10-Q 1 form10q.htm META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC 10-Q 12-31-2014

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2014
☐ 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.)

5501 South Broadband Lane, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57108
(Address of principal executive offices)
(605) 782-1767
(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 ☒ NO ☐
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 ☒ NO ☐.
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 ☐ Accelerated filer ☒ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller Reporting Company ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ YES ☒ 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 February 2, 2015:
Common Stock, $.01 par value |  | 6,421,218 Common Shares

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
FORM 10-Q
Table of Content

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 2
| Item 1. | Financial Statements | 2
|  | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 | 2
|  | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 | 3
|  | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 | 4
|  | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 | 5
|  | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 | 6
|  | Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | 7
| Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 40
| Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk | 52
| Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 56
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION | 57
| Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 57
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 57
| Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 58
| Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 58
| Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 58
| Item 5. | Other Information | 58
| Item 6. | Exhibits | 58
SIGNATURES | 59

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. | Financial Statements

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

ASSETS |  | December 31, 2014 |  |  | September 30, 2014 |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 52,470 |  |  | $ | 29,832 |
Investment securities available for sale |  |  | 470,997 |  |  |  | 482,346 |
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale |  |  | 577,460 |  |  |  | 657,870 |
Investment securities held to maturity |  |  | 232,531 |  |  |  | 212,899 |
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity |  |  | 70,784 |  |  |  | 70,034 |
Loans receivable - net of allowance for loan losses of $5,225 at December 31, 2014 and $5,397 at September 30, 2014 |  |  | 590,442 |  |  |  | 493,007 |
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, at cost |  |  | 5,685 |  |  |  | 21,245 |
Accrued interest receivable |  |  | 12,397 |  |  |  | 11,222 |
Insurance receivable |  |  | - |  |  |  | 269 |
Premises, furniture, and equipment, net |  |  | 17,607 |  |  |  | 16,462 |
Bank-owned life insurance |  |  | 35,755 |  |  |  | 35,469 |
Foreclosed real estate and repossessed assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | 15 |
Goodwill |  |  | 11,578 |  |  |  | - |
Intangible assets |  |  | 10,709 |  |  |  | 2,588 |
Prepaid assets |  |  | 9,003 |  |  |  | 9,495 |
Deferred taxes |  |  | 4,566 |  |  |  | 6,591 |
MPS accounts receivable |  |  | 4,487 |  |  |  | 3,935 |
Other assets |  |  | 1,592 |  |  |  | 752 |
Total assets |  | $ | 2,108,063 |  |  | $ | 2,054,031 |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
LIABILITIES |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non-interest-bearing checking |  | $ | 1,586,382 |  |  | $ | 1,126,715 |
Interest-bearing checking |  |  | 35,843 |  |  |  | 37,188 |
Savings deposits |  |  | 27,775 |  |  |  | 27,610 |
Money market deposits |  |  | 38,476 |  |  |  | 40,475 |
Time certificates of deposit |  |  | 100,403 |  |  |  | 134,553 |
Total deposits |  |  | 1,788,879 |  |  |  | 1,366,541 |
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank |  |  | 7,000 |  |  |  | 7,000 |
Federal funds purchased |  |  | 81,000 |  |  |  | 470,000 |
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase |  |  | 14,221 |  |  |  | 10,411 |
Subordinated debentures |  |  | 10,310 |  |  |  | 10,310 |
Accrued interest payable |  |  | 255 |  |  |  | 318 |
Contingent liability |  |  | 331 |  |  |  | 331 |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |  |  | 22,384 |  |  |  | 14,318 |
Total liabilities |  |  | 1,924,380 |  |  |  | 1,879,229 |
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Preferred stock, 3,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Common stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, 6,231,640 and 6,213,979 shares issued, 6,211,390 and 6,169,604 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively |  |  | 62 |  |  |  | 62 |
Additional paid-in capital |  |  | 95,816 |  |  |  | 95,079 |
Retained earnings |  |  | 86,587 |  |  |  | 83,797 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  | 1,528 |  |  |  | (3,409 | )
Treasury stock, 20,250 and 44,375 common shares, at cost, at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively |  |  | (310 | ) |  |  | (727 | )
Total stockholders’ equity |  |  | 183,683 |  |  |  | 174,802 |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |  | $ | 2,108,063 |  |  | $ | 2,054,031 |

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

|  | Three Months Ended December 31, |
|  | 2014 |  |  | 2013 |
Interest and dividend income: |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans receivable, including fees |  | $ | 6,396 |  |  | $ | 4,471 |
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 3,824 |  |  |  | 3,683 |
Other investments |  |  | 4,012 |  |  |  | 3,008 |
|  |  | 14,232 |  |  |  | 11,162 |
Interest expense: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deposits |  |  | 232 |  |  |  | 273 |
FHLB advances and other borrowings |  |  | 429 |  |  |  | 376 |
|  |  | 661 |  |  |  | 649 |
Net interest income |  |  | 13,571 |  |  |  | 10,513 |
Provision (recovery) for loan losses |  |  | 48 |  |  |  | - |
Net interest income after provision for loan losses |  |  | 13,523 |  |  |  | 10,513 |
Non-interest income: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Card fees |  |  | 13,089 |  |  |  | 12,893 |
Loan fees |  |  | 314 |  |  |  | 207 |
Bank-owned life insurance |  |  | 286 |  |  |  | 289 |
Deposit fees |  |  | 156 |  |  |  | 157 |
Gain (loss) on sale of securities available for sale, net (Includes ($1,260) and ($1) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for net gains (losses) on available for sale securities for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively) |  |  | (1,260 | ) |  |  | (1 | )
Gain (loss) on foreclosed real estate |  |  | 26 |  |  |  | 3 |
Other income |  |  | 63 |  |  |  | 39 |
Total non-interest income |  |  | 12,674 |  |  |  | 13,587 |
Non-interest expense: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensation and benefits |  |  | 10,531 |  |  |  | 8,951 |
Card processing |  |  | 4,696 |  |  |  | 4,245 |
Occupancy and equipment |  |  | 2,603 |  |  |  | 2,051 |
Legal and consulting |  |  | 1,221 |  |  |  | 1,383 |
Data processing |  |  | 350 |  |  |  | 334 |
Marketing |  |  | 304 |  |  |  | 220 |
Other expense |  |  | 2,708 |  |  |  | 1,877 |
Total non-interest expense |  |  | 22,413 |  |  |  | 19,061 |
Income before income tax expense |  |  | 3,784 |  |  |  | 5,039 |
Income tax expense (Includes ($457) and $0 income tax expense reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively) |  |  | 189 |  |  |  | 1,037 |
Net income |  | $ | 3,595 |  |  | $ | 4,002 |
Earnings per common share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $ | 0.58 |  |  | $ | 0.66 |
Diluted |  | $ | 0.58 |  |  | $ | 0.65 |

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)

|  | Three Months Ended December 31, |
|  | 2014 |  |  | 2013 |
Net income |  | $ | 3,595 |  |  | $ | 4,002 |
Other comprehensive income (loss): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities |  |  | 6,512 |  |  |  | (6,541 | )
Losses (gains) realized in net income |  |  | 1,260 |  |  |  | 1 |
|  |  | 7,772 |  |  |  | (6,540 | )
Deferred income tax effect |  |  | 2,835 |  |  |  | (2,332 | )
Total other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  | 4,937 |  |  |  | (4,208 | )
Total comprehensive income (loss) |  | $ | 8,532 |  |  | $ | (206 | )

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

|  | Common Stock |  |  | Additional Paid-in Capital |  |  | Retained Earnings |  |  | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |  |  | Treasury Stock |  |  | Total Stockholders’ Equity |
Balance, September 30, 2013 |  | $ | 61 |  |  | $ | 92,963 |  |  | $ | 71,268 |  |  | $ | (20,285 | ) |  | $ | (1,023 | ) |  | $ | 142,984 |
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.13 per share) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (792 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (792 | )
Issuance of common shares from the sales of equity securities |  |  | - |  |  |  | (47 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (47 | )
Issuance of common shares due to issuance of stock options and restricted stock |  |  | - |  |  |  | 401 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 296 |  |  |  | 697 |
Stock compensation |  |  | - |  |  |  | 2 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 2 |
Net change in unrealized losses on securities, net of income taxes |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (4,208 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (4,208 | )
Net income |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,002 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,002 |
Balance, December 31, 2013 |  | $ | 61 |  |  | $ | 93,319 |  |  | $ | 74,478 |  |  | $ | (24,493 | ) |  | $ | (727 | ) |  | $ | 142,638 |
Balance, September 30, 2014 |  | $ | 62 |  |  | $ | 95,079 |  |  | $ | 83,797 |  |  | $ | (3,409 | ) |  | $ | (727 | ) |  | $ | 174,802 |
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.13 per share) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (805 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (805 | )
Issuance of common shares from the sales of equity securities |  |  | - |  |  |  | 279 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 279 |
Issuance of common shares due to issuance of stock options and restricted stock |  |  | - |  |  |  | 18 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 417 |  |  |  | 435 |
Stock compensation |  |  | - |  |  |  | 440 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 440 |
Net change in unrealized losses on securities, net of income taxes |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,937 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,937 |
Net income |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,595 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,595 |
Balance, December 31, 2014 |  | $ | 62 |  |  | $ | 95,816 |  |  | $ | 86,587 |  |  | $ | 1,528 |  |  | $ | (310 | ) |  | $ | 183,683 |

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)

|  | Three Months Ended December 31, |
|  | 2014 |  |  | 2013 |
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income |  | $ | 3,595 |  |  | $ | 4,002 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net |  |  | 5,702 |  |  |  | 4,446 |
Provision (recovery) for loan losses |  |  | 48 |  |  |  | - |
Provision (recovery) for deferred taxes |  |  | (810 | ) |  |  | (492 | )
(Gain) loss on other assets |  |  | (526 | ) |  |  | (29 | )
(Gain) loss on sale of securities available for sale, net |  |  | 1,260 |  |  |  | 1 |
Capital lease interest expense |  |  | (32 | ) |  |  | - |
Net change in accrued interest receivable |  |  | (1,175 | ) |  |  | (1,081 | )
Net change in other assets |  |  | (719 | ) |  |  | (1,687 | )
Net change in accrued interest payable |  |  | (63 | ) |  |  | (41 | )
Net change in accrued expenses and other liabilities |  |  | 3,638 |  |  |  | (1,598 | )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |  |  | 10,918 |  |  |  | 3,521 |
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Purchase of securities available for sale |  |  | (105,864 | ) |  |  | (122,273 | )
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale |  |  | 175,362 |  |  |  | 4,596 |
Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments of securities available for sale |  |  | 24,691 |  |  |  | 19,905 |
Purchase of securities held to maturity |  |  | (22,643 | ) |  |  | (7,410 | )
Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments of securities held to maturity |  |  | 1,768 |  |  |  | 1,430 |
Purchase of bank owned life insurance |  |  | - |  |  |  | (500 | )
Loans purchased |  |  | - |  |  |  | (250 | )
Loans sold |  |  | (102 | ) |  |  | - |
Net change in loans receivable |  |  | (23,260 | ) |  |  | (21,800 | )
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed real estate |  |  | (78 | ) |  |  | - |
Net cash paid for acquisition |  |  | (92,308 | ) |  |  | - |
Federal Home Loan Bank stock purchases |  |  | (134,160 | ) |  |  | (114,600 | )
Federal Home Loan Bank stock redemptions |  |  | 149,720 |  |  |  | 112,800 |
Proceeds from the sale of premises and equipment |  |  | 2,096 |  |  |  | 39 |
Purchase of premises and equipment |  |  | (985 | ) |  |  | (471 | )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |  |  | (25,763 | ) |  |  | (128,534 | )
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net change in checking, savings, and money market deposits |  |  | 456,488 |  |  |  | 91,971 |
Net change in time deposits |  |  | (34,150 | ) |  |  | (26,120 | )
Proceeds from federal funds purchased |  |  | (389,000 | ) |  |  | 45,000 |
Net change in securities sold under agreements to repurchase |  |  | 3,809 |  |  |  | 6,103 |
Capital lease amortization |  |  | (13 | ) |  |  | - |
Cash dividends paid |  |  | (805 | ) |  |  | (791 | )
Stock compensation |  |  | 440 |  |  |  | 2 |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock |  |  | 714 |  |  |  | 650 |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |  |  | 37,483 |  |  |  | 116,815 |
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |  |  | 22,638 |  |  |  | (8,198 | )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |  |  | 29,832 |  |  |  | 40,063 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |  | $ | 52,470 |  |  | $ | 31,865 |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash paid during the period for: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest |  | $ | 724 |  |  | $ | 690 |
Income taxes |  |  | 1,706 |  |  |  | 1,205 |
Franchise taxes |  |  | 20 |  |  |  |  |
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity |  | $ | 310 |  |  | $ | - |
Sale leaseback |  |  | 2,259 |  |  |  | - |

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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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, 2014 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 12, 2014. Accordingly, footnote disclosures which would substantially duplicate the disclosures 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 three month period ended December 31, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ending September 30, 2015.

NOTE 2. | ACQUISITION

On December 2, 2014, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, MetaBank, purchased substantially all of the commercial loan portfolio and related assets of AFS/IBEX Financial Services, Inc. (“AFS/IBEX”), an insurance premium finance company based in Dallas, Texas. Following the acquisition, MetaBank established its AFS/IBEX division, which provides short-term, collateralized financing to facilitate the purchase of insurance for commercial property, casualty, and liability risk through a network of over 1,300 independent insurance agencies throughout the United States. In addition to its operations at the bank’s main office, the AFS/IBEX division has two agency offices, one in Dallas, Texas and one in southern California.
Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the aggregate purchase price, which was based upon the December 2, 2014 tangible book value of AFS/IBEX, was approximately $99.3 million, all of which was paid in cash. The Company acquired assets with approximate fair values of $6.9 million cash and cash equivalents, $74.1 million net loans receivable, $0.6 million other assets, $8.2 million intangible assets including customer relationships, trademark, and non-compete agreements, and $11.6 million goodwill. The Company also assumed liabilities of $2.2 million consisting of accrued expenses and other liabilities. All amounts are at estimated fair market values.
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The following table represents the approximate fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed of AFS/IBEX on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 2, 2014:

|  | As of December 2, 2014 |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Fair value of consideration paid |  |  |
Cash |  | $ | 99,255 |
Total consideration paid |  |  | 99,255 |
Fair value of assets acquired |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  |  | 6,947 |
Loans receivable, net |  |  | 74,120 |
Prepaid assets |  |  | 156 |
Furniture and equipment, net |  |  | 449 |
Intangible assets |  |  | 8,213 |
Other assets |  |  | 6 |
Total assets |  |  | 89,891 |
Fair value of liabilities assumed |  |  |  |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |  |  | 2,214 |
Total liabilities assumed |  |  | 2,214 |
Fair value of net assets acquired |  |  | 87,677 |
Goodwill resulting from acquisition |  | $ | 11,578 |

The Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the three-months ended December 31, 2014 includes the following Premium Finance activity resulting from the AFS/IBEX transaction for the period from December 2, 2014 through December 31, 2014:

|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Revenue |  | $ | 770 |
Net Income |  |  | 83 |

The AFS/IBEX transaction has been accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets and liabilities, both tangible and intangible, were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the transaction date. The Company made significant estimates and exercised judgment in estimating fair values and accounting for such acquired assets and liabilities.
The Company recognized goodwill of $11.6 million which is calculated as the excess of both the consideration exchanged and the liabilities assumed as compared to the fair value of identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill resulted from expected operational synergies, an enhanced market area, and expanded product lines and is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. See Note 12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on goodwill.
The Company incurred $0.4 million of pre-tax transaction related expenses during the first three months of 2015. The transaction expenses are reflected on the consolidated statement of operations primarily under legal and consulting.
Acquired loans were recorded at fair value based on a discounted cash flow valuation which considered default rates, loss given defaults, and recovery rates, among other things. No allowance for credit losses was recorded on December 2, 2014.
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NOTE 3. | CREDIT DISCLOSURES

