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CHOICEONE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC - Quarter Report: 2014 March (Form 10-Q)

 

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 March 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: 000-19202

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Michigan 38-2659066
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
109 East Division
Sparta, Michigan
49345
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

(616) 887-7366

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

 

Indicate by checkmark 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 Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) 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. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

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  

 

As of April 30, 2014, the Registrant had outstanding 3,298,237 shares of common stock.

 

 
 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2014   2013 
   (Unaudited)   (Audited) 
Assets          
Cash and due from banks  $14,429   $20,479 
           
Securities available for sale   143,252    136,082 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock   2,478    2,478 
Federal Reserve Bank stock   1,272    1,272 
           
Loans held for sale   728    931 
Loans   320,477    315,966 
Allowance for loan losses   (4,595)   (4,735)
Loans, net   315,882    311,231 
           
Premises and equipment, net   11,947    11,995 
Other real estate owned, net   548    508 
Cash value of life insurance policies   10,340    10,269 
Intangible assets, net   1,164    1,275 
Goodwill   13,728    13,728 
Other assets   4,581    4,327 
   $520,349   $514,575 
Liabilities          
Deposits – noninterest-bearing  $107,996   $102,243 
Deposits – interest-bearing   320,440    315,884 
Total deposits   428,436    418,127 
           
Repurchase agreements   20,306    26,033 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   6,385    6,392 
Other liabilities   2,719    2,465 
Total liabilities   457,846    453,017 
           
Shareholders’ Equity          
Preferred stock; shares authorized: 100,000; shares outstanding: none        
Common stock and paid in capital, no par value; shares authorized: 7,000,000; shares outstanding: 3,297,673 at March 31, 2014 and 3,295,463 at December 31, 2013   46,635    46,595 
Retained earnings   15,602    14,815 
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net   266    148 
Total shareholders’ equity   62,503    61,558 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $520,349   $514,575 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2
 

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2014   2013 
Interest income          
Loans, including fees  $3,824   $4,004 
Securities:          
Taxable   482    463 
Tax exempt   347    346 
Other   3    3 
Total interest income   4,656    4,816 
           
Interest expense          
Deposits   279    376 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   11    4 
Other   13    9 
Total interest expense   303    389 
           
Net interest income   4,353    4,427 
Provision for loan losses   100    300 
           
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   4,253    4,127 
           
Noninterest income          
Customer service charges   859    838 
Insurance and investment commissions   231    149 
Gains on sales of loans   146    493 
Gains on sales of securities   65    23 
Losses on sales and write-downs of other assets   (1)   (69)
Earnings on life insurance policies   71    75 
Other   200    187 
Total noninterest income   1,571    1,696 
           
Noninterest expense          
Salaries and benefits   2,084    2,016 
Occupancy and equipment   617    570 
Data processing   511    500 
Professional fees   197    158 
Supplies and postage   113    144 
Advertising and promotional   42    53 
Intangible amortization   112    112 
Loan and collection expense   26    111 
FDIC insurance   80    95 
Other   359    403 
Total noninterest expense   4,141    4,162 
           
Income before income tax   1,683    1,661 
Income tax expense   435    426 
           
Net income  $1,248   $1,235 
           
Basic earnings per share  $0.38   $0.37 
Diluted earnings per share  $0.38   $0.37 
Dividends declared per share  $0.14   $0.13 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3
 

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2014   2013 
Net income  $1,248   $1,235 
           
Other comprehensive income:          
Unrealized holding gains on available for sale securities   243    158 
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gain recognized in earnings   (65)   (23)
Net unrealized gain   178    135 
Less tax effect   (60)   (46)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax   118    89 
           
Comprehensive income  $1,366   $1,324 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

4
 

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Number of Shares   Common Stock and Paid in Capital   Retained Earnings   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net   Total 
                     
Balance, January 1, 2013   3,298,081   $46,649   $11,501   $2,356   $60,506 
                          
Net income             1,235         1,235 
Other comprehensive income                  89    89 
Shares issued   2,375    30              30 
Change in ESOP repurchase obligation        (8)             (8)
Effect of employee stock purchases        3              3 
Cash dividends declared ($0.13 per share)             (429)        (429)
                          
Balance, March 31, 2013   3,300,456   $46,674   $12,307   $2,445   $61,426 
                          
Balance, January 1, 2014   3,295,463   $46,595   $14,815   $148   $61,558 
                          
Net income             1,248         1,248 
Other comprehensive income                  118    118 
Shares issued   2,210    32              32 
Effect of employee stock purchases        3              3 
Restricted stock units issued        5              5 
Cash dividends declared ($0.14 per share)             (461)        (461)
                          
Balance, March 31, 2014   3,297,673   $46,635   $15,602   $266   $62,503 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5
 

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2014   2013 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income  $1,248   $1,235 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:          
Provision for loan losses   100    300 
Depreciation   245    218 
Amortization   381    427 
Compensation expense on stock purchases and restricted stock units   8    3 
Gains on sales of securities   (65)   (23)
Gains on sales of loans   (146)   (493)
Loans originated for sale   (4,107)   (14,677)
Proceeds from loan sales   4,444    13,550 
Earnings on bank-owned life insurance   (71)   (75)
(Gains)/losses on sales of other real estate owned   2    (17)
Write-downs of other real estate owned       89 
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned   204    235 
Deferred federal income tax benefit   (77)   (113)
Net changes in other assets   (148)   (217)
Net changes in other liabilities   134    364 
Net cash from operating activities   2,152    806 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Securities available for sale:          
Sales   4,769    1,283 
Maturities, prepayments and calls   2,016    5,597 
Purchases   (13,940)   (6,192)
Loan originations and payments, net   (4,996)   (2,284)
Additions to premises and equipment   (197)   (350)
Net cash from investing activities   (12,348)   (1,946)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Net change in deposits   10,309    1,477 
Net change in repurchase agreements   (5,727)   (1,219)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances   6,000    1,000 
Payments on Federal Home Loan Bank advances   (6,007)   (1,007)
Issuance of common stock   32    30 
Cash dividends   (461)   (429)
Net cash from financing activities   4,146    (148)
           
