Basis of Presentation (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

The interim unaudited 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 December 31, 2016, included in the Form 10-K of Heartland Financial USA, Inc. ("Heartland") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 1, 2017. Footnote disclosures to the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements which would substantially duplicate the disclosure contained in the footnotes to the audited consolidated financial statements have been omitted.

The financial information of Heartland included herein has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 September 30, 2017, are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is determined using net income available to common stockholders and weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares and assumed incremental common shares issued.

Stock-Based Compensation

Heartland may grant, through its Nominating and Compensation Committee (the "Compensation Committee"), non-qualified and incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, restricted stock, restricted stock units and cash incentive awards, under its 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan was originally approved by stockholders in May 2012 and was amended effective March 8, 2016, to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance and make certain other changes to the Plan. As of September 30, 2017, 499,656 shares of common stock were available for issuance under future awards that may be granted under the Plan to employees and directors of, and service providers to, Heartland or its subsidiaries.

Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718, "Compensation-Stock Compensation" requires the measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based upon the fair value of the award on the grant date. The cost of the award is based upon its fair value estimated on the date of grant and recognized in the consolidated statements of income over the vesting period of the award. The fair market value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is based on the fair value of the underlying shares of common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.

The amount of tax benefit related to the exercise, vesting and forfeiture of equity-based awards reflected as a tax benefit in Heartland's income tax expense was $1.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017, $1.1 million of tax benefit related to the exercise, vesting and forfeiture of equity based awards was reflected in additional paid-in-capital during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Restricted Stock Units

The Plan permits the Compensation Committee to grant restricted stock units ("RSUs"). In the first quarter of 2017, the Compensation Committee granted time-based RSUs with respect to 55,665 shares of common stock, and in the first quarter of 2016, the Compensation Committee granted time-based RSUs with respect to 72,644 shares of common stock to selected officers and employees. The time-based RSUs represent the right, without payment, to receive shares of Heartland common stock on a specified future date in three equal installments starting in the year following the initial grant. The time-based RSUs will be settled in common stock upon vesting, and will not be entitled to dividends until vested. The time-based RSUs may also vest upon death or disability, upon a change in control or upon a "qualified retirement" (as defined in the RSU agreement). The retiree is required to sign a non-solicitation agreement as a condition to vesting.

In addition to the time-based RSUs referenced in the preceding paragraph, the Compensation Committee granted performance-based RSUs with respect to 27,570 shares of common stock in the first quarter of 2017, and 35,516 shares of common stock in the first quarter of 2016. These performance-based RSUs are earned based on satisfaction of performance targets for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively, and then fully vest on a specified date in the third calendar year following the year of the initial grant. The performance-based RSUs vest to the extent that they are earned upon death or disability, upon a change in control or upon a "qualified retirement."

The Compensation Committee also granted three-year performance-based RSUs with respect to 9,032 shares of common stock in the first quarter of 2017, and 11,408 shares of common stock in the first quarter of 2016. These performance-based RSUs will be earned based on satisfaction of performance targets for the three-year performance period ended December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively. These performance-based RSUs or a portion thereof may vest in 2020 and 2019, respectively, after measurement of performance in relation to the performance targets.

Upon death, disability, or a "qualified retirement," all performance-based RSUs granted in 2016 remain outstanding and are earned based on actual performance at the end of each performance period. All RSUs granted on or after March 8, 2016, become fully vested upon a change in control if (1) they are not assumed by the successor corporation or (2) upon an involuntary termination of the participant's employment within two years after the change in control.

The Compensation Committee may grant RSUs under the Plan to directors as part of their compensation, to new management level employees at commencement of employment, and to other employees and service providers as incentives.

Subsequent Events

Heartland has evaluated subsequent events that may require recognition or disclosure through the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the SEC.

