416
Income tax expense (benefit)		855		2,285			(192	)		2,948
Net income (loss)	$	19	$	3,756		$	(307	)	$	3,468
Inter-segment revenue (expense)	$	4,888	$	(4,888	)	$	-		$	-
Total assets		310,905		870,443			2,055			1,183,403
Total deposits		219,460		828,332			(747	)		1,047,045

The following tables present gross profit data for MPS for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Three Months Ended March 31,	2012		2011
Interest income	$	3,132	$	3,012
Interest expense		43		40
Net interest income		3,089		2,972
Provision for loan losses		-		(86	)
Non-interest income		15,622		18,320
Card processing expense		4,953		8,120
Gross Profit		13,758		13,258
Other non-interest expense		9,808		9,755
Income before tax		3,950		3,503
Income tax expense		1,445		1,327
Net Income	$	2,505	$	2,176

Six Months Ended March 31,	2012			2011
Interest income	$	6,266		$	6,030
Interest expense		81			87
Net interest income		6,185			5,943
Provision for loan losses		(1	)		(114	)
Non-interest income		29,495			32,344
Card processing expense		10,263			13,343
Gross Profit		25,418			25,058
Other non-interest expense		18,440			19,017
Income before tax		6,978			6,041
Income tax expense		2,538			2,285
Net Income	$	4,440		$	3,756

XML

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS [Abstract]

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

NOTE 13.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On May 9, 2012, the Company issued 640,000 shares of its common stock for approximately $13.2 million in a private placement to three investors.  The pricing of the shares was determined by a simple average of the daily volume weighted average price ("VWAP") for the 20 trading days ending three days preceding closing.  The three private placements of common stock, completed on May 9, 2012, will incrementally increase the Tier 1 (core) capital to average adjusted total assets ratio by approximately 85 to 90 basis points.

On April 5, 2012, the Company recorded a gain of $1.1 million on the sale of a foreclosed asset with a book value of $2.0 million at March 31, 2012.

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net income	$ 9,970	$ 2,747	$ 13,061	$ 3,468
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale	(1,495)	258	2,009	(1,960)
Gains realized in net income	(11,381)	(632)	(12,431)	(1,158)
Total available for sale adjustment	(12,876)	(374)	(10,422)	(3,118)
Deferred income tax effect	(4,925)	(145)	(3,987)	(1,193)
Total other comprehensive loss	(7,951)	(229)	(6,435)	(1,925)
Total comprehensive income	$ 2,019	$ 2,518	$ 6,626	$ 1,543

XML

CREDIT DISCLOSURES

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

CREDIT DISCLOSURES [Abstract]

CREDIT DISCLOSURES

NOTE 2.  CREDIT DISCLOSURES

Loans are considered impaired if full principal or interest payments are not probable in accordance with the contractual loan terms.  Impaired loans are carried at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  A portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is deemed to be less than the unpaid balance.  If these allocations cause the allowance for loan losses to require an increase, such increase is reported as a component of the provision for loan losses.

The allowance consists of specific, general, and unallocated components.  The specific component relates to impaired loans.  For such loans, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan are lower than the carrying value of that loan.  The general component covers loans not considered impaired and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors.  An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management's estimate of probable losses.  The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.

Smaller-balance homogeneous loans are evaluated for impairment in total.  Such loans include residential first mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family residences, residential construction loans, and automobile, manufactured homes, home equity and second mortgage loans.  Commercial and agricultural loans and mortgage loans secured by other properties are evaluated individually for impairment.  When analysis of borrower operating results and financial condition indicates that underlying cash flows of the borrower's business are not adequate to meet its debt service requirements, the loan is evaluated for impairment.  Often this is associated with a delay or shortfall in payments of 90 days or more.  Generally, non-accrual loans are considered impaired.  Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible.