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 appropriateness 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.
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.
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 is 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 homogenous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Such loans include premium finance loans, 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 210 days or more for premium finance loans and 90 days or more for other loan categories. Non-accrual loans and all troubled debt restructurings are considered impaired. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible.
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Loans receivable at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 are as follows:

|  | December 31, 2014 |  |  | September 30, 2014 |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
1-4 Family Real Estate |  | $ | 111,773 |  |  | $ | 116,395 |
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate |  |  | 251,022 |  |  |  | 224,302 |
Agricultural Real Estate |  |  | 58,193 |  |  |  | 56,071 |
Consumer |  |  | 33,796 |  |  |  | 29,329 |
Commercial Operating |  |  | 28,057 |  |  |  | 30,846 |
Agricultural Operating |  |  | 39,325 |  |  |  | 42,258 |
Premium Finance |  |  | 74,156 |  |  |  | - |
Total Loans Receivable |  |  | 596,322 |  |  |  | 499,201 |
Less: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Allowance for Loan Losses |  |  | (5,225 | ) |  |  | (5,397 | )
Net Deferred Loan Origination Fees |  |  | (655 | ) |  |  | (797 | )
Total Loans Receivable, Net |  | $ | 590,442 |  |  | $ | 493,007 |

Activity in the allowance for loan losses and balances of loans receivable by portfolio segment for the three month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

|  | 1-4 Family Real Estate |  |  | Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate |  |  | Agricultural Real Estate |  |  | Consumer |  |  | Commercial Operating |  |  | Agricultural Operating |  |  | Premium Finance |  |  | Unallocated |  |  | Total |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Allowance for loan losses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning balance |  | $ | 552 |  |  | $ | 1,575 |  |  | $ | 263 |  |  | $ | 78 |  |  | $ | 93 |  |  | $ | 719 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 2,117 |  |  | $ | 5,397 |
Provision (recovery) for loan losses |  |  | (40 | ) |  |  | (169 | ) |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | (0 | ) |  |  | (9 | ) |  |  | (89 | ) |  |  | 48 |  |  |  | 304 |  |  |  | 48 |
Loan charge offs |  |  | - |  |  |  | (214 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (17 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (231 | )
Recoveries |  |  | - |  |  |  | 6 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 11 |
Ending balance |  | $ | 512 |  |  | $ | 1,198 |  |  | $ | 266 |  |  | $ | 78 |  |  | $ | 85 |  |  | $ | 630 |  |  | $ | 35 |  |  | $ | 2,421 |  |  | $ | 5,225 |
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment |  |  | - |  |  |  | 310 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 296 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 606 |
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment |  |  | 512 |  |  |  | 888 |  |  |  | 266 |  |  |  | 78 |  |  |  | 85 |  |  |  | 334 |  |  |  | 35 |  |  |  | 2,421 |  |  |  | 4,619 |
Total |  | $ | 512 |  |  | $ | 1,198 |  |  | $ | 266 |  |  | $ | 78 |  |  | $ | 85 |  |  | $ | 630 |  |  | $ | 35 |  |  | $ | 2,421 |  |  | $ | 5,225 |
Loans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment |  |  | 348 |  |  |  | 1,427 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 20 |  |  |  | 296 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 2,091 |
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment |  |  | 111,425 |  |  |  | 249,595 |  |  |  | 58,193 |  |  |  | 33,796 |  |  |  | 28,037 |  |  |  | 39,029 |  |  |  | 74,156 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 594,231 |
Total |  | $ | 111,773 |  |  | $ | 251,022 |  |  | $ | 58,193 |  |  | $ | 33,796 |  |  | $ | 28,057 |  |  | $ | 39,325 |  |  | $ | 74,156 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 596,322 |

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|  | 1-4 Family Real Estate |  |  | Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate |  |  | Agricultural Real Estate |  |  | Consumer |  |  | Commercial Operating |  |  | Agricultural Operating |  |  | Premium Finance |  |  | Unallocated |  |  | Total |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Three Months Ended December 31, 2013 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Allowance for loan losses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning balance |  | $ | 333 |  |  | $ | 1,937 |  |  | $ | 112 |  |  | $ | 74 |  |  | $ | 49 |  |  | $ | 267 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 1,158 |  |  | $ | 3,930 |
Provision (recovery) for loan losses |  |  | 8 |  |  |  | (713 | ) |  |  | 12 |  |  |  | (2 | ) |  |  | 7 |  |  |  | (19 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | 707 |  |  |  | - |
Loan charge offs |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Recoveries |  |  | - |  |  |  | 328 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 328 |
Ending balance |  | $ | 341 |  |  | $ | 1,552 |  |  | $ | 124 |  |  | $ | 72 |  |  | $ | 56 |  |  | $ | 248 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 1,865 |  |  | $ | 4,258 |
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment |  |  | 25 |  |  |  | 421 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 446 |
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment |  |  | 316 |  |  |  | 1,131 |  |  |  | 124 |  |  |  | 72 |  |  |  | 56 |  |  |  | 248 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,865 |  |  |  | 3,812 |
Total |  | $ | 341 |  |  | $ | 1,552 |  |  | $ | 124 |  |  | $ | 72 |  |  | $ | 56 |  |  | $ | 248 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 1,865 |  |  | $ | 4,258 |
Loans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment |  |  | 678 |  |  |  | 8,417 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 41 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 9,136 |
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment |  |  | 91,524 |  |  |  | 195,829 |  |  |  | 33,774 |  |  |  | 27,895 |  |  |  | 18,255 |  |  |  | 31,008 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 398,285 |
Total |  | $ | 92,202 |  |  | $ | 204,246 |  |  | $ | 33,774 |  |  | $ | 27,895 |  |  | $ | 18,296 |  |  | $ | 31,008 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 407,421 |

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.” The loan classification and risk rating definitions are as follows:
Pass- A pass asset is of sufficient quality in terms of repayment, collateral and management to preclude a special mention or an adverse rating.
Watch- A watch asset is generally credit performing well under current terms and conditions but with identifiable weakness meriting additional scrutiny and corrective measures. Watch is not a regulatory classification but can be used to designate assets that are exhibiting one or more weaknesses that deserve management’s attention. These assets are of better quality than special mention assets.
Special Mention- Special mention assets are credits with potential weaknesses deserving management’s close attention and if left uncorrected, may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset. Special mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. Special mention is a temporary status with aggressive credit management required to garner adequate progress and move to watch or higher.
The adverse classifications are as follows:
Substandard- A substandard asset is inadequately protected by the net worth and/or repayment ability or by a weak collateral position. Assets so classified will have well-defined weaknesses creating a distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the weaknesses are not corrected. Loss potential does not have to exist for an asset to be classified as substandard.
Doubtful- A doubtful asset has weaknesses similar to those classified substandard, with the degree of weakness causing the likely loss of some principal in any reasonable collection effort. Due to pending factors the asset’s classification as loss is not yet appropriate.
Loss- A loss asset is considered uncollectible and of such little value that the asset’s continuance on the Bank’s balance sheet is no longer warranted. This classification does not necessarily mean an asset has no recovery or salvage value leaving room for future collection efforts.
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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 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 Company recognizes that concentrations of credit 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. Credit concentration is a direct, indirect, or contingent obligation that has a common bond where the aggregate exposure equals or exceeds a certain percentage of the Bank’s Tier 1 Capital plus the Allowance for Loan Losses.
The asset classification of loans at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 are as follows:

December 31, 2014 |  | 1-4 Family Real Estate |  |  | Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate |  |  | Agricultural Real Estate |  |  | Consumer |  |  | Commercial Operating |  |  | Agricultural Operating |  |  | Premium Finance |  |  | Total |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Pass |  | $ | 111,014 |  |  | $ | 248,129 |  |  | $ | 54,603 |  |  | $ | 33,796 |  |  | $ | 27,921 |  |  | $ | 30,554 |  |  | $ | 74,156 |  |  | $ | 580,173 |
Watch |  |  | 290 |  |  |  | 1,827 |  |  |  | 259 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 136 |  |  |  | 598 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,110 |
Special Mention |  |  | 224 |  |  |  | 95 |  |  |  | 1,562 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 62 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,943 |
Substandard |  |  | 245 |  |  |  | 971 |  |  |  | 1,769 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 8,111 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 11,096 |
Doubtful |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
|  | $ | 111,773 |  |  | $ | 251,022 |  |  | $ | 58,193 |  |  | $ | 33,796 |  |  | $ | 28,057 |  |  | $ | 39,325 |  |  | $ | 74,156 |  |  | $ | 596,322 |

September 30, 2014 |  | 1-4 Family Real Estate |  |  | Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate |  |  | Agricultural Real Estate |  |  | Consumer |  |  | Commercial Operating |  |  | Agricultural Operating |  |  | Premium Finance |  |  | Total |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Pass |  | $ | 115,700 |  |  | $ | 222,074 |  |  | $ | 52,364 |  |  | $ | 29,329 |  |  | $ | 30,709 |  |  | $ | 32,261 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 482,437 |
Watch |  |  | 369 |  |  |  | 852 |  |  |  | 273 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 137 |  |  |  | 369 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 2,000 |
Special Mention |  |  | 81 |  |  |  | 96 |  |  |  | 1,660 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 63 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,900 |
Substandard |  |  | 245 |  |  |  | 1,280 |  |  |  | 1,774 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 9,565 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 12,864 |
Doubtful |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
|  | $ | 116,395 |  |  | $ | 224,302 |  |  | $ | 56,071 |  |  | $ | 29,329 |  |  | $ | 30,846 |  |  | $ | 42,258 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 499,201 |

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 adjustable rate mortgage (“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.
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The Company currently offers five and ten year ARM loans. These loans have a fixed-rate for the stated period and, thereafter, 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 the Company’s cost of funds. The Company’s ARMs do not permit negative amortization of principal and are not convertible into fixed rate loans. The Company’s delinquency experience on its ARM loans has generally been similar to its experience on fixed-rate residential loans. The current low mortgage interest rate environment makes ARM loans relatively unattractive and very few are currently being 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. The Company typically holds all fixed-rate mortgage loans and does not engage in secondary market sales. Interest rates charged on these fixed-rate loans are competitively priced according to market conditions.
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, has purchased whole loan and participation interests in loans from other financial institutions. The purchased loans and loan participation interests are generally secured by properties primarily located in the Midwest and the 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 are underwritten with terms not exceeding 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 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. 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.
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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 five to ten years, which then balloon or adjust annually thereafter. In addition, such loans generally amortize over a period of 20 to 25 years. Fixed-rate agricultural real estate loans generally have terms up to ten 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. 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 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 futures 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 for the borrower 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 Company, through the auspices of its “Retail Bank”, originates 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 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, may be up to 90% 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. 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 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 Bank 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 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 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.
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Consumer Lending- Meta Payment Systems (“MPS”). MPS has a loan committee, known as the MPS Credit Committee, consisting of members of Executive Management of the Company. The committee is charged with monitoring, evaluating, and reporting portfolio performance and the overall credit risk posed by its credit products. All proposed credit programs must first be reviewed and approved by the committee before such programs are presented to the Bank’s Board of Directors for approval. The Board of Directors of the Bank is ultimately responsible for final approval of any credit program.
The Company believes that well-managed, nationwide credit programs can help meet legitimate credit needs for prime and sub-prime borrowers, and affords the Company an opportunity to diversify the loan portfolio and minimize earnings exposure due to economic downturns. Therefore, MPS designs and administers certain credit programs that seek to accomplish these objectives.
MPS strives to offer consumers innovative payment products, including credit products. Most credit products have fallen into the category of portfolio lending. MPS continues to work on new alternative portfolio lending products striving to serve its core customer base and provide unique and innovative lending solutions to the unbanked and under-banked segment.
A Portfolio Credit Policy which has been approved by the Board of Directors governs portfolio credit initiatives undertaken by MPS, whereby the Company retains some or all receivables and relies on the borrower as the underlying source of repayment. Several portfolio lending programs also have a contractual provision that requires the Bank to be indemnified for credit losses that meet or exceed predetermined levels. Such a program carries additional risks not commonly found in sponsorship programs, specifically funding and credit risk. Therefore, MPS has strived to employ policies, procedures, and information systems that it believes commensurate with the added risk and exposure.
The Company recognizes concentrations of credit 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. Credit concentration is a direct, indirect, or contingent obligation that has a common bond where the aggregate exposure equals or exceeds a certain percentage of the Bank’s Tier 1 Capital plus the Allowance for Loan Losses. The MPS Credit Committee monitors and identifies the credit concentrations in accordance with the Bank’s concentration policy and evaluates the specific nature of each concentration to determine the potential risk to the Bank. An evaluation includes the following:

| ● | A recommendation regarding additional controls needed to mitigate the concentration exposure.

| ● | A limitation or cap placed on the size of the concentration.

| ● | The potential necessity for increased capital and/or credit reserves to cover the increased risk caused by the concentration(s).

| ● | A strategy to reduce to acceptable levels those concentration(s) that are determined to create undue risk to the Bank.

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.
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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. Nonetheless, such loans are believed to carry higher credit risk than more traditional lending activities.
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.
Premium Finance Receivables. AFS/IBEX is a division of MetaBank that provides short-term, collateralized financing to facilitate the commercial customers’ purchase of insurance for various forms of risk otherwise known as insurance premium financing. This includes, but is not limited to, policies for commercial property, casualty, and liability risk. The AFS/IBEX division markets itself to the insurance community as a competitive option based on service, its reputation, competitive terms, cost and ease of operation.
Insurance premium financing is the business of extending credit to a policyholder to pay for insurance premiums when the insurance carrier requires payment in full at inception of coverage. Premiums are advanced either directly to the insurance carrier or through an intermediary/broker and repaid by the policyholder with interest during the policy term. The policyholder generally makes a 20% to 30% down payment to the insurance broker and finances the remainder over nine to ten months on average. The down payment is set such that if the policy is cancelled, the unearned premium is typically sufficient to cover the loan balance and accrued interest.
Due to the nature of collateral for commercial premium finance receivables, it customarily takes 60-150 days to convert the collateral into cash. In the event of default, AFS/IBEX, by statute and contract, has the power to cancel the insurance policy and establish a first position lien on the unearned portion of the premium from the insurance carrier. In the event of cancellation, the cash returned in payment of the unearned premium by the insurer should typically be sufficient to cover the receivable balance, the interest and other charges due. Due to notification requirements and processing time by most insurance carriers, many receivables will become delinquent beyond 90 days while the insurer is processing the return of the unearned premium. Management will continue to accrue interest until maturity as the unearned premium is ordinarily sufficient to pay-off the outstanding balance and contractual interest due.
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Past due loans at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 are as follows:

December 31, 2014 |  | 30-59 Days Past Due |  |  | 60-89 Days Past Due |  |  | Greater Than 90 Days |  |  | Total Past Due |  |  | Current |  |  | Non-Accrual Loans |  |  | Total Loans Receivable |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
1-4 Family Real Estate |  | $ | 2 |  |  | $ | 45 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 47 |  |  | $ | 111,481 |  |  | $ | 245 |  |  | $ | 111,773 |
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 250,050 |  |  |  | 972 |  |  |  | 251,022 |
Agricultural Real Estate |  |  | 1,081 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,081 |  |  |  | 57,112 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 58,193 |
Consumer |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 19 |  |  |  | 19 |  |  |  | 33,777 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 33,796 |
Commercial Operating |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | 28,054 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 28,057 |
Agricultural Operating |  |  | 7 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 7 |  |  |  | 39,022 |  |  |  | 296 |  |  |  | 39,325 |
Premium Finance |  |  | 805 |  |  |  | 293 |  |  |  | 592 |  |  |  | 1,690 |  |  |  | 72,466 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 74,156 |
Total |  | $ | 1,898 |  |  | $ | 338 |  |  | $ | 611 |  |  | $ | 2,847 |  |  | $ | 591,962 |  |  | $ | 1,513 |  |  | $ | 596,322 |
September 30, 2014 |  | 30-59 Days Past Due |  |  | 60-89 Days Past Due |  |  | Greater Than 90 Days |  |  | Total Past Due |  |  | Current |  |  | Non-Accrual Loans |  |  | Total Loans Receivable |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
1-4 Family Real Estate |  | $ | 111 |  |  | $ | 37 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 148 |  |  | $ | 115,966 |  |  | $ | 281 |  |  | $ | 116,395 |
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 223,990 |  |  |  | 312 |  |  |  | 224,302 |
Agricultural Real Estate |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 56,071 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 56,071 |
Consumer |  |  | 2 |  |  |  | 12 |  |  |  | 54 |  |  |  | 68 |  |  |  | 29,261 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 29,329 |
Commercial Operating |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 30,846 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 30,846 |
Agricultural Operating |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 41,918 |  |  |  | 340 |  |  |  | 42,258 |
Total |  | $ | 113 |  |  | $ | 49 |  |  | $ | 54 |  |  | $ | 216 |  |  | $ | 498,052 |  |  | $ | 933 |  |  | $ | 499,201 |

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 210 days or more for premium finance loans and 90 days or more for other loan categories. As of December 31, 2014, there were no Premium Finance loans greater than 210 days past due.
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Impaired loans at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 are as follows:

|  | Recorded Balance |  |  | Unpaid Principal Balance |  |  | Specific Allowance |
December 31, 2014 |  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Loans without a specific valuation allowance |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
1-4 Family Real Estate |  | $ | 348 |  |  | $ | 348 |  |  | $ | - |
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate |  |  | 455 |  |  |  | 455 |  |  |  | - |
Agricultural Real Estate |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Consumer |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Commercial Operating |  |  | 20 |  |  |  | 20 |  |  |  | - |
Agricultural Operating |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Premium Finance |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Total |  | $ | 823 |  |  | $ | 823 |  |  | $ | - |
Loans with a specific valuation allowance |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
1-4 Family Real Estate |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate |  |  | 972 |  |  |  | 1,186 |  |  |  | 310 |
Agricultural Real Estate |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Consumer |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Commercial Operating |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Agricultural Operating |  |  | 296 |  |  |  | 296 |  |  |  | 296 |
Premium Finance |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Total |  | $ | 1,268 |  |  | $ | 1,482 |  |  | $ | 606 |

|  | Recorded Balance |  |  | Unpaid Principal Balance |  |  | Specific Allowance |
September 30, 2014 |  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Loans without a specific valuation allowance |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
1-4 Family Real Estate |  | $ | 142 |  |  | $ | 142 |  |  | $ | - |
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate |  |  | 4,375 |  |  |  | 4,375 |  |  |  | - |
Agricultural Real Estate |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Consumer |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Commercial Operating |  |  | 22 |  |  |  | 22 |  |  |  | - |
Agricultural Operating |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Total |  | $ | 4,539 |  |  | $ | 4,539 |  |  | $ | - |
Loans with a specific valuation allowance |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
1-4 Family Real Estate |  | $ | 245 |  |  | $ | 245 |  |  | $ | 23 |
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate |  |  | 1,280 |  |  |  | 1,280 |  |  |  | 350 |
Agricultural Real Estate |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Consumer |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Commercial Operating |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Agricultural Operating |  |  | 340 |  |  |  | 340 |  |  |  | 340 |
Total |  | $ | 1,865 |  |  | $ | 1,865 |  |  | $ | 713 |

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The following table provides the average recorded investment in impaired loans for the three month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

|  | Three Months Ended December 31, |
|  | 2014 |  |  | 2013 |
|  | Average Recorded Investment |  |  | Average Recorded Investment |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
1-4 Family Real Estate |  | $ | 374 |  |  | $ | 653 |
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate |  |  | 4,246 |  |  |  | 7,228 |
Agricultural Real Estate |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Consumer |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Commercial Operating |  |  | 22 |  |  |  | 44 |
Agricultural Operating |  |  | 325 |  |  |  | - |
Premium Finance |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Total |  | $ | 4,967 |  |  | $ | 7,925 |

The Company’s troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) typically involve forgiving a portion of interest or principal on existing loans or making loans at a rate materially less than current market rates. There were no loans modified in a TDR during the three month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Additionally, there were no TDR loans for which there was a payment default during the three month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 that had been modified during the 12-month period prior to the default.
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NOTE 4. | ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

At December 31, 2014, the Company’s allowance for loan losses was $5.2 million, a decrease of $0.2 million from $5.4 million at September 30, 2014. During the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $48,000, solely related to newly originated AFS/IBEX premium finance loans. In addition, the Company had $0.2 million net charge offs for the three months ended December 31, 2014, compared to net recoveries of $0.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013.
The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses based on management’s evaluation of the risk inherent in its loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of its loan activity, including those loans which are being specifically monitored by management. Such evaluation, which includes a review of loans for which full collectability may not be reasonably assured, considers, among other matters, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, economic conditions, historical loan loss experience and other factors that warrant recognition in providing for an appropriate loan loss allowance.
Management closely monitors economic developments both regionally and nationwide, and considers these factors when assessing the appropriateness of its allowance for loan losses. While the current economic environment is still slightly strained, it has begun to show signs of improvement in Meta Financial’s markets. Meta Financial’s loss rates over the past three years were very low. Notwithstanding these signs of improvement, Meta Financial does not believe it is likely these low loss conditions will continue indefinitely. All of Meta Financial’s markets indirectly benefit from a good agricultural market. Loss rates in the agricultural real estate and agricultural operating loan portfolios have been minimal in the past three years. Management expects that future losses in this portfolio, which have been very low, could be higher than recent historical experience. Management believes the low commodity prices and high land rents have the potential to negatively impact the economics of our agricultural markets.
The allowance for loan losses established by MPS results from an estimation process that evaluates relevant characteristics of its credit portfolio. MPS also considers other internal and external environmental factors such as changes in operations or personnel and economic events that may affect the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. Adjustments to the allowance for loan losses are recorded periodically based on the result of this estimation process.
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 December 31, 2014, reflects an appropriate allowance against probable losses from the loan portfolio. Although the Company maintains its allowance for loan losses at a level 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. In addition, the Company’s determination of the allowance for loan losses is subject to review by the OCC, which can require the establishment of additional general or specific allowances.
Real estate properties acquired through foreclosure are recorded at fair value. If fair value at the date of foreclosure is lower than the balance of the related loan, the difference will be charged to the allowance for loan losses at the time of transfer. Valuations are periodically updated by management and, if the value declines, a specific provision for losses on such property is established by a charge to operations.
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NOTE 5. | EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is based on the net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Allocated Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) shares are considered outstanding for EPS calculations, as they are committed to be released; unallocated ESOP shares are not considered outstanding. All ESOP shares were allocated as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. Diluted EPS shows the dilutive effect of additional common shares issuable pursuant to stock option agreements.
A reconciliation of net income and common stock share amounts used in the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is presented below.

Three Months Ended December 31, |  | 2014 |  |  | 2013 |
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data) |  |  |  |  |  |
Earnings |  |  |  |  |  |
Net Income |  | $ | 3,595 |  |  | $ | 4,002 |
Basic EPS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted average common shares outstanding |  |  | 6,182,080 |  |  |  | 6,078,457 |
Less weighted average nonvested shares |  |  | (4,000 | ) |  |  | (4,247 | )
Weighted average common shares outstanding |  |  | 6,178,080 |  |  |  | 6,074,210 |
Earnings Per Common Share |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $ | 0.58 |  |  | $ | 0.66 |
Diluted EPS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share |  |  | 6,178,080 |  |  |  | 6,074,210 |
Add dilutive effect of assumed exercises of stock options, net of tax benefits |  |  | 61,276 |  |  |  | 96,738 |
Weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding |  |  | 6,239,356 |  |  |  | 6,170,948 |
Earnings Per Common Share |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Diluted |  | $ | 0.58 |  |  | $ | 0.65 |

Stock options totaling 29,199 and 30,899 were not considered in computing diluted EPS for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, because they were not dilutive.
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NOTE 6. | SECURITIES

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of available for sale and held to maturity securities at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 are presented below.

Available For Sale At December 31, 2014 |  | AMORTIZED COST |  |  | GROSS UNREALIZED GAINS |  |  | GROSS UNREALIZED (LOSSES) |  |  | FAIR VALUE |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Debt securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Trust preferred and corporate securities |  | $ | 23,684 |  |  | $ | 35 |  |  | $ | (2,905 | ) |  | $ | 20,814 |
Small business administration securities |  |  | 36,449 |  |  |  | 1,175 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 37,624 |
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions |  |  | 409,945 |  |  |  | 4,047 |  |  |  | (2,286 | ) |  |  | 411,706 |
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 578,196 |  |  |  | 2,982 |  |  |  | (3,718 | ) |  |  | 577,460 |
Total debt securities |  |  | 1,048,274 |  |  |  | 8,239 |  |  |  | (8,909 | ) |  |  | 1,047,604 |
Common equities and mutual funds |  |  | 544 |  |  |  | 315 |  |  |  | (6 | ) |  |  | 853 |
Total available for sale securities |  | $ | 1,048,818 |  |  | $ | 8,554 |  |  | $ | (8,915 | ) |  | $ | 1,048,457 |

At September 30, 2014 |  | AMORTIZED COST |  |  | GROSS UNREALIZED GAINS |  |  | GROSS UNREALIZED (LOSSES) |  |  | FAIR VALUE |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Debt securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Trust preferred and corporate securities |  | $ | 48,747 |  |  | $ | 191 |  |  | $ | (2,009 | ) |  | $ | 46,929 |
Small business administration securities |  |  | 66,541 |  |  |  | 543 |  |  |  | (72 | ) |  |  | 67,012 |
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions |  |  | 368,897 |  |  |  | 2,494 |  |  |  | (3,811 | ) |  |  | 367,580 |
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 663,690 |  |  |  | 3,519 |  |  |  | (9,339 | ) |  |  | 657,870 |
Total available for sale securities |  | $ | 1,147,875 |  |  | $ | 6,747 |  |  | $ | (15,231 | ) |  | $ | 1,139,391 |
Common equities and mutual funds |  | $ | 539 |  |  | $ | 291 |  |  | $ | (5 | ) |  | $ | 825 |
Total available for sale securities |  | $ | 1,148,414 |  |  | $ | 7,038 |  |  | $ | (15,236 | ) |  | $ | 1,140,216 |

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Held to Maturity At December 31, 2014 |  | AMORTIZED COST |  |  | GROSS UNREALIZED GAINS |  |  | GROSS UNREALIZED (LOSSES) |  |  | FAIR VALUE |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Debt securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Obligations of states and political subdivisions |  | $ | 19,292 |  |  | $ | 40 |  |  | $ | (264 | ) |  | $ | 19,068 |
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions |  |  | 213,239 |  |  |  | 1,365 |  |  |  | (1,096 | ) |  |  | 213,508 |
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 70,784 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (811 | ) |  |  | 69,973 |
Total held to maturity securities |  | $ | 303,315 |  |  | $ | 1,405 |  |  | $ | (2,171 | ) |  | $ | 302,549 |

At September 30, 2014 |  | AMORTIZED COST |  |  | GROSS UNREALIZED GAINS |  |  | GROSS UNREALIZED (LOSSES) |  |  | FAIR VALUE |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Debt securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Obligations of states and political subdivisions |  |  | 19,304 |  |  |  | 48 |  |  |  | (372 | ) |  |  | 18,980 |
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions |  |  | 193,595 |  |  |  | 894 |  |  |  | (2,329 | ) |  |  | 192,160 |
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 70,034 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,862 | ) |  |  | 68,172 |
Total held to maturity securities |  | $ | 282,933 |  |  | $ | 942 |  |  | $ | (4,563 | ) |  | $ | 279,312 |

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

At December 31, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issuer(1) |  | Amortized Cost |  |  | Fair Value |  |  | Unrealized Gain (Loss) |  |  | S&P Credit Rating |  |  | Moody's Credit Rating |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Key Corp. Capital I |  | $ | 4,986 |  |  | $ | 4,100 |  |  | $ | (886 | ) |  | BB+ |  |  | Baa3 |
Huntington Capital Trust II SE |  |  | 4,977 |  |  |  | 4,000 |  |  |  | (977 | ) |  | BB |  |  | Baa3 |
PNC Capital Trust |  |  | 4,963 |  |  |  | 4,200 |  |  |  | (763 | ) |  | BBB- |  |  | Baa2 |
Wells Fargo (Corestates Capital) Trust |  |  | 4,455 |  |  |  | 4,200 |  |  |  | (255 | ) |  | BBB+ |  |  | A3 |
Total |  | $ | 19,381 |  |  | $ | 16,500 |  |  | $ | (2,881 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

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

At September 30, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issuer(1) |  | Amortized Cost |  |  | Fair Value |  |  | Unrealized Gain (Loss) |  |  | S&P Credit Rating |  |  | Moody's Credit Rating |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Key Corp. Capital I |  | $ | 4,985 |  |  | $ | 4,400 |  |  | $ | (585 | ) |  | BB+ |  |  | Baa3 |
Huntington Capital Trust II SE |  |  | 4,977 |  |  |  | 4,300 |  |  |  | (677 | ) |  | BB |  |  | Baa3 |
PNC Capital Trust |  |  | 4,962 |  |  |  | 4,400 |  |  |  | (562 | ) |  | BBB- |  |  | Baa2 |
Wells Fargo (Corestates Capital) Trust |  |  | 4,444 |  |  |  | 4,400 |  |  |  | (44 | ) |  | BBB+ |  |  | A3 |
Total |  | $ | 19,368 |  |  | $ | 17,500 |  |  | $ | (1,868 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

(1) Trust preferred securities are single-issuance. There are no known deferrals, defaults or excess subordination.
Management has implemented a processes to identify securities that could potentially have a credit impairment that is other-than-temporary. This process can include, but is not limited to, 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, interest or dividend payment status, monitoring the rating of the security, monitoring changes in value, and projecting cash flows. Management also determines whether the Company intends to sell a security or whether 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.
For all securities considered temporarily impaired, the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, which may occur at maturity. The Company believes collection will occur for all principal and interest due on all investments with amortized cost in excess of fair value and considered only temporarily impaired.
Generally accepted accounting principles require that, at acquisition, an enterprise classify debt securities into one of three categories: Available for sale (“AFS”), Held to Maturity (“HTM”) or trading. AFS securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition, and unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and recognized as a separate component of equity in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). HTM debt securities are measured at amortized cost. Both AFS and HTM are subject to review for other-than-temporary impairment. Meta Financial has no trading securities.
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Gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, are as follows:

Available For Sale |  | LESS THAN 12 MONTHS |  |  | OVER 12 MONTHS |  |  | TOTAL |
At December 31, 2014 |  | Fair Value |  |  | Unrealized (Losses) |  |  | Fair Value |  |  | Unrealized (Losses) |  |  | Fair Value |  |  | Unrealized (Losses) |
Debt securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Trust preferred and corporate securities |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 17,779 |  |  | $ | (2,905 | ) |  | $ | 17,779 |  |  | $ | (2,905 | )
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions |  |  | 27,499 |  |  |  | (113 | ) |  |  | 147,129 |  |  |  | (2,173 | ) |  |  | 174,628 |  |  |  | (2,286 | )
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 151,891 |  |  |  | (701 | ) |  |  | 164,880 |  |  |  | (3,017 | ) |  |  | 316,771 |  |  |  | (3,718 | )
Total debt securities |  |  | 179,390 |  |  |  | (814 | ) |  |  | 329,788 |  |  |  | (8,095 | ) |  |  | 509,178 |  |  |  | (8,909 | )
Common equities and mutual funds |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 123 |  |  |  | (6 | ) |  |  | 123 |  |  |  | (6 | )
Total available for sale securities |  | $ | 179,390 |  |  | $ | (814 | ) |  | $ | 329,911 |  |  | $ | (8,101 | ) |  | $ | 509,301 |  |  | $ | (8,915 | )
|  | LESS THAN 12 MONTHS |  |  | OVER 12 MONTHS |  |  | TOTAL |
At September 30, 2014 |  | Fair Value |  |  | Unrealized (Losses) |  |  | Fair Value |  |  | Unrealized (Losses) |  |  | Fair Value |  |  | Unrealized (Losses) |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Debt securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Trust preferred and corporate securities |  | $ | 6,073 |  |  | $ | (47 | ) |  | $ | 25,359 |  |  | $ | (1,962 | ) |  | $ | 31,432 |  |  | $ | (2,009 | )
Small Business Administration securities |  | $ | 8,454 |  |  | $ | (72 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 8,454 |  |  |  | (72 | )
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions |  |  | 27,062 |  |  |  | (70 | ) |  |  | 191,146 |  |  |  | (3,741 | ) |  |  | 218,208 |  |  |  | (3,811 | )
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 238,980 |  |  |  | (1,248 | ) |  |  | 234,347 |  |  |  | (8,091 | ) |  |  | 473,327 |  |  |  | (9,339 | )
Total available for sale securities |  | $ | 280,569 |  |  | $ | (1,437 | ) |  | $ | 450,852 |  |  | $ | (13,794 | ) |  | $ | 731,421 |  |  | $ | (15,231 | )
Common equities and mutual funds |  | $ | 123 |  |  | $ | (5 | ) |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 123 |  |  | $ | (5 | )
Total available for sale securities |  | $ | 280,692 |  |  | $ | (1,442 | ) |  | $ | 450,852 |  |  | $ | (13,794 | ) |  | $ | 731,544 |  |  | $ | (15,236 | )

Held To Maturity |  | LESS THAN 12 MONTHS |  |  | OVER 12 MONTHS |  |  | TOTAL |
|  | Fair |  |  | Unrealized |  |  | Fair |  |  | Unrealized |  |  | Fair |  |  | Unrealized |
At December 31, 2014 |  | Value |  |  | (Losses) |  |  | Value |  |  | (Losses) |  |  | Value |  |  | (Losses) |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Debt securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Obligations of states and political subdivisions |  | $ | 859 |  |  | $ | (6 | ) |  | $ | 15,332 |  |  | $ | (258 | ) |  | $ | 16,191 |  |  | $ | (264 | )
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions |  |  | 2,077 |  |  |  | (2 | ) |  |  | 122,185 |  |  |  | (1,094 | ) |  |  | 124,262 |  |  |  | (1,096 | )
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 2,603 |  |  |  | (2 | ) |  |  | 67,370 |  |  |  | (809 | ) |  |  | 69,973 |  |  |  | (811 | )
Total held to maturity securities |  | $ | 5,539 |  |  | $ | (10 | ) |  | $ | 204,887 |  |  | $ | (2,161 | ) |  | $ | 210,426 |  |  | $ | (2,171 | )
|  | LESS THAN 12 MONTHS |  |  | OVER 12 MONTHS |  |  | TOTAL |
|  | Fair |  |  | Unrealized |  |  | Fair |  |  | Unrealized |  |  | Fair |  |  | Unrealized |
At September 30, 2014 |  | Value |  |  | (Losses) |  |  | Value |  |  | (Losses) |  |  | Value |  |  | (Losses) |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Debt securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Obligations of states and political subdivisions |  |  | 1,056 |  |  |  | (2 | ) |  |  | 14,079 |  |  |  | (370 | ) |  |  | 15,135 |  |  |  | (372 | )
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 147,949 |  |  |  | (2,329 | ) |  |  | 147,949 |  |  |  | (2,329 | )
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 68,172 |  |  |  | (1,862 | ) |  |  | 68,172 |  |  |  | (1,862 | )
Total held to maturity securities |  | $ | 1,056 |  |  | $ | (2 | ) |  | $ | 230,200 |  |  | $ | (4,561 | ) |  | $ | 231,256 |  |  | $ | (4,563 | )

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At December 31, 2014, 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, not in estimated cash flows, and 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, no other-than-temporary impairment was recorded at December 31, 2014.
The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity are shown below. Certain securities have call features which allow the issuer to call the security prior to maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities in mortgage-backed securities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Therefore, mortgage-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories in the following maturity summary. The expected maturities of certain Small Business Administration securities may differ from contractual maturities because the borrowers may have the right to prepay the obligation. However, certain prepayment penalties may apply.

Available For Sale |  | AMORTIZED COST |  |  | FAIR VALUE |
December 31, 2014 |  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Due in one year or less |  | $ | 3,000 |  |  | $ | 3,035 |
Due after one year through five years |  |  | 2,908 |  |  |  | 2,934 |
Due after five years through ten years |  |  | 286,966 |  |  |  | 289,666 |
Due after ten years |  |  | 177,204 |  |  |  | 174,509 |
|  |  | 470,078 |  |  |  | 470,144 |
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 578,196 |  |  |  | 577,460 |
Common equities and mutual funds |  |  | 544 |  |  |  | 853 |
Total available for sale securities |  | $ | 1,048,818 |  |  | $ | 1,048,457 |

|  | AMORTIZED COST |  |  | FAIR VALUE |
September 30, 2014 |  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Due in one year or less |  | $ | 2,999 |  |  | $ | 3,048 |
Due after one year through five years |  |  | 9,922 |  |  |  | 10,079 |
Due after five years through ten years |  |  | 285,413 |  |  |  | 285,698 |
Due after ten years |  |  | 185,851 |  |  |  | 182,696 |
|  |  | 484,185 |  |  |  | 481,521 |
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 663,690 |  |  |  | 657,870 |
Common equities and mutual funds |  |  | 539 |  |  |  | 825 |
Total available for sale securities |  | $ | 1,148,414 |  |  | $ | 1,140,216 |

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|  | AMORTIZED COST |  |  | FAIR VALUE |
December 31, 2014 |  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Due in one year or less |  | $ | 345 |  |  | $ | 345 |
Due after one year through five years |  |  | 5,367 |  |  |  | 5,320 |
Due after five years through ten years |  |  | 104,112 |  |  |  | 103,403 |
Due after ten years |  |  | 122,707 |  |  |  | 123,508 |
|  |  | 232,531 |  |  |  | 232,576 |
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 70,784 |  |  |  | 69,973 |
Total held to maturity securities |  | $ | 303,315 |  |  | $ | 302,549 |

|  | AMORTIZED COST |  |  | FAIR VALUE |
September 30, 2014 |  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Due in one year or less |  | $ | 347 |  |  | $ | 348 |
Due after one year through five years |  |  | 4,726 |  |  |  | 4,718 |
Due after five years through ten years |  |  | 91,532 |  |  |  | 89,984 |
Due after ten years |  |  | 116,294 |  |  |  | 116,090 |
|  |  | 212,899 |  |  |  | 211,140 |
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 70,034 |  |  |  | 68,172 |
Total held to maturity securities |  | $ | 282,933 |  |  | $ | 279,312 |

NOTE 7. | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of business, the Bank makes various commitments to extend credit which are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, unfunded loan commitments approximated $95.3 million and $96.0 million respectively, excluding undisbursed portions of loans in process. These unfunded loan commitments were principally for variable rate loans. Commitments, which are disbursed subject to certain limitations, extend over various periods of time. Generally, unused commitments are canceled upon expiration of the commitment term as outlined in each individual contract. The Company had no commitments to purchase securities at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
The exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by other parties to financial instruments for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The same credit policies and collateral requirements are used in making commitments and conditional obligations as are used for on-balance-sheet instruments.
Since certain commitments to make loans and to fund lines of credit and loans in process expire without being used, the amount does not necessarily represent future cash commitments. In addition, commitments used to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.
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Legal Proceedings
The Bank was served on April 15, 2013, with a lawsuit captioned Inter National Bank v. NetSpend Corporation, MetaBank, BDO USA, LLP d/b/a BDO Seidman, Cause No. C-2084-12-I filed in the District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas. The Plaintiff’s Second Amended Original Petition and Application for Temporary Restraining Order and Temporary Injunction adds both MetaBank and BDO Seidman to the original causes of action against NetSpend. NetSpend acts as a prepaid card program manager and processor for both INB and MetaBank. According to the Petition, NetSpend has informed Inter National Bank (“INB”) that the depository accounts at INB for the NetSpend program supposedly contained $10.5 million less than they should. INB alleges that NetSpend has breached its fiduciary duty by making affirmative misrepresentations to INB about the safety and stability of the program, and by failing to timely disclose the nature and extent of any alleged shortfall in settlement of funds related to cardholder activity and the nature and extent of NetSpend’s systemic deficiencies in its accounting and settlement processing procedures. To the extent that an accounting reveals that there is an actual shortfall, INB alleges that MetaBank may be liable for portions or all of said sum due to the fact that funds have been transferred from INB to MetaBank, and thus MetaBank would have been unjustly enriched. The Bank is vigorously contesting this matter. In January 2014, NetSpend was granted summary judgment in this matter which is under appeal. Because the theory of liability against both NetSpend and the Bank is the same, the Bank views the NetSpend summary judgment as a positive in support of our position. An estimate of a range of reasonably possible loss cannot be made at this stage of the litigation because discovery is still being conducted.
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 MetaBank. The results of that mediation have not led to a settlement. These claimants purchased MetaBank 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 these companies have indicated that they are prepared to assert claims totaling approximately $1.5 million against MetaBank 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 businesses.

NOTE 8. | 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.
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.
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The following tables show the activity of options and nonvested (restricted) shares granted, exercised, or forfeited under all of the Company’s option and incentive plans for the three months ended December 31, 2014:

|  | Number of Shares |  |  | Weighted Average Exercise Price |  |  | Weighted Remaining Contractual Term (Yrs) |  |  | Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data) |
Options outstanding, September 30, 2014 |  |  | 235,766 |  |  | $ | 25.20 |  |  |  | 3.78 |  |  | $ | 2,507 |
Granted |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Exercised |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Forfeited or expired |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Options outstanding, December 31, 2014 |  |  | 235,766 |  |  | $ | 25.20 |  |  |  | 3.53 |  |  | $ | 2,461 |
Options exercisable, December 31, 2014 |  |  | 235,766 |  |  | $ | 25.20 |  |  |  | 3.53 |  |  | $ | 2,461 |

|  | Number of Shares |  |  | Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant |
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data) |
Nonvested shares outstanding, September 30, 2014 |  |  | 4,000 |  |  | $ | 28.61 |
Granted |  |  | 1,350 |  |  |  | 34.82 |
Vested |  |  | (600 | ) |  |  | 36.43 |
Forfeited or expired |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Nonvested shares outstanding, December 31, 2014 |  |  | 4,750 |  |  | $ | 29.38 |

At December 31, 2014, stock based compensation expense not yet recognized in income totaled $78,000, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 1.86 years.

NOTE 9. | 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 its offices are located. The second reportable segment, MPS, is also a division of the Bank. MPS 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 Automated Teller Machines (“ATMs”) into the debit networks, credit programs, Automated Clearing House (“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 as well as specialty lending.
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.
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The following tables present segment data for the Company for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

|  | Retail Banking |  |  | Meta Payment Systems® |  |  | All Others |  |  | Total |
Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest income |  | $ | 8,756 |  |  | $ | 4,889 |  |  | $ | 587 |  |  | $ | 14,232 |
Interest expense |  |  | 506 |  |  |  | 45 |  |  |  | 110 |  |  |  | 661 |
Net interest income (expense) |  |  | 8,250 |  |  |  | 4,844 |  |  |  | 477 |  |  |  | 13,571 |
Provision (recovery) for loan losses |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 48 |  |  |  | 48 |
Non-interest income |  |  | (566 | ) |  |  | 13,052 |  |  |  | 188 |  |  |  | 12,674 |
Non-interest expense |  |  | 5,874 |  |  |  | 15,855 |  |  |  | 684 |  |  |  | 22,413 |
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) |  |  | 1,810 |  |  |  | 2,041 |  |  |  | (67 | ) |  |  | 3,784 |
Income tax expense (benefit) |  |  | (93 | ) |  |  | 337 |  |  |  | (55 | ) |  |  | 189 |
Net income (loss) |  | $ | 1,903 |  |  | $ | 1,704 |  |  | $ | (12 | ) |  | $ | 3,595 |
Inter-segment revenue (expense) |  | $ | (3,896 | ) |  | $ | 3,896 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Total assets |  |  | 308,613 |  |  |  | 1,706,134 |  |  |  | 93,315 |  |  |  | 2,108,063 |
Total deposits |  |  | 234,805 |  |  |  | 1,554,114 |  |  |  | (40 | ) |  |  | 1,788,879 |

Losses on sale of securities of $1.3 million were recorded on the Retail Bank, as retail deposits are the funding source for Company investments, thus driving the negative non-interest income and income tax benefit on the Retail Bank. Meta Financial sold securities to fund the loans purchased in the AFS/IBEX transaction.

|  | Retail Banking |  |  | Meta Payment Systems® |  |  | All Others |  |  | Total |
Three Months Ended December 31, 2013 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest income |  | $ | 7,462 |  |  | $ | 3,700 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 11,162 |
Interest expense |  |  | 509 |  |  |  | 26 |  |  |  | 114 |  |  |  | 649 |
Net interest income (expense) |  |  | 6,953 |  |  |  | 3,674 |  |  |  | (114 | ) |  |  | 10,513 |
Provision (recovery) for loan losses |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Non-interest income |  |  | 750 |  |  |  | 12,837 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 13,587 |
Non-interest expense |  |  | 4,832 |  |  |  | 13,727 |  |  |  | 502 |  |  |  | 19,061 |
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) |  |  | 2,871 |  |  |  | 2,784 |  |  |  | (616 | ) |  |  | 5,039 |
Income tax expense (benefit) |  |  | 616 |  |  |  | 639 |  |  |  | (218 | ) |  |  | 1,037 |
Net income (loss) |  | $ | 2,255 |  |  | $ | 2,145 |  |  | $ | (398 | ) |  | $ | 4,002 |
Inter-segment revenue (expense) |  | $ | 3,216 |  |  | $ | (3,216 | ) |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Total assets |  |  | 513,690 |  |  |  | 1,290,483 |  |  |  | 2,786 |  |  |  | 1,806,959 |
Total deposits |  |  | 238,422 |  |  |  | 1,150,964 |  |  |  | (8,252 | ) |  |  | 1,381,134 |

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The following tables present gross profit data for MPS for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Three Months Ended December 31, |  | 2014 |  |  | 2013 |
Interest income |  | $ | 4,889 |  |  | $ | 3,700 |
Interest expense |  |  | 45 |  |  |  | 26 |
Net interest income |  |  | 4,844 |  |  |  | 3,674 |
Provision (recovery) for loan losses |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Non-interest income |  |  | 13,052 |  |  |  | 12,837 |
Card processing expense |  |  | 4,691 |  |  |  | 4,237 |
Gross Profit |  |  | 13,205 |  |  |  | 12,274 |
Other non-interest expense |  |  | 11,164 |  |  |  | 9,490 |
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) |  |  | 2,041 |  |  |  | 2,784 |
Income tax expense (benefit) |  |  | 337 |  |  |  | 639 |
Net Income (Loss) |  | $ | 1,704 |  |  | $ | 2,145 |