Effect of New Financial Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The amendment clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard. The amendment outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” In applying the revenue model to contracts within its scope, an entity should apply the following steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The new guidance does not apply to certain contracts within the scope of other ASC Topics, such as lease contracts, insurance contracts, financing arrangements, financial instruments, guarantees other than product or service warranties and nonmonetary exchanges between entities in the same line of business to facilitate sales to customers. Heartland continues to evaluate noninterest income contracts affected by the new guidance by analyzing contracts and current accounting practices to determine if a change is appropriate. The amendment is largely consistent with existing guidance and current practices. Heartland intends to adopt the accounting standard in 2018, as required, which may require a change in the recognition of certain recurring revenue streams within trust and investment management fees; however, Heartland's preliminary analysis suggests the adoption of these amendments are not expected to have a significant effect on Heartland's results of operations, financial position and liquidity other than expanded disclosure requirements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." The amendments in ASU 2016-01 to Subtopic 825-10, Financial Instruments, make the following changes: (1) require equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (2) simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment; (3) eliminate the requirement for public entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; (4) require public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (5) require an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments; (6) require separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or accompanying notes to the financial statements; (7) clarify that the entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available for sale securities in combination with the entity's other deferred tax assets. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Except for the early application of the amendment noted in item (5) above, early adoption of the amendments in this update is not permitted. Heartland intends to adopt the accounting standard in 2018, as required, and is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." Topic 842 requires a lessee to recognize leases on its balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard establishes a right-of-use model (ROU) that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as financing or operating, with such classification affecting the categorization of expense recognition in the income statement. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and will be applied on a modified retrospective basis. Heartland leases certain properties and equipment under operating leases that will result in recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets under this ASU; however the majority of Heartland's properties and equipment are owned and not leased. Heartland intends to adopt the accounting standard in 2019 as required.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718)." The amendments in this ASU simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payments, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption was permitted for any interim or annual period prior to the effective date. Heartland adopted this ASU on January 1, 2017, as required, using a prospective transition method. The requirement to report the excess tax benefit or shortfall related to settlements of share-based payment awards in earnings as an increase or decrease to tax expense has been applied to settlements occurring on or after January 1, 2017, and the impact of applying the guidance reduced reported income tax expense by $1.1 million.

ASU 2016-09 also requires that all income tax related cash flows resulting from share-based payments be reported as an operating activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Previously income tax benefits resulting from the settlement of a share-based award were reported as a reduction of operating cash flows and an increase to financing cash flows to the extent that those benefits exceeded the income tax benefits reported in earnings during the period in which the share-based awards vested. Heartland elected to adopt the change in cash flow classification on a retrospective basis, which resulted in a $1.1 million increase to net cash from operating activities and a corresponding decrease to net cash from financing activities in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Heartland has elected to account for forfeitures as they occur.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)." The amendments in this ASU require a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The amendments in this ASU indicate that an entity should not use the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position to avoid recording a credit loss. In addition, in determining whether a credit loss exists, the amendments in this ASU also remove the requirements to consider the historical and implied volatility of the fair value of a security and recoveries or declines in fair value after the balance sheet date. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Heartland intends to adopt the accounting standard in 2020, as required. Heartland has formed a committee to review the standard, understand the potential impact of this guidance on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity, and oversee the implementation of the standard.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." The amendments in this update address eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity adopts the amendments early in an interim period, any adjustments must be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes the interim period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. The amendments in this update must be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. Heartland intends to adopt this ASU in 2018, as required, and is currently evaluating the potential impact on its results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Intra-Entity Transfer of Assets Other Than Inventory." The amendment requires an entity to recognize income tax consequences on an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory at the time the transaction occurs. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments must be applied using a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Heartland intends to adopt this ASU in 2018, as required, and the adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a significant effect on Heartland's results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)." This amendment is to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating step two from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, an entity will perform only step one of its quantitative goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and then recognizing the impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value; however, the loss recognized cannot exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An entity will still have the option to perform a qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative step one impairment test is necessary. This amendment is effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted, including in an interim period for impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. Heartland intends to adopt this ASU in the third quarter of 2020, consistent with the annual impairment test as of September 30, 2020, and is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, "Receivables - Nonrefundable Fee and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20)." These amendments shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount. Discounts continue to be amortized to maturity. These amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If any entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments must be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes the interim period. The amendments must be applied on a modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Heartland intends to adopt this ASU in 2019, as required, and is currently evaluating the potential impact on its results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)." The amendments provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless all the following are met; (1) the fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if such an alternative measurement method is used) of the modified award is the same as the fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if such an alternative measurement method is used) of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. If the modification does not affect any of the inputs to the valuation technique that the entity uses to value the award, the entity is not required to estimate the value immediately before and after the modification; (2) the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the vesting conditions of the original award immediately before the original award is modified; (3) the classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. The amendments are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim periods for public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The amendments should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. Heartland intends to adopt this ASU in 2018, as required, and does not believe there will be a material impact to its results of operations, financial position, and liquidity because Heartland has not typically modified share-based payment awards after the original award has been granted.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging:Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities." The purpose of this updated guidance is to better align a company’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. ASU 2017-12 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, permitted. ASU 2017-12 requires a modified retrospective transition method in which Heartland will recognize the cumulative effect of the change on the opening balance of each affected component of equity in the statement of financial position as of the date of adoption. Heartland currently intends to adopt this ASU in 2019, as required, and does not believe there will be a material impact to its results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.

