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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x                ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010

OR

o                   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                to             

Commission file number 0-22140.

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

(Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number: (712) 732-4117

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  YES o    NO x

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to be file reports pursuant Section 13 and Section 15(d) of the Act.  YES o    NO x

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES x    NO o

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  (Check one):

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

As of March 31, 2010, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the average of the closing bid and asked prices of such stock on the NASDAQ System as of such date, was $55.6 million.

As of December 10, 2010, there were outstanding 3,112,463 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

PART III of Form 10-K — Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 20, 2011.

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META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-K

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Forward-Looking Statements

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

These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, expectations, estimates, and intentions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control. Such statements address, among others, the following subjects: future operating results; customer retention; loan and other product demand; important components of the Company’s balance sheet and income statements; growth and expansion; new products and services, such as those offered by the Bank or Meta Payment Systems® (“MPS”), a division of the Bank; credit quality and adequacy of reserves; technology; and our employees.  The following factors, among others, could cause the Company’s financial performance to differ materially from the expectations, estimates, and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements:  the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which the Company conducts operations; the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary, and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”, the “FRB” or the “Board”), as well as efforts of the United States Treasury in conjunction with bank regulatory agencies to stimulate the economy and protect the financial system; inflation, interest rate, market, and monetary fluctuations; the timely development of and acceptance of new products and services offered by the Company as well as risks (including reputational and litigation) attendant thereto and the perceived overall value of these products and services by users; the risks of dealing with or utilizing third-party vendors; the scope of restrictions and compliance requirements and penalties of enforcement actions related to the OTS supervisory directives in August and October of 2010 or any others which may be initiated; the impact of changes in financial services’ laws and regulations; technological changes, including but not limited to the protection of electronic files or databases; acquisitions; litigation risk in general, including but not limited to those risks involving the MPS division; the growth of the Company’s business as well as expenses related thereto; changes in consumer spending and saving habits; and the success of the Company at managing and collecting assets of borrowers in default.

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

Available Information

The Company’s website address is www.bankmeta.com. The Company makes available, through a link with the SEC’s EDGAR database, free of charge, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), and beneficial ownership reports on Forms 3, 4, and 5 as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the SEC.  The information found on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference in this or any other report the Company files or furnishes to the SEC.

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PART I

Item 1.                   Business

General

Meta Financial, 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. Meta Financial, on September 20, 1993, acquired all of the capital stock of the Bank in connection with its conversion from the mutual to stock form ownership (the “Conversion”).  On September 30, 1996, Meta Financial became a bank holding company for regulatory purposes upon its acquisition of MetaBank West Central (“MetaBank WC”) until its sale of MetaBank WC in March 2008, at which time Meta Financial became a unitary savings and loan holding company again, all as discussed below.  Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein to the Company include Meta Financial and the Bank, and all subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

After the Conversion, the Company acquired several financial institutions.  On March 28, 1994, Meta Financial acquired Brookings Federal Bank in Brookings, South Dakota (“Brookings Federal”).  On December 29, 1995, Meta Financial acquired Iowa Savings Bank, FSB in Des Moines, Iowa (“Iowa Savings”).  Brookings Federal and Iowa Savings were both merged with, and now operate as market areas of, the Bank.  On September 30, 1996, Meta Financial completed the acquisition of Central West Bancorporation (“CWB”), the holding company for MetaBank WC, which upon the merger of CWB into Meta Financial resulted in MetaBank WC becoming a stand-alone commercial bank subsidiary of Meta Financial.  On March 28, 2008, the Company sold MetaBank WC and reclassified financial information as discontinued bank operations in the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in the Annual Report for fiscal 2007.  As such, information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been adjusted to eliminate the effect of discontinued bank operations unless otherwise indicated.

The Bank, the only direct, active full service banking subsidiary of Meta Financial, is a community-oriented financial institution offering a variety of financial services to meet the needs of the communities it serves and a payments company that provides services nationwide.  The Company provides a full range of financial services.  The principal business of the Bank has historically consisted of attracting retail deposits from the general public and investing those funds primarily in one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, commercial and multi-family real estate, agricultural operations and real estate, construction, and consumer and commercial business loans primarily in the Bank’s market areas.  Due to local economic factors, originations of commercial and multi-family real estate loans and commercial business loans continue to be lower when compared to prior years.  The Bank also purchases loan participations from time to time from other financial institutions, but at a lower level compared to prior years, as well as mortgage-backed securities and other investments permissible under applicable regulations. In 2004, the Bank created a division known as MPS, which issues various prepaid cards, consumer credit products, and sponsors ATMs into various debit networks and offers other payment industry products and services. MPS generates fee income and low- and no-cost deposits for the Bank through its activities.  As noted in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which is included in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, MPS expanded and played a significant role in the Company’s financial performance in fiscal 2010.