Loan receivables at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 are as follows:

	March 31, 2012			September 30, 2011
	(Dollars in Thousands)
One to four family residential mortgage loans	$	39,850		$	33,753
One to four family residential mortgage loans held for sale		-			375
Commercial and multi-family real estate loans		194,622			194,414
Agricultural real estate loans		21,087			20,320
Consumer loans		34,669			32,418
Consumer loans held for sale		1,690			1,980
Commercial operating loans		12,582			14,955
Agricultural operating loans		22,041			21,200
Total Loans Receivable		326,541			319,415
Less:
Allowance for loan losses		(4,762	)		(4,926	)
Net deferred loan origination fees		(94	)		(79	)
Total Loans Receivable, Net	$	321,685		$	314,410

Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	March 31,						March 31,
(Dollars in Thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Beginning balance	$	4,565		$	4,763		$	4,926		$	5,234
Provision for loan losses		200			214			899			186
Charge-offs		(3	)		(314	)		(1,072	)		(829	)
Recoveries		-			78			9			150
Ending balance	$	4,762		$	4,741		$	4,762		$	4,741

Allowance for loan losses and loans receivable for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

	1-4 Family Residential			Commercial and Multi Family Real Estate			Agricultural Real Estate		Consumer			Commercial Operating			Agricultural Operating			Unallocated			Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	181		$	3,609		$	-	$	21		$	38		$	65		$	651		$	4,565
Provision charged (credited) to expense		(31	)		366			-		6			(1	)		(65	)		(75	)		200
Losses charged off		(3	)		-			-		-			-			-			-			(3	)
Recoveries		-			-			-		-			-			-			-			-
Ending balance	$	147		$	3,975		$	-	$	27		$	37		$	-		$	576		$	4,762
Six Months Ended March 31, 2012
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	165		$	3,901		$	-	$	16		$	36		$	67		$	741		$	4,926
Provision charged (credited) to expense		(16	)		1,141			-		9			(3	)		(67	)		(165	)		899
Losses charged off		(3	)		(1,067	)		-		(2	)		-			-			-			(1,072	)
Recoveries		1			-			-		4			4			-			-			9
Ending balance	$	147		$	3,975		$	-	$	27		$	37		$	-		$	576		$	4,762
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	8		$	1,513		$	-	$	-		$	8		$	-		$	-		$	1,529
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	139		$	2,462		$	-	$	27		$	29		$	-		$	576		$	3,233
Loans:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	76		$	14,578		$	-	$	-		$	84		$	-		$	-		$	14,738
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	39,774		$	180,044		$	21,087	$	34,669		$	12,498		$	22,041		$	-		$	310,113

	1-4 Family Residential			Commercial and Multi Family Real Estate			Agricultural  Real Estate			Consumer			Commercial Operating			Agricultural  Operating			Unallocated			Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	47		$	3,174		$	25		$	370		$	110		$	102		$	935		$	4,763
Provision charged (credited) to expense		76			274			13			(142	)		(3	)		(34	)		30			214
Losses charged off		(41	)		-			-			(258	)		(15	)		-			-			(314	)
Recoveries		-			-			-			78			-			-			-			78
Ending balance	$	82		$	3,448		$	38		$	48		$	92		$	68		$	965		$	4,741
Six Months Ended March 31, 2011
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	50		$	3,053		$	111		$	738		$	131		$	125		$	1,026		$	5,234
Provision charged (credited) to expense		73			410			(73	)		(82	)		(24	)		(57	)		(61	)		186
Losses charged off		(41	)		(15	)		-			(758	)		(15	)		-			-			(829	)
Recoveries		-			-			-			150			-			-			-			150
Ending balance	$	82		$	3,448		$	38		$	48		$	92		$	68		$	965		$	4,741
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	62		$	1,135		$	14		$	-		$	4		$	-		$	-		$	1,215
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	20		$	2,313		$	24		$	48		$	88		$	68		$	965		$	3,526
Loans:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	150		$	11,797		$	1,383		$	-		$	95		$	-		$	-		$	13,425
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	36,184		$	188,573		$	17,912		$	38,866		$	14,843		$	25,022		$	-		$	321,400

Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets, such as debt and equity securities considered by our regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC"), to be of lesser quality, as "substandard," "doubtful" or "loss."  An asset is considered "substandard" if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  "Substandard" assets include those characterized by the "distinct possibility" that the savings association will sustain "some loss" if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Assets classified as "doubtful" have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified "substandard," with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make "collection or liquidation in full," on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, "highly questionable and improbable."  Assets classified as "loss" are those considered "uncollectible" and of such minimal value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted.