Net change in cash and cash equivalents   (6,050)   (1,288)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents   20,479    19,034 
           
Ending cash and cash equivalents  $14,429   $17,746 
           
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:          
Cash paid for interest  $307   $412 
Loans transferred to other real estate owned  $246   $365 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

6
 

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. (“ChoiceOne” or the “Registrant”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, ChoiceOne Bank (the “Bank”), and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ChoiceOne Insurance Agencies, Inc. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information, prevailing practices within the banking industry and the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments ordinary in nature which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb probable incurred losses inherent in the consolidated loan portfolio. Management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is an estimate based on reviews of individual loans, assessments of the impact of current economic conditions on the portfolio and historical loss experience of seasoned loan portfolios. See Note 3 to the interim consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 

Management believes the accounting estimate related to the allowance for loan losses is a “critical accounting estimate” because (1) the estimate is highly susceptible to change from period to period because of assumptions concerning the changes in the types and volumes of the portfolios and economic conditions and (2) the impact of recognizing an impairment or loan loss could have a material effect on ChoiceOne’s assets reported on the balance sheet as well as its net income.

 

Stock Transactions

A total of 885 shares of common stock were issued to the Registrant’s Board of Directors for a cash price of $15,000 under the terms of the Directors’ Stock Purchase Plan in the first quarter of 2014. A total of 1,136 shares were issued to employees for a cash price of $17,000 under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. A total of 189 shares were issued upon the exercise of stock options in the first quarter of 2014.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

Effective July 1, 2013, ChoiceOne began granting Restricted Stock Units to a select group of employees under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. All of the Restricted Stock Units are initially unvested and vest in three annual installments on each of the next three anniversaries of the grant date. Certain additional vesting provisions apply. Each unit, once vested, is settled by delivery of one share of ChoiceOne common stock.

 

Reclassifications

Certain amounts presented in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

7
 

 

NOTE 2 — SECURITIES

 

The fair value of securities available for sale and the related gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

 

   March 31, 2014 
       Gross   Gross     
(Dollars in thousands)  Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized    Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
U.S. Government and federal agency  $43,920   $95   $(417)  $43,598 
U.S. Treasury   13,271    15    (125)   13,161 
State and municipal   64,117    1,624    (786)   64,955 
Mortgage-backed   10,438    60    (130)   10,368 
Corporate   8,181    50    (39)   8,192 
Foreign debt   1,000        (13)   987 
Equity securities   1,707    10    (176)   1,541 
Asset-backed securities   457        (7)   450 
Total  $143,091   $1,854   $(1,693)  $143,252 

 

   December 31, 2013 
       Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized    Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
U.S. Government and federal agency  $44,059   $166   $(503)  $43,722 
U.S. Treasury   7,285    17    (78)   7,224 
State and municipal   64,215    1,622    (1,062)   64,775 
Mortgage-backed   8,541    95    (166)   8,470 
Corporate   8,805    61    (51)   8,815 
Foreign debt   1,000        (10)   990 
Equity securities   1,707    7    (111)   1,603 
Asset-backed securities   486        (3)   483 
Total  $136,098   $1,968   $(1,984)  $136,082 

 

ChoiceOne reviews its securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether unrealized losses are considered to be temporary or other-than-temporary. No other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded in the first quarter of 2014. ChoiceOne believed that unrealized losses on securities were temporary in nature and were due to changes in interest rates and reduced market liquidity and not as a result of credit quality issues.

 

8
 

 

NOTE 3 — LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses and balances in the loan portfolio were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Agricultural   Commercial and Industrial   Consumer   Commercial Real Estate   Construction Real Estate   Residential Real Estate   Unallocated   Total 
Allowance for Loan Losses                                        
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014                                        
Beginning balance  $179   $562   $191   $1,842   $12   $1,626   $323   $4,735 
Charge-offs       (1)   (53)   (185)       (90)       (329)
Recoveries   1    20    50    14        4        89 
Provision   7    4    (1)   (7)   (5)   24    78    100 
Ending balance  $187   $585   $187   $1,664   $7   $1,564   $401   $4,595 
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $29   $57   $2   $744   $   $332   $   $1,164 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $158   $528   $185   $920   $7   $1,232   $401   $3,431 
                                         
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013                                        
Beginning balance  $140   $381   $250   $2,596   $15   $1,923   $547   $5,852 
Charge-offs       (21)   (97)   (98)       (164)       (380)
Recoveries   1    37    52    10        9        109 
Provision   49    156    31    392        (216)   (112)   300 
Ending balance  $190   $553   $236   $2,900   $15   $1,552   $435   $5,881 
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $26   $193   $10   $373   $   $447   $   $1,049 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $164   $360   $226   $2,527   $15   $1,105   $435   $4,832 
                                         
Loans                                        
March 31, 2014                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment  $364   $444   $32   $4,602   $   $2,913        $8,355 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   30,986    74,505    19,984    95,644    958    90,045         312,122 
Ending balance  $31,350   $74,949   $20,016   $100,246   $958   $92,958        $320,477 
                                         
December 31, 2013                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment  $452   $776   $37   $4,195   $   $2,827        $8,287 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   36,596    67,754    19,894    92,792    890    89,753         307,679 
Ending balance  $37,048   $68,530   $19,931   $96,987   $890   $92,580        $315,966 

 

The process to monitor the credit quality of ChoiceOne’s loan portfolio includes tracking (1) the risk ratings of business loans, (2) the level of classified business loans, and (3) delinquent and nonperforming consumer loans. Business loans are risk rated on a scale of 1 to 8. A description of the characteristics of the ratings follows:

 

Risk ratings 1 and 2: These loans are considered pass credits. They exhibit good to exceptional credit risk and demonstrate the ability to repay the loan from normal business operations.