NOTE 10. | NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-04, Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure
This ASU provides guidance on when a loan should be derecognized and collateral assets recognized during an in substance repossession or foreclosure. The objective of this ASU is to eliminate diversity in practice related to the topic. The ASU states creditors are considered to have physical possession of residential real estate property when either the creditor obtains title for the property or the borrower transfers all interest in the property through a deed or other legal agreement. When physical possession occurs, the loan should be derecognized and collateral assets recognized. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue Recognition – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)
This ASU provides guidance on when to recognize revenue from contracts with customers. The objective of this ASU is to eliminate diversity in practice related to this topic and to develop guidance that would streamline and enhance revenue recognition requirements. The ASU defines five steps to recognize revenue including, identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine a transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations and then recognize the revenue when or as the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, and the Company is currently assessing the potential impact to the consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2014-14, Troubled Debt Restructuring by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure
This ASU provides guidance on how to account for certain foreclosed government-guaranteed mortgage loans. The creditor should recognize a separate other receivable in the amount the creditor expects to recover from the guarantor. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
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NOTE 11. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Accounting Standards Codification (“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 requires 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 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.
Securities Available for Sale and Held to Maturity. Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost. 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. For both Level 1 and Level 2 securities, management uses various methods and techniques to corroborate prices obtained from the pricing service, including but not limited to reference to dealer or other market quotes, and by reviewing valuations of comparable instruments. The Company’s Level 1 securities include equity securities and mutual funds. Level 2 securities include U.S. Government agency and instrumentality securities, U.S. Government agency and instrumentality mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds, corporate debt securities and trust preferred securities. The Company had no Level 3 securities at December 31, 2014 or September 30, 2014.
The fair values of securities are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs), or valuation based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model based valuation techniques for which significant assumptions are observable in the market (Level 2 inputs). The Company considers these valuations supplied by a third party provider which utilizes several sources for valuing fixed-income securities. These sources include Interactive Data Corporation, Reuters, Standard and Poor’s, Bloomberg Financial Markets, Street Software Technology, and the third party provider’s own matrix and desk pricing. The Company, no less than annually, reviews the third party’s methods and source’s methodology for reasonableness and to ensure an understanding of inputs utilized in determining fair value. Sources utilized by the third party provider include but are not limited to pricing models that vary based by asset class and include available trade, bid, and other market information. This methodology includes but is not limited to broker quotes, proprietary models, descriptive terms and conditions databases, as well as extensive quality control programs. Monthly, the Company receives and compares prices provided by multiple securities dealers and pricing providers to validate the accuracy and reasonableness of prices received from the third party provider. On a monthly basis, the Investment Committee reviews mark-to-market changes in the securities portfolio for reasonableness.
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The following table summarizes the fair values of securities available for sale and held to maturity at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. Securities available for sale are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, while securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

|  | Fair Value at December 31, 2014 |
|  | Available For Sale |  |  | Held to Maturity |
(Dollars in Thousands) |  | Total |  |  | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |  |  | Total |  |  | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |
Debt securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Trust preferred and corporate securities |  | $ | 20,814 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 20,814 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Small business administration securities |  |  | 37,624 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 37,624 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Obligations of states and political subdivisions |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 19,068 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 19,068 |  |  |  | - |
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions |  |  | 411,706 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 411,706 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 213,508 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 213,508 |  |  |  | - |
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 577,460 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 577,460 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 69,973 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 69,973 |  |  |  | - |
Total debt securities |  |  | 1,047,604 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,047,604 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 302,549 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 302,549 |  |  |  | - |
Common equities and mutual funds |  |  | 853 |  |  |  | 853 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Total securities |  | $ | 1,048,457 |  |  | $ | 853 |  |  | $ | 1,047,604 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 302,549 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 302,549 |  |  | $ | - |

|  | Fair Value at September 30, 2014 |
|  | Available For Sale |  |  | Held to Maturity |
(Dollars in Thousands) |  | Total |  |  | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |  |  | Total |  |  | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |
Debt securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Trust preferred and corporate securities |  | $ | 46,929 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 46,929 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Small business administration securities |  |  | 67,012 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 67,012 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Obligations of states and political subdivisions |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 18,980 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 18,980 |  |  |  | - |
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions |  |  | 367,580 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 367,580 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 192,160 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 192,160 |  |  |  | - |
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 657,870 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 657,870 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 68,172 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 68,172 |  |  |  | - |
Total debt securities |  |  | 1,139,391 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,139,391 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 279,312 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 279,312 |  |  |  | - |
Common equities and mutual funds |  |  | 825 |  |  |  | 825 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Total securities |  | $ | 1,140,216 |  |  | $ | 825 |  |  | $ | 1,139,391 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 279,312 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 279,312 |  |  | $ | - |

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 at December 31, 2014 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 for loan losses is established. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with ASC 310, Receivables.
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The following table summarizes the assets of the Company that are measured at fair value in the consolidated statements of financial condition on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014.

|  | Fair Value at December 31, 2014 |
(Dollars in Thousands) |  | Total |  |  | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |
Impaired Loans, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial and multi-family real estate loans |  | $ | 662 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 662 |
Total Impaired Loans |  |  | 662 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 662 |
Foreclosed Assets, net |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Total |  | $ | 662 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 662 |

|  | Fair Value at September 30, 2014 |
(Dollars in Thousands) |  | Total |  |  | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |
Impaired Loans, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
One to four family residential mortgage loans |  | $ | 222 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 222 |
Commercial and multi-family real estate loans |  |  | 930 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 930 |
Total Impaired Loans |  |  | 1,152 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,152 |
Foreclosed Assets, net |  |  | 15 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 15 |
Total |  | $ | 1,167 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 1,167 |

|  | Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(Dollars in Thousands) |  | Fair Value at Deecmber 31, 2014 |  | Valuation Technique |  | Unobservable Input
Impaired Loans, net |  | $ | 662 |  | Market approach |  | Appraised values (1)
Foreclosed Assets, net |  |  | - |  | Market approach |  | Appraised values (1)

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

|  | Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(Dollars in Thousands) |  | Fair Value at September 30, 2014 |  | Valuation Technique |  | Unobservable Input
Impaired Loans, net |  | $ | 1,152 |  | Market approach |  | Appraised values (1)
Foreclosed Assets, net |  |  | 15 |  | Market approach |  | Appraised values (1)

(1) The Company generally relies on external appraisers to develop this information. Management reduced
the appraised value by estimated selling costs in a range of 4% to 10%.
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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 as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, 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 December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014.

|  | December 31, 2014 |
|  | Carrying |  |  | Estimated |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Amount |  |  | Fair Value |  |  | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Financial assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 52,470 |  |  | $ | 52,470 |  |  | $ | 52,470 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Securities available for sale |  |  | 1,048,457 |  |  |  | 1,048,457 |  |  |  | 853 |  |  |  | 1,047,604 |  |  |  | - |
Securities held to maturity |  |  | 303,315 |  |  |  | 302,549 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 302,549 |  |  |  | - |
Total securities |  |  | 1,351,772 |  |  |  | 1,351,006 |  |  |  | 853 |  |  |  | 1,350,153 |  |  |  | - |
Loans receivable: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
One to four family residential mortgage loans |  |  | 111,773 |  |  |  | 104,057 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 104,057 |
Commercial and multi-family real estate loans |  |  | 251,022 |  |  |  | 259,745 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 259,745 |
Agricultural real estate loans |  |  | 58,193 |  |  |  | 57,442 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 57,442 |
Consumer loans |  |  | 33,796 |  |  |  | 33,939 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 33,939 |
Commercial operating loans |  |  | 28,057 |  |  |  | 23,594 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 23,594 |
Agricultural operating loans |  |  | 39,325 |  |  |  | 39,627 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 39,627 |
Premium finance |  |  | 74,156 |  |  |  | 75,783 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 75,783 |
Total loans receivable |  |  | 596,322 |  |  |  | 594,187 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 594,187 |
Federal Home Loan Bank stock |  |  | 5,685 |  |  |  | 5,685 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 5,685 |  |  |  | - |
Accrued interest receivable |  |  | 12,397 |  |  |  | 12,397 |  |  |  | 12,397 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Financial liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noninterest bearing demand deposits |  |  | 1,586,382 |  |  |  | 1,586,382 |  |  |  | 1,586,382 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Interest bearing demand deposits, savings, and money markets |  |  | 102,094 |  |  |  | 102,094 |  |  |  | 102,094 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Certificates of deposit |  |  | 100,403 |  |  |  | 100,481 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 100,481 |  |  |  | - |
Total deposits |  |  | 1,788,879 |  |  |  | 1,788,957 |  |  |  | 1,688,476 |  |  |  | 100,481 |  |  |  | - |
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank |  |  | 7,000 |  |  |  | 8,746 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 8,746 |  |  |  | - |
Federal funds purchased |  |  | 81,000 |  |  |  | 81,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 81,000 |  |  |  |  |
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase |  |  | 14,221 |  |  |  | 14,221 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 14,221 |  |  |  | - |
Subordinated debentures |  |  | 10,310 |  |  |  | 10,414 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 10,414 |  |  |  | - |
Accrued interest payable |  |  | 255 |  |  |  | 255 |  |  |  | 255 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |

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|  | September 30, 2014 |
|  | Carrying Amount |  |  | Estimated Fair Value |  |  | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Financial assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 29,832 |  |  | $ | 29,832 |  |  | $ | 29,832 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Securities available for sale |  |  | 1,140,216 |  |  |  | 1,140,216 |  |  |  | 825 |  |  |  | 1,139,391 |  |  |  | - |
Securities held to maturity |  |  | 282,933 |  |  |  | 279,312 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 279,312 |  |  |  | - |
Total securities |  |  | 1,423,149 |  |  |  | 1,419,528 |  |  |  | 825 |  |  |  | 1,418,703 |  |  |  | - |
Loans receivable: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
One to four family residential mortgage loans |  |  | 116,395 |  |  |  | 111,254 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 111,254 |
Commercial and multi-family real estate loans |  |  | 224,302 |  |  |  | 234,845 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 234,845 |
Agricultural real estate loans |  |  | 56,071 |  |  |  | 58,651 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 58,651 |
Consumer loans |  |  | 29,329 |  |  |  | 29,580 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 29,580 |
Commercial operating loans |  |  | 30,846 |  |  |  | 25,660 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 25,660 |
Agricultural operating loans |  |  | 42,258 |  |  |  | 44,398 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 44,398 |
Total loans receivable |  |  | 499,201 |  |  |  | 504,388 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 504,388 |
Federal Home Loan Bank stock |  |  | 21,245 |  |  |  | 21,245 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 21,245 |  |  |  | - |
Accrued interest receivable |  |  | 11,222 |  |  |  | 11,222 |  |  |  | 11,222 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Financial liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noninterest bearing demand deposits |  |  | 1,126,715 |  |  |  | 1,126,715 |  |  |  | 1,126,715 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Interest bearing demand deposits, savings, and money markets |  |  | 105,273 |  |  |  | 105,273 |  |  |  | 105,273 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Certificates of deposit |  |  | 134,553 |  |  |  | 134,746 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 134,746 |  |  |  | - |
Total deposits |  |  | 1,366,541 |  |  |  | 1,366,734 |  |  |  | 1,231,988 |  |  |  | 134,746 |  |  |  | - |
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank |  |  | 7,000 |  |  |  | 8,789 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 8,789 |  |  |  | - |
Federal funds purchased |  |  | 470,000 |  |  |  | 470,000 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 470,000 |  |  |  | - |
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase |  |  | 10,411 |  |  |  | 10,411 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 10,411 |  |  |  | - |
Subordinated debentures |  |  | 10,310 |  |  |  | 10,415 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 10,415 |  |  |  | - |
Accrued interest payable |  |  | 318 |  |  |  | 318 |  |  |  | 318 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |

The following sets forth the methods and assumptions used in determining the fair value estimates for the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The carrying amount of cash and short-term investments is assumed to approximate the fair value.
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD TO MATURITY
Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost. 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 and for similar remaining maturities. When using the discounting method to determine fair value, loans were grouped by homogeneous loans with similar terms and conditions and discounted at a target rate at which similar loans would be made to borrowers at December 31, 2014 or September 30, 2014. In addition, when computing the estimated fair value for all loans, allowances for loan losses have been subtracted from the calculated fair value as a result of the discounted cash flow which approximates the fair value adjustment for the credit quality component.
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FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (“FHLB”) STOCK
The fair value of such stock is assumed to approximate book value since the Company is only 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 for advances with similar terms and remaining maturities.
FEDERAL FUNDS PURCHASED
The carrying amount of federal funds purchased is assumed to approximate the fair value.
SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE AND SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
The fair value of these instruments was estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using derived interest rates approximating market over the contractual maturity of such borrowings.
ACCRUED INTEREST PAYABLE
The carrying amount of accrued interest payable is assumed to approximate the fair value.
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.
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NOTE 12. | GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Meta Financial recorded $11.6 million of goodwill in connection with the purchase of substantially all of the commercial loan portfolio and related assets of AFS/IBEX on December 2, 2014. The goodwill associated with this transaction is deductible for tax purposes. As part of the AFS/IBEX transaction, Meta Financial recognized the following amortizable intangible assets:

December 31, 2014
Intangible |  | Amount |  |  | Book Amortization Period |  | Method
Trademark |  | $ | 540 |  |  |  | 15 |  | Straight Line
Non-Compete |  | $ | 260 |  |  |  | 3 |  | Straight Line
Customer Relationships |  | $ | 7,240 |  |  |  | 30 |  | Accelerated
Other |  | $ | 173 |  |  | Varied |  | Straight Line

The changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

|  | Specialty Finance Goodwill |  |  | Specialty Finance Intangibles |  |  | Meta Payment Systems® Patents |  |  | Meta Payment Systems® Other |  |  | Total |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Balance as of September 30, 2014 |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 2,588 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 2,588 |
Acquisitions during the period |  |  | 11,578 |  |  |  | 8,213 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 19,791 |
Patent costs capitalized during the period |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 44 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 44 |
Amortization during the period |  |  | - |  |  |  | (113 | ) |  |  | (23 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (136 | )
Balance as of December 31, 2014 |  | $ | 11,578 |  |  | $ | 8,100 |  |  | $ | 2,609 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 22,287 |

|  | Specialty Finance Goodwill |  |  | Specialty Finance Intangibles |  |  | Meta Payment Systems® Patents |  |  | Meta Payment Systems® Other |  |  | Total |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Balance as of September 30, 2013 |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 2,339 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 2,339 |
Patents costs capitalized during the period |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  | $ | 99 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 99 |
Amortization during the period |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  | $ | (16 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (16 | )
Balance as of December 31, 2013 |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 2,422 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 2,422 |

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The Company tests intangible assets for impairment at least annually or more often if conditions indicate a possible impairment. There was no impairment to intangible assets during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

NOTE 13. | REGULATORY MATTERS AND SETTLEMENT OF OTS ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

As previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, on July 21, 2011, pursuant to the Dodd Frank Act, the OTS was integrated into the OCC and the functions of the OTS related to thrift holding companies were transferred to the Federal Reserve. The OCC is responsible for the ongoing examination, supervision and regulation of the Bank. The Dodd Frank Act maintains the existence of the federal savings association charter and the HOLA, the primary statute governing federal savings banks. The Federal Reserve is now responsible for the ongoing examination, supervision and regulation of the Company, including matters with respect to the Consent Order against the Company. Prior to passage of the Dodd-Frank Act, the OTS had issued supervisory directives to the Bank, consent orders to the Bank and the Company, and had taken other regulatory action to require the Bank to reimburse certain consumers in connection with a credit program that was discontinued. All supervisory directives have been terminated, and on August 7, 2014 the OCC terminated the Bank’s Consent Order. The Consent Order against the Company is still in effect, although management believes its effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations has been and will continue to be immaterial. The Company anticipates (but cannot guarantee) that the order will be terminated in the second calendar quarter of 2015.
On January 5, 2015, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) published industry guidance (the “Guidance”) in the form of Frequently Asked Questions with respect to the categorization of deposit liabilities as "brokered" deposits. Following the Company's review of the Guidance, it has determined, effective for the quarter ended December 31, 2014, to treat $1.3 billion, or 72% of its deposit liabilities, as brokered deposits.
Due to the Bank’s status as a "well-capitalized" institution under the FDIC's prompt corrective action regulations, and further with respect to the Bank’s financial condition in general, the Company does not at this time anticipate that the Guidance will have an adverse impact on the Company’s liquidity, statements of financial condition, or results of operations going forward. However, should the Bank ever fail to be well-capitalized in the future, as a result of failing to meet the well-capitalized requirements, or the imposition of an individual minimum capital requirement or similar formal requirements, then, notwithstanding that the Bank has capital in excess of the well-capitalized minimum requirements, the Bank would be prohibited, absent waiver from the FDIC, from utilizing brokered deposits (i.e., may not accept, renew or rollover brokered deposits) which could produce serious adverse effects on the Company’s liquidity, and financial condition and results of operations.

