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INDEPENDENT BANK CORP /MI/ - Quarter Report: 2014 September (Form 10-Q)


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 September 30, 2014

Commission file number   0-7818
 
INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION
 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Michigan
 
38-2032782
(State or jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

230 West Main Street, P.O. Box 491, Ionia, Michigan  48846
(Address of principal executive offices)

(616) 527-5820
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

NONE
Former name, address and fiscal year, if changed since last report.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 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 (§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 x           NO o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer or smaller reporting company.
Large accelerated filer ¨  Accelerated filer ¨  Non-accelerated filer ¨  Smaller reporting company x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES o       NO x
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common stock, no par value
 
22,952,199
Class
 
Outstanding at November 5, 2014
 


INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

   
Number(s)
PART I -
Financial Information
 
Item 1.
3
  4
  5
  6
  7
 
8-65
Item 2.
66-94
Item 3.
95
Item 4.
95
     
PART II -
Other Information
 
Item 1A
96
Item 2.
96
Item 6.
96-97

1

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Discussions and statements in this report that are not statements of historical fact, including statements that include terms such as “will,” “may,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “likely,” “optimistic” and “plan” and statements about future or projected financial and operating results, plans, projections, objectives, expectations, and intentions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, descriptions of plans and objectives for future operations, products or services; projections of our future revenue, earnings or other measures of economic performance; forecasts of credit losses and other asset quality trends; statements about our business and growth strategies; and expectations about economic and market conditions and trends.  These forward-looking statements express our current expectations, forecasts of future events, or long-term goals.  They are based on assumptions, estimates, and forecasts that, although believed to be reasonable, may turn out to be incorrect.   Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including:

· economic, market, operational, liquidity, credit, and interest rate risks associated with our business;
· economic conditions generally and in the financial services industry, particularly economic conditions within Michigan and the regional and local real estate markets in which our bank operates;
· the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of, and provisions made to, our allowance for loan losses;
· the failure of assumptions underlying our estimate of probable incurred losses from vehicle service contract payment plan counterparty contingencies, including our assumptions regarding future cancellations of vehicle service contracts, the value to us of collateral that may be available to recover funds due from our counterparties, and our ability to enforce the contractual obligations of our counterparties to pay amounts owing to us;
· increased competition in the financial services industry, either nationally or regionally;
· our ability to achieve loan and deposit growth;
· volatility and direction of market interest rates;
· the continued services of our management team; and
· implementation of new legislation, which may have significant effects on us and the financial services industry.

This list provides examples of factors that could affect the results described by forward-looking statements contained in this report, but the list is not intended to be all inclusive.  The risk factors disclosed in Part I – Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as updated by any new or modified risk factors disclosed in Part II – Item 1A of any subsequently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, include all known risks that our management believes could materially affect the results described by forward-looking statements in this report.  However, those risks may not be the only risks we face.  Our results of operations, cash flows, financial position, and prospects could also be materially and adversely affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us, that we currently consider to be immaterial, or that develop after the date of this report.  We cannot assure you that our future results will meet expectations. While we believe the forward-looking statements in this report are reasonable, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. In addition, these statements speak only as of the date made. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any obligation to update or alter any statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
2

Part I - Item 1.
INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

   
September 30,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
   
(unaudited)
 
   
(In thousands, except share amounts)
 
Assets
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
48,259
   
$
48,156
 
Interest bearing deposits and repurchase agreement
   
17,229
     
70,925
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
65,488
     
119,081
 
Interest bearing deposits - time
   
14,604
     
17,999
 
Trading securities
   
530
     
498
 
Securities available for sale
   
533,166
     
462,481
 
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost
   
23,344
     
23,419
 
Loans held for sale, carried at fair value
   
22,837
     
20,390
 
Loans
               
Commercial
   
672,087
     
635,234
 
Mortgage
   
473,541
     
486,633
 
Installment
   
208,161
     
192,065
 
Payment plan receivables
   
44,995
     
60,638
 
Total Loans
   
1,398,784
     
1,374,570
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
(27,508
)
   
(32,325
)
Net Loans
   
1,371,276
     
1,342,245
 
Other real estate and repossessed assets
   
9,375
     
18,282
 
Property and equipment, net
   
46,226
     
48,594
 
Bank-owned life insurance
   
53,275
     
52,253
 
Deferred tax assets, net
   
50,332
     
57,550
 
Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights
   
13,180
     
13,710
 
Vehicle service contract counterparty receivables, net
   
6,823
     
7,716
 
Other intangibles
   
2,761
     
3,163
 
Accrued income and other assets
   
26,640
     
22,562
 
Total Assets
 
$
2,239,857
   
$
2,209,943
 
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
Deposits
               
Non-interest bearing
 
$
562,862
   
$
518,658
 
Savings and interest-bearing checking
   
925,390
     
910,352
 
Reciprocal
   
52,133
     
83,527
 
Retail time
   
342,274
     
358,800
 
Brokered time
   
13,236
     
13,469
 
Total Deposits
   
1,895,895
     
1,884,806
 
Other borrowings
   
26,228
     
17,188
 
Subordinated debentures
   
40,723
     
40,723
 
Vehicle service contract counterparty payables
   
2,788
     
4,089
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
27,156
     
31,556
 
Total Liabilities
   
1,992,790
     
1,978,362
 
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Preferred stock, no par value, 200,000 shares authorized;  none issued or outstanding
   
-
     
-
 
Common stock, no par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:
22,946,066 shares at September 30, 2014 and 22,819,136 shares at December 31, 2013
   
352,129
     
351,173
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(98,979
)
   
(110,347
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(6,083
)
   
(9,245
)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
   
247,067
     
231,581
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
$
2,239,857
   
$
2,209,943
 

See notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
 
3

INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Interest Income
 
(unaudited - In thousands)
 
Interest and fees on loans
 
$
17,818
   
$
20,083
   
$
54,179
   
$
61,096
 
Interest on securities
                               
Taxable
   
1,644
     
1,109
     
4,623
     
2,772
 
Tax-exempt
   
281
     
282
     
830
     
762
 
Other investments
   
325
     
310
     
1,076
     
966
 
Total Interest Income
   
20,068
     
21,784
     
60,708
     
65,596
 
Interest Expense
                               
Deposits
   
1,236
     
1,371
     
3,789
     
4,363
 
Other borrowings
   
649
     
884
     
1,720
     
2,625
 
Total Interest Expense
   
1,885
     
2,255
     
5,509
     
6,988
 
Net Interest Income
   
18,183
     
19,529
     
55,199
     
58,608
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(632
)
   
(355
)
   
(2,049
)
   
(3,153
)
Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses
   
18,815
     
19,884
     
57,248
     
61,761
 
Non-interest Income
                               
Service charges on deposit accounts
   
3,579
     
3,614
     
10,166
     
10,603
 
Interchange income
   
1,984
     
1,852
     
5,992
     
5,542
 
Net gains (losses) on assets
                               
Mortgage loans
   
1,490
     
1,570
     
4,139
     
8,415
 
Securities
   
168
     
14
     
334
     
205
 
Other than temporary impairment loss on securities
                               
Total impairment loss
   
(9
)
   
-
     
(9
)
   
(26
)
Loss recognized in other comprehensive loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings
   
(9
)
   
-
     
(9
)
   
(26
)
Mortgage loan servicing
   
932
     
338
     
1,389
     
2,614
 
Title insurance fees
   
243
     
409
     
734
     
1,261
 
Increase in fair value of U.S. Treasury warrant
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,025
)
Other
   
2,156
     
2,040
     
6,829
     
6,327
 
Total Non-interest Income
   
10,543
     
9,837
     
29,574
     
33,916
 
Non-Interest Expense
                               
Compensation and employee benefits
   
11,718
     
12,591
     
34,774
     
35,613
 
Occupancy, net
   
2,079
     
2,017
     
6,715
     
6,588
 
Data processing
   
1,790
     
2,090
     
5,653
     
6,048
 
Loan and collection
   
1,391
     
1,584
     
4,283
     
5,512
 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
   
1,005
     
1,051
     
3,127
     
3,171
 
Communications
   
712
     
695
     
2,212
     
2,205
 
Advertising
   
427
     
652
     
1,547
     
1,881
 
Legal and professional
   
559
     
487
     
1,380
     
1,843
 
FDIC deposit insurance
   
396
     
685
     
1,235
     
2,026
 
Interchange expense
   
368
     
410
     
1,112
     
1,238
 
Credit card and bank service fees
   
226
     
310
     
734
     
975
 
Vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies
   
28
     
149
     
169
     
3,403
 
Costs (recoveries) related to unfunded lending commitments
   
12
     
(86
)
   
27
     
(57
)
Provision for loss reimbursement on sold loans
   
-
     
1,417
     
(466
)
   
2,436
 
Net (gains) losses on other real estate and repossessed assets
   
(285
)
   
119
     
(410
)
   
1,091
 
Other
   
1,658
     
1,763
     
4,952
     
5,176
 
Total Non-interest Expense
   
22,084
     
25,934
     
67,044
     
79,149
 
Income Before Income Tax
   
7,274
     
3,787
     
19,778
     
16,528
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
2,345
     
282
     
5,659
     
(56,172
)
Net Income
 
$
4,929
   
$
3,505
   
$
14,119
   
$
72,700
 
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion
   
-
     
(749
)
   
-
     
(3,001
)
Preferred stock discount
   
-
     
7,554
     
-
     
7,554
 
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock
 
$
4,929
   
$
10,310
   
$
14,119
   
$
77,253
 
Net Income Per Common Share
                               
Basic
 
$
0.21
   
$
0.73
   
$
0.62
   
$
7.03
 
Diluted
 
$
0.21
   
$
0.17
   
$
0.60
   
$
3.40
 
Dividends Per Common Share
                               
Declared
 
$
0.06
   
$
-
   
$
0.12
   
$
-
 
Paid
 
$
0.06
   
$
-
   
$
0.12
   
$
-
 

See notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
 
4

INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
   
(In thousands)
   