The Company’s revenues are derived primarily from interest on commercial and residential mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities, fees generated through the activities of MPS, other investments, consumer loans, agricultural operating loans, commercial business loans, income from service charges, loan origination fees, and loan servicing fee income.

Meta Financial owned Meta Trust Company (“Meta Trust”), a South Dakota trust corporation.  Meta Trust, established in April 2002 as a South Dakota corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meta Financial, provided a full range of trust services. On September 30, 2010, the Company sold Meta Trust.

First Midwest Financial Capital Trust, also a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meta Financial, was established in July 2001 for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities.

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Meta Financial and the Bank are subject to comprehensive regulation and supervision.  See “Regulation” herein.

The home office of the Company is located at 121 East Fifth Street, Storm Lake, Iowa 50588.  Its telephone number at that address is (712) 732-4117.

Market Areas

The Bank has four market areas and the MPS division: Northwest Iowa (“NWI”), Brookings, Central Iowa (“CI”), and Sioux Empire (“SE”).  The Bank’s headquarters is located at 121 East Fifth Street in Storm Lake, Iowa.  NWI operates two offices in Storm Lake, Iowa.  Brookings operates one office in Brookings, South Dakota. CI operates a total of six offices in Iowa:  Des Moines (3), West Des Moines (2) and Urbandale.  SE operates three offices and one administrative office in Sioux Falls, SD. MPS, which offers prepaid cards and other payment industry products and services nationwide, operates out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and has an administrative office in Omaha, Nebraska. See “Meta Payment Systems® Division.”

The Company has a total of twelve full-service branch offices, and one non-retail service branch in Memphis, Tennessee.

The Company’s primary commercial banking market area includes the Iowa counties of Buena Vista, Dallas and Polk, and the South Dakota counties of Brookings, Lincoln, Minnehaha and Moody.  Iowa ranks 13th and South Dakota 17th in “The Best States for Business and Careers” (Forbes.com, 2010).  Iowa has low corporate income and franchise taxes.  South Dakota has no corporate income tax, personal income tax, personal property tax, business inventory tax, or inheritance tax.

Storm Lake is located in Iowa’s Buena Vista County approximately 150 miles northwest of Des Moines and 200 miles southwest of Minneapolis.  Like much of the state of Iowa, Storm Lake and the surrounding market area are highly dependent upon farming and agricultural markets.  Major employers in the area include Buena Vista Regional Medical Center, Tyson Foods, Sara Lee Foods, and Buena Vista University.  The Northwest Iowa market operates two offices in Storm Lake.

Brookings is located in Brookings County, South Dakota, approximately 50 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. The Bank’s market area encompasses approximately a 30-mile radius of Brookings.  The area is generally rural, and agriculture is a significant industry in the community.  South Dakota State University is the largest employer in Brookings.  The community also has several manufacturing companies, including 3M, Larson Manufacturing, Daktronics, Falcon Plastics, Twin City Fan, and Rainbow Play Systems, Inc.  The Brookings market operates from an office located in downtown Brookings.

Des Moines, Iowa’s capital is located in central Iowa.  The Des Moines market area encompasses Polk County and surrounding counties.  The Bank’s Central Iowa main office is located in the heart of downtown Des Moines.  The Urbandale office is in a high growth area just off I-80 at the intersection of two major streets.  The West Des Moines office operates near a high-traffic intersection, across from a major shopping mall.  The Ingersoll office is located near the heart of Des Moines, on a major thoroughfare, in a densely populated area.  The Highland Park facility is located in a historical district approximately five minutes north of downtown Des Moines.  The Jordan Creek office is located near Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines, one of the fastest growing communities in the State of Iowa and the Greater Des Moines area.  The Des Moines metro area is one of the top three insurance centers in the world, with sixty-seven insurance company headquarters and over one hundred regional insurance offices.  Des Moines ranks 1st as one of “The 20 Best Places for Business and Careers” (Forbes.com, 2010).  Major employers include Principal Life Insurance Company, Iowa Health — Des Moines, Mercy Hospital Medical Center, Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc., City of Des Moines, United Parcel Service, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., Pioneer Hi Bred International Inc., and Wells Fargo Financial and Home Mortgage. Universities and colleges in the area include Des Moines Area Community College, Drake University, Simpson College, Des Moines University — Osteopathic Medical Center, Grand View College, AIB College of Business, and Upper Iowa University.  The unemployment rate in the Des Moines metro area was 6.3% as of September 2010.