General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets.  When assets are classified as "loss," MetaBank (the "Bank") is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of that portion of the asset so classified or to charge-off such amount.  The Bank's determinations as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances are subject to review by its regulatory authorities, which may order the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.

The asset classification of loans at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, which excludes loans held for sale, are as follows:

March 31, 2012
	1-4 Family Residential		Commercial and Multi Family Real Estate		Agricultural Real Estate		Consumer		Commercial Operating		Agricultural  Operating		Total
Pass	$	39,363	$	168,054	$	21,087	$	34,424	$	11,477	$	22,041	$	296,446
Watch		382		6,695		-		113		551		-		7,741
Special Mention		-		4,283		-		16		250		-		4,549
Substandard		105		15,590		-		86		304		-		16,085
Doubtful		-		-		-		30		-		-		30
	$	39,850	$	194,622	$	21,087	$	34,669	$	12,582	$	22,041	$	324,851

September 30, 2011
	1-4 Family Residential		Commercial and Multi Family Real Estate		Agricultural Real Estate		Consumer		Commercial Operating		Agricultural Operating		Total
Pass	$	33,830	$	161,109	$	20,320	$	31,967	$	13,737	$	14,500	$	275,463
Watch		281		10,446		-		318		913		6,700		18,658
Special Mention		17		3,006		-		38		53		-		3,114
Substandard		-		19,827		-		60		252		-		20,139
Doubtful		-		26		-		35		-		-		61
	$	34,128	$	194,414	$	20,320	$	32,418	$	14,955	$	21,200	$	317,435

One- to Four-Family Residential Mortgage Lending.  One- to four-family residential mortgage loan originations are generated by the Company's marketing efforts, its present customers, walk-in customers and referrals.  The Company offers fixed-rate and ARM loans for both permanent structures and those under construction.  The Company's one- to four-family residential mortgage originations are secured primarily by properties located in its primary market area and surrounding areas.

The Company originates one- to four-family residential mortgage loans with terms up to a maximum of 30 years and with loan-to-value ratios up to 100% of the lesser of the appraised value of the security property or the contract price.  The Company generally requires that private mortgage insurance be obtained in an amount sufficient to reduce the Company's exposure to at or below the 80% loan-to-value level, unless the loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration, guaranteed by Veterans Affairs or guaranteed by the Rural Housing Administration. Residential loans generally do not include prepayment penalties.

The Company currently offers one, three, five, seven and ten year adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loans.  These loans have a fixed rate for the stated period and, thereafter, such loans adjust annually.  These loans generally provide for an annual cap of up to 200 basis points and a lifetime cap of 600 basis points over the initial rate.  As a consequence of using an initial fixed rate and caps, the interest rates on these loans may not be as rate sensitive as is the Company's cost of funds.  The Company's ARMs do not permit negative amortization of principal and are not convertible into a fixed rate loan. The Company's delinquency experience on its ARM loans has generally been similar to its experience on fixed rate residential loans.  Current market conditions make ARM loans unattractive and very few are originated.

Due to consumer demand, the Company also offers fixed-rate mortgage loans with terms up to 30 years, most of which conform to secondary market, i.e., Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, and Freddie Mac, standards.  Interest rates charged on these fixed-rate loans are competitively priced according to market conditions.  The Company currently sells most, but not all, of its fixed-rate loans with terms greater than 15 years.

In underwriting one- to four-family residential real estate loans, the Company evaluates both the borrower's ability to make monthly payments and the value of the property securing the loan.  Properties securing real estate loans made by the Company are appraised by independent appraisers approved by the Board of Directors. The Company generally requires borrowers to obtain an attorney's title opinion or title insurance, and fire and property insurance (including flood insurance, if necessary) in an amount not less than the amount of the loan.  Real estate loans originated by the Company generally contain a "due on sale" clause allowing the Company to declare the unpaid principal balance due and payable upon the sale of the security property.  The Company has not engaged in sub-prime residential mortgage originations.

Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate Lending.  The Company engages in commercial and multi-family real estate lending in its primary market area and surrounding areas and, in order to supplement its loan portfolio, from time to time purchases whole loan and participation interests in loans from other financial institutions.  The purchased loans and loan participation interests are generally secured by properties located in the Midwest and West.