(In thousands)
 
                 
Net income
 
$
4,929
   
$
3,505
   
$
14,119
   
$
72,700
 
Other comprehensive income, before tax
                               
Available for sale securities
                               
Unrealized gain (loss) arising during period
   
253
     
(2,910
)
   
4,262
     
(4,399
)
Change in unrealized losses for which a portion of other than temporary impairment has been recognized in earnings
   
94
     
(108
)
   
432
     
183
 
Reclassification adjustment for other than temporary impairment included in earnings
   
9
     
-
     
9
     
26
 
Reclassification adjustments for gains included in earnings
   
(121
)
   
-
     
(123
)
   
(8
)
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income on available for sale securities
   
235
     
(3,018
)
   
4,580
     
(4,198
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
82
     
(1,056
)
   
1,603
     
(1,469
)
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income on available for sale securities, net of tax
   
153
     
(1,962
)
   
2,977
     
(2,729
)
Derivative instruments
                               
Unrealized loss arising during period
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(38
)
Reclassification adjustment for expense recognized in earnings
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
208
 
Reclassification adjustment for accretion on settled derivatives
   
95
     
95
     
285
     
95
 
Unrealized gains recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments
   
95
     
95
     
285
     
265
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
33
     
33
     
100
     
(1,352
)
Unrealized gains recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments,
net of tax
   
62
     
62
     
185
     
1,617
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
215
     
(1,900
)
   
3,162
     
(1,112
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
5,144
   
$
1,605
   
$
17,281
   
$
71,588
 
 
See notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
 
5

INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(unaudited - In thousands)
 
Net Income
 
$
14,119
   
$
72,700
 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash from Operating Activities
               
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
   
160,102
     
346,206
 
Disbursements for loans held for sale
   
(158,410
)
   
(317,926
)
Provision for loan losses
   
(2,049
)
   
(3,153
)
Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)
   
7,218
     
(58,807
)
Deferred loan fees and costs
   
(846
)
   
(28
)
Depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and premiums and accretion of discounts on securities and loans
   
1,856
     
(2,168
)
Net gains on mortgage loans
   
(4,139
)
   
(8,415
)
Net gains on securities
   
(334
)
   
(205
)
Securities impairment recognized in earnings
   
9
     
26
 
Net (gains) losses on other real estate and repossessed assets
   
(410
)
   
1,091
 
Vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies
   
169
     
3,403
 
Share based compensation
   
891
     
1,002
 
(Increase) decrease in accrued income and other assets
   
(6,034
)
   
8,572
 
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
(5,874
)
   
(947
)
Total Adjustments
   
(7,851
)
   
(31,349
)
Net Cash From Operating Activities
   
6,268
     
41,351
 
Cash Flow used in Investing Activities
               
Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale
   
7,630
     
2,940
 
Proceeds from the maturity of securities available for sale
   
48,624
     
25,975
 
Principal payments received on securities available for sale
   
62,400
     
28,766
 
Purchases of securities available for sale
   
(184,726
)
   
(266,974
)
Purchases of interest bearing deposits
   
(750
)
   
(16,419
)
Proceeds from the maturity of interest bearing deposits
   
4,050
     
-
 
Purchase of Federal Reserve Bank Stock
   
(151
)
   
(658
)
Redemption of Federal Reserve Bank Stock
   
226
     
-
 
Net (increase) decrease in portfolio loans (loans originated, net of principal payments)
   
(23,447
)
   
30,255
 
Net proceeds from the sale of watch, substandard and non-performing loans
   
-
     
6,721
 
Net cash from branch sale
   
-
     
3,292
 
Proceeds from the collection of vehicle service contract counterparty receivables
   
366
     
6,351
 
Proceeds from the sale of other real estate and repossessed assets
   
12,435
     
11,659
 
Capital expenditures
   
(2,660
)
   
(5,940
)
Net Cash used in Investing Activities
   
(76,003
)
   
(174,032
)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
               
Net increase in total deposits
   
11,089
     
69,781
 
Net increase (decrease) in other borrowings
   
13,649
     
(2
)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
-
     
100
 
Payments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
(4,609
)
   
(441
)
Net decrease in vehicle service contract counterparty payables
   
(1,301
)
   
(2,226
)
Dividends paid
   
(2,752
)
   
-
 
Share based compensation withholding obligation
   
-
     
(513
)
Redemption of convertible preferred stock and common stock warrant
   
-
     
(81,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
66
     
98,145
 
Net Cash from Financing Activities
   
16,142
     
83,844
 
Net decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
(53,593
)
   
(48,837
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
   
119,081
     
179,782
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 
$
65,488
   
$
130,945
 
Cash paid during the period for
               
Interest
 
$
5,450
   
$
13,853
 
Income taxes
   
116
     
42
 
Transfers to other real estate and repossessed assets
   
3,118
     
3,254
 
Transfer of payment plan receivables to vehicle service contract counterparty receivables
   
105
     
995
 
Purchase of securities available for sale not yet settled
   
1,827
     
3,816
 

See notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
 
6

INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(unaudited)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
         
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
231,581
   
$
134,975
 
Net income
   
14,119
     
72,700
 
Cash dividends declared
   
(2,752
)
   
-
 
Issuance of common stock
   
66
     
99,065
 
Share based compensation
   
891
     
1,002
 
Share based compensation withholding obligation
   
-
     
(513
)
Redemption of convertible preferred stock and common stock warrant
   
-
     
(81,000
)
Common stock warrant
   
-
     
1,484
 
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related tax effect
   
3,162
     
(1,112
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
247,067
   
$
226,601
 

See notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
 
7

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

1.
Preparation of Financial Statements

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all the adjustments necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial condition as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the results of operations for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.  The results of operations for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  Certain reclassifications have been made in the prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation.  Our critical accounting policies include the assessment for other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on investment securities,  the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the determination of vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies, the valuation of originated mortgage loan servicing rights and the valuation of deferred tax assets.  Refer to our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a disclosure of our accounting policies.

2.
New Accounting Standards

In July, 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740), Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”.  This ASU amends existing guidance so that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion thereof, be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except to the extent that a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes that would result from disallowance of a tax position, or the tax law does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, then the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability.  This amended guidance became effective for us on January 1, 2014 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated operating results or financial condition.

In May, 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. This ASU supersedes and replaces nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, establishes a new control-based revenue recognition model, changes the basis for deciding when revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time, provides new and more detailed guidance on specific topics and expands and improves disclosures about revenue. In addition, this ASU specifies the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer.  This amended guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2017 and is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated operating results or financial condition.
 
8

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

3.
Securities

Securities available for sale consist of the following:

   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
     
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2014
               
U.S. agency
 
$
35,295
   
$
199
   
$
90
   
$
35,404
 
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
   
257,235
     
1,689
     
745
     
258,179
 
U.S. agency commercial mortgage-backed
   
26,317
     
47
     
93
     
26,271
 
Private label residential mortgage-backed
   
6,505
     
211
     
137
     
6,579
 
Other asset backed
   
35,523
     
76
     
55
     
35,544
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
146,985
     
778
     
2,002
     
145,761
 
Corporate
   
22,743
     
135
     
69
     
22,809
 
Trust preferred
   
2,908
     
-
     
289
     
2,619
 
Total
 
$
533,511
   
$
3,135
   
$
3,480
   
$
533,166
 
                                 
December 31, 2013
                               
U.S. agency
 
$
32,106
   
$
44
   
$
342
   
$
31,808
 
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
   
202,649
     
1,343
     
532
     
203,460
 
Private label residential mortgage-backed
   
7,294
     
112
     
618
     
6,788
 
Other asset backed
   
45,369
     
10
     
194
     
45,185
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
157,966
     
496
     
4,784
     
153,678
 
Corporate
   
19,120
     
43
     
26
     
19,137
 
Trust preferred
   
2,902
     
-
     
477
     
2,425
 
Total
 
$
467,406
   
$
2,048
   
$
6,973
   
$
462,481
 
 
9

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Our investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair values aggregated by investment type and length of time that individual securities have been at a continuous unrealized loss position follows:

   
Less Than Twelve Months
   
Twelve Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
September 30, 2014
                       
U.S. agency
 
$
12,500
   
$
86
   
$
4,996
   
$
4
   
$
17,496
   
$
90
 
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
   
95,482
     
615
     
13,937
     
130
     
109,419
     
745
 
U.S. agency commercial mortgage-backed
   
18,201
     
93
     
-
     
-
     
18,201
     
93
 
Private label residential mortgage-backed
   
-
     
-
     
4,493
     
137
     
4,493
     
137
 
Other asset backed
    6,670       38       8,384       17       15,054       55  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
41,725
     
1,129
     
27,213
     
873
     
68,938
     
2,002
 
Corporate
   
4,658
     
69
     
-
     
-
     
4,658
     
69
 
Trust preferred
   
-
     
-
     
2,619
     
289
     
2,619
     
289
 
Total
 
$
179,236
   
$
2,030
   
$
61,642
   
$
1,450
   
$
240,878
   
$
3,480
 
                                                 
December 31, 2013
                                               
U.S. agency
 
$
16,715
   
$
342
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
16,715
   
$
342
 
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
   
78,256
     
532
     
-
     
-
     
78,256
     
532
 
Private label residential mortgage-backed
   
407
     
6
     
4,602
     
612
     
5,009
     
618
 
Other asset backed
   
33,862
     
194
     
-
     
-
     
33,862
     
194
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
103,942
     
4,645
     
4,805
     
139
     
108,747
     
4,784
 
Corporate
   
7,105
     
26
     
-
     
-
     
7,105
     
26
 
Trust preferred
   
-
     
-
     
2,425
     
477
     
2,425
     
477
 
Total
 
$
240,287
   
$
5,745
   
$
11,832
   
$
1,228
   
$
252,119
   
$
6,973
 
 
Our portfolio of available-for-sale securities is reviewed quarterly for impairment in value. In performing this review management considers (1) the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (3) the impact of changes in market interest rates on the market value of the security and (4) an assessment of whether we intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. For securities that do not meet the aforementioned recovery criteria, the amount of impairment recognized in earnings is limited to the amount related to credit losses, while impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income or loss.
 