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Sioux Falls is located at the crossroads of Interstates 29 and 90 in southeast South Dakota, 270 miles southwest of Minneapolis. The Sioux Falls market area encompasses Minnehaha and Lincoln counties.  The main branch is located at the high growth area of 57th and Western. Other branches are located at 33rd and Minnesota and the intersection of 12th and Elmwood.  Sioux Falls was rated one of America’s Best Places to Live by CNN Money Magazine in July 2010.  Major employers in the area include Sanford Health, Avera McKennan Hospital, John Morrell & Company, Citibank (South Dakota) NA, and Hy-Vee Food Stores. Sioux Falls is home to Augustana College and The University of Sioux Falls.  The unemployment rate in Sioux Falls was 4.1% as of September 2010.

Several of the Company’s market areas are dependent on agriculture and agriculture-related businesses, which are exposed to exogenous risk factors such as weather conditions and commodity prices.  Presently, economic conditions in the agricultural sector of the Company’s market area are stronger than they have been for several years.  Abnormally heavy precipitation during the year ended September 30, 2010 that lowered yields in some areas has been offset by significantly higher crop prices.  Livestock prices have improved significantly in the past twenty-four months returning the sector to profitability and off-setting the higher feed cost.  Farmland prices are increasing in value in all of the Company’s market areas.  The agricultural economy is accustomed to commodity price fluctuations and is generally able to handle such fluctuations without significant problems.  Although there has been minimal effect observed to date, an extended period of low commodity prices, higher input costs or poor weather conditions could result in reduced profit margins in the agricultural sector, thus reducing demand for goods and services provided by agriculture-related businesses.  This could also affect other businesses in the Company’s market area.

Lending Activities

General.  Historically, the Company originated fixed-rate, one- to four-family mortgage loans. In the early 1980s, the Company began to focus on the origination of adjustable-rate mortgage (“ARM”) loans and short-term loans for retention in its portfolio in order to increase the percentage of loans in its portfolio with more frequent repricing or shorter maturities, and in some cases higher yields, than fixed-rate residential mortgage loans.  The Company, however, has digressed from ARM loans and pursued fixed-rate residential mortgage loan originations in response to consumer demand, although most such loans are generally sold in the secondary market.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which is included in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on Asset/Liability Management.

More recently, the Company has focused its lending activities on the origination of commercial and multi-family real estate loans and, to a lesser extent, commercial business loans.  The Company also continues to originate one-to-four family mortgage loans, consumer loans and agriculturally related loans.  The Company originates most of its loans in its primary market area.  At September 30, 2010, the Company’s net loan portfolio totaled $366.0 million, or 35.6% of the Company’s total assets.

Loan applications are initially considered and approved at various levels of authority, depending on the type and amount of the loan.  The Company has a loan committee consisting of senior lenders and Market Presidents, and is led by the Chief Lending Officer.  Loans in excess of certain amounts require approval by at least two members of the entire loan committee, a majority of the entire loan committee, or by the Company’s Board Loan Committee, which has responsibility for the overall supervision of the loan portfolio.  The Company reserves the right to discontinue, adjust or create new lending programs to respond to competitive factors.

At September 30, 2010, the Company’s largest lending relationship to a single borrower or group of related borrowers totaled $13.5 million but a portion of that is sold to other banks.  The Company had 24 other lending relationships in excess of $3.5 million as of September 30, 2010.  At September 30, 2010, two of these loans totaling $4.7 million were classified as substandard.  See “Non-Performing Assets, Other Loans of Concern, and Classified Assets.”

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Loan Portfolio Composition.  The following table provides information about the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio in dollar amounts and in percentages (before deductions for loans in process, deferred fees and discounts and allowances for losses) as of the dates indicated.  Balances related to discontinued bank operations have been eliminated for all periods presented.

(1)           Consist generally of various types of secured and unsecured consumer loans.