The Company's commercial and multi-family real estate loan portfolio is secured primarily by apartment buildings, office buildings, and hotels.  Commercial and multi-family real estate loans generally have terms that do not exceed 20 years, have loan-to-value ratios of up to 80% of the appraised value of the security property, and are typically secured by personal guarantees of the borrowers.  The Company has a variety of rate adjustment features and other terms in its commercial and multi-family real estate loan portfolio.  Commercial and multi-family real estate loans provide for a margin over a number of different indices.  In underwriting these loans, the Company currently analyzes the financial condition of the borrower, the borrower's credit history, and the reliability and predictability of the cash flow generated by the property securing the loan.  Appraisals on properties securing commercial real estate loans originated by the Company are performed by independent appraisers.

Commercial and multi-family real estate loans generally present a higher level of risk than loans secured by one- to four-family residences.  This greater risk is due to several factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, the effect of general economic conditions on income producing properties and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these types of loans.  Furthermore, the repayment of loans secured by commercial and multi-family real estate is typically dependent upon the successful operation of the related real estate project.  If the cash flow from the project is reduced (for example, if leases are not obtained or renewed, or a bankruptcy court modifies a lease term, or a major tenant is unable to fulfill its lease obligations), the borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired.

Agricultural Lending.  The Company originates loans to finance the purchase of farmland, livestock, farm machinery and equipment, seed, fertilizer and other farm related products.  Agricultural operating loans are originated at either an adjustable or fixed rate of interest for up to a one year term or, in the case of livestock, upon sale.  Most agricultural operating loans have terms of one year or less.  Such loans provide for payments of principal and interest at least annually or a lump sum payment upon maturity if the original term is less than one year.  Loans secured by agricultural machinery are generally originated as fixed-rate loans with terms of up to seven years.

Agricultural real estate loans are frequently originated with adjustable rates of interest.  Generally, such loans provide for a fixed rate of interest for the first one to five years, which then balloon or adjust annually thereafter.  In addition, such loans generally amortize over a period of ten to 20 years.  Adjustable-rate agricultural real estate loans provide for a margin over the yields on the corresponding U.S. Treasury security or prime rate.  Fixed-rate agricultural real estate loans generally have terms up to five years.  Agricultural real estate loans are generally limited to 75% of the value of the property securing the loan.

Agricultural lending affords the Company the opportunity to earn yields higher than those obtainable on one- to four-family residential lending.  Nevertheless, agricultural lending involves a greater degree of risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans because of the typically larger loan amount.  In addition, payments on loans are dependent on the successful operation or management of the farm property securing the loan or for which an operating loan is utilized.  The success of the loan may also be affected by many factors outside the control of the farm borrower.

Weather presents one of the greatest risks as hail, drought, floods, or other conditions can severely limit crop yields and thus impair loan repayments and the value of the underlying collateral.  This risk can be reduced by the farmer with a variety of insurance coverages which can help to ensure loan repayment.  Government support programs and the Company generally require that farmers procure crop insurance coverage.  Grain and livestock prices also present a risk as prices may decline prior to sale resulting in a failure to cover production costs.  These risks may be reduced by the farmer with the use of futures contracts or options to mitigate price risk.  The Company frequently requires borrowers to use future contracts or options to reduce price risk and help ensure loan repayment.  Another risk is the uncertainty of government programs and other regulations.  During periods of low commodity prices, the income from government programs can be a significant source of cash to make loan payments and if these programs are discontinued or significantly changed, cash flow problems or defaults could result.  Finally, many farms are dependent on a limited number of key individuals upon whose injury or death may result in an inability to successfully operate the farm.

Consumer Lending- Retail Bank.  The "Retail Bank" (generally referring to traditional banking operations in our four market areas) offers a variety of secured consumer loans, including home equity, home improvement, automobile, boat and loans secured by savings deposits.  In addition, the Retail Bank offers other secured and unsecured consumer loans.  The Retail Bank currently originates most of its consumer loans in its primary market area and surrounding areas.  The Retail Bank originates consumer loans on both a direct and indirect basis.

The largest component of the Retail Bank's consumer loan portfolio consists of home equity loans and lines of credit.  Substantially all of the Retail Bank's home equity loans and lines of credit are secured by second mortgages on principal residences.  The Retail Bank will lend amounts which, together with all prior liens, typically may be up to 100% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan.  Home equity loans and lines of credit generally have maximum terms of five years.