10

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

U.S. agency, U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed securities and U.S. agency commercial mortgage backed securities — at September 30, 2014 we had 13 U.S. agency, 71 U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed and 17 U.S. agency commercial mortgage-backed securities whose fair market value is less than amortized cost. The unrealized losses are largely attributed to rises in term interest rates and widening spreads to Treasury bonds. As management does not intend to liquidate these securities and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of these unrealized losses, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.

Private label residential mortgage backed securities — at September 30, 2014 we had four of this type of security whose fair value is less than amortized cost. Two of the four issues are rated by a major rating agency as investment grade while the other two are below investment grade. One of these bonds has impairment in excess of 10% and all four of these holdings have been impaired for more than 12 months.  The unrealized losses are largely attributable to credit spread widening on these securities since their acquisition.

All of these securities are receiving principal and interest payments. Most of these transactions are pass-through structures, receiving pro rata principal and interest payments from a dedicated collateral pool. The nonreceipt of interest cash flows is not expected and thus not presently considered in our discounted cash flow methodology discussed below.

All private label residential mortgage-backed securities are reviewed for OTTI utilizing a cash flow projection. The cash flow analysis forecasts cash flow from the underlying loans in each transaction and then applies these cash flows to the bonds in the securitization.  Our cash flow analysis forecasts complete recovery of our cost basis for three of the four securities whose fair value is less than amortized cost while the fourth security had credit related OTTI and is discussed in further detail below.

As management does not intend to liquidate these securities and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of these unrealized losses, no other declines discussed above are deemed to be other than temporary.

Other asset backed — at September 30, 2014 we had 11 other asset backed securities whose fair value is less than amortized cost. The unrealized losses are primarily due to widening discount margins.  As management does not intend to liquidate these securities and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of these unrealized losses, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.

Obligations of states and political subdivisions — at September 30, 2014 we had 84 municipal securities whose fair value is less than amortized cost.  The unrealized losses are primarily due to increases in interest rates since acquisition.  As management does not intend to liquidate these securities and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of these unrealized losses, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.

Corporate — at September 30, 2014 we had four corporate securities whose fair value is less than amortized cost. The unrealized losses are primarily due to credit spread widening.  As management does not intend to liquidate these securities and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of these unrealized losses, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.
 
11

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Trust preferred securities — at September 30, 2014 we had three trust preferred securities whose fair value is less than amortized cost. All of our trust preferred securities are single issue securities issued by a trust subsidiary of a bank holding company. The pricing of trust preferred securities over the past several years has suffered from credit spread widening fueled by uncertainty regarding potential losses of financial companies and repricing of risk related to these hybrid capital securities.

One of the three securities is rated by two major rating agencies as investment grade, while one (a Bank of America issuance) is rated below investment grade by two major rating agencies and the other one is non-rated. The non-rated issue is a relatively small bank and was never rated. The issuer of this non-rated trust preferred security, which had a total amortized cost of $1.0 million and total fair value of $0.9 million as of September 30, 2014, continues to have satisfactory credit metrics and make interest payments.

The following table breaks out our trust preferred securities in further detail as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

   
September 30, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Net
Unrealized
Loss
   
Fair
Value
   
Net
Unrealized
Loss
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                 
Trust preferred securities
               
Rated issues
 
$
1,750
   
$
(158
)
 
$
1,600
   
$
(302
)
Unrated issues
   
869
     
(131
)
   
825
     
(175
)
 
As management does not intend to liquidate these securities and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of these unrealized losses, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.

We recorded $0.009 million of credit related OTTI charges in earnings on securities available for sale during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014.  We recorded zero and $0.026 million of credit related OTTI charges during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
 
12

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

At September 30, 2014 three private label residential mortgage-backed securities had credit related OTTI and are summarized as follows:

   
Senior
Security
   
Super
Senior
Security
   
Senior
Support
Security
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                 
As of September 30, 2014
               
Fair value
 
$
2,332
   
$
1,646
   
$
97
   
$
4,075
 
Amortized cost
   
2,364
     
1,533
     
-
     
3,897
 
Non-credit unrealized loss
   
32
     
-
     
-
     
32
 
Unrealized gain
   
-
     
113
     
97
     
210
 
Cumulative credit related OTTI
   
757
     
457
     
380
     
1,594
 
 
Credit related OTTI recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
                               
For the three months ended September 30,
                               
2014
 
$
9
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
9
 
2013
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
For the nine months ended September 30,
                               
2014
   
9
     
-
     
-
     
9
 
2013
   
26
     
-
     
-
     
26
 

Each of these securities is receiving principal and interest payments similar to principal reductions in the underlying collateral.  Two of these securities have unrealized gains and one has an unrealized loss at September 30, 2014.  Prior to the second quarter of 2013 all three of these securities had an unrealized loss.  The original amortized cost for each of these securities has been permanently adjusted downward for previously recorded credit related OTTI.  The unrealized loss (based on original amortized cost) for two of these securities is now less than previously recorded credit related OTTI amounts.  The remaining non-credit related unrealized loss in the senior security is attributed to other factors and is reflected in other comprehensive income during those same periods.

A roll forward of credit losses recognized in earnings on securities available for sale for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, follows:

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
1,835
   
$
1,835
   
$
1,835
   
$
1,809
 
Additions to credit losses on securities for which no previous OTTI was recognized
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Increases to credit losses on securities for which OTTI was previously recognized
   
9
     
-
     
9
     
26
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
1,844
   
$
1,835
   
$
1,844
   
$
1,835
 
 
13

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale at September 30, 2014, by contractual maturity, follow:

   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Maturing within one year
 
$
22,140
   
$
22,199
 
Maturing after one year but within five years
   
66,461
     
66,755
 
Maturing after five years but within ten years
   
49,180
     
49,325
 
Maturing after ten years
   
70,150
     
68,314
 
     
207,931
     
206,593
 
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
   
257,235
     
258,179
 
U.S. agency commercial mortgage-backed
   
26,317
     
26,271
 
Private label residential mortgage-backed
   
6,505
     
6,579
 
Other asset backed
   
35,523
     
35,544
 
Total
 
$
533,511
   
$
533,166
 
 
The actual maturity may differ from the contractual maturity because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

Gains and losses realized on the sale of securities available for sale are determined using the specific identification method and are recognized on a trade-date basis.  A summary of proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale and gains and losses for the nine month periods ending September 30, follows:

       
Realized
 
   
Proceeds
   
Gains (1)
   
Losses (2)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2014
 
$
7,630
   
$
123
   
$
-
 
2013
   
2,940
     
15
     
7
 
 
(1) Gains in 2014 exclude $0.179 million of unrealized gain related to a U.S. Treasury short position.
(2) Losses in 2014 and 2013 exclude $0.009 million and $0.026 million, respectively of credit related OTTI recognized in earnings.
 
During 2014 and 2013 our trading securities consisted of various preferred stocks.  During the first nine months of 2014 and 2013 we recognized gains on trading securities of $0.032 million and $0.197 million, respectively that are included in net gains (losses) on securities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Both of these amounts relate to gains recognized on trading securities still held at each respective period end.
 
14

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

4.
Loans

Our assessment of the allowance for loan losses is based on an evaluation of the loan portfolio, recent loss experience, current economic conditions and other pertinent factors.

An analysis of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended September 30, follows:

   
Commercial
   
Mortgage
   
Installment
   
Payment
Plan
Receivables
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2014
                       
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
5,175
   
$
15,542
   
$
1,988
   
$
80
   
$
5,412
   
$
28,197
 
Additions (deductions)
                                               
Provision for loan losses
   
(601
)
   
(9
)
   
32
     
(8
)
   
(46
)
   
(632
)
Recoveries credited to allowance
   
999
     
197
     
283
     
-
     
-
     
1,479
 
Loans charged against the allowance
   
(385
)
   
(729
)
   
(422
)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,536
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
5,188
   
$
15,001
   
$
1,881
   
$
72
   
$
5,366
   
$
27,508
 
                                                 
2013
                                               
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
8,236
   
$
18,659
   
$
2,996
   
$
125
   
$
6,770
   
$
36,786
 
Additions (deductions)
                                               
Provision for loan losses
   
(709
)
   
712
     
105
     
(37
)
   
(426
)
   
(355
)
Recoveries credited to allowance
   
878
     
343
     
244
     
19
     
-
     
1,484
 
Loans charged against the allowance
   
(1,450
)
   
(1,497
)
   
(534
)
   
3
     
-
     
(3,478
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
6,955
   
$
18,217
   
$
2,811
   
$
110
   
$
6,344
   
$
34,437
 
 
15

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

An analysis of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the nine months ended September 30, follows:

   
Commercial
   
Mortgage
   
Installment
   
Payment
Plan
Receivables
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2014
                       
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
6,827
   
$
17,195
   
$
2,246
   
$
97
   
$
5,960
   
$
32,325
 
Additions (deductions)
                                               
Provision for loan losses
   
(1,164
)
   
(395
)
   
132
     
(28
)
   
(594
)
   
(2,049
)
Recoveries credited to allowance
   
3,492
     
1,055
     
886
     
5
     
-
     
5,438
 
Loans charged against the allowance
   
(3,967
)
   
(2,854
)
   
(1,383
)
   
(2
)
   
-
     
(8,206
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
5,188
   
$
15,001
   
$
1,881
   
$
72
   
$
5,366
   
$
27,508
 
                                                 
2013
                                               
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
11,402
   
$
21,447
   
$
3,378
   
$
144
   
$
7,904
   
$
44,275
 
Additions (deductions)
                                               
Provision for loan losses
   
(2,385
)
   
224
     
621
     
(53
)
   
(1,560
)
   
(3,153
)
Recoveries credited to allowance
   
4,595
     
1,415
     
836
     
47
     
-
     
6,893
 
Loans charged against the allowance
   
(6,657
)
   
(4,869
)
   