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The following table shows the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio by fixed and adjustable rate at the dates indicated.  Balances related to discontinued bank operations have been eliminated for all periods presented.

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The following table illustrates the interest rate sensitivity of the Company’s loan portfolio at September 30, 2010.  Mortgages which have adjustable or renegotiable interest rates are shown as maturing in the period during which the contract reprices.  The table reflects management’s estimate of the effects of loan prepayments or curtailments based on data from the Company’s historical experiences and other third party sources.  Balances related to discontinued bank operations have been eliminated for all periods presented.

(1) Includes one-to-four family, multi family, commercial and agricultural real estate loans.

(2) Includes demand loans, loans having no stated maturity and overdraft loans.

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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.  At September 30, 2010, the Company’s one- to four-family residential mortgage loan portfolio totaled $40.9 million, or 11% of the Company’s total gross loan portfolio.  See “Originations, Purchases, Sales and Servicing of Loans and Mortgage-Backed Securities.”  At September 30, 2010, the average outstanding principal balance of a one- to four-family residential mortgage loan was approximately $64,000.

The Company offers fixed-rate and ARM loans for both permanent structures and those under construction. During the year ended September 30, 2010, the Company originated $4.3 million of adjustable-rate loans and $28.0 million of fixed-rate loans secured by one- to four-family residential real estate.  The Company’s one- to four-family residential mortgage originations are secured primarily by properties located in its primary market area and surrounding areas.

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

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

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

In underwriting one- to four-family residential real estate loans, the Company evaluates both the borrower’s ability to make monthly payments and the value of the property securing the loan.  Most properties securing real estate loans made by the Company are appraised by independent fee 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 has purchased whole loan and participation interests in loans from other financial institutions.  At September 30, 2010, the Company’s commercial and multi-family real estate loan portfolio totaled $204.8 million, or 55% of the Company’s total gross loan portfolio.  The purchased loans and loan participation interests are generally secured by properties located in the Midwest and West.  See “Originations, Purchases, Sales and Servicing of Loans and Mortgage-Backed Securities.”  The Company, in order to supplement its loan portfolio, purchased $4.8 million, $41.7 million, and $39.8 million, of such loans during fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  At September 30, 2010, $4.1 million, or 2.0%, of the Company’s commercial and multi-family real estate loans was non-performing.  See “Non-Performing Assets, Other Loans of Concern and Classified Assets.”

The Company’s commercial and multi-family real estate loan portfolio is secured primarily by apartment buildings, office buildings, and hotels.  Commercial and multi-family real estate loans generally have terms that do not exceed 20 years, have loan-to-value ratios of up to 80% of the appraised value of the security property, and are

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typically secured by personal guarantees of the borrowers.  The Company has a variety of rate adjustment features and other terms in its commercial and multi-family real estate loan portfolio.  Commercial and multi-family real estate loans provide for a margin over a number of different indices.  In underwriting these loans, the Company currently analyzes the financial condition of the borrower, the borrower’s credit history, and the reliability and predictability of the cash flow generated by the property securing the loan.  Appraisals on properties securing commercial real estate loans originated by the Company are performed by independent appraisers.

At September 30, 2010, the Company’s largest commercial and multi-family real estate loan was a $7.8 million loan secured by real estate.  At September 30, 2010, the average outstanding principal balance of a commercial or multi-family real estate loan held by the Company was approximately $686,000.

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.  At September 30, 2010, the Bank’s nonresidential real estate loans totaled 227% of risk-based capital.

Agricultural Lending.  The Company originates loans to finance the purchase of farmland, livestock, farm machinery and equipment, seed, fertilizer and other farm related products.  At September 30, 2010, the Company had agricultural real estate loans secured by farmland of $25.9 million or 7% of the Company’s gross loan portfolio.  At the same date, $32.5 million, or 9% of the Company’s gross loan portfolio, consisted of secured loans related to agricultural operations.

Agricultural operating loans are originated at either an adjustable or fixed rate of interest for up to a one year term or, in the case of livestock, upon sale.  Most agricultural operating loans have terms of one year or less.  Such loans provide for payments of principal and interest at least annually or a lump sum payment upon maturity if the original term is less than one year.  Loans secured by agricultural machinery are generally originated as fixed-rate loans with terms of up to seven years.  At September 30, 2010, the average outstanding principal balance of an agricultural operating loan held by the Company was $140,000.  At September 30, 2010, $0.4 million, or 1.2%, of the Company’s agricultural operating loans was non-performing.