The Retail Bank primarily originates automobile loans on a direct basis, but also originates indirect automobile loans on a very limited basis.  Direct loans are loans made when the Retail Bank extends credit directly to the borrower, as opposed to indirect loans, which are made when the Retail Bank purchases loan contracts, often at a discount, from automobile dealers which have extended credit to their customers.  The Retail Bank's automobile loans typically are originated at fixed interest rates with terms up to 60 months for new and used vehicles.  Loans secured by automobiles are generally originated for up to 80% of the N.A.D.A. book value of the automobile securing the loan.

Consumer loan terms vary according to the type and value of collateral, length of contract and creditworthiness of the borrower.  The underwriting standards employed by the Company for consumer loans include an application, a determination of the applicant's payment history on other debts and an assessment of ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan.  Although creditworthiness of the applicant is a primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the security, if any, in relation to the proposed loan amount.

Consumer loans may entail greater credit risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans which are unsecured or are secured by rapidly depreciable assets, such as automobiles or recreational equipment.  In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation.  In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower's continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances.  Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.

Consumer Lending- Meta Payment Systems ("MPS").  MPS offers credit products on a nationwide basis in the following categories (1) sponsorship lending and (2) portfolio lending.  In a sponsorship lending model, MPS typically originates loans and sells (without recourse) the resulting receivables to third party investors.  In portfolio lending, the Company retains some or all receivables and relies on the borrower as the underlying source of repayment.

Consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower's continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances.

The Company monitors concentrations of credit that may naturally occur and may take the form of a large volume of related loans to an individual, a specific industry, a geographic location or an occupation.

Commercial Operating Lending.  The Company also originates commercial operating loans.  Most of the Company's commercial operating loans have been extended to finance local and regional businesses and include short-term loans to finance machinery and equipment purchases, inventory and accounts receivable.  Commercial loans also involve the extension of revolving credit for a combination of equipment acquisitions and working capital in expanding companies.

The maximum term for loans extended on machinery and equipment is based on the projected useful life of such machinery and equipment.  Generally, the maximum term on non-mortgage lines of credit is one year.  The loan-to-value ratio on such loans and lines of credit generally may not exceed 80% of the value of the collateral securing the loan.  The Company's commercial operating lending policy includes credit file documentation and analysis of the borrower's character, capacity to repay the loan, the adequacy of the borrower's capital and collateral as well as an evaluation of conditions affecting the borrower.  Analysis of the borrower's past, present and future cash flows is also an important aspect of the Company's current credit analysis.

Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from his or her employment and other income and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial operating loans typically are made on the basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower's business.  As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial operating loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself (which, in turn, is likely to be dependent upon the general economic environment).  The Company's commercial operating loans are usually, but not always, secured by business assets and personal guarantees.  However, the collateral securing the loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.  Commercial operating loans have been a declining percentage of the Company's loan portfolio since 2005.

Generally, when a loan becomes delinquent 90 days or more or when the collection of principal or interest becomes doubtful, the Company will place the loan on a non-accrual status and, as a result of this action, previously accrued interest income on the loan is deducted from interest income.  The loan will remain on non-accrual status until the loan has been brought current or until other circumstances occur that provide adequate assurance of full repayment of interest and principal.

Past due loans at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 are as follows:

March 31, 2012	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days  Past Due		Greater Than 90 Days		Total Past  Due		Current		Non-Accrual Loans		Total Loans Receivable
Residential 1-4 Family	$	93	$	-	$	-	$	93	$	39,681	$	76	$	39,850
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		46		-		-		46		188,288		6,288		194,622
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-		21,087		-		21,087
Consumer		14		-		55		69		34,600		-		34,669
Commercial Operating		-		-		-		-		12,559		23		12,582
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-		22,041		-		22,041
Total	$	153	$	-	$	55	$	208	$	318,256	$	6,387	$	324,851
September 30, 2011
Residential 1-4 Family	$	51	$	30	$	-	$	81	$	33,920	$	127	$	34,128
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		2,460		-		-		2,460		178,929		13,025		194,414
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-		20,320		-		20,320
Consumer		26		14		24		64		32,354		-		32,418
Commercial Operating		-		-		-		-		14,925		30		14,955
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-		21,200		-		21,200
Total	$	2,537	$	44	$	24	$	2,605	$	301,648	$	13,182	$	317,435