(2,024
)
   
(28
)
   
-
     
(13,578
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
6,955
   
$
18,217
   
$
2,811
   
$
110
   
$
6,344
   
$
34,437
 
 
16

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Allowance for loan losses and recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment follows:

   
Commercial
   
Mortgage
   
Installment
   
Payment
Plan
Receivables
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2014
                       
Allowance for loan losses:
                       
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
2,587
   
$
9,622
   
$
686
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
12,895
 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
   
2,601
     
5,379
     
1,195
     
72
     
5,366
     
14,613
 
Total ending allowance balance
 
$
5,188
   
$
15,001
   
$
1,881
   
$
72
   
$
5,366
   
$
27,508
 
                                                 
Loans
                                               
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
35,280
   
$
74,690
   
$
6,814
   
$
-
           
$
116,784
 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
   
638,315
     
401,054
     
202,002
     
44,995
             
1,286,366
 
Total loans recorded investment
   
673,595
     
475,744
     
208,816
     
44,995
             
1,403,150
 
Accrued interest included in recorded investment
   
1,508
     
2,203
     
655
     
-
             
4,366
 
Total loans
 
$
672,087
   
$
473,541
   
$
208,161
   
$
44,995
           
$
1,398,784
 
                                                 
December 31, 2013
                                               
Allowance for loan losses:
                                               
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
3,878
   
$
10,488
   
$
792
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
15,158
 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
   
2,949
     
6,707
     
1,454
     
97
     
5,960
     
17,167
 
Total ending allowance balance
 
$
6,827
   
$
17,195
   
$
2,246
   
$
97
   
$
5,960
   
$
32,325
 
                                                 
Loans
                                               
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
40,623
   
$
78,022
   
$
7,068
   
$
-
           
$
125,713
 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
   
596,235
     
410,887
     
185,676
     
60,638
             
1,253,436
 
Total loans recorded investment
   
636,858
     
488,909
     
192,744
     
60,638
             
1,379,149
 
Accrued interest included in recorded investment
   
1,624
     
2,276
     
679
     
-
             
4,579
 
Total loans
 
$
635,234
   
$
486,633
   
$
192,065
   
$
60,638
           
$
1,374,570
 
 
17

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Loans on non-accrual status and past due more than 90 days (“Non-performing Loans”) follow:

   
90+ and
Still
Accruing
   
Non-
Accrual
   
Total Non-
Performing
Loans
 
   
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2014
           
Commercial
           
Income producing - real estate
 
$
-
   
$
1,339
   
$
1,339
 
Land, land development and construction - real estate
   
-
     
732
     
732
 
Commercial and industrial
   
-
     
2,350
     
2,350
 
Mortgage
   
.
                 
1-4 family
   
-
     
6,902
     
6,902
 
Resort lending
   
-
     
3,491
     
3,491
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
415
     
415
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
635
     
635
 
Installment
                       
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
660
     
660
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
518
     
518
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
-
     
488
     
488
 
Other
   
-
     
3
     
3
 
Payment plan receivables
                       
Full refund
   
-
     
6
     
6
 
Partial refund
   
-
     
1
     
1
 
Other
   
-
     
3
     
3
 
Total recorded investment
 
$
-
   
$
17,543
   
$
17,543
 
Accrued interest included in recorded investment
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
December 31, 2013
                       
Commercial
                       
Income producing - real estate
 
$
-
   
$
1,899
   
$
1,899
 
Land, land development and construction - real estate
   
-
     
1,036
     
1,036
 
Commercial and industrial
   
-
     
2,434
     
2,434
 
Mortgage
                       
1-4 family
   
-
     
6,594
     
6,594
 
Resort lending
   
-
     
2,668
     
2,668
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
415
     
415
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
689
     
689
 
Installment
                       
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
938
     
938
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
571
     
571
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
-
     
638
     
638
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Payment plan receivables
                       
Full refund
   
-
     
20
     
20
 
Partial refund
   
-
     
3
     
3
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total recorded investment
 
$
-
   
$
17,905
   
$
17,905
 
Accrued interest included in recorded investment
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
 
18

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

An aging analysis of loans by class follows:

   
Loans Past Due
   
Loans not
   
Total
 
   
30-59 days
   
60-89 days
   
90+ days
   
Total
   
Past Due
   
Loans
 
   
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2014
                       
Commercial
                       
Income producing - real estate
 
$
426
   
$
77
   
$
824
   
$
1,327
   
$
244,505
   
$
245,832
 
Land, land development and construction - real estate
   
130
     
-
     
230
     
360
     
33,057
     
33,417
 
Commercial and industrial
   
881
     
118
     
1,877
     
2,876
     
391,470
     
394,346
 
Mortgage
                                               
1-4 family
   
2,234
     
1,456
     
6,902
     
10,592
     
266,890
     
277,482
 
Resort lending
   
598
     
447
     
3,491
     
4,536
     
129,866
     
134,402
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
144
     
-
     
415
     
559
     
19,472
     
20,031
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
426
     
95
     
635
     
1,156
     
42,673
     
43,829
 
Installment
                                               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
509
     
64
     
660
     
1,233
     
22,160
     
23,393
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
347
     
115
     
518
     
980
     
30,307
     
31,287
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
487
     
170
     
488
     
1,145
     
150,487
     
151,632
 
Other
   
6
     
51
     
3
     
60
     
2,444
     
2,504
 
Payment plan receivables
                                               
Full refund
   
843
     
306
     
6
     
1,155
     
32,138
     
33,293
 
Partial refund
   
283
     
139
     
1
     
423
     
5,779
     
6,202
 
Other
   
150
     
19
     
3
     
172
     
5,328
     
5,500
 
Total recorded investment
 
$
7,464
   
$
3,057
   
$
16,053
   
$
26,574
   
$
1,376,576
   
$
1,403,150
 
Accrued interest included in recorded investment
 
$
60
   
$
38
   
$
-
   
$
98
   
$
4,268
   
$
4,366
 
                                                 
December 31, 2013
                                               
Commercial
                                               
Income producing - real estate
 
$
1,014
   
$
428
   
$
878
   
$
2,320
   
$
249,313
   
$
251,633
 
Land, land development and construction - real estate
   
781
     
129
     
256
     
1,166
     
30,670
     
31,836
 
Commercial and industrial
   
1,155
     
1,665
     
318
     
3,138
     
350,251
     
353,389
 
Mortgage
                                               
1-4 family
   
3,750
     
224
     
6,594
     
10,568
     
270,855
     
281,423
 
Resort lending
   
698
     
234
     
2,668
     
3,600
     
142,356
     
145,956
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
172
     
-
     
415
     
587
     
18,214
     
18,801
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
663
     
73
     
689
     
1,425
     
41,304
     
42,729
 
Installment
                                               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
557
     
134
     
938
     
1,629
     
25,513
     
27,142
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
536
     
136
     
571
     
1,243
     
36,701
     
37,944
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
833
     
281
     
638
     
1,752
     
123,295
     
125,047
 
Other
   
22
     
12
     
-
     
34
     
2,577
     
2,611
 
Payment plan receivables
                                               
Full refund
   
1,364
     
349
     
20
     
1,733
     
46,344
     
48,077
 
Partial refund
   
190
     
20
     
3
     
213
     
4,840
     
5,053
 
Other
   
122
     
4
     
-
     
126
     
7,382
     
7,508
 
Total recorded investment
 
$
11,857
   
$
3,689
   
$
13,988
   
$
29,534
   
$
1,349,615
   
$
1,379,149
 
Accrued interest included in recorded investment
 
$
100
   
$
26
   
$
-
   
$
126
   
$
4,453
   
$
4,579
 
 
19

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Impaired loans are as follows :

   
September 30,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
Impaired loans with no allocated allowance
 
(In thousands)
 
TDR
 
$
12,470
   
$
13,006
 
Non-TDR
   
308
     
334
 
Impaired loans with an allocated allowance
               
TDR-allowance based on collateral
   
7,375
     
10,085
 
TDR-allowance based on present value cash flow
   
95,381
     
101,131
 
Non-TDR - allowance based on collateral
   
850
     
688
 
Non-TDR - allowance based on present value cash flow
   
-
     
-
 
Total impaired loans
 
$
116,384
   
$
125,244
 
                 
Amount of allowance for loan losses allocated
               
TDR-allowance based on collateral
 
$
1,924
   
$
3,127
 
TDR-allowance based on present value cash flow
   
10,486
     
11,777
 
Non-TDR - allowance based on collateral
   
485
     
254
 
Non-TDR - allowance based on present value cash flow
   
-
     
-
 
Total amount of allowance for loan losses allocated
 
$
12,895
   
$
15,158
 
 
20

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Impaired loans by class are as follows (1):

   
September 30, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
   
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
   
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
(In thousands)
     
Commercial
                       
Income producing - real estate
 
$
8,586
   
$
8,774
   
$
-
   
$
7,042
   
$
7,178
   
$
-
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
845
     
1,397
     
-
     
2,185
     
3,217
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
3,255
     
3,238
     
-
     
4,110
     
4,087
     
-
 
Mortgage
                                               
1-4 family
   
74
     
81
     
-
     
8
     
8
     
-
 
Resort lending
   
48
     
260
     
-
     
35
     
163
     
-
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Installment
                                               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
36
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
     
12,808
     
13,786
     
-
     
13,380
     
14,653
     
-
 
With an allowance recorded:
                                               
Commercial
                                               
Income producing - real estate
   
10,924
     
11,944
     
694
     
14,538
     
15,631
     
1,161
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
4,035
     
4,263
     
572
     
3,366
     
4,130
     
686
 
Commercial and industrial
   
7,635
     
6,952
     
1,321
     
9,382
     
9,529
     
2,031
 
Mortgage
                                               
1-4 family
   
55,012
     
58,022
     
6,643
     
57,612
     
60,768
     
7,236
 
Resort lending
   
19,353
     
20,457
     
2,947
     
20,171
     
20,608
     
3,221
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
164
     
179
     
15
     
154
     
164
     
11
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
39
     
116
     
17
     
42
     
118
     
20
 
Installment
                                               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
2,760
     