 

Risk rating 3: These loans are considered pass credits. They exhibit acceptable credit risk and demonstrate the ability to repay the loan from normal business operations.

 

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Risk rating 4: These loans are considered pass credits. However, they have potential developing weaknesses that, if not corrected, may cause deterioration in the ability of the borrower to repay the loan. While a loss is possible for a loan with this rating, it is not anticipated.

 

Risk rating 5: These loans are considered special mention credits. Loans in this risk rating are considered to be inadequately protected by the net worth and debt service coverage of the borrower or of any pledged collateral. These loans have well defined weaknesses that may jeopardize the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. If the weaknesses are not corrected, loss of principal and interest could be probable.

 

Risk rating 6: These loans are considered substandard credits. These loans have well defined weaknesses, the severity of which makes collection of principal and interest in full questionable. Loans in this category may be placed on nonaccrual status.

 

Risk rating 7: These loans are considered doubtful credits. Some loss of principal and interest has been determined to be probable. The estimate of the amount of loss could be affected by factors such as the borrower’s ability to provide additional capital or collateral. Loans in this category are on nonaccrual status.

 

Risk rating 8: These loans are considered loss credits. They are considered uncollectible and will be charged off against the allowance for loan losses.

 

Information regarding the Bank’s credit exposure is as follows:

 

Corporate Credit Exposure - Credit Risk Profile By Creditworthiness Category

 

   Agricultural    Commercial and Industrial      Commercial Real Estate 
(Dollars in thousands)  March 31,   December 31,   March 31,   December 31,   March 31,   December 31, 
   2014   2013   2014   2013   2014   2013 
Risk ratings 1 and 2  $6,002   $8,339   $9,345   $7,333   $2,801   $3,000 
Risk rating 3   19,806    23,036    51,954    46,943    58,038    53,681 
Risk rating 4   4,379    4,330    11,810    12,557    27,589    27,610 
Risk rating 5   799    1,193    1,332    1,025    6,659    6,813 
Risk rating 6   364    150    448    608    4,827    5,818 
Risk rating 7           60    64    332    65 
   $31,350   $37,048   $74,949   $68,530   $100,246   $96,987 

 

Corporate Credit Exposure - Credit Risk Profile Based On Payment Activity

 

   Consumer   Construction Real Estate   Residential Real Estate  
   March 31,   December 31,   March 31,   December 31,   March 31,   December 31, 
   2014   2013   2014   2013   2014   2013 
Performing  $19,988   $19,900   $958   $890   $90,090   $89,959 
Nonperforming   28    31            2,868    2,621 
   $20,016   $19,931   $958   $890   $92,958   $92,580 

 

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The following schedule provides information on loans that were considered TDRs that were modified during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013:

 

   March 31, 2014   March 31, 2013 
       Pre-   Post-       Pre-   Post- 
       Modification   Modification       Modification   Modification 
       Outstanding    Outstanding        Outstanding   Outstanding 
(Dollars in thousands)  Number of   Recorded   Recorded   Number of   Recorded   Recorded 
   Loans   Investment   Investment   Loans   Investment   Investment 
Commercial real estate   3   $440   $448       $   $ 
Residential real estate   1    89    90             
    4   $529   $538       $   $ 

 

The following schedule provides information on TDRs as of March 31, 2014 and 2013 where the borrower was past due with respect to principal and/or interest for 30 days or more during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013 that had been modified during the year prior to the default:

 

   Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 2014   March 31, 2013 
(Dollars in thousands)  Number   Recorded   Number   Recorded 
   of Loans   Investment   of Loans   Investment 
Commercial and industrial      $    1   $118 
Commercial real estate   3    680    1    65 
    3   $680    2   $183 

 

The pre-modification and post-modification outstanding recorded investment represents amounts as of the date of loan modification. If a difference exists between the pre-modification and post-modification outstanding recorded investment, it represents impairment recognized through the provision for loan losses computed based on a loan’s post-modification present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate. If no difference exists, a loss is not expected to be incurred based on an assessment of the borrower’s expected cash flows.

 

Loans are classified as performing when they are current as to principal and interest payments or are past due on payments less than 90 days. Loans are classified as nonperforming when they are past due 90 days or more as to principal and interest payments or are considered a troubled debt restructuring.

 

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Impaired loans by loan category follow:

 

       Unpaid     
(Dollars in thousands)  Recorded   Principal   Related 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance 
March 31, 2014               
With no related allowance recorded               
Agricultural  $   $   $ 
Commercial and industrial   61    132     
Consumer            
Commercial real estate   432    503     
Residential real estate   603    722     
Subtotal   1,096    1,357     
With an allowance recorded               
Agricultural   364    368    29 
Commercial and industrial   383    394    57 
Consumer   32    32    2 
Commercial real estate   4,170    4,922    744 
Residential real estate   2,310    2,312    332 
Subtotal   7,259    8,028    1,164 
Total               
Agricultural   364    368    29 
Commercial and industrial   444    526    57 
Consumer   32    32    2 
Commercial real estate   4,602    5,425    744 
Residential real estate   2,913    3,034    332 
Total  $8,355   $9,385   $1,164 
                
December 31, 2013               
With no related allowance recorded               
Agricultural  $452   $455   $ 
Commercial and industrial   229    300     
Consumer   2    3     
Commercial real estate   782    843     
Residential real estate   891    1,128     
Subtotal   2,356    2,729     
With an allowance recorded               
Agricultural            
Commercial and industrial   547    554    53 
Consumer   35    35    3 
Commercial real estate   3,413    3,997    699 
Residential real estate   1,936    1,936    308 
Subtotal   5,931    6,522    1,063 
Total               
Agricultural   452    455     
Commercial and industrial   776    854    53 
Consumer   37    38    3 
Commercial real estate   4,195    4,840    699 
Residential real estate   2,827    3,064    308 
Total  $8,287   $9,251   $1,063 

 

12
 

 

The following schedule provides information regarding average balances of impaired loans and interest recognized on impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