NOTE 14. | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management has evaluated subsequent events. There were no material subsequent events that would require recognition or disclosure in our consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended December 31, 2014.
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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” or “us”) 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 this 10-Q, in its other 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.
You can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “may,” “hope,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “could,” “future” or the negative of those terms or other words of similar meaning. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our future expectations or state other “forward‑looking” information. 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 MetaBank or Meta Payment Systems® (“MPS”), a division of the Bank; credit quality and adequacy of reserves; technology; and the Company’s employees. The following factors, among others, could cause the Company’s financial performance and results of operations 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”), 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 parties; the ability of the Bank to successfully integrate the operations of AFS/IBEX Financial Services Inc.; the scope of restrictions and compliance requirements imposed by the Consent Order entered into by the Company as administered by the Federal Reserve and any other such actions which may be initiated by our regulators; the impact of changes in financial services laws and regulations, including but not limited to our relationship with our primary regulators, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency 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; continued maintenance by the Bank of its status as a well-capitalized institution; changes in consumer spending and saving habits; and the success of the Company at managing and collecting assets of borrowers in default.
The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. 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.
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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 December 31, 2014, compared to September 30, 2014, and the consolidated results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, for the year ended September 30, 2014.
OVERVIEW OF CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS
The Company recorded net income of $3.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014 compared to net income of $4.0 million for the same period in fiscal year 2014. The decrease was primarily due to an increase of $3.4 million in non-interest expense and an increase of $1.3 million in loss on sale of securities available for sale, offset in part by an increase in interest income.
On December 2, 2014 MFG’s subsidiary, MetaBank, purchased substantially all of AFS/IBEX’s commercial loan portfolio and related assets. Total purchase price was $99.3 million, all of which was paid in cash. The Company acquired assets with approximate fair values of $6.9 million cash and cash equivalents, $74.1 million net loans receivable, $0.6 million other assets, $8.2 million intangible assets including customer relationships, trademark, and non-compete agreements, and $11.6 million goodwill. The Company also assumed liabilities of $2.2 million consisting of accrued expenses and other liabilities. All amounts are at estimated fair market values.
In December 2014 Meta Financial announced the launch of an At-The-Market Equity Offering (“ATM Offering”). Meta Financial may sell up to $26.0 million of common stock under the ATM Offering, although the Company expects to sell less than the available limit. The Company intends to use the net proceeds for capital support for organic growth, possible acquisitions of bank or nonbank entities and to bolster capital for upcoming Basel III requirements. We commenced sales of common stock under the ATM Offering in December 2014 and issued an aggregate of 16,311 shares of common stock through our ATM Offering during the quarter ended December 31, 2014. The shares were issued at an average price of $35.34 per share, and we raised proceeds, net of direct selling costs, of $0.56 million during the quarter. In addition, from January 1, 2015 through January 28, 2015, we issued an additional 167,095 shares of common stock through our ATM Offering. Those shares were issued at an average price of $33.36 per share, and we raised additional proceeds, net of direct selling costs, of $5.47 million. As an additional or alternative means of increasing capital, Meta is also considering selective sales of some portfolio investment securities at a gain.
Retail Bank checking balances continued to grow from $77.0 million at December 31, 2013 to $77.6 million, or 0.8%, at December 31, 2014.
The average internal net interest yield MPS received for its deposits was 1.42% in the fiscal 2015 first quarter and 1.25% in the comparable 2014 period.
The Company’s tangible book value per common share decreased by $1.93, or 7%, to $25.98 per share at December 31, 2014 from $27.91 per share at September 30, 2014. This decrease is partially attributable to goodwill and intangible asset increases due to the AFS/IBEX transaction and to a lesser extent a slight increase in common shares outstanding. The tangible book value per common share excluding accumulated other comprehensive income was $25.74 as of December 31, 2014, compared to $28.47 as of September 30, 2014.
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At December 31, 2014, non-performing assets were $2.1 million compared to $1.0 million at September 30, 2014. Excluding the purchased AFS/IBEX portfolio, non-performing assets were $1.5 million at December 31, 2014.
On January 5, 2015, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) published industry guidance (the “Guidance”) in the form of Frequently Asked Questions with respect to the categorization of deposit liabilities as "brokered" deposits. Following the Company's review of the Guidance, it has determined, effective for the quarter ended December 31, 2014, to treat $1.3 billion, or 72% of its liabilities, as brokered deposits.
Due to the Bank’s status as a "well-capitalized" institution under the FDIC's prompt corrective action regulations, and further with respect to the Bank’s financial condition in general, the Guidance did not have any financial impact on our results of operations in the first fiscal quarter, nor do we anticipate that the Guidance will have an adverse impact on the Company’s liquidity, statements of financial condition or statements of operations going forward. However, should the Bank ever fail to be well-capitalized in the future, as a result of failing to meet the well-capitalized requirements, regulatory order, or due to the imposition of an individual minimum capital requirement (“IMCR”), the Bank would be prohibited, absent waiver from the FDIC, from utilizing brokered deposits (i.e., may not accept, renew or rollover brokered deposits) which could produce serious adverse effects on the Company’s liquidity, and financial condition and results of operations.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
At December 31, 2014, the Company’s assets grew by $54.0 million, or 2.6%, to $2.11 billion compared to $2.05 billion at September 30, 2014. The increase in assets was reflected primarily in an increase in net loans receivable and goodwill and intangible assets due to the AFS/IBEX transaction, as well as cash and cash equivalents, offset in part by a decrease in the investment securities portfolio and FHLB stock.
Total cash and cash equivalents were $52.5 million at December 31, 2014, an increase of $22.7 million from $29.8 million at September 30, 2014. In general, the Company maintains its cash investments in interest-bearing overnight deposits with the FHLB of Des Moines and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. At December 31, 2014, the Company had no federal funds sold.
The total of mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and investment securities decreased $71.4 million, or 5.0%, to $1.35 billion at December 31, 2014 as compared to $1.42 billion at September 30, 2014, as related maturities, sales, and principal pay downs exceeded investment purchases. A portion of the securities were sold to fund the AFS/IBEX transaction. The Company’s portfolio of securities consists primarily of U.S. Government agency and instrumentality MBS, which have relatively short expected lives and very high quality non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions (“NBQ”) which mature in approximately 15 years or less. Of the total of $648.2 million of MBS, $577.5 million are classified as available for sale, and $70.7 million are classified as held to maturity. Of the total of $703.5 million of investment securities, $471.0 million are classified as available for sale and $232.5 million are classified as held to maturity. During the three month period ended December 31, 2014, the Company purchased a gross amount of $65.7 million of MBS with average lives much shorter than their stated final maturity dates of 30 years or less (primarily due to anticipated prepayments or seasoning) as well as $42.7 million of investment securities available for sale and $20.0 million of investment securities held to maturity, primarily high quality NBQ obligations of states and political subdivisions.
The Company’s portfolio of net loans receivable increased $97.4 million, or 19.8%, to $590.4 million at December 31, 2014 from $493.0 million at September 30, 2014. This increase primarily relates to growth in premium finance and commercial and multi-family real estate loans of $74.2 and $26.7 million, respectively. Residential real estate loans, commercial operating loans, and agricultural operating loans decreased slightly.
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Goodwill and intangible assets increased by $19.7 million as a result of the AFS/IBEX transaction during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. The annual goodwill impairment test will be conducted at September 30, 2015.
Through the Bank, the Company owns stock in the FHLB due to the Bank’s membership. The FHLB requires a level of stock investment based on a pre-determined formula based on membership and participation, primarily the FHLB’s advances (i.e. lending programs). The Company’s investment in such stock decreased $15.6 million to $5.7 million at December 31, 2014, from $21.2 million at September 30, 2014. The decrease directly correlates with the lower overnight federal funds purchased.
Total deposits increased $422.3 million, or 30.9%, at December 31, 2014 from September 30, 2014. Deposits attributable to MPS increased by $454.6 million, or 41.3%, to $1.55 billion at December 31, 2014, compared to $1.10 billion at September 30, 2014. Additionally, certificates of deposits decreased by $34.1 million to $100.4 million primarily related to a decrease in public funds on deposit as planned by the Company. The average balance of total deposits and interest-bearing liabilities was $1.92 billion for the three month period ended December 31, 2014 compared to $1.63 billion for the same period in the prior fiscal year. The average balance of non-interest bearing deposits increased by $207.5 million, or 17.2% to $1.42 billion at December 31, 2014, compared to $1.21 billion for the same period in the prior fiscal year.
Total borrowings decreased $385.2 million from $497.7 million at September 30, 2014 to $112.5 million at December 31, 2014, primarily due to the decrease of federal funds purchased. The Company’s overnight federal funds purchased fluctuates on a daily basis due to the nature of a portion of its non-interest bearing deposit base, primarily related to payroll processing timing with a higher volume of overnight federal funds purchased on Monday and Tuesday, which are typically paid down throughout the week.
At December 31, 2014, the Company’s stockholders’ equity totaled $183.7 million, an increase of $8.9 million from $174.8 million at September 30, 2014, partially due to an increase in AOCI stemming from the securities portfolio which significantly appreciated for the three months ending December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, 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 for Retail Bank or 210 days or more for Premium Finance 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, previously accrued interest income on the loan is reversed against current income. The loan will remain on a non-accrual status until the loan becomes current and has demonstrated a sustained period of satisfactory performance.
The Company believes that the level of allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2014 is appropriate and 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.
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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 |
|  | December 31, 2014 |  |  | September 30, 2014 |
Non-Performing Loans |  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
Non-Accruing Loans: |  |  |  |  |  |
1-4 Family Real Estate |  | $ | 245 |  |  | $ | 281 |
Commercial & Multi Family Real Estate (1) (2) |  |  | 972 |  |  |  | 312 |
Agricultural Operating |  |  | 296 |  |  |  | 340 |
Total |  |  | 1,513 |  |  |  | 933 |
Accruing Loans Delinquent 90 Days or More |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consumer |  |  | 19 |  |  |  | 54 |
Premium Finance |  |  | 592 |  |  |  | - |
Total |  |  | 611 |  |  |  | 54 |
Total Non-Performing Loans |  |  | 2,124 |  |  |  | 987 |
Other Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreclosed Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial & Multi Family |  |  | - |  |  |  | 15 |
Total |  |  | - |  |  |  | 15 |
Total Other Assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | 15 |
Total Non-Performing Assets |  | $ | 2,124 |  |  | $ | 1,002 |
Total as a Percentage of Total Assets |  |  | 0.10 | % |  |  | 0.05 | %

(1) At December 31, 2014, the Company had $10,000 of TDRs in Commercial & Multi Family.
(2) At September 30, 2014, the Company had $312,000 of TDRs in Commercial & Multi Family.
In addition to the non-performing TDRs in (1) and (2), the Company had an additional $0.6 million and
$4.5 million TDRs performing in accordance with their terms at December 31, 2014 and
September 30, 2014, respectively.
At December 31, 2014, non-performing loans totaled $2.1 million, representing 0.4% of total loans, compared to $1.0 million, or 0.2% of total loans at September 30, 2014. Excluding the purchased AFS/IBEX portfolio, NPA’s were 0.08% of total assets at December 31, 2014.
Classified Assets. Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets such as debt and equity securities considered by our regulator, 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 Bank 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.
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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 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, who may order the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.
On the basis of management’s review of its loans and other assets, at December 31, 2014, the Company had classified a total of $11.1 million of its assets as substandard and none as doubtful or loss. This compares to classifications at September 30, 2014 of $12.9 million as substandard and none as doubtful or loss. See Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses based on management’s evaluation of the risk inherent in its loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of its loan activity, including those loans which are being specifically monitored by management. Such evaluation, which includes a review of loans for which full collectability may not be reasonably assured, considers, among other matters, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, economic conditions, historical loan loss experience and other factors that warrant recognition in providing for an adequate loan loss allowance.
Management closely monitors economic developments both regionally and nationwide, and considers these factors when assessing the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses. The economic conditions of our markets have stabilized and are improving, along with the financial conditions of some borrowers. With stable to improving economies in our markets, management believes that future losses in the residential portfolio may be somewhat lower 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 three years, loss rates in the commercial and multi-family real estate market have remained moderate. Management believes that future losses in this portfolio may be somewhat higher than recent historical experience. Loss rates in the agricultural real estate and agricultural operating loan portfolios have been minimal in the past three years. 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 low commodity prices and high land rents have the potential to negatively impact the economics of our agricultural markets. In addition, management believes the continuing low growth environment may also negatively impact consumers’ repayment capacities.
At December 31, 2014, the Company had established an allowance for loan losses totaling $5.2 million compared to $5.4 million at September 30, 2014, with the decrease primarily due to net charge offs of $0.2 million. 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 December 31, 2014 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.
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. In addition, our regulators have the ability to order us to increase our allowance.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
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, 2014, 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 nonperforming 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. Although management believes the levels of the allowance at both December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 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. Each quarter the Company evaluates the estimated useful lives of its amortizable intangible assets and whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, 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.
Goodwill and 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.
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. Goodwill and customer relationship, non-compete, and trademark intangibles of $19.8 million were recorded as a result of the December 2, 2014 AFS/IBEX transaction. The Company had no goodwill as of September 30, 2014.
Customer relationship, trademark, and non-compete intangibles are amortized over 30 years using the present value of excess earnings, 15 years straight line, and 3 years straight line, respectively. Patents are estimated to have a useful life of 20 years, beginning on the date the patent application is originally filed. Thus, patents are amortized based on the remaining useful life once granted. Periodically, the Company reviews the intangible assets for events or circumstances that may indicate a change in recoverability of the underlying basis.
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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 securities 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, monitoring changes in value, 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 of 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.
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.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General.
The Company recorded net income of $3.6 million, or 58 cents per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2014 compared to net income of $4.0 million, or 65 cents per diluted share, for the same period in fiscal year 2014. The decrease in net income was primarily due to an increase of $1.3 million in loss on sale of securities available for sale and an increase of $3.4 million in non-interest expense, offset in part by an increase in interest income and a decrease in income tax expense.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the fiscal 2015 first quarter increased by $3.1 million, or 29.1%, to $13.6 million from $10.5 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year primarily due to growth in loans receivable, contributing to increased loan interest income. Additionally, the overall increase was driven by a higher volume and yields of other investments (primarily AA- and AAA- rated General Obligation (“GO”) municipal bonds) and higher yields realized on MBS. Also, interest expense slightly increased from the comparable 2014 quarter. The relative growth in the loan portfolio, increased yield achieved on MBS securities, and higher mix of loans to investments also aided net interest margin expansion. Net interest margin increased to 3.00% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 as compared to 2.71% for the same period in fiscal year 2014.
Overall, when using a taxable equivalent yield (“TEY”), the Company’s interest earning asset yield increased by 27 basis points resulting partially from a change in asset mix which included a higher percentage of tax exempt income from municipal bonds and increased volume of loans receivable as a percentage of earning assets and their corresponding relatively higher yields in the fiscal 2015 first quarter compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The improvement in yield/rate on loans receivable also reflects the acquired premium finance loans which were in our portfolio for approximately one-third of the quarter. The weighted average interest rate of the loans acquired in the AFS/IBEX transaction was approximately 9.2%. The weighted average remaining maturity of the commercial loans acquired was approximately five months. The yield on non-MBS investment securities increased by 17 basis points on a TEY basis. Asset yields moderately expanded due to increased yields on the MBS portfolio. The yield on government -related MBS increased 12 basis points. Average quarterly TEY on the securities portfolio increased by 21 basis points in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to the same quarter of the prior year. Net interest margin was also positively impacted by a 2 basis point decrease in the total cost of funds. This decrease was primarily due to increasing MPS deposits and decreasing interest expense. The Company’s average interest-earning assets for the fiscal 2014 first quarter grew by $299.6 million, or 17.3%, to $2.03 billion, up from $1.73 billion during the same quarter last fiscal year.
The Company’s average total deposits and interest-bearing liabilities for the 2015 first fiscal quarter increased $290.2 million, or 17.9%, to $1.92 billion from $1.63 billion for the same quarter last year. This increase was generated primarily from an increase in MPS-related non-interest bearing deposits and overnight federal funds purchased, slightly offset by a decrease in time deposits. MPS average quarterly deposits for the 2015 first fiscal quarter increased $201.1 million, or 17.0%, from the same period last year. MPS average deposits were up 21% from the month of December 2013 to December 2014. This increase resulted almost entirely from growth in core prepaid card programs. Overall, rates on all deposits and interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 2 basis points from 0.16% in the 2014 first fiscal quarter to 0.14% in the 2015 period. At December 31, 2014, low- and no-cost checking deposits represented 92.8% of total deposits compared to 90.5% one year earlier.
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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. Tax equivalent adjustments have been made in yield on interest bearing assets and net interest margin. Non-accruing loans have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.