2,946
     
195
     
2,959
     
3,115
     
254
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
3,328
     
3,332
     
413
     
3,352
     
3,347
     
462
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
713
     
832
     
77
     
741
     
902
     
75
 
Other
   
13
     
13
     
1
     
16
     
16
     
1
 
     
103,976
     
109,056
     
12,895
     
112,333
     
118,328
     
15,158
 
Total
                                               
Commercial
                                               
Income producing - real estate
   
19,510
     
20,718
     
694
     
21,580
     
22,809
     
1,161
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
4,880
     
5,660
     
572
     
5,551
     
7,347
     
686
 
Commercial and industrial
   
10,890
     
10,190
     
1,321
     
13,492
     
13,616
     
2,031
 
Mortgage
                                               
1-4 family
   
55,086
     
58,103
     
6,643
     
57,620
     
60,776
     
7,236
 
Resort lending
   
19,401
     
20,717
     
2,947
     
20,206
     
20,771
     
3,221
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
164
     
179
     
15
     
154
     
164
     
11
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
39
     
116
     
17
     
42
     
118
     
20
 
Installment
                                               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
2,760
     
2,982
     
195
     
2,959
     
3,115
     
254
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
3,328
     
3,332
     
413
     
3,352
     
3,347
     
462
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
713
     
832
     
77
     
741
     
902
     
75
 
Other
   
13
     
13
     
1
     
16
     
16
     
1
 
Total
 
$
116,784
   
$
122,842
   
$
12,895
   
$
125,713
   
$
132,981
   
$
15,158
 
                                                 
Accrued interest included in recorded investment
 
$
400
                   
$
469
                 
 
(1)
There were no impaired payment plan receivables at September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
 
21

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Average recorded investment in and interest income earned on impaired loans by class for the three month periods ending September 30, follows (1):

   
2014
   
2013
 
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
(In thousands)
 
Commercial
               
Income producing - real estate
 
$
8,255
   
$
103
   
$
6,417
   
$
202
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
859
     
15
     
3,512
     
58
 
Commercial and industrial
   
3,397
     
63
     
4,255
     
85
 
Mortgage
                               
1-4 family
   
66
     
-
     
8
     
13
 
Resort lending
   
42
     
1
     
35
     
-
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Installment
                               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
-
     
1,951
     
31
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
     
2,305
     
34
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
-
     
-
     
568
     
8
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
18
     
-
 
     
12,619
     
182
     
19,069
     
431
 
With an allowance recorded:
                               
Commercial
                               
Income producing - real estate
   
11,486
     
136
     
16,788
     
100
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
4,092
     
38
     
5,443
     
40
 
Commercial and industrial
   
7,936
     
51
     
9,761
     
102
 
Mortgage
                               
1-4 family
   
55,633
     
558
     
59,723
     
593
 
Resort lending
   
19,351
     
195
     
21,213
     
212
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
165
     
2
     
154
     
1
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
39
     
-
     
42
     
-
 
Installment
                               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
2,801
     
43
     
1,050
     
15
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
3,375
     
46
     
1,039
     
15
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
699
     
9
     
212
     
2
 
Other
   
14
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
     
105,591
     
1,078
     
115,425
     
1,080
 
Total
                               
Commercial
                               
Income producing - real estate
   
19,741
     
239
     
23,205
     
302
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
4,951
     
53
     
8,955
     
98
 
Commercial and industrial
   
11,333
     
114
     
14,016
     
187
 
Mortgage
                               
1-4 family
   
55,699
     
558
     
59,731
     
606
 
Resort lending
   
19,393
     
196
     
21,248
     
212
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
165
     
2
     
154
     
1
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
39
     
-
     
42
     
-
 
Installment
                               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
2,801
     
43
     
3,001
     
46
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
3,375
     
46
     
3,344
     
49
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
699
     
9
     
780
     
10
 
Other
   
14
     
-
     
18
     
-
 
Total
 
$
118,210
   
$
1,260
   
$
134,494
   
$
1,511
 

(1) There were no impaired payment plan receivables during the three month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
22

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Average recorded investment in and interest income earned on impaired loans by class for the nine month periods ending September 30, follows (1):

   
2014
   
2013
 
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
(In thousands)
 
Commercial
               
Income producing - real estate
 
$
8,109
   
$
289
   
$
5,446
   
$
307
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
1,168
     
43
     
3,319
     
142
 
Commercial and industrial
   
3,517
     
129
     
3,948
     
199
 
Mortgage
                               
1-4 family
   
37
     
-
     
4
     
13
 
Resort lending
   
38
     
1
     
26
     
-
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Installment
                               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
1
     
2,005
     
83
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
     
2,301
     
96
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
-
     
-
     
588
     
23
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
19
     
1
 
     
12,869
     
463
     
17,656
     
864
 
With an allowance recorded:
                               
Commercial
                               
Income producing - real estate
   
12,756
     
417
     
19,071
     
413
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
4,059
     
120
     
6,892
     
151
 
Commercial and industrial
   
8,562
     
209
     
12,398
     
330
 
Mortgage
                               
1-4 family
   
56,545
     
1,777
     
61,670
     
1,981
 
Resort lending
   
19,623
     
581
     
22,093
     
653
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
159
     
5
     
132
     
2
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
40
     
1
     
42
     
1
 
Installment
                               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
2,860
     
132
     
1,071
     
35
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
3,396
     
143
     
1,094
     
40
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
721
     
26
     
208
     
8
 
Other
   
15
     
1
     
-
     
-
 
     
108,736
     
3,412
     
124,671
     
3,614
 
Total
                               
Commercial
                               
Income producing - real estate
   
20,865
     
706
     
24,517
     
720
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
5,227
     
163
     
10,211
     
293
 
Commercial and industrial
   
12,079
     
338
     
16,346
     
529
 
Mortgage
                               
1-4 family
   
56,582
     
1,777
     
61,674
     
1,994
 
Resort lending
   
19,661
     
582
     
22,119
     
653
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
159
     
5
     
132
     
2
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
40
     
1
     
42
     
1
 
Installment
                               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
2,860
     
133
     
3,076
     
118
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
3,396
     
143
     
3,395
     
136
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
721
     
26
     
796
     
31
 
Other
   
15
     
1
     
19
     
1
 
Total
 
$
121,605
   
$
3,875
   
$
142,327
   
$
4,478
 

(1) There were no impaired payment plan receivables during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
23

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Our average investment in impaired loans was approximately $118.2 million and $134.5 million for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and $121.6 million and $142.3 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Cash receipts on impaired loans on non-accrual status are generally applied to the principal balance.  Interest income recognized on impaired loans during the three months ending September 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $1.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively and was approximately $3.9 million and $4.5 million during the nine months ending September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Troubled debt restructurings follow:

   
September 30, 2014
 
   
Commercial
   
Retail
     
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Performing TDR's
 
$
30,768
   
$
75,680
     
$
106,448
 
Non-performing TDR's(1)
   
3,263
     
5,515
(2) 
   
8,778
 
Total
 
$
34,031
   
$
81,195
     
$
115,226
 
                           
   
December 31, 2013
 
   
Commercial
   
Retail
     
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Performing TDR's
 
$
35,134
   
$
79,753
     
$
114,887
 
Non-performing TDR's(1)
   
4,347
     
4,988
(2) 
   
9,335
 
Total
 
$
39,481
   
$
84,741
     
$
124,222
 

(1) Included in non-performing loans table above.
(2) Also includes loans on non-accrual at the time of modification until six payments are received on a timely basis.

We allocated $12.4 million and $14.9 million of specific reserves to customers whose loan terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the terms of certain loans were modified as troubled debt restructurings. The modification of the terms of such loans generally included one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan; an extension of the maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk; or a permanent reduction of the recorded investment in the loan.

Modifications involving a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan have generally been for periods ranging from 9 months to 36 months but have extended to as much as 480 months in certain circumstances. Modifications involving an extension of the maturity date have generally been for periods ranging from 1 month to 60 months but have extended to as much as 240 months in certain circumstances.
 
24

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Loans that have been classified as troubled debt restructurings during the three-month periods ended September 30 follow:

   
Number of
Contracts
   
Pre-modification
Recorded
Balance
   
Post-modification
Recorded
Balance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
           
Commercial
           
Income producing - real estate
   
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
1
     
40
     
36
 
Commercial and industrial
   
5
     
716
     
693
 
Mortgage
                       
1-4 family
   
1
     
87
     
87
 
Resort lending
   
1
     
378
     
367
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Installment
                       
Home equity - 1st lien
   
3
     
118
     
96
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
1
     
55
     
53
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total
   
12
   
$
1,394
   
$
1,332
 
                         
2013
                       
Commercial
                       
Income producing - real estate
   
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
4
     
1,141
     
1,113
 
Mortgage
                       
1-4 family
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Resort lending
   
1
     
207
     
206
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Installment
                       
Home equity - 1st lien
   
4
     
177
     
178
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
4
     
220
     
218
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total
   
13
   
$
1,745
   
$
1,715
 

25

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Loans that have been classified as troubled debt restructurings during the nine-month periods ended September 30 follow:

   
Number of
Contracts
   
Pre-modification
Recorded
Balance
   
Post-modification
Recorded
Balance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
           
Commercial
           
Income producing - real estate
   
3
   
$
354
   
$
326
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
2
     
55
     
50
 
Commercial and industrial
   
11
     
2,083
     
1,524
 
Mortgage
                       
1-4 family
   
8
     
1,037
     
1,049
 
Resort lending
   
4
     
1,011
     
997
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
1
     
17
     
13
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Installment
                       
Home equity - 1st lien
   
8
     
538
     
465
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
5
     
294
     
284
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
3
     
88
     
80
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total
   
45
   
$
5,477
   
$
4,788
 
                         
2013
                       
Commercial
                       
Income producing - real estate
   
5
   
$
4,478
   
$
3,869
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
1
     
16
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
19
     
2,053
     
1,901
 
Mortgage
                       
1-4 family
   
13
     
1,273
     
1,237
 
Resort lending
   
5
     
1,240
     
1,231
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
1
     
95
     
97
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Installment
                       
Home equity - 1st lien
   
17
     
503
     
498
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
14
     
432
     
432
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
3
     
84
     
55
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total
   
78
   
$
10,174
   
$
9,320
 

The troubled debt restructurings described above for 2014 increased the allowance for loan losses by $0.2 million and resulted in zero charge offs during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and increased the allowance by $0.2 million and resulted in $0.01 million of charge offs during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