(Dollars in thousands)   Average
Recorded
    Interest
Income
 
    Investment     Recognized  
March 31, 2014                
With no related allowance recorded                
Agricultural   $ 226     $  
Commercial and industrial     145        
Consumer     1        
Commercial real estate     607       5  
Residential real estate     747       5  
Subtotal     1,726       10  
With an allowance recorded                
Agricultural     182       1  
Commercial and industrial     465       1  
Consumer     33       1  
Commercial real estate     3,792       31  
Residential real estate     2,123       23  
Subtotal     6,595       57  
Total                
Agricultural     408       1  
Commercial and industrial     610       1  
Consumer     34       1  
Commercial real estate     4,399       36  
Residential real estate     2,870       28  
Total   $ 8,321     $ 67  
                 
March 31, 2013                
With no related allowance recorded                
Agricultural   $ 284     $ 7  
Commercial and industrial     49        
Consumer     3       1  
Commercial real estate     612        
Residential real estate     167       2  
Subtotal     1,115       10  
With an allowance recorded                
Agricultural     83       1  
Commercial and industrial     192       1  
Consumer     48       1  
Commercial real estate     3,435       52  
Residential real estate     2,237       23  
Subtotal     5,995       78  
Total                
Agricultural     367       8  
Commercial and industrial     241       1  
Consumer     51       2  
Commercial real estate     4,047       52  
Residential real estate     2,404       25  
Total   $ 7,110     $ 88  

 

13
 

 

An aging analysis of loans by loan category follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)   30 to 59     60 to 89     Greater Than 90           Loans Not     Total     90 Days Past Due and  
    Days     Days     Days (1)     Total     Past Due     Loans     Accruing  
March 31, 2014                                                        
Agricultural   $ 277     $     $ 276     $ 553     $ 30,797     $ 31,350     $  
Commercial and industrial     69       52       60       181       74,768       74,949        
Consumer     48       16             64       19,952       20,016        
Commercial real estate     742             384       1,126       99,120       100,246        
Construction real estate                             958       958        
Residential real estate     1,019       131       572       1,722       91,236       92,958       167  
    $ 2,155     $ 199     $ 1,292     $ 3,646     $ 316,831     $ 320,477     $ 167  
                                                         
December 31, 2013                                                        
Agricultural   $ 9     $ 1     $ 428     $ 438     $ 36,610     $ 37,048     $  
Commercial and industrial     93       352       73       518       68,012       68,530        
Consumer     60       7             67       19,864       19,931        
Commercial real estate     901       884       242       2,027       94,960       96,987        
Construction real estate                             890       890        
Residential real estate     673       186       167       1,026       91,554       92,580       11  
    $ 1,736     $ 1,430     $ 910     $ 4,076     $ 311,890     $ 315,966     $ 11  

 

(1)  Includes nonaccrual loans.

 

Nonaccrual loans by loan category follow:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

    March 31,     December 31,  
    2014     2013  
Agricultural   $ 300     $ 452  
Commercial and industrial     431       372  
Consumer           2  
Commercial real estate     2,875       1,606  
Residential real estate     927       691  
    $ 4,533     $ 3,123  

 

14
 

 

NOTE 4 — EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. A computation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share follows:

 

   Three Months Ended 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  March 31, 
   2014   2013 
Basic Earnings Per Share          
Net income available to common shareholders  $1,248   $1,235 
           
Weighted average common shares outstanding   3,296,350    3,298,910 
           
Basic earnings per share  $0.38   $0.37 
           
Diluted Earnings Per Share          
Net income available to common shareholders  $1,248   $1,235 
           
Weighted average common shares outstanding   3,296,350    3,298,910 
Plus dilutive stock options and restricted stock units   6,458    1,285 
          
Weighted average common shares outstanding and potentially dilutive shares   3,302,808    3,300,195 
           
Diluted earnings per share  $0.38   $0.37 

 

There were 28,625 stock options as of both March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013 that are considered to be anti-dilutive to earnings per share for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013. These stock options have been excluded from the calculation above.

 

15
 

 

NOTE 5 — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Financial instruments as of the dates indicated were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)   Carrying     Estimated     Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets     Significant Other Observable Inputs     Significant Unobservable Inputs  
    Amount     Fair Value     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
March 31, 2014                                        
Assets:                                        
Cash and due from banks   $ 14,429     $ 14,429     $ 14,429     $     $  
Securities available for sale     143,252       143,252       217       131,911       11,124  
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock     3,750       3,750             3,750        
Loans held for sale     728       755             755        
Loans, net     315,882       317,626                   317,626  
                                         
Liabilities:                                        
Noninterest-bearing deposits     107,996       107,996             107,996        
Interest-bearing deposits     320,440       320,709             320,709        
Repurchase agreements     20,306       20,306             20,306        
Federal Home Loan Bank advances     6,385       6,385             6,385        
                                         
December 31, 2013                                        
Assets:                                        
Cash and due from banks   $ 20,479     $ 20,479     $ 20,479     $     $  
Securities available for sale     136,082       136,082       214       124,540       11,328  
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock     3,750       3,750             3,750        
Loans held for sale     931       957             957        
Loans, net     311,231       313,659                   313,659  
                                         
Liabilities:                                        
Noninterest-bearing deposits     102,243       102,243             102,243        
Interest-bearing deposits     315,884       316,222             316,222        
Repurchase agreements     26,033       26,033             26,033        
Federal Home Loan Bank advances     6,392       6,428             6,428        

 

The estimated fair values approximate the carrying amounts for all assets and liabilities except those described later in this paragraph. The methodology for determining the estimated fair value for securities available for sale is described in Note 6. The estimated fair value for loans is based on the rates charged at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for new loans with similar maturities, applied until the loan is assumed to reprice or be paid. The allowance for loan losses is considered to be a reasonable estimate of discount for credit quality concerns. The estimated fair values for time deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances are based on the rates paid at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for new deposits or FHLB advances, applied until maturity. The estimated fair values for other financial instruments and off-balance sheet loan commitments are considered nominal.