Agricultural real estate loans are frequently originated with adjustable rates of interest.  Generally, such loans provide for a fixed rate of interest for the first one to five years, which then balloon or adjust annually thereafter.  In addition, such loans generally amortize over a period of ten to 20 years.  Adjustable-rate agricultural real estate loans provide for a margin over the yields on the corresponding U.S. Treasury security or prime rate.  Fixed-rate agricultural real estate loans generally have terms up to five years.  Agricultural real estate loans are generally limited to 75% of the value of the property securing the loan.  At September 30, 2010, $2.7 million, or 10.2%, of the Company’s agricultural real estate portfolio was non-performing.

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

Weather presents one of the greatest risks as hail, drought, floods, or other conditions, can severely limit crop yields and thus impair loan repayments and the value of the underlying collateral.  This risk can be reduced by the farmer with a variety of insurance coverages which can help to ensure loan repayment.  Government support programs and the Company generally require that farmers procure crop insurance coverage.  Grain and livestock prices also present a risk as prices may decline prior to sale resulting in a failure to cover production costs.  These risks may be reduced by the farmer with the use of futures contracts or options to mitigate price risk.  The Company

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frequently requires borrowers to use future contracts or options to reduce price risk and help ensure loan repayment.  Another risk is the uncertainty of government programs and other regulations.  During periods of low commodity prices, the income from government programs can be a significant source of cash to make loan payments and if these programs are discontinued or significantly changed, cash flow problems or defaults could result.  Finally, many farms are dependent on a limited number of key individuals upon whose injury or death may result in an inability to successfully operate the farm.

Consumer Lending- Retail Bank.  The Retail Bank offers a variety of secured consumer loans, including home equity, home improvement, automobile, boat and loans secured by savings deposits.  In addition, the Retail Bank offers other secured and unsecured consumer loans.  The Retail Bank currently originates most of its consumer loans in its primary market area and surrounding areas.  The Retail Bank originates consumer loans on both a direct and indirect basis.  At September 30, 2010, the Retail Bank’s consumer loan portfolio totaled $20.4 million, or 6% of its total gross loan portfolio.  Of the consumer loan portfolio at September 30, 2010, $13.9 million were short- and intermediate-term, fixed-rate loans, while $6.5 million were adjustable-rate loans.

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

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

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

Consumer loans may entail greater credit risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans which are unsecured or are secured by rapidly depreciable assets, such as automobiles or recreational equipment.  In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation.  In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances.  Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.  At September 30, 2010, none of the Company’s consumer loan portfolio was non-performing.

Consumer Lending - MPS.  MPS has a loan committee consisting of members of Executive Management.  The MPS Credit Committee (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 Company’s Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for final approval of any credit program.

At September 30, 2010, MPS’ consumer loan portfolio totaled $27.7 million, or 7% of its total gross loan portfolio.  Of the consumer loan portfolio at September 30, 2010, $5.2 million were short- and intermediate-term, fixed-rate loans, while $22.5 million were adjustable-rate loans.

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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 accomplish these objectives.  MPS’ programs are managed prudently, in accordance with governing rules and regulations, and without unnecessary exposure to the capital base.  To this end, management believes that MPS administers its credit programs in conformance with federal and state laws, regulations, guidance, applicable association rules and regulations, as well as all standards and best practices for safe and sound lending.  Notwithstanding this belief, our regulator ordered the termination of our nationwide iAdvance lending program; see “Regulation — Bank Supervision and Regulation — OTS Directives and Related Matters.”

MPS has strived to offer consumers innovative payment products, including credit products.  Most credit products have fallen into one of two general categories: (1) sponsorship lending and (2) portfolio lending.  In a sponsorship lending model, MPS typically originates loans and sells (without recourse) the resulting receivables to third party investors equipped to take the associated credit risk.  MPS’s sponsorship lending programs are governed by the Policy for Sponsorship Lending which has been approved by the Board of Directors.  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 has indemnified MPS and the Bank 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 are commensurate with the added risk and exposure.  Due to supervisory directives issued by our regulator, an MPS lending program - iAdvance — was eliminated effective October 13, 2010.  In addition, the Bank’s tax-related programs, which consisted of pre-season tax-related loans and refund transfer services, are subject to prior approval of our regulator.  At this time, we do not anticipate offering these programs in fiscal 2011. Finally, our third party relationship programs have been limited to existing third party relationships, absent prior approval to engage in new relationships.  For additional discussion, See “Regulation — Bank Supervision and Regulation — OTS Supervisory Directives and Related Matters.”