The troubled debt restructurings described above for 2013 increased the allowance for loan losses by $0.03 million and resulted in zero charge offs during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and decreased the allowance by $0.2 million and resulted in $0.5 million of charge offs during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
 
26

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Loans that have been classified as troubled debt restructurings during the past twelve months and that have subsequently defaulted during the three-month periods ended September 30 follow:

   
Number of
Contracts
   
Recorded
Balance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
       
Commercial
       
Income producing - real estate
   
-
   
$
-
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
-
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
1
     
66
 
Mortgage
               
1-4 family
   
1
     
125
 
Resort lending
   
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
 
Installment
               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
-
     
-
 
Other
   
-
     
-
 
     
2
   
$
191
 
                 
2013
               
Commercial
               
Income producing - real estate
   
-
   
$
-
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
-
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
-
     
-
 
Mortgage
               
1-4 family
   
-
     
-
 
Resort lending
   
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
 
Installment
               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
2
     
32
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
-
     
-
 
Other
   
-
     
-
 
     
2
   
$
32
 

27

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
 
Loans that have been classified as troubled debt restructurings during the past twelve months and that have subsequently defaulted during the nine-month periods ended September 30 follow:
 
   
Number of
Contracts
   
Recorded
Balance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
       
Commercial
       
Income producing - real estate
   
-
   
$
-
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
-
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
2
     
319
 
Mortgage
               
1-4 family
   
1
     
125
 
Resort lending
   
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
 
Installment
               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
-
     
-
 
Other
   
-
     
-
 
     
3
   
$
444
 
                 
2013
               
Commercial
               
Income producing - real estate
   
-
   
$
-
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
-
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
-
     
-
 
Mortgage
               
1-4 family
   
1
     
106
 
Resort lending
   
1
     
156
 
Home equity - 1st lien
   
-
     
-
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
-
     
-
 
Installment
               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
2
     
32
 
Home equity - 2nd lien
   
1
     
22
 
Loans not secured by real estate
   
-
     
-
 
Other
   
-
     
-
 
     
5
   
$
316
 
 
A loan is considered to be in payment default generally once it is 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms.

The troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted described above for 2014 had no impact on the allowance for loan losses and resulted in no charge offs during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and increased the allowance for loan losses by $0.01 million and resulted in no charge offs during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

The troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted described above for 2013 had no impact on the allowance for loan losses and resulted in no charge offs during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and decreased the allowance for loan losses by $0.1 million and resulted in charge offs of $0.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
 
28

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, we perform an evaluation of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification. This evaluation is performed under our internal underwriting policy.

Credit Quality Indicators – As part of our on-going monitoring of the credit quality of our loan portfolios, we track certain credit quality indicators including (a) weighted-average risk grade of commercial loans, (b) the level of classified commercial loans (c) credit scores of mortgage and installment loan borrowers (d) insurance industry ratings of certain counterparties for payment plan receivables and (e) delinquency history and non-performing loans.

For commercial loans we use a loan rating system that is similar to those employed by state and federal banking regulators. Loans are graded on a scale of 1 to 12. A description of the general characteristics of the ratings follows:

Rating 1 through 6: These loans are generally referred to as our “non-watch” commercial credits that include very high or exceptional credit fundamentals through acceptable credit fundamentals.

Rating 7 and 8: These loans are generally referred to as our “watch” commercial credits. This rating includes loans to borrowers that exhibit potential credit weakness or downward trends. If not checked or cured these trends could weaken our asset or credit position. While potentially weak, no loss of principal or interest is envisioned with these ratings.

Rating 9: These loans are generally referred to as our “substandard accruing” commercial credits. This rating includes loans to borrowers that exhibit a well-defined weakness where payment default is probable and loss is possible if deficiencies are not corrected. Generally, loans with this rating are considered collectible as to both principal and interest primarily due to collateral coverage.

Rating 10 and 11: These loans are generally referred to as our “substandard - non-accrual” and “doubtful” commercial credits. This rating includes loans to borrowers with weaknesses that make collection of debt in full, on the basis of current facts, conditions and values at best questionable and at worst improbable. All of these loans are placed in non-accrual.

Rating 12: These loans are generally referred to as our “loss” commercial credits. This rating includes loans to borrowers that are deemed incapable of repayment and are charged-off.
29

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The following table summarizes loan ratings by loan class for our commercial loan segment:

   
Commercial
 
     
Non-watch
1-6
     
Watch
7-8
     
Substandard
Accrual
9
     
Non-
Accrual
10-11
   
Total
 
                   
(In thousands)
             
September 30, 2014
                                   
Income producing - real estate
 
$
230,048
   
$
12,472
   
$
1,973
   
$
1,339
   
$
245,832
 
Land, land development and construction - real estate
   
25,303
     
6,980
     
402
     
732
     
33,417
 
Commercial and industrial
   
361,821
     
22,106
     
8,069
     
2,350
     
394,346
 
Total
 
$
617,172
   
$
41,558
   
$
10,444
   
$
4,421
   
$
673,595
 
Accrued interest included in total
 
$
1,374
   
$
97
   
$
37
   
$
-
   
$
1,508
 
                                         
December 31, 2013
                                       
Income producing - real estate
 
$
227,957
   
$
17,882
   
$
3,895
   
$
1,899
   
$
251,633
 
Land, land development and construction - real estate
   
25,654
     
4,829
     
317
     
1,036
     
31,836
 
Commercial and industrial
   
318,183
     
26,303
     
6,469
     
2,434
     
353,389
 
Total
 
$
571,794
   
$
49,014
   
$
10,681
   
$
5,369
   
$
636,858
 
Accrued interest included in total
 
$
1,433
   
$
147
   
$
44
   
$
-
   
$
1,624
 

For each of our mortgage and installment segment classes we generally monitor credit quality based on the credit scores of the borrowers. These credit scores are generally updated at least annually.
 
30

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The following tables summarize credit scores by loan class for our mortgage and installment loan segments:
 
   
Mortgage (1)
 
   
1-4 Family
   
Resort
Lending
   
Home
Equity
1st Lien
   
Home
Equity
2nd Lien
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2014
                     
800 and above
   
$
28,649
   
$
14,217
   
$
3,441
   
$
5,886
   
$
52,193
 
750-799      
60,632
     
50,661
     
6,295
     
12,829
     
130,417
 
700-749      
51,578
     
33,497
     
3,395
     
9,056
     
97,526
 
650-699      
45,695
     
18,990
     
2,736
     
6,895
     
74,316
 
600-649      
32,152
     
5,993
     
1,780
     
4,939
     
44,864
 
550-599      
22,819
     
4,943
     
1,071
     
2,170
     
31,003
 
500-549      
16,545
     
2,549
     
715
     
1,242
     
21,051
 
Under 500
     
5,733
     
884
     
357
     
507
     
7,481
 
Unknown
     
13,679
     
2,668
     
241
     
305
     
16,893
 
Total
   
$
277,482
   
$
134,402
   
$
20,031
   
$
43,829
   
$
475,744
 
Accrued interest included in total
   
$
1,316
   
$
590
   
$
90
   
$
207
   
$
2,203
 
                                           
December 31, 2013
                                         
800 and above
   
$
23,924
   
$
13,487
   
$
3,650
   
$
5,354
   
$
46,415
 
750-799      
60,728
     
56,880
     
4,560
     
11,809
     
133,977
 
700-749      
58,269
     
35,767
     
3,289
     
8,628
     
105,953
 
650-699      
49,771
     
21,696
     
2,316
     
7,145
     
80,928
 
600-649      
34,991
     
8,555
     
2,621
     
5,141
     
51,308
 
550-599      
24,616
     
3,261
     
1,165
     
2,485
     
31,527
 
500-549      
14,823
     
2,271
     
644
     
1,560
     
19,298
 
Under 500
     
9,492
     
1,160
     
323
     
360
     
11,335
 
Unknown
     
4,809
     
2,879
     
233
     
247
     
8,168
 
Total
   
$
281,423
   
$
145,956
   
$
18,801
   
$
42,729
   
$
488,909
 
Accrued interest included in total
   
$
1,300
   
$
650
   
$
97
   
$
229
   
$
2,276
 
 
(1)
Credit scores have been updated within the last twelve months.
 
31

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
 
   
Installment(1)
 
   
Home
Equity
1st Lien
   
Home
Equity
2nd Lien
   
Loans not
Secured by
Real Estate
   
Other
   
Total
 
September 30, 2014
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
800 and above
   
$
2,622
   
$
2,792
   
$
29,370
   
$
120
   
$
34,904
 
750-799      
5,387
     
9,450
     
66,520
     
565
     
81,922
 
700-749      
4,070
     
7,071
     
29,049
     
714
     
40,904
 
650-699      
4,021
     
5,945
     
15,211
     
546
     
25,723
 
600-649      
3,027
     
2,493
     
4,995
     
274
     
10,789
 
550-599      
2,390
     
1,737
     
2,284
     
135
     
6,546
 
500-549      
1,406
     
1,322
     
1,106
     
106
     
3,940
 
Under 500
     
392
     
422
     
601
     
29
     
1,444
 
Unknown
     
78
     
55
     
2,496
     
15
     
2,644
 
Total
   
$
23,393
   
$
31,287
   
$
151,632
   
$
2,504
   
$
208,816
 
Accrued interest included in total
   
$
91
   
$
115
   
$
428
   
$
21
   
$
655
 
                                             
December 31, 2013
                                         
800 and above
   
$
2,977
   
$
3,062
   
$
23,649
   
$
53
   
$
29,741
 
750-799      
6,585
     
11,197
     
48,585
     
557
     
66,924
 
700-749      
4,353
     
9,487
     
25,343
     
683
     
39,866
 
650-699      
4,815
     
6,832
     
15,256
     
646
     
27,549
 
600-649      
3,173
     
2,824
     
5,289
     
258
     
11,544
 
550-599      
2,843
     
2,084
     
2,785
     
213
     
7,925
 
500-549      
1,483
     
1,715
     
1,732
     
130
     
5,060
 
Under 500
     
751
     
663
     
516
     
29
     
1,959
 
Unknown
     
162
     
80
     
1,892
     
42
     
2,176
 
Total
   
$
27,142
   
$
37,944
   
$
125,047
   
$
2,611
   
$
192,744
 
Accrued interest included in total
   
$
114
   
$
144
   
$
399
   
$
22
   
$
679
 

(1) Credit scores have been updated within the last twelve months.