Impaired loans at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 are as follows:

	Recorded Balance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Specific Allowance		Average Investment in Impaired Loans		Interest Income  Recognized
March 31, 2012
Loans without a specific valuation allowance
Residential 1-4 Family	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		-		-		-		-		-
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-		-
Consumer		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial Operating		-		-		-		-		-
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Loans with a specific valuation allowance
Residential 1-4 Family	$	76	$	116	$	8	$	133	$	-
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		14,578		20,014		1,513		12,739		-
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		280		-
Consumer		-		-		-		10		-
Commercial Operating		84		127		8		73		-
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	14,738	$	20,257	$	1,529	$	13,235	$	-

	Recorded Balance		Unpaid Principal  Balance		Specific Allowance		Average Investment in Impaired Loans		Interest Income Recognized
September 30, 2011
Loans without a specific valuation allowance
Residential 1-4 Family	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		-		-		-		-		-
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-		-
Consumer		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial Operating		-		-		-		-		-
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Loans with a specific valuation allowance
Residential 1-4 Family	$	127	$	172	$	1	$	117	$	-
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		13,025		18,427		1,845		9,306		-
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		1,176		-
Consumer		-		-		-		36		-
Commercial Operating		30		45		3		109		-
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		80		-
Total	$	13,182	$	18,644	$	1,849	$	10,824	$	-

The Company's troubled debt restructurings ("TDR") (which involved forgiving a portion of interest or principal on any loans or making loans at a rate materially less than that of market rates) are included in the below table.Loans modified in a TDR during the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012						For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance		Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance
Residential 1-4 Family		-	$	-	$	-		-	$	-	$	-
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		-		-		-		3		3,552		3,552
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-		-		-
Consumer		-		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial Operating		-		-		-		1		34		34
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total		-	$	-	$	-		4	$	3,586	$	3,586

	For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2012						For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance		Number of  Loans		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Balance
Residential 1-4 Family		-	$	-	$	-		-	$	-	$	-
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		-		-		-		3		3,552		3,552
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-		-		-
Consumer		-		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial Operating		-		-		-		1		34		34
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total		-	$	-	$	-		4	$	3,586	$	3,586

The following table provides information on TDR loans for which there was a payment default during the three month period ending March 31, 2012 and 2011, that had been modified during the 12-month period prior to the default:

	With Payment Defaults During the Following Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
	Number of Loans		Recorded  Investment		Number of Loans		Recorded Investment
Residential 1-4 Family		-	$	-		-	$	-
Commercial Real Estate and Multi Family		-		-		-		-
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-
Consumer		-		-		-		-
Commercial Operating		-		-		-		-
Agricultural Operating		-		-		-		-
Total		-	$	-		-	$	-

XML

REGULATORY MATTERS AND SETTLEMENT OF OTS ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

REGULATORY MATTERS AND SETTLEMENT OF OTS ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS [Abstract]

REGULATORY MATTERS AND SETTLEMENT OF OTS ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

NOTE 12. REGULATORY MATTERS AND SETTLEMENT OF OTS ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

As previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, on July 15, 2011, the Company and the Bank each stipulated and consented to a Cease and Desist Order (the "Consent Orders") issued by the Office of Thrift Supervision (the "OTS").  Since the issuance of the supervisory directives and the Consent Orders, the Company and the Bank have been continuing to cooperate with the OTS, and, as of July 21, 2011, its successors, the Federal Reserve and the OCC, to correct those aspects of its operations that were addressed in the Consent Orders.  Management of the Company and the Bank believe they have already made substantial progress. The Company and the Bank have completed many of the items in the Consent Orders and expect to complete substantially all of the required actions in the Consent Orders by their respective deadline dates.  Notwithstanding our belief as to substantial progress, we are currently undergoing an examination by our new regulator, the OCC, and we can provide no assurances as to whether the OCC will concur with our belief or what actions will be taken by the OCC if it does not so concur.  Failure to conform to the requirements of the Consent Orders or the expectations of our regulators could result in material adverse consequences for the Company and the Bank.