Heartland BancCorp Announces Higher 1st Quarter 2012 Earnings

GAHANNA, Ohio, April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Tiney M. McComb, Chairman and CEO of Heartland BancCorp, parent company of Heartland Bank, today reported higher 1st quarter 2012 net income of $1.276 million or $0.82 per diluted share up over earnings of $1.260 million or $0.81 per diluted share for the 1st quarter of 2011.

The recent quarter's increase in earnings as compared with the first quarter of 2011 reflect higher net  interest income resulting in a widening of the net interest margin and higher non-interest income while operating expense increased 7%. "Strong core earnings continue to support our franchise value. Compliance with Dodd-Frank and increased audit requirements have contributed to our operating expenses as we remain committed to being a safe, sound, and well capitalized financial institution," stated G. Scott McComb, Vice Chairman and President.

Other Financial highlights for the 1st quarter 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 include:

• Total assets increased $17.7 million or 3% to $577 million,
• Net loans declined 2% or $8.4 million to $386 million,
• Deposits increased 5% or $24.4 million to $493 million,
• Shareholders' equity increased $5.5 million or 12% to $51.6 million,
• Book value per share increased to $33.49 up 12% from $30.02 in 2011.

Heartland Bank provides a complete line of loan and deposit products accessible from any of our banking offices and ATMs, as well as from home or office using Heartland's telephone banking at 416-BANK or worldwide access at www.heartlandbank.com.

Heartland BancCorp is a registered Ohio bank holding company and the parent of Heartland Bank, which operates eleven full-service banking offices.  Alternative investment services are provided through Infinex Financial Group.  Heartland Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve, a member of the FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.  Heartland BancCorp is currently quoted on the over-the-counter (OTC) Bulletin Board Service under the symbol HLAN.

Contact:  G. Scott McComb-Vice Chairman & President           Phone: 614-337-4600

SOURCE Heartland BancCorp