Mepco Finance Corporation (“Mepco”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of our Bank that operates a vehicle service contract payment plan business throughout the United States. See Note #14 for more information about Mepco’s business. As of September 30, 2014, approximately 74.0% of Mepco’s outstanding payment plan receivables relate to programs in which a third party insurer or risk retention group is obligated to pay Mepco the full refund owing upon cancellation of the related service contract (including with respect to both the portion funded to the service contract seller and the portion funded to the administrator). These receivables are shown as “Full Refund” in the table below. Another approximately 13.8% of Mepco’s outstanding payment plan receivables as of September 30, 2014, relate to programs in which a third party insurer or risk retention group is obligated to pay Mepco the refund owing upon cancellation only with respect to the unearned portion previously funded by Mepco to the administrator (but not to the service contract seller). These receivables are shown as “Partial Refund” in the table below. The balance of Mepco’s outstanding payment plan receivables relate to programs in which there is no insurer or risk retention group that has any contractual liability to Mepco for any portion of the refund amount. These receivables are shown as “Other” in the table below. For each class of our payment plan receivables we monitor financial information on the counterparties as we evaluate the credit quality of this portfolio.
 
32

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The following table summarizes credit ratings of insurer or risk retention group counterparties by class of payment plan receivable:

   
Payment Plan Receivables
 
   
Full
Refund
   
Partial
Refund
   
Other
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2014
                 
AM Best rating
                 
A+  
$
-
   
$
26
   
$
-
   
$
26
 
A      
13,223
     
5,187
     
-
     
18,410
 
A-      
1,696
     
763
     
5,500
     
7,959
 
Not rated
     
18,374
     
226
     
-
     
18,600
 
Total
   
$
33,293
   
$
6,202
   
$
5,500
   
$
44,995
 
                                     
December 31, 2013
                                 
AM Best rating
                                 
A    
$
20,203
   
$
4,221
   
$
-
   
$
24,424
 
A-      
4,058
     
832
     
7,496
     
12,386
 
Not rated
     
23,816
     
-
     
12
     
23,828
 
Total
   
$
48,077
   
$
5,053
   
$
7,508
   
$
60,638
 

Although Mepco has contractual recourse against various counterparties for refunds owing upon cancellation of vehicle service contracts, see Note #14 below regarding certain risks and difficulties associated with collecting these refunds.

5.
Segments

Our reportable segments are based upon legal entities.  We currently have two reportable segments:  Independent Bank (“IB” or “Bank”) and Mepco.  These business segments are also differentiated based on the products and services provided.  We evaluate performance based principally on net income (loss) of the respective reportable segments.

In the normal course of business, our IB segment provides funding to our Mepco segment through an intercompany line of credit priced at the prime rate of interest as published in the Wall Street Journal. Our IB segment also provides certain administrative services to our Mepco segment which are reimbursed at an agreed upon rate. These intercompany transactions are eliminated upon consolidation. The only other material intersegment balances and transactions are investments in subsidiaries at the parent entities and cash balances on deposit at our IB segment.
 
33

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

A summary of selected financial information for our reportable segments follows:

   
IB(1)
   
Mepco
   
Other(1)(2)
   
Elimination(3)
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Total assets
                   
September 30, 2014
 
$
2,143,189
   
$
71,502
   
$
301,609
   
$
(276,443
)
 
$
2,239,857
 
December 31, 2013
   
2,104,550
     
94,648
     
272,348
     
(261,603
)
   
2,209,943
 
                                         
For the three months ended September 30,
                                       
2014
                                       
Interest income
 
$
18,444
   
$
1,624
   
$
25
   
$
(25
)
 
$
20,068
 
Net interest income
   
17,254
     
1,338
     
(409
)
   
-
     
18,183
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(623
)
   
(9
)
   
-
     
-
     
(632
)
Income (loss) before income tax
   
7,459
     
247
     
(408
)
   
(24
)
   
7,274
 
Net income (loss)
   
5,048
     
163
     
(266
)
   
(16
)
   
4,929
 
                                         
2013
                                       
Interest income
 
$
19,114
   
$
2,670
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
21,784
 
Net interest income
   
18,033
     
2,094
     
(598
)
   
-
     
19,529
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(317
)
   
(38
)
   
-
     
-
     
(355
)
Income (loss) before income tax
   
4,278
     
261
     
(728
)
   
(24
)
   
3,787
 
Net income (loss)
   
3,831
     
172
     
(474
)
   
(24
)
   
3,505
 
                                         
For the nine months ended September 30,
                                       
2014
                                       
Interest income
 
$
55,153
   
$
5,555
   
$
41
   
$
(41
)
 
$
60,708
 
Net interest income
   
51,721
     
4,500
     
(1,022
)
   
-
     
55,199
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(2,018
)
   
(31
)
   
-
     
-
     
(2,049
)
Income (loss) before income tax
   
20,151
     
908
     
(1,210
)
   
(71
)
   
19,778
 
Net income (loss)
   
14,345
     
607
     
(665
)
   
(168
)
   
14,119
 
                                         
2013
                                       
Interest income
 
$
56,829
   
$
8,767
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
65,596
 
Net interest income
   
53,456
     
6,921
     
(1,769
)
   
-
     
58,608
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(3,097
)
   
(56
)
   
-
     
-
     
(3,153
)
Income (loss) before income tax
   
21,734
     
(1,889
)
   
(3,246
)
   
(71
)
   
16,528
 
Net income (loss)
   
68,337
     
(1,124
)
   
5,558
     
(71
)
   
72,700
 
 
(1) During the the three month period ending September 30, 2013 IB includes $0.6 million income tax expense and Other (parent company) includes $0.3 million income tax benefit related to the reversal of the valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets.  During the nine month periods ending September 30, 2013 IB and Other (parent company) include $48.6 million and $8.7 million, respectively of income tax benefit related to the reversal of the valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets (see note #10).
(2) Includes amounts relating to our parent company and certain insignificant operations.
(3) Includes parent company's investment in subsidiaries and cash balances maintained at subsidiary.
 
34

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

6.
Earnings Per Common Share

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
         
Net income applicable to common stock
 
$
4,929
   
$
10,310
   
$
14,119
   
$
77,253
 
Convertible preferred stock dividends
   
-
     
749
     
-
     
3,001
 
Preferred stock discount
   
-
     
(7,554
)
   
-
     
(7,554
)
Net income applicable to common stock for calculation of diluted earnings per share
 
$
4,929
   
$
3,505
   
$
14,119
   
$
72,700
 
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding (1)
   
22,940
     
14,167
     
22,919
     
10,989
 
Restricted stock units
   
306
     
398
     
305
     
383
 
Effect of stock options
   
123
     
97
     
126
     
84
 
Stock units for deferred compensation plan for non-employee directors
   
109
     
128
     
114
     
122
 
Effect of convertible preferred stock
   
-
     
6,380
     
-
     
9,779
 
Weighted average shares outstanding for calculation of diluted earnings per share
   
23,478
     
21,170
     
23,464
     
21,357
 
                                 
Net income per common share
                               
Basic (1)
 
$
0.21
   
$
0.73
   
$
0.62
   
$
7.03
 
Diluted
 
$
0.21
   
$
0.17
   
$
0.60
   
$
3.40
 

(1)Basic net income per common share includes weighted average common shares outstanding during the period and participating share awards.
 
Weighted average stock options outstanding that were not considered in computing diluted net income per share because they were anti-dilutive totaled 0.03 million and 0.10 million for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and totaled 0.03 million and 0.06 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The warrant to purchase 346,154 shares of our common stock (see note #15) was not considered in computing diluted net income per share in each period in 2013 as it was anti-dilutive.
 
7.
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
We are required to record derivatives on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as assets and liabilities measured at their fair value.  The accounting for increases and decreases in the value of derivatives depends upon the use of derivatives and whether the derivatives qualify for hedge accounting.
 
35

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Our derivative financial instruments according to the type of hedge in which they are designated follows:

   
September 30, 2014
 
   
 
Notional
Amount
   
Average
Maturity
(years)
   
 
Fair
Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
No hedge designation
           
Rate-lock mortgage loan commitments
 
$
20,787
     
0.1
   
$
513
 
Mandatory commitments to sell mortgage loans
   
42,289
     
0.1
     
(6
)
Pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements
   
2,342
     
9.4
     
(92
)
Pay-variable interest rate swap agreements
   
2,342
     
9.4
     
92
 
U.S. Treasury short position
   
13,000
     
0.3
     
179
 
Total
 
$
80,760
     
0.7
   
$
686
 
                         
   
December 31, 2013
 
                     
   
 
Notional
Amount
   
Average
Maturity
(years)
   
 
Fair
Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
No hedge designation
                       
Rate-lock mortgage loan commitments
 
$
15,754
     
0.1
   
$
366
 
Mandatory commitments to sell mortgage loans
   
35,412
     
0.1
     
128
 
Total
 
$
51,166
     
0.1
   
$
494
 

We have established management objectives and strategies that include interest-rate risk parameters for maximum fluctuations in net interest income and market value of portfolio equity. We monitor our interest rate risk position via simulation modeling reports. The goal of our asset/liability management efforts is to maintain profitable financial leverage within established risk parameters.

