DUBUQUE, Iowa, May 09, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heartland Financial USA, Inc. (NASDAQ:HTLF) has been named a “Forbes Best Bank
2017.” In its annual review of the 100 largest publicly traded banks and thrifts, Forbes ranked Heartland
44th among a nationwide group of banks with assets ranging from under $8 billion to over $2.5 trillion.
Said Lynn B. Fuller, chairman and chief executive officer, “We are pleased to be ranked the 44th best performing bank
holding company among America’s 100 largest publicly traded banks and thrifts. The work of our team this past year produced strong
results for our shareholders, targeted expansions in our community banking footprint, and record annual net income available for
common stockholders. The Forbes ranking reflects our success and our outlook for a continued strong performance in
2017.”
To compile the rankings, Forbes used data collected by S&P Global Market Intelligence through
the third quarter of 2016 on the country’s largest publicly traded banks and thrifts. The data covered 10 metrics related to
growth, profitability, capital adequacy and asset quality. Metrics included return on average tangible equity, return on average
assets, net interest margin, efficiency ratio and net charge-offs as a percent of total loans. Nonperforming assets as a percent of
assets, risk-based capital ratio and reserves as a percent of nonperforming assets were also factored in.
“We attribute our strong performance to our loyal and satisfied customers, our dedicated professional staff and our disciplined
financial management,” said Fuller. In 2016, Heartland’s net income increased by 35 percent over 2015, with earnings per share
growing by 14 percent. “The shared success of our network of subsidiary community banks creates an outstanding platform for
continued growth.”
About Heartland Financial USA, Inc.
Heartland Financial USA, Inc. is a diversified financial services company with assets exceeding $8 billion. The company provides
banking, mortgage, private client, investment, treasury management, card services, insurance, and consumer finance services to
individuals and businesses. Heartland currently has 109 banking locations serving 87 communities in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, New
Mexico, Arizona, Montana, Colorado, Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, Texas and California. Additional information about Heartland
Financial USA, Inc. is available at www.htlf.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This release, and future oral and written statements of Heartland and its management, may contain forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 about Heartland’s financial condition, results of
operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. Although these forward-looking statements are based upon the
beliefs, expectations and assumptions of Heartland’s management, there are a number of factors, many of which are beyond the
ability of management to control or predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in its forward-looking
statements. These factors, which are detailed in the risk factors included in Heartland’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, include, among others: (i) the strength of the local and national economy; (ii) the economic
impact of past and any future terrorist threats and attacks and any acts of war, (iii) changes in state and federal laws,
regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business; (iv) changes in interest rates and prepayment
rates of the Company’s assets; (v) increased competition in the financial services sector and the inability to attract new
customers; (vi) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (vii)
the loss of key executives or employees; (viii) changes in consumer spending; (ix) unexpected results of acquisitions; (x)
unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation involving the Company; and (xi) changes in accounting policies and practices. All
statements in this release, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and Heartland undertakes
no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.
CONTACT: Bryan McKeag Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer 563.589.1994