 

16
 

 

NOTE 6 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The following tables present information about the Bank’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the valuation techniques used by the Bank to determine those fair values.

 

In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Bank has the ability to access.

 

Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs use other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. These Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and other inputs such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

 

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs, including inputs that are available in situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the related asset or liability.

 

In instances where inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels in the above fair value hierarchy, fair value measurements in their entirety are categorized based on the lowest level input that is significant to the valuation. The Bank’s assessment of the significance of particular inputs to these fair value measurements requires judgment and considers factors specific to each asset or liability.

 

There were no liabilities measured at fair value as of March 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013. Disclosures concerning assets measured at fair value are as follows:

 

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets   Significant Other Observable Inputs   Significant Unobservable Inputs   Balance at 
  (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)   Date Indicated 
Investment Securities, Available for Sale – March 31, 2014                    
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds  $   $13,161   $   $13,161 
U.S. Government and federal agency       43,598        43,598 
State and municipal       55,553    9,402    64,955 
Mortgage-backed       10,368        10,368 
Corporate       7,794    398    8,192 
Foreign debt       987        987 
Equity securities   217        1,324    1,541 
Asset backed securities       450        450 
Total  $217   $131,911   $11,124   $143,252 
                     
Investment Securities, Available for Sale - December 31, 2013                    
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds  $   $7,224   $   $7,224 
U.S. Government and federal agency       43,722        43,722 
State and municipal       55,234    9,541    64,775 
Mortgage-backed       8,470        8,470 
Corporate       8,417    398    8,815 
Foreign debt       990         990 
Equity securities   214        1,389    1,603 
Asset backed securities       483        483 
Total  $214   $124,540   $11,328   $136,082 

 

 

17
 

 

Changes in Level 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2014   2013 
Investment Securities, Available for Sale          
Balance, January 1  $11,328   $2,599 
Total realized and unrealized gains included in income        
Total unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income   (261)   132 
Net purchases, sales, calls, and maturities   (17)   (6)
Net transfers into Level 3   74     
Balance, March 31  $11,124   $2,725 

 

Of the Level 3 assets that were held by the Bank at March 31, 2014, the net unrealized loss for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $204,000, which is recognized in other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheet. There were no purchases or sales of level 3 securities during the first quarter of 2014 or 2013.

 

Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair value of positions classified as Level 3 investment securities and liabilities. As a result, the unrealized gains and losses for these assets and liabilities presented in the tables above may include changes in fair value that were attributable to both observable and unobservable inputs.

 

Available for sale investment securities categorized as Level 3 assets primarily consist of bonds issued by local municipalities. The Bank estimates the fair value of these bonds based on the present value of expected future cash flows using management’s best estimate of key assumptions, including forecasted interest yield and payment rates, credit quality and a discount rate commensurate with the current market and other risks involved.

 

The Bank also has assets that under certain conditions are subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are not normally measured at fair value, but can be subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as impairment. Disclosures concerning assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are as follows:

 

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

 

(Dollars in thousands)   Balance at Dates     Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets     Significant Other Observable Inputs     Significant Unobservable Inputs  
    Indicated     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Impaired Loans                                
March 31, 2014   $ 8,355     $     $     $ 8,355  
December 31, 2013   $ 8,287     $     $     $ 8,287  
                                 
Other Real Estate                                
March 31, 2014   $ 548     $     $     $ 548  
December 31, 2013   $ 508     $     $     $ 508  

 

Impaired loans categorized as Level 3 assets consist of non-homogeneous loans that are considered impaired. The Bank estimates the fair value of the loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows using management’s best estimate of key assumptions. These assumptions include future payment ability, timing of payment streams, and estimated realizable values of available collateral (typically based on outside appraisals). The changes in fair value consisted of charge-downs of impaired loans that were posted to the allowance for loan losses and write-downs of other real estate that were posted to a valuation account.

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

The following discussion is designed to provide a review of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. (“ChoiceOne” or the “Registrant”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, ChoiceOne Bank (the “Bank”), and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ChoiceOne Insurance Agencies, Inc. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes.

 

18
 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This discussion and other sections of this quarterly report contain forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy, and ChoiceOne itself. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “is likely,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “may,” “could,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Management’s determination of the provision and allowance for loan losses, the carrying value of goodwill and loan servicing rights, and the fair value of investment securities (including whether any impairment on any investment security is temporary or other-than-temporary) and management’s assumptions concerning pension and other postretirement benefit plans involve judgments that are inherently forward-looking. All of the information concerning interest rate sensitivity is forward-looking. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“risk factors”) that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood, and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Furthermore, ChoiceOne undertakes no obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

Risk factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors discussed in Item 1A of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013; changes in banking laws and regulations; changes in tax laws; changes in prices, levies, and assessments; the impact of technological advances; governmental and regulatory policy changes; the outcomes of pending and future litigation and contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their abilities to repay loans; changes in the local and national economies; changes in market conditions; the level and timing of asset growth; various other local and global uncertainties such as acts of terrorism and military actions; and current uncertainties and fluctuations in the financial markets and stocks of financial services providers due to concerns about capital and credit availability and concerns about the Michigan economy in particular. These are representative of the risk factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a preceding forward-looking statement.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Summary

Net income for the first quarter of 2014 was $1,248,000, which represented an increase of $13,000 or 1% compared to the same period in 2013. Decreases in net interest income and noninterest income were offset by a decrease in the provision for loan losses and noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013. An increase in the provision for loan losses was partially offset by a decrease in noninterest expense in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the fourth quarter in 2013. Basic and diluted earnings per common share were $0.38 for the first quarter of 2014 compared to $0.37 for the same period in 2013. The return on average assets and return on average shareholders’ equity percentages were 0.97% and 8.13%, respectively, for the first quarter of 2014, compared to 0.98% and 8.10%, respectively, for the same period in 2013.

