On the stock market since 1999, it operates in the world of money and finance. It has 1,725 employees. Now — the numbers.
This is an established company with proven profits.
Revenue is spread across several business lines; no single line carries the company.
No real growth (-1% a year).
Executive selling isn’t always bad news; people sell for personal reasons too. Still, the thin buying side is worth noting.
The stock trades near its peak today. For long-term holders the ride has paid off so far — though past performance guarantees nothing about the future.
It pays out $1.20 per share each year — regular cash for whoever holds the stock.
Over the last 3 years, sales fell about 3% a year on average. Profit is holding up, but a shrinking business is a risk worth watching.
The company’s market value is 35 times its annual profit. Even a small disappointment could hit the price hard.
On our five-subject report card, HTLF sits behind the class. A low grade doesn’t mean “doomed” — it means “big claim, small proof.”
The takeaway: HTLF is an established business that has proven its profits for years. The real debate isn’t the quality of the business — it’s whether the price paid for the stock is too high.