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 and Credit Card Losses.

The MPS Credit Committee monitors and identifies the credit concentrations 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 of 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 Business Lending.  The Company also originates commercial business loans.  Most of the Company’s commercial business 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.  At September 30, 2010, $19.7 million, or 5% of the Company’s total gross loan portfolio, was comprised of commercial business loans.

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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 business 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 investments.

The largest commercial business loan outstanding at September 30, 2010 was a $4.1 million loan secured by commercial inventory of the borrower.  The next largest commercial business loan outstanding at September 30, 2010 was a $3.9 million loan secured by assets of the borrower.  At September 30, 2010, the average outstanding principal balance of a commercial business loan held by the Company was approximately $80,000.

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 business 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 business 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 business 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.  At September 30, 2010, $0.2 million, or 1.2%, of the Company’s commercial business loan portfolio was non-performing.  Commercial business loans have been a declining percentage of the Company’s loan portfolio since 2005.

Originations, Purchases, Sales and Servicing of Loans and Mortgage-Backed Securities

Loans are generally originated by the Company’s staff of loan officers.  Loan applications are taken and processed in the branches and the main office of the Company.  While the Company originates both adjustable-rate and fixed-rate loans, its ability to originate loans is dependent upon the relative customer demand for loans in its market.  Demand is affected by the interest rate and economic environment.

The Company, from time to time, sells whole loans and loan participations, generally without recourse.  At September 30, 2010, there were no loans outstanding sold with recourse.  When loans are sold, the Company sometimes retains the responsibility for collecting and remitting loan payments, making certain that real estate tax payments are made on behalf of borrowers, and otherwise servicing the loans.  The servicing fee is recognized as income over the life of the loans.  The Company services loans that it originated and sold totaling $27.1 million at September 30, 2010, of which $15.8 million were sold to Fannie Mae and $11.3 million were sold to others.

In periods of economic uncertainty, the Company’s ability to originate large dollar volumes of loans may be substantially reduced or restricted, with a resultant decrease in related loan origination fees, other fee income and operating earnings.  In addition, the Company’s ability to sell loans may substantially decrease as potential buyers (principally government agencies) reduce their purchasing activities.

The following table shows the loan originations (including undisbursed portions of loans in process), purchases, and sales and repayment activities of the Company for the periods indicated.  In addition, the table shows mortgage-backed securities purchases, sales and repayment activities.  Balances related to discontinued bank operations have been eliminated for all periods presented.  By far the largest category of loan originations is Non-Real Estate Consumer loans.  Due to the aforementioned OTS Supervisory Directive regarding iAdvance loans, the Non-Real Estate Consumer loan originations will decrease in fiscal 2011.  During fiscal 2010, the Company originated $415.2 million of iAdvance loans.

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At September 30, 2010, approximately $55.1 million, or 15.0%, of the Company’s gross loan portfolio consisted of purchased loans.  The Company believes that purchasing loans outside of its market area assists the Company in diversifying its portfolio and may lessen the adverse affects on the Company’s business or operations which could result in the event of a downturn or weakening of the local economy in which the Company conducts its primary operations.  However, additional risks are associated with purchasing loans outside of the Company’s market area, including the lack of knowledge of the local market and difficulty in monitoring and inspecting the property securing the loans.

At September 30, 2010, the Company’s purchased loans were secured by properties located, as a percentage of total loans, as follows: 6% in Oregon, 3% in Iowa, 1% each in Washington, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, and California and the remaining 1% in seven other states.

Non-Performing Assets, Other Loans of Concern, and Classified Assets

When a borrower fails to make a required payment on real estate secured loans and consumer loans within 16 days after the payment is due, the Company generally initiates collection procedures by mailing a delinquency notice.  The customer is contacted again, by written notice or telephone, before the payment is 30 days past due and again before 60 days past due.  In most cases, delinquencies are cured promptly; however, if a loan has been delinquent for more than 90 days, satisfactory payment arrangements must be adhered to or the Company will initiate foreclosure or repossession.

The following table sets forth the Company’s loan delinquencies by type, before allowance for loan losses, by amount and by percentage of type at September 30, 2010.