 

Dividends

Cash dividends of $461,000 or $0.14 per share were declared in the first quarter of 2014, compared to $429,000 or $0.13 per share in the first quarter of 2013. The cash dividend payout percentage was 37% for the first three months of 2014, compared to 35% in the same period a year ago.

 

Interest Income and Expense

Tables 1 and 2 on the following pages provide information regarding interest income and expense for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. Table 1 documents ChoiceOne’s average balances and interest income and expense, as well as the average rates earned or paid on assets and liabilities. Table 2 documents the effect on interest income and expense of changes in volume (average balance) and interest rates. These tables are referred to in the discussion of interest income, interest expense and net interest income.

 

19
 

 

Table 1 – Average Balances and Tax-Equivalent Interest Rates

 

(Dollars in thousands)   Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2014     2013  
    Average                 Average              
    Balance     Interest     Rate     Balance     Interest     Rate  
Assets:                                                
Loans (1)   $ 318,646     $ 3,828       4.81 %   $ 311,724     $ 4,008       5.14 %
Taxable securities (2) (3)     97,710       482       1.97       92,499       463       2.00  
Nontaxable securities (1) (2)     43,611       525       4.82       41,468       522       5.04  
Other     4,246       2       0.19       4,729       2       0.17  
Interest-earning assets     464,213       4,837       4.17       450,420       4,995       4.43  
Noninterest-earning assets     49,615                       52,950                  
Total assets   $ 513,828                     $ 503,370                  
                                                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:                                                
 Interest-bearing demand deposits   $ 141,112       64       0.18 %   $ 133,236       69       0.21 %
Savings deposits     66,201       10       0.06       65,271       11       0.07  
Certificates of deposit     110,646       205       0.74       128,248       296       0.92  
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank     7,889       11       0.56       418       4       3.83  
Other     21,204       13       0.23       17,196       9       0.21  
Interest-bearing liabilities     347,052       303       0.35       344,369       389       0.45  
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     101,605                       94,297                  
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities     3,854                       3,688                  
Total liabilities     452,511                       442,354                  
Shareholders’ equity     61,317                       61,016                  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 513,828                     $ 503,370                  
                                                 
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)-interest spread             4,534       3.82 %             4,606       3.98 %
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)             (182 )                     (179 )        
Net interest income           $ 4,352                     $ 4,427          
Net interest income as a percentage of earning assets (tax-equivalent basis)                     3.91 %                     4.09 %

 

 

(1) Adjusted to a fully tax-equivalent basis to facilitate comparison to the taxable interest-earning assets. The adjustment uses an incremental tax rate of 34% for the periods presented.
(2) Includes the effect of unrealized gains or losses on securities.
(3) Taxable securities include dividend income from Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock.

 

20
 

 

Table 2 – Changes in Tax-Equivalent Net Interest Income

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2014 Over 2013 
   Total   Volume   Rate 
Increase (decrease) in interest income (1)               
Loans (2)  $(180)  $486   $(666)
Taxable securities   19    58    (39)
Nontaxable securities (2)   3    100    (97)
Other       (1)   1 
Net Change in tax-equivalent interest income   (158)   643    (801)
                
Increase (decrease) in interest expense (1)               
Interest-bearing demand deposits   (5)   20    (25)
Savings deposits   (1)   1    (2)
Certificates of deposit   (91)   (37)   (54)
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   7    33    (26)
Other   4    3    1 
Net change in interest expense   (86)   20    (106)
Net change in tax-equivalent net interest income  $(72)  $623   $(695)

 

 

(1) The volume variance is computed as the change in volume (average balance) multiplied by the previous year’s interest rate. The rate variance is computed as the change in interest rate multiplied by the previous year’s volume (average balance). The change in interest due to both volume and rate has been allocated to the volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.
(2) Interest on nontaxable investment securities and loans has been adjusted to a fully tax-equivalent basis using an incremental tax rate of 34% for the periods presented.

 

Net Interest Income

The presentation of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis is not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), but is customary in the banking industry. This non-GAAP measure ensures comparability of net interest income arising from both taxable and tax-exempt loans and investment securities. The adjustments to determine net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis were $182,000 and $179,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These adjustments were computed using a 34% federal income tax rate.

 

As shown in Tables 1 and 2, tax-equivalent net interest income decreased $72,000 in the first three months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The combination of growth in average interest-earning assets was partially offset by an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities, which caused net interest income to increase $623,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same quarter in the prior year. A reduction of 16 basis points in the net interest spread from 3.98% in the first quarter of 2013 to 3.82% in the same quarter in 2014, resulted in a $695,000 decrease in net interest income.

 

The average balance of loans increased $6.9 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. Average commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loans were $14.2 million higher, which was partially offset by a $1.2 million decrease in the average balance of consumer loans and a $6.1 million decrease in average residential mortgage loans in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same quarter in the prior year. The increase in the average loans balance was offset by a 33 basis point decrease in the average rate earned. This caused tax-equivalent interest income from loans to decline $180,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in the prior year. The average balance of total securities grew $7.4 million in the first three months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. Additional securities were purchased in 2013 and in the first quarter of 2014 to provide added liquidity and to provide earning asset growth. The growth in securities, partially offset by the effect of lower interest rates earned, caused interest income to increase $22,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same quarter in 2013.

 

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The average balance of interest-bearing demand deposits increased $7.9 million in the first three months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The effect of the higher average balance was offset by a 3 basis point decline in the average rate paid, which caused interest expense to decrease $5,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same quarter in 2013. The average balance of savings deposits increased $930,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same quarter in the prior year. The impact of the savings deposit growth was offset by a 1 basis point drop in the average rate paid, resulting in a decrease in interest expense of $1,000 in the first three months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The average balance of certificates of deposit was down $17.6 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The average balance of local certificates was $16.1 million lower while the average balance of nonlocal certificates was $1.5 million lower in the first quarter of 2014 than in the same period in 2013. The decline in certificates of deposit plus an 18 basis point reduction in the average rate paid on certificates caused interest expense to fall $91,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. A combination of a $7.5 million increase in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank advances partially offset by a 327 basis point decrease in the average rate paid caused interest expense to increase $7,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same quarter in 2013. An increase of $4.0 million in the average balance of other interest-bearing liabilities in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013, plus the effect of a 2 basis point increase in the average rate paid caused a $4,000 increase in interest expense.