Fair Value Hierarchy

Under ASC 820, assets and liabilities are grouped at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

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

Level 3 — Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect 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.

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis.

Assets

Securities Available for Sale and Held to Maturity

Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Securities held to maturity are generally recorded at cost and are recorded at fair value only to the extent a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security's credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury securities. Level 2 securities include U.S. government and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities and private collateralized mortgage obligations, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Level 3 securities consisted primarily of Z-TRANCHE mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt securities. On a quarterly basis, a secondary independent pricing service is used for the securities portfolio to validate the pricing from Heartland's primary pricing service.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis. The fair value of loans held for sale is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. As such, Heartland classifies loans held for sale subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2.

Loans Held to Maturity

Heartland does not record loans held to maturity at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with ASC 310. The fair value of impaired loans is measured using one of the following impairment methods: 1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or 2) the observable market price of the loan or 3) the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. In accordance with ASC 820, impaired loans measured at fair value are classified as nonrecurring Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Premises, Furniture and Equipment Held for Sale

Heartland values premises, furniture and equipment held for sale based on third-party appraisals less estimated disposal costs. Heartland considers third party appraisals, as well as independent fair value assessments from Realtors or persons involved in selling bank premises, furniture and equipment, in determining the fair value of particular properties. Accordingly, the valuation of premises, furniture and equipment held for sale is subject to significant external and internal judgment. Heartland periodically reviews premises, furniture and equipment held for sale to determine if the fair value of the property, less disposal costs, has declined below its recorded book value and records any adjustments accordingly. Premises, furniture and equipment held for sale are classified as nonrecurring Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Mortgage servicing rights assets represent the value associated with servicing residential real estate loans that have been sold to outside investors with servicing retained. Heartland uses the amortization method (i.e., the lower of amortized cost or estimated fair value measured on a nonrecurring basis), not fair value measurement accounting, to determine the carrying value of its mortgage servicing rights. The fair value for servicing assets is determined through discounted cash flow analysis and utilizes discount rates, prepayment speeds and delinquency rate assumptions as inputs. All of the assumptions in the discounted cash flow analysis require a significant degree of management estimation and judgment. Mortgage servicing rights are subject to impairment testing. The carrying values of these rights are reviewed quarterly for impairment based upon the calculation of fair value as performed by an outside third party. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified into certain risk characteristics including note type and note term. If the valuation model reflects a fair value less than the carrying value, mortgage servicing rights are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance. Heartland classifies mortgage servicing rights as nonrecurring with Level 3 measurement inputs.

Commercial Servicing Rights

Commercial servicing rights assets represent the value associated with servicing commercial loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture that have been sold with servicing retained by Heartland. Heartland uses the amortization method (i.e., the lower of amortized cost or estimated fair value measured on a nonrecurring basis), not fair value measurement accounting, to determine the carrying value of its commercial servicing rights. The fair value for servicing assets is determined through market prices for comparable servicing contracts, when available, or through a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. Inputs utilized include discount rates, prepayment speeds and delinquency rate assumptions as inputs. All of these assumptions require a significant degree of management estimation and judgment. Commercial servicing rights are subject to impairment testing, and the carrying values of these rights are reviewed quarterly for impairment based upon the calculation of fair value as performed by an outside third party. If the valuation model reflects a fair value less than the carrying value, commercial servicing rights are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance. Heartland classifies commercial servicing rights as nonrecurring with Level 3 measurement inputs.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Heartland's current interest rate risk strategy includes interest rate swaps. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, Heartland incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty's nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, Heartland has considered the impact of netting any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.

Although Heartland has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, Heartland has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, Heartland has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Interest rate lock commitments

Heartland uses an internal valuation model that relies on internally developed inputs to estimate the fair value of its interest rate lock commitments which is based on unobservable inputs that reflect management's assumptions and specific information about each borrower. Interest rate lock commitments are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Forward commitments

The fair value of forward commitments are estimated using an internal valuation model, which includes current trade pricing for similar financial instruments in active markets that Heartland has the ability to access and are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned ("OREO") represents property acquired through foreclosures and settlements of loans. Property acquired is carried at the fair value of the property at the time of acquisition (representing the property's cost basis), plus any acquisition costs, or the estimated fair value of the property, less disposal costs. Heartland considers third party appraisals, as well as independent fair value assessments from realtors or persons involved in selling OREO, in determining the fair value of particular properties. Accordingly, the valuation of OREO is subject to significant external and internal judgment. Heartland periodically reviews OREO to determine if the fair value of the property, less disposal costs, has declined below its recorded book value and records any adjustments accordingly. OREO is classified as nonrecurring Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.