Three Months Ended December 31, |  |  |  |  | 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2013 |  |  |  |
(Dollars in Thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Average Outstanding Balance |  |  | Interest Earned / Paid |  |  | Yield / Rate |  |  | Balance |  |  | Interest Earned / Paid |  |  | Yield / Rate |
Interest-earning assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans receivable |  | $ | 533,307 |  |  | $ | 6,396 |  |  |  | 4.76 | % |  | $ | 393,983 |  |  | $ | 4,471 |  |  |  | 4.50 | %
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 689,430 |  |  |  | 3,824 |  |  |  | 2.20 | % |  |  | 703,933 |  |  |  | 3,683 |  |  |  | 2.08 | %
Other investments and fed funds sold |  |  | 805,699 |  |  |  | 4,012 |  |  |  | 2.85 | % |  |  | 630,953 |  |  |  | 3,008 |  |  |  | 2.71 | %
Total interest-earning assets |  |  | 2,028,436 |  |  | $ | 14,232 |  |  |  | 3.13 | % |  |  | 1,728,869 |  |  | $ | 11,162 |  |  |  | 2.86 | %
Non-interest-earning assets |  |  | 85,230 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 56,685 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total assets |  | $ | 2,113,666 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 1,785,554 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non-interest bearing deposits |  | $ | 1,415,707 |  |  | $ | - |  |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | $ | 1,208,199 |  |  | $ | - |  |  |  | 0.00 | %
Interest-bearing liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest-bearing checking |  |  | 35,833 |  |  |  | 22 |  |  |  | 0.24 | % |  |  | 30,828 |  |  |  | 25 |  |  |  | 0.32 | %
Savings |  |  | 27,666 |  |  |  | 15 |  |  |  | 0.22 | % |  |  | 26,127 |  |  |  | 8 |  |  |  | 0.12 | %
Money markets |  |  | 40,005 |  |  |  | 16 |  |  |  | 0.16 | % |  |  | 39,820 |  |  |  | 20 |  |  |  | 0.20 | %
Time deposits |  |  | 126,508 |  |  |  | 179 |  |  |  | 0.56 | % |  |  | 129,672 |  |  |  | 220 |  |  |  | 0.67 | %
FHLB advances |  |  | 7,000 |  |  |  | 125 |  |  |  | 7.08 | % |  |  | 7,000 |  |  |  | 125 |  |  |  | 7.08 | %
Overnight fed funds purchased |  |  | 238,753 |  |  |  | 181 |  |  |  | 0.30 | % |  |  | 162,468 |  |  |  | 122 |  |  |  | 0.30 | %
Other borrowings |  |  | 24,397 |  |  |  | 123 |  |  |  | 2.00 | % |  |  | 21,525 |  |  |  | 129 |  |  |  | 2.38 | %
Total interest-bearing liabilities |  |  | 500,162 |  |  |  | 661 |  |  |  | 0.52 | % |  |  | 417,440 |  |  |  | 649 |  |  |  | 0.62 | %
Total deposits and |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
interest-bearing liabilities |  |  | 1,915,869 |  |  | $ | 661 |  |  |  | 0.14 | % |  |  | 1,625,639 |  |  | $ | 649 |  |  |  | 0.16 | %
Other non-interest bearing liabilities |  |  | 18,838 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 12,869 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total liabilities |  |  | 1,934,707 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,638,508 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Shareholders' equity |  |  | 178,959 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 147,046 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total liabilities and |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
shareholders' equity |  | $ | 2,113,666 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 1,785,554 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net interest income and net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
interest rate spread including |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
non-interest bearing deposits |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 13,571 |  |  |  | 2.99 | % |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 10,513 |  |  |  | 2.70 | %
Net interest margin |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.00 | % |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.71 | %

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The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the Company’s total dollar amount of interest income from average securities portfolio assets and the resulting yields expressed both in dollars and rates. Tax equivalent adjustments have been made in yield.

Three Months Ended December 31, |  |  |  |  | 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2013 |  |  |  |
(Dollars in Thousands) |  | Average Outstanding Balance |  |  | Interest Earned / Paid |  |  | Yield / Rate |  |  | Average Outstanding Balance |  |  | Interest Earned / Paid |  |  | Yield / Rate |
Securities Portfolio Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 689,430 |  |  |  | 3,824 |  |  |  | 2.20 | % |  |  | 703,933 |  |  |  | 3,683 |  |  |  | 2.08 | %
*Other investments |  |  | 708,722 |  |  |  | 3,883 |  |  |  | 3.16 | % |  |  | 559,282 |  |  |  | 2,919 |  |  |  | 2.99 | %
Total Securities Portfolio Assets |  | $ | 1,398,152 |  |  | $ | 7,707 |  |  |  | 2.69 | % |  | $ | 1,263,215 |  |  | $ | 6,602 |  |  |  | 2.48 | %
*Excludes FHLB Stock |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

(1) Tax rate used to arrive at a TEY for three months ended Dec 2013 is 34%
(2) Tax rate used to arrive at a TEY for three months ended Dec 2014 is 35%
Provision for Loan Losses. The Company recorded a $48,000 provision for loan losses in the three month period ended December 31, 2014, as compared to no provision for the comparable three month period of fiscal year 2014. The current period provision was solely attributable to AFS/IBEX loans originated subsequent to the acquisition. This was the result of the evaluation of the allowance for loan loss as explained in Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income for the fiscal 2015 first quarter decreased by $0.9 million, or 6.7%, to $12.7 million from $13.6 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year. The change was mainly due to an increase of $1.3 million in loss on sale of securities sold primarily to fund the AFS/IBEX transaction. Fees earned on MPS‑related programs increased to $13.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared to $12.9 million for the same period in fiscal year 2014.
Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense increased $3.3 million, or 17%, to $22.4 million, for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, as compared to $19.1 million for the same period in fiscal year 2014.
Compensation expense increased $1.5 million, or 18%, to $10.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $9.0 million for the same period in fiscal year 2014 as a result of additional employees added to support company growth initiatives and the Company’s recently announced AFS/IBEX transaction.
Other expense increased $0.8 million, with $0.5 million relating to AFS/IBEX transaction costs, including intangible asset amortization.
Income Tax. Income tax expense for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 was $0.2 million, or an effective tax rate of 5.0%, compared to income tax expense of $1.0 million, or an effective tax rate of 20.6%, for the same period in the prior fiscal year. The decrease in the effective tax rate is mainly due to the volume of tax-exempt municipal bonds compared to our total pre-tax income, loss on sales of securities, and lower income due to the increases in non-interest expense.
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 investment securities. While scheduled loan repayments and maturing investments are relatively predictable, deposit flows and early loan repayments can be 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 December 31, 2014, the Company had commitments to originate and purchase loans and unused lines of credit totaling $95.3 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. At December 31, 2014, the Company had no commitments to purchase securities.
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Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total risk-based capital and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and a leverage ratio consisting of Tier I capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). As of December 31, 2014, the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements.
The Bank’s actual and required capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table.

|  | Actual |  |  | Minimum Requirement For Capital Adequacy Purposes |  |  | Minimum Requirement to Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions |
At December 31, 2014 |  | Amount |  |  | Ratio |  |  | Amount |  |  | Ratio |  |  | Amount |  |  | Ratio |
|  | (Dollars in Thousands) |
MetaBank |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Tangible capital (to tangible assets) |  | $ | 170,379 |  |  |  | 8.18 | % |  | $ | 31,258 |  |  |  | 1.50 | % |  | $ | n/a |  |  |  | n/a | %
Tier 1 (core) capital (to adjusted total assets) |  |  | 170,379 |  |  |  | 8.18 |  |  |  | 83,354 |  |  |  | 4.00 |  |  |  | 104,192 |  |  |  | 5.00 |
Tier 1 (core) capital (to risk-weighted assets) |  |  | 170,379 |  |  |  | 18.30 |  |  |  | 37,248 |  |  |  | 4.00 |  |  |  | 55,872 |  |  |  | 6.00 |
Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets) |  |  | 175,729 |  |  |  | 18.87 |  |  |  | 74,496 |  |  |  | 8.00 |  |  |  | 93,120 |  |  |  | 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 December 31, 2014, the Bank exceeded all requirements for the well capitalized category.
In July 2013, the Bank’s primary federal regulator, the Federal Reserve, and the Bank’s primary federal regulator, the OCC, approved final rules (the “Basel III Capital Rules”) establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations. The Basel III Capital Rules generally implement the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s (the “Basel Committee”) December 2010 final capital framework referred to as “Basel III” for strengthening international capital standards. The Basel III Capital Rules substantially revise the risk-based capital requirements applicable to financial institution holding companies and their depository institution subsidiaries, including us and the Bank, as compared to the current U.S. general risk-based capital rules. The Basel III Capital Rules revise the definitions and the components of regulatory capital, as well as address other issues affecting the numerator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios. The Basel III Capital Rules also address asset risk weights and other matters affecting the denominator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios and replace the existing general risk-weighting approach, which was derived from the Basel Committee’s 1988 “Basel I” capital accords, with a more risk-sensitive approach based, in part, on the “standardized approach” in the Basel Committee’s 2004 “Basel II” capital accords. In addition, the Basel III Capital Rules implement certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, including the requirements of Section 939A to remove references to credit ratings from the federal agencies’ rules. The Basel III Capital Rules became effective for us and the Bank on January 1, 2015, subject to phase-in periods for certain of their components and other provisions.
We believe that the Company and the Bank will be able to meet targeted capital ratios required by the revised requirements, as they become effective.
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Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

MARKET RISK
The Company derives a portion of its income from the excess of interest collected over interest paid. The rates of interest the Company earns on assets and pays on liabilities generally are established contractually for a period of time. Market interest rates change over time. Accordingly, the Company’s results of operations, like those of most financial institutions, are impacted by changes in interest rates and the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities. The risk associated with changes in interest rates and the Company’s ability to adapt to these changes is known as interest rate risk and is the Company’s only significant “market” risk.
The Company monitors and measures its exposure to changes in interest rates in order to comply with applicable government regulations and risk policies established by the Board of Directors, and in order to preserve stockholder value. In monitoring interest rate risk, the Company analyzes assets and liabilities based on characteristics including size, coupon rate, repricing frequency, maturity date, and likelihood of prepayment.
If the Company’s assets mature or reprice more rapidly or to a greater extent than its liabilities, then economic value of equity and net interest income would tend to increase during periods of rising rates and decrease during periods of falling interest rates. Conversely, if the Company’s assets mature or reprice more slowly or to a lesser extent than its liabilities, then economic value of equity and net interest income would tend to decrease during periods of rising interest rates and increase during periods of falling interest rates.
The Company currently focuses lending efforts toward originating and purchasing competitively priced adjustable-rate and fixed-rate loan products with short to intermediate terms to maturity, generally five years or less, though the Company will consider ten year fixed-rate loans for high quality agricultural and commercial borrowers so long as the loan agreements have an appropriate structure and prepayment penalties. This theoretically allows the Company to maintain a portfolio of loans that will have relatively little sensitivity to changes in the level of interest rates, while providing a reasonable spread to the cost of liabilities used to fund the loans.
The Company’s primary objective for its investment portfolio is to provide a source of liquidity for the Company. In addition, the investment portfolio may be used in the management of the Company’s interest rate risk profile. The investment policy generally calls for funds to be invested among various categories of security types and maturities based upon the Company’s need for liquidity, desire to achieve a proper balance between minimizing risk while maximizing yield, the need to provide collateral for borrowings, and to fulfill the Company’s asset/liability management goals.
The Company’s cost of funds responds to changes in interest rates due to the relatively short-term nature of its deposit portfolio, and due to the relatively short-term nature of its borrowed funds. The Company believes that its growing portfolio of low- or no-cost deposits provides a stable and profitable funding vehicle, but also subjects the Company to greater risk in a falling interest rate environment than it would otherwise have without this portfolio. This risk is due to the fact that, while asset yields may decrease in a falling interest rate environment, the Company cannot significantly reduce interest costs associated with these deposits, which thereby compresses the Company’s net interest margin. As a result of the Company’s interest rate risk exposure in this regard, the Company has elected not to enter in to any new longer term wholesale borrowings, and generally has not emphasized longer term time deposit products.
The Board of Directors and relevant government regulations establish limits on the level of acceptable interest rate risk at the Company, to which management adheres. 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.
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Interest Rate Risk (“IRR”)
Overview. The Company actively manages interest rate risk, as changes in market interest rates can have a significant impact on reported earnings. The Bank, like other financial institutions, is subject to interest rate risk to the extent that its interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice more rapidly than its interest-earning assets. The interest rate risk process is designed to compare income simulations in market scenarios designed to alter the direction, magnitude, and speed of interest rate changes, as well as the slope of the yield curve. The Company does not currently engage in trading activities to control interest rate risk although it may do so in the future, if deemed necessary, to help manage interest rate risk.
Earnings at risk and economic value analysis. As a continuing part of its financial strategy, the Bank considers methods of managing an asset/liability mismatch consistent with maintaining acceptable levels of net interest income. In order to properly monitor interest rate risk, the Board of Directors has created an Investment Committee whose principal responsibilities are to assess the Bank’s asset/liability mix and implement strategies that will enhance income while managing the Bank’s vulnerability to changes in interest rates.
The Company uses two approaches to model interest rate risk: Earnings at Risk (“EAR analysis”) and Economic Value of Equity (“EVE analysis”). Under EAR analysis, net interest income is calculated for each interest rate scenario to the net interest income forecast in the base case. EAR analysis measures the sensitivity of interest sensitive earnings over a one year minimum time horizon. The results are affected by projected rates, prepayments, caps and floors. Market implied forward rates and various likely and extreme interest rate scenarios can be used for EAR analysis. These likely and extreme scenarios can include rapid and gradual interest rate ramps, rate shocks and yield curve twists.
The EAR analysis used in the following table reflects the required analysis used no less than quarterly by management. It models -100, +100, +200, +300 basis point parallel shifts in market interest rates over the next one-year period. Due to the current low level of interest rates, only a -100 basis point parallel shift is represented.
The Company is within Board policy for all scenarios. The table below shows the results of the scenarios as of December 31, 2014:
Net Sensitive Earnings at Risk