 

ChoiceOne’s net interest income spread was 3.82% in the first quarter of 2014, compared to 3.98% for the first quarter of 2013. The decline in the interest spread was due to a 26 basis point decrease in the average rate earned on interest earning assets in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same quarter in 2013, which was partially offset by a 10 basis point decrease in the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The reduction in the average rate earned on interest-earning assets was caused by relatively low general market rates on new loan originations and securities purchased in 2013 and the first quarter of 2014. Interest rates on loans are also being impacted by rate pressure from some of ChoiceOne’s competing financial institutions. The lower rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities resulted from repricing of local deposits as general market interest rates remained low during 2013 and the first quarter of 2014.

 

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

Total loans increased $4.5 million since the end of 2013, while the allowance for loan losses declined $140,000 from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014. The provision for loan losses was $100,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $300,000 in the same period in 2013. The reduction in the provision for loan losses was due to a lower level of net charge-offs in the first three months of 2014 than in the same period in 2013 and to improvements in historical charge-off levels. Nonperforming loans were $8.1 million as of March 31, 2014, compared to $7.7 million as of December 31, 2013. The increase in nonperforming loans in the first quarter of 2014 was comprised primarily of an increase of $247,000 in residential real estate loans and an increase of $258,000 in commercial real estate loans, offset partially by a reduction of $152,000 in agricultural loans. The allowance for loan losses was 1.43% of total loans at March 31, 2014, compared to 1.50% at December 31, 2013 and 1.88% at March 31, 2013.

 

Charge-offs and recoveries for respective loan categories for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2014   2013 
   Charge-offs   Recoveries   Charge-offs   Recoveries 
Agricultural  $   $1   $   $1 
Commercial and industrial   1    20    21    37 
Consumer   53    50    97    52 
Real estate, commercial   185    14    98    10 
Real estate, residential   90    4    164    9 
   $329   $89   $380   $109 

 

Net charge-offs in the first quarter of 2014 were $240,000 compared to $271,000 in the first quarter of 2013. Net charge-offs on an annualized basis as a percentage of average loans were 0.30% in the first three months of 2014 compared to 0.35% for the same period in the prior year. Management is aware that the economic climate in Michigan will continue to affect business and personal borrowers. Management has worked and intends to continue to work with delinquent borrowers in an attempt to lessen the negative impact to ChoiceOne. As charge-offs, changes in the level of nonperforming loans, and changes within the composition of the loan portfolio occur throughout 2014, the provision and allowance for loan losses will be reviewed by the Bank’s management and adjusted as necessary.

 

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Noninterest Income

Total noninterest income decreased $125,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. An increase in customer service charges of $21,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in the prior year was due to additional income from debit card activity. Insurance and investment commissions increased $82,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. Gains on loan sales decreased $347,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. Residential mortgage refinancing activity has slowed and the harsh winter slowed the housing market in the first quarter, contributing to the decrease. An increase of $42,000 in the first quarter of 2014 in gains on sales of securities when compared to the same period in 2013 resulted from higher sales activity and lower rates in the first three months of 2014 than in the same period of the prior year. A decrease of $68,000 in the first quarter of 2014 in losses on sales and write-downs of other assets when compared to the same periods in 2013 resulted from less write-downs of foreclosed properties with less properties in other real estate (“ORE”).

 

Noninterest Expense

Total noninterest expense decreased $21,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The increase of $68,000 in salaries and benefits in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 resulted from higher salaries and health insurance costs. Occupancy and equipment expense increased $47,000 during the first three months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 due to maintenance costs associated with the hard winter and miscellaneous small equipment purchases for our information technology group in the first quarter of 2014. Professional fees increased $39,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The $85,000 decrease in loan and collection expense in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was due to a lower level of ORE properties.

 

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was $435,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $426,000 for the same period in 2013. The effective tax rate was 25.9% for 2014 and 25.6% for 2013. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2014 compared to 2013 was due to a lower percentage of nontaxable income from municipal securities.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Securities

The securities available for sale portfolio increased $7.2 million from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014. The increase in the securities portfolio was due to growth in deposits in the first three months of 2014. Various securities totaling $13.9 million were purchased in the first three months of 2014 to provide earning assets and to replace maturities, principal repayments, and calls within the securities portfolio. Approximately $1.6 million in various securities were called or matured since the end of 2013. Principal repayments on securities totaled $406,000 million in the first three months of 2014. Approximately $4.7 million of securities were sold in the first three months of 2014 for a net gain of $65,000.

 

Loans

The loan portfolio (excluding loans held for sale) increased $4.5 million from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014. Commercial and industrial loans increased $6.4 million in the first quarter of 2014 and commercial real estate loans increased $3.3 million during the same period. Agricultural loans decreased $5.7 million in the first quarter of 2014 and mortgage loans held for sale decreased $203,000 during the same period. The other loan categories experienced growth to a lesser extent or declines in the same time period.

 

Asset Quality

Information regarding impaired loans can be found in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report. The total balance of loans classified as impaired was $8.4 million at March 31, 2014 and $8.3 million as of December 31, 2013. The balance of commercial real estate loans classified as impaired has grown $407,000 and the balance of commercial and industrial loans classified as impaired has decreased $332,000 since the end of 2013.

 

As part of its review of the loan portfolio, management also monitors the various nonperforming loans. Nonperforming loans are comprised of: (1) loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis; (2) loans, not included in nonaccrual loans, which are contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments; and (3) loans, not included in nonaccrual or loans past due 90 days or more, which are considered troubled debt restructurings.

 

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The balances of these nonperforming loans were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   March 31,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
Loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis  $4,533   $3,123 
Accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest payments   167    11 
Loans considered troubled debt restructurings   3,380    4,523 
Total  $8,080   $7,657 

 

At March 31, 2014, nonaccrual loans included $2.9 million in commercial real estate loans, $927,000 in residential real estate loans, $431,000 in commercial and industrial loans, and $300,000 in agricultural loans. At December 31, 2013, nonaccrual loans included $1.6 million in commercial real estate loans, $691,000 in residential real estate loans, $372,000 in commercial and industrial loans, $452,000 in agricultural loans, and $2,000 in consumer loans. The increase in nonaccrual loans was due to the deterioration of certain credits. Management believes the allowance allocated to its nonperforming loans is sufficient at March 31, 2014; however, management believes future credit deterioration is possible given the status of the Michigan economy.

 

Other Real Estate Owned

The balance of other real estate owned (“OREO”) increased $40,000 in the first quarter of 2014. Residential real estate loans totaling $246,000 were transferred into OREO during the first three months of 2014 while sales of properties or payments upon them or write-downs of the value of other real estate properties were $206,000 for the same time period. Management believes there may be transfers from loans into OREO during the remainder of 2014. The OREO balance may also be affected by troubled debt restructurings in future quarters as loans can be restructured as an alternative to foreclosure. Management is continuing to work with borrowers in an attempt to mitigate potential losses for ChoiceOne.

 

Deposits and Borrowings

Total deposits increased $10.3 million in the first quarter of 2014. Checking and savings deposits increased $14.2 million, while local certificates of deposit decreased $3.9 million in the first three months of 2014. 

 

A decrease of $5.7 million in repurchase agreements in the first three months of 2014 was due to normal fluctuations in funds provided by bank customers. Certain securities are sold under agreements to repurchase them the following day. Management plans to continue this practice as a low-cost source of funding. Federal Home Loan Bank advances were flat in the first quarter of 2014.

 

Shareholders’ Equity

Total shareholders’ equity increased $945,000 from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014. Growth in equity resulted from current year’s net income, increases in accumulated other comprehensive income and proceeds from the issuance of ChoiceOne stock, offset by cash dividends paid. The $118,000 increase in accumulated other comprehensive income since the end of 2013 was caused by an increase in net unrealized gains on available for sale securities. The change in unrealized gains resulted from decreases in mid- and short-term rates in the first quarter of 2014, which increased the market value of the Bank’s securities.

 

Following is information regarding the Bank’s compliance with regulatory capital requirements:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Leverage   Tier 1   Total Risk-Based 
   Capital   Capital   Capital 
Capital balances at March 31, 2014  $45,879   $45,879   $50,010 
Required regulatory capital to be considered “well capitalized”   24,864    21,004    35,006 
Capital in excess of “well capitalized” minimum   21,015    24,875    15,004 
Capital ratios at March 31, 2014   9.23%   13.11%   14.29%
Regulatory capital ratios - minimum requirement to be considered “well capitalized”   5.00%   6.00%   10.00%

 

 

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Management reviews the capital levels of ChoiceOne and the Bank on a regular basis. The Board of Directors (the “Board”) and management believe that the capital levels as of March 31, 2014 are adequate for the foreseeable future. The Board’s determination of appropriate cash dividends for future periods will be based on market conditions and ChoiceOne’s requirements for cash and capital.

 

Liquidity

Net cash provided from operating activities was $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $806,000 provided in the same period a year ago. Lower proceeds from loan sales were mostly offset by lower loans originated for sale. A lower provision for loan losses in 2014, zero write-downs of OREO properties, and lower gains on sales of loans also affected operating activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $12.3 million for the first three months of 2014 compared to $1.9 million in the same period in 2013. The change was due to a higher level of purchases of securities available for sale and higher net loan originations, which was offset by a higher level of security sales. Net cash from financing activities was $4.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to net cash used of $148,000 in the same period in the prior year. A large increase in deposits in 2014 partially offset by a reduction in repurchase agreements in 2014 caused the change.

 

Management believes that the current level of liquidity is sufficient to meet the Bank’s normal operating needs. This belief is based upon the availability of deposits from both the local and national markets, maturities of securities, normal loan repayments, income retention, federal funds purchased from correspondent banks, and advances available from the Federal Home Loan Bank. The Bank also has a secured line of credit available from the Federal Reserve Bank.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrant’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on and as of the time of that evaluation, the Registrant’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that material information required to be disclosed in the reports that ChoiceOne files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that ChoiceOne files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including ChoiceOne’s principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There was no change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

  

There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Registrant or the Bank is a party or to which any of their properties are subject, except for proceedings that arose in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, pending or current legal proceedings will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial condition of the Registrant.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

Information concerning risk factors is contained in the discussion in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. As of the date of this report, ChoiceOne does not believe that there has been a material change in the nature or categories of ChoiceOne’s risk factors, as compared to the information disclosed in the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

On January 22, 2014 the Registrant issued 885 shares of common stock, without par value, to the directors of the Registrant pursuant to the Directors’ Stock Purchase Plan for an aggregate cash price of $15,000. The Registrant relied on the exemption contained in Section 4(a)(5) of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with these sales.

 

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ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

There were no purchases of equity securities by the Registrant in the first quarter of 2014. As of March 31, 2014, there are 84,920 shares remaining that may yet be purchased under approved plans or programs. The repurchase plan was adopted and announced on July 26, 2007. There is no stated expiration date. The plan authorized the repurchase of up to 100,000 shares.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this report:

 

Exhibit

Number

  Document
     
3.1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013. Here incorporated by reference.
     
3.2   Bylaws of the Registrant as currently in effect and any amendments thereto. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013. Here incorporated by reference.
     
31.1   Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer
     
31.2   Certification of Treasurer
     
32.1   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.  
     
101.1   Interactive Data File.

 

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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.

 

  CHOICEONE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
   
Date: May 13, 2014 /s/ James A. Bosserd
  James A. Bosserd
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
Date: May 13, 2014 /s/ Thomas L. Lampen
  Thomas L. Lampen
Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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