Net Sensitive Earnings at Risk |
|  | Standard (Parallel Shift) Year 1 |
|  | Net Interest Income at Risk % |
|  |  | -100 |  |  |  | +100 |  |  |  | +200 |  |  |  | +300 |
Basis Point Change Scenario |  |  | -2.0 | % |  |  | 1.0 | % |  |  | 1.6 | % |  |  | 2.2 | %
Board Policy Limits |  |  | -5.0 | % |  |  | -5.0 | % |  |  | -10.0 | % |  |  | -15.0 | %

The EAR analysis reported at December 31, 2014, shows that in an increasing interest rate environment, more assets than liabilities will reprice over the modeled one-year period.
IRR is a snapshot in time. The Company’s IRR results vary depending on which day of the week and timing in relation to certain payrolls when this snapshot is taken. The Company’s overnight federal funds purchased fluctuates on a daily and weekly basis due to fluctuations in a portion of its non-interest bearing deposit base, primarily related to payroll processing and, to a lesser extent, to intraday funds flow settlement timing with the Federal Reserve Bank. IRR has the potential to be negatively affected if the snapshot is taken on a Monday or a Tuesday, which, resulting from payroll processing timing in concert with typical early week activity, tend to necessitate a higher than average amount of overnight federal funds purchased which are typically paid down throughout the week. Management and the Board are aware and understand these typical borrowing and deposit fluctuations as well as the point in time nature of IRR analysis and its implications.
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As previously noted, the Company purchased substantially all of the commercial loan portfolio and related assets of AFS/IBEX. A portion of the securities portfolio was sold to fund the AFS/IBEX transaction. The weighted average interest rate of the loans acquired in the AFS/IBEX transaction was approximately 9.2%. The weighted average remaining maturity of the commercial loans acquired was approximately five months. This loan portfolio purchase as well as the AFS/IBEX platform and the coinciding securities portfolio sales intentionally enhanced the Company’s interest rate risk position in a rising interest rate environment. Essentially, longer term, lower yield securities were sold and short term, higher yield loans were purchased. The Company anticipates the rates achieved on new loans produced by AFS/IBEX to synchronize with the going level of interest rates when the loan is produced. Therefore, it is the Company’s belief that as interest rates increase, yields achieved on new AFS/IBEX loans, in general, will reset at higher yields.
The following table shows the income sensitivity of selected assets and liabilities to changes in market interest rates (dollars in thousands).

|  |  |  |  | % of |  |  | Change in Interest Income/Expense for a given change in interest rates |
|  | Total Earning |  |  | Total Earning |  |  | Over / (Under) Base Case Parallel Ramp |
Basis Point Change Scenario |  | Assets |  |  | Assets |  |  |  | -100 |  |  | Base |  |  |  | +100 |  |  |  | +200 |  |  |  | +300 |
Total Loans |  |  | 590,526 |  |  |  | 29.9 | % |  |  | 28,548 |  |  |  | 29,416 |  |  |  | 30,807 |  |  |  | 32,228 |  |  |  | 33,678 |
Total Investments (non-TEY) and other Earning Assets |  |  | 1,386,344 |  |  |  | 70.1 | % |  |  | 29,611 |  |  |  | 30,291 |  |  |  | 31,225 |  |  |  | 32,016 |  |  |  | 32,794 |
Total Interest-Sensitive Income |  |  | 1,976,870 |  |  |  | 100.0 | % |  |  | 58,159 |  |  |  | 59,707 |  |  |  | 62,032 |  |  |  | 64,244 |  |  |  | 66,472 |
Total Interest-Bearing Deposits |  |  | 202,498 |  |  |  | 66.5 | % |  |  | 502 |  |  |  | 740 |  |  |  | 1,598 |  |  |  | 2,511 |  |  |  | 3,482 |
Total Borrowings |  |  | 102,221 |  |  |  | 33.5 | % |  |  | 651 |  |  |  | 797 |  |  |  | 1,711 |  |  |  | 2,626 |  |  |  | 3,540 |
Total Interest-Sensitive Expense |  |  | 304,719 |  |  |  | 100.0 | % |  |  | 1,153 |  |  |  | 1,537 |  |  |  | 3,309 |  |  |  | 5,137 |  |  |  | 7,022 |

The Company believes that its growing portfolio of non-interest bearing deposits provides a stable and profitable funding vehicle and a significant competitive advantage in a rising interest rate environment as the Company’s cost of funds will likely remain relatively low, with less increase expected relative to other banks. The Company continues to execute its investment strategy of primarily purchasing NBQ municipal bonds and agency MBS, however, the Bank reviews opportunities to add diverse, high quality securities at attractive relative rates when opportunities present themselves. The NBQ municipal bonds are tax exempt and as such have a tax equivalent yield higher than their book yield. The tax equivalent yield calculation for NBQ municipal bonds uses the Company’s cost of funds as one of its components. With the Company’s large volume of non-interest bearing deposits, the tax equivalent yield for these NBQ municipal bonds is higher than a similar term investment in other investment categories of similar risk and higher than most other banks can realize on the same instruments.
Under EVE analysis, the economic value of financial assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet instruments, is derived under each rate scenario. The economic value of equity is calculated as the difference between the estimated market value of assets and liabilities, net of the impact of off-balance sheet instruments.
The EVE analysis used in the following table reflects the required analysis used no less than quarterly by management. It models immediate -100, +100, +200 and +300 basis point parallel shifts in market interest rates. Due to the current low level of interest rates, only a -100 basis point parallel shift is represented.
The Company is within Board policy limits for all increasing basis point scenarios. The company is outside Board policy limits for the -100 basis point scenario as noted and discussed below. The table below shows the results of the scenario as of December 31, 2014:
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Economic Value Sensitivity

|  | Standard (Parallel Shift) |
|  | Economic Value of Equity at Risk % |
|  |  | -100 |  |  |  | +100 |  |  |  | +200 |  |  |  | +300 |
Basis Point Change Scenario |  |  | -15.2 | % |  |  | 8.3 | % |  |  | 12.1 | % |  |  | 14.1 | %
Board Policy Limits |  |  | -10.0 | % |  |  | -10.0 | % |  |  | -20.0 | % |  |  | -30.0 | %

The EVE at risk reported at December 31, 2014, shows that as interest rates increase immediately, the economic value of equity position will increase from the base, as non-interest bearing deposits become more valuable in these increasing interest rate scenarios as well as potential higher repricing of short term loans within the loan portfolio.
The following table details the economic value sensitivity to changes in market interest rates at December 31, 2014, for loans, investments, deposits, borrowings, and other assets and liabilities (dollars in thousands). The analysis reflects that in a rising interest rate scenarios, total assets are less sensitive, or decrease in value less than total liabilities. However, in a declining interest rate environment, the AFS/IBEX transaction and ensuing securities portfolio sales decreased the Company’s IRR position. This resulted from the sale of longer term securities, which appreciate more in a falling interest rate environment being replaced with short term loans, which do not receive the same benefit in a falling interest rate environment. Investments and other earning assets contribute to sensitivity, largely due to fixed rate securities investments. This sensitivity is offset by the non-interest bearing deposits. Day of the week timing, as discussed previously, also contributes to sensitivity.

|  |  |  |  | % of |  |  | Change in Economic Value for a given change in interest rates |
|  | Book |  |  | Total |  |  | Over / (Under) Base Case Parallel Ramp |
Basis Point Change Scenario |  | Value |  |  | Assets |  |  |  | -100 |  |  |  | +100 |  |  |  | +200 |  |  |  | +300 |
Total Loans |  |  | 590,526 |  |  |  | 28.0 | % |  |  | 2.2 | % |  |  | -2.8 | % |  |  | -5.5 | % |  |  | -8.1 | %
Total Investments (non-TEY) and other Earning Assets |  |  | 1,357,017 |  |  |  | 64.4 | % |  |  | 3.8 | % |  |  | -4.4 | % |  |  | -9.2 | % |  |  | -13.8 | %
Other Assets |  |  | 160,118 |  |  |  | 7.6 | % |  |  | 0.0 | % |  |  | 0.0 | % |  |  | 0.0 | % |  |  | 0.0 | %
Assets |  |  | 2,107,661 |  |  |  | 100.0 | % |  |  | 3.1 | % |  |  | -3.6 | % |  |  | -7.5 | % |  |  | -11.1 | %
Interest-Bearing Deposits |  |  | 202,498 |  |  |  | 10.6 | % |  |  | 2.0 | % |  |  | -1.7 | % |  |  | -3.1 | % |  |  | -4.4 | %
Non-Interest Bearing Deposits |  |  | 1,586,421 |  |  |  | 82.9 | % |  |  | 7.6 | % |  |  | -6.9 | % |  |  | -13.1 | % |  |  | -18.6 | %
Total Borrowings and Other Liabilities |  |  | 124,550 |  |  |  | 6.5 | % |  |  | 0.3 | % |  |  | -0.3 | % |  |  | -0.6 | % |  |  | -0.9 | %
Liabilities |  |  | 1,913,469 |  |  |  | 100.0 | % |  |  | 6.4 | % |  |  | -5.8 | % |  |  | -11.0 | % |  |  | -15.7 | %

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the 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.
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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 December 31, 2014, 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 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 December 31, 2014, 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.
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META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
FORM 10-Q
Item 1. Legal Proceedings – See “Legal Proceedings” of Note 7 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, 2014 (our “2014 Form 10-K”) and on pages S-9 through S-11 in our Prospectus Supplement to our Prospectus dated June 7, 2013 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 17, 2014, which are hereby incorporated by reference. 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.
Following is the restated text of two risk factors reflecting changes that have occurred since our publication of risk factors in our 2014 Form 10-K as well as one additional risk factor. There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our 2014 Form 10-K as supplemented in our Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2014, other than as discussed below.
The FDIC recently issued guidance in the form of Frequently Asked Questions with respect to brokered deposits, and in response thereto the Bank classified a substantial portion of its deposit liabilities as brokered deposits, effective for the quarter ended December 31, 2014. While the Bank is “well-capitalized” under existing bank regulations, failure to maintain this designation could have a serious material adverse impact on our liquidity, financial condition, and results of operations. Further, depending on our financial condition in the future, the FDIC could impose a surcharge between zero and ten basis points on our brokered deposits. Additionally, if we are required to amend previous call reports with respect to our level of brokered deposits, and are further required to pay additional assessments with respect these deposits, such payments could be material and therefore could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
On January 5, 2015, the FDIC published industry guidance in the form of Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”) with respect to, among other things, the categorization of deposit liabilities as “brokered” deposits. Following the Company’s review of the FAQs, the Bank classified $1.3 billion, or 72%, of its deposit liabilities, as brokered deposits effective for the quarter ended December 31, 2014. Due to the Bank’s status as a “well-capitalized” institution under the FDIC’s prompt corrective action regulations, and further with respect to the Bank’s financial condition in general, the Company does not at this time anticipate that the Guidance will have an adverse impact on its liquidity, statements of financial condition or statements of operations going forward. However, should the Bank ever fail to be well-capitalized in the future as a result of not meeting the well-capitalized requirements or the imposition of an individual minimum capital requirement or similar formal requirement, then, notwithstanding that the Bank has capital in excess of the well-capitalized minimum requirements, the Bank would be prohibited, absent waiver from the FDIC, from utilizing brokered deposits (i.e. no insured depository institution that is deemed to be less than “well-capitalized” may accept, renew or rollover brokered deposits absent a waiver from the FDIC). In such event, unless the Bank were to receive a suitable waiver from the FDIC, such a result could produce serious material adverse consequences for the Bank with respect to liquidity and could also have serious material adverse effects on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Further, and in general, depending on the Bank’s condition in the future, the FDIC could assess a surcharge on our brokered deposits between zero and ten basis points. The Company is continuing to evaluate the FAQs and will monitor any future clarifications, rulings and interpretations, including whether institutions would be expected by the FDIC to amend prior call reports. If we are required to amend previous call reports with respect to our level of brokered deposits, and are required to pay additional assessments with respect to these deposits, such payments could be material and therefore could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
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We derive a significant percentage of our deposits, total assets and income from brokered deposit accounts that we generate through MPS’s customer relationships.
We derive a significant percentage of our deposits, total assets and income from the deposit accounts we generate through customer relationships between such third parties and MPS. A substantial portion of these deposits were classified by the Bank as brokered deposits following the issuance on January 5, 2015 of the Guidance. In addition, deposits related to our top four customers (each, a significant customer) totaled $908.4 million, or 58.5% of our total deposit liabilities, at December 31, 2014. We provide oversight and auditing of such third-party relationships and such relationships must meet all internal and regulatory requirements. We may exit these relationships if such requirements are not met or if required to do so by our regulators. We perform liquidity reporting and planning daily and identify and monitor contingent sources of liquidity, such as National CDs, Fed Fund Lines, or Public Fund CDs. However, if one of these significant customers were to be terminated, over a period of time, it could materially reduce our deposits, assets and income. Similarly, if a significant customer was not replaced, we may be required to seek higher rate funding sources as compared to the existing customer and interest expense might increase. We may also be required to sell securities or other assets which would reduce revenues and potentially generate losses.
We have recorded goodwill as a result of an acquisition that can significantly affect our earnings if it becomes impaired.
Under current accounting standards, goodwill is not amortized but, instead, is subject to impairment tests on at least an annual basis or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Although we do not anticipate impairment charges, if we conclude that some portion of our goodwill may be impaired, a non-cash charge for the amount of such impairment would be recorded against earnings. Such a charge would have no impact on tangible capital. A decline in our stock price or occurrence of a triggering event following any of our quarterly earnings releases and prior to the filing of the periodic report for that period could, under certain circumstances, cause us to perform a goodwill impairment test and result in an impairment charge being recorded for that period which was not reflected in such earnings release. At December 31, 2014, we had goodwill of $11.6 million.
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.
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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: February 3, 2015 | By: | /s/ J. Tyler Haahr
|  | J. Tyler Haahr, Chairman of the Board
|  | and Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 3, 2015 | By: | /s/ Glen W. Herrick
|  | Glen W. Herrick, Executive Vice President
|  | and Chief Financial Officer

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number | Description |
10.1 | Registrant’s 2002 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective November 24, 2014, and filed on December 16, 2014 as Appendix A to the Registrant’s Schedule 14A (DEF 14A) Proxy Statement (Commission File No. 0-22140), is incorporated by reference. |
10.2 | Sales Agency Agreement, dated December 17, 2014, among Meta Financial Group, Inc., MetaBank and Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. filed on December 17, 2014 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 0-22140), is incorporated herein by reference. |
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 |

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