To meet our asset/liability management objectives, we may periodically enter into derivative financial instruments to mitigate exposure to fluctuations in cash flows resulting from changes in interest rates (“Cash Flow Hedges”).  Cash Flow Hedges during 2013 included certain pay-fixed interest-rate swaps which converted the variable-rate cash flows on debt obligations to fixed-rates.  During the second quarter of 2013 we terminated our last Cash Flow Hedge pay-fixed interest rate swap and paid a termination fee of $0.6 million.

We recorded the fair value of Cash Flow Hedges in accrued income and other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities.  The related gains or losses were reported in other comprehensive income or loss and were subsequently reclassified into earnings as a yield adjustment in the same period in which the related interest on the hedged items (primarily variable-rate debt obligations) affected earnings.  To the extent that the Cash Flow Hedges were not effective, the ineffective portion of the Cash Flow Hedges was immediately recognized as interest expense.  The remaining unrealized loss on the terminated pay-fixed interest-rate swap which was initially equal to the termination fee discussed above is included in accumulated other comprehensive income and is being amortized into earnings over the remaining original life of the pay-fixed interest-rate swap.
 
36

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Certain derivative financial instruments have not been designated as hedges. The fair value of these derivative financial instruments has been recorded on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and is adjusted on an ongoing basis to reflect their then current fair value. The changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments not designated as hedges are recognized in earnings.

In the ordinary course of business, we enter into rate-lock mortgage loan commitments with customers (“Rate Lock Commitments”).  These commitments expose us to interest rate risk.  We also enter into mandatory commitments to sell mortgage loans (“Mandatory Commitments”) to reduce the impact of price fluctuations of mortgage loans held for sale and Rate Lock Commitments.  Mandatory Commitments help protect our loan sale profit margin from fluctuations in interest rates. The changes in the fair value of Rate Lock Commitments and Mandatory Commitments are recognized currently as part of net gains on mortgage loans.  We obtain market prices on Mandatory Commitments and Rate Lock Commitments.  Net gains on mortgage loans, as well as net income may be more volatile as a result of these derivative instruments, which are not designated as hedges.

During the second quarter of 2014 we began a program that allows commercial loan customers to lock in a fixed rate for a longer period of time than we would normally offer for interest rate risk reasons.  We will enter into a variable rate commercial loan and an interest rate swap agreement with a customer and then enter into an offsetting interest rate swap agreement with an unrelated party.  The interest rate swap agreement fair values will generally move in opposite directions resulting in little or no net impact on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  All of the interest rate swap agreements in the table above relate to this program.

Also during the second quarter of 2014 we completed a securities trade in which we shorted a $13 million U.S. Treasury security.  The change in the fair value of this short position has been recorded in gain on securities in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During 2010, we entered into an amended and restated warrant with the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“UST”) that would allow them to purchase our common stock at a fixed price (see Note #15). Because of certain anti-dilution features included in the Amended Warrant, it was not considered to have been indexed to our common stock and was therefore accounted for as a derivative instrument and recorded as a liability. Any change in value of the Amended Warrant while it was accounted for as a derivative was recorded in other income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  However, the anti-dilution features in the Amended Warrant which caused it to be accounted for as a derivative and included in accrued expenses and other liabilities expired on April 16, 2013.  As a result, the Amended Warrant was reclassified into shareholders’ equity on that date at its then fair value which totaled $1.5 million.  During the third quarter of 2013 we repurchased the Amended Warrant from the UST (see Note #15).
 
37

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The following tables illustrate the impact that the derivative financial instruments discussed above have on individual line items in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition for the periods presented:

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
 
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
 Balance
 Sheet
 Location
Fair
Value
 Balance
 Sheet
 Location
Fair
Value
 Balance
 Sheet
Location
Fair
Value
 Balance
 Sheet
 Location
Fair
Value
 
(In thousands)
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
                       
Rate-lock mortgage loan commitments
Other assets
 
$
513
 
Other assets
 
$
366
 
Other liabilities
 
$
-
 
Other liabilities
 
$
-
 
Mandatory commitments to sell mortgage loans
Other assets
   
-
 
Other assets
   
128
 
Other liabilities
   
6
 
Other liabilities
   
-
 
Pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements
Other assets
   
-
 
Other assets
   
-
 
Other liabilities
   
92
 
Other liabilities
   
-
 
Pay-variable interest rate swap agreements
Other assets
   
92
 
Other assets
   
-
 
Other liabilities
   
-
 
Other liabilities
   
-
 
U.S. Treasury short position
Other assets
   
179
 
Other assets
   
-
 
Other liabilities
   
-
 
Other liabilities
   
-
 
Total derivatives
   
$
784
     
$
494
     
$
98
     
$
-
 

38

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The effect of derivative financial instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations follows:
 
Three Month Periods Ended September 30,
 
 
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(Effective Portion)
Location of
 Gain (Loss)
Reclassified
from
 Accumulated
 Other
 Comprehensive
 Loss into
 Income
 (Effective
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Location of
 Gain (Loss)
 Recognized
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in Income (1)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 Portion)
2014
 
 
2013
 
 in Income (1)
2014
 
2013
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Cash Flow Hedges
               
Pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Interest expense
 
$
(95
)
 
$
(95
)
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Total
 
$
-
   
$
-
     
$
(95
)
 
$
(95
)
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
No hedge designation                                                    
Rate-lock mortgage loan commitments
                                 
Net mortgage loan gains
 
$
(77
)
 
$
316
 
Mandatory commitments to sell mortgage loans
                                 
Net mortgage loan gains
   
220
     
(2,657
)
Pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements
                                 
Interest income
   
7
     
-
 
Pay-variable interest rate swap agreements
                                 
Interest income
   
(7
)
   
-
 
U.S. Treasury short position
                                 
Gain on securities
   
127
     
-
 
Amended warrant
                                 
Increase in fair value of U.S. Treasury warrant
   
-
     
-
 
Total
                                   
$
270
   
$
(2,341
)

(1)
For cash flow hedges, this location and amount refers to the ineffective portion.
 

39

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Nine Month Periods Ended September 30,
 
 
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(Effective Portion)
 Location of
 Gain (Loss)
 Reclassified
from
 Accumulated
 Other
Comprehensive
 Loss into
 Income
 (Effective
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss into Income
(Effective Portion)
Location of
 Gain (Loss)
Recognized
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in Income (1)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 Portion)
2014
 
2013
 
 in Income (1)
2014
 
2013
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Cash Flow Hedges
               
Pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements
 
$
-
   
$
(38
)
Interest expense
 
$
(285
)
 
$
(303
)
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Total
 
$
-
   
$
(38
)
   
$
(285
)
 
$
(303
)
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
                                                     
No hedge designation
                                             
Rate-lock mortgage loan commitments
                                 
Net mortgage loan gains
 
$
147
   
$
(676
)
Mandatory commitments to sell mortgage loans
                                 
Net mortgage loan gains
   
(134
)
   
(536
)
Pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements
                                 
Interest income
   
(92
)
   
-
 
Pay-variable interest rate swap agreements
                                 
Interest income
   
92
     
-
 
U.S. Treasury short position
                                 
Gain on securities
   
179
     
-
 
Amended warrant
                                 
Increase in fair value of U.S. Treasury warrant
   
-
     
(1,025
)
Total
                                                   
$
192
   
$
(2,237
)

(1)
For cash flow hedges, this location and amount refers to the ineffective portion.

8. Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes intangible assets, net of amortization:
 
 
September 30, 2014
December 31, 2013
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
 
(In thousands)
                 
Amortized intangible assets - core deposits
 
$
23,703
   
$
20,942
   
$
23,703
   
$
20,540
 
 
40

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Amortization of other intangibles has been estimated through 2019 and thereafter in the following table.
 
   
(In thousands)
 
     
     
Three months ending December 31, 2014
 
$
134
 
2015
   
347
 
2016
   
347
 
2017
   
346
 
2018
   
346
 
2019 and thereafter
   
1,241
 
Total
 
$
2,761
 

9. Share Based Compensation

We maintain share based payment plans that include a non-employee director stock purchase plan and a long-term incentive plan that permits the issuance of share based compensation, including stock options and non-vested share awards. The long-term incentive plan, which is shareholder approved, permits the grant of additional share based awards for up to 0.4 million shares of common stock as of September 30, 2014.  The non-employee director stock purchase plan permits the issuance of additional share based payments for up to 0.2 million shares of common stock as of September 30, 2014. Share based awards and payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant and are expensed over the requisite service period. Common shares issued upon exercise of stock options come from currently authorized but unissued shares.

During the first quarter of 2014, pursuant to our long-term incentive plan, we granted 0.07 million shares of restricted stock and 0.03 million performance stock units (“PSUs”) to certain officers.  The shares of restricted stock vest ratably over three years and the PSUs cliff vest after a period of three years.  The performance feature of the PSUs is based on a comparison of our total shareholder return over the three year period starting on the grant date to the total shareholder return over that period for a banking index of our peers.

During the second quarter of 2013, we issued 0.1 million restricted stock units to six of our executive officers.  These restricted stock units do not vest for a minimum of three years.  Also, during the second quarter of 2013, pursuant to our long-term incentive plan we granted 0.1 million stock options to certain officers, none of whom is a named executive officer.  The stock options have an exercise price equal to the market value on the date of grant, vest ratably over a three year period and expire 10 years from date of grant.  We use the Black Scholes option pricing model to measure compensation cost for stock options.  We also estimate expected forfeitures over the vesting period.

Our directors may elect to receive at least a portion of their quarterly cash retainer fees in the form of common stock (either on a current basis or on a deferred basis) pursuant to the non-employee director stock purchase plan referenced above. Shares equal in value to that portion of each director’s fees that he or she has elected to receive in stock are issued each quarter and vest immediately.  We issued 0.011 million shares and 0.048 million shares to directors during the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and expensed their value during those same periods.

During 2013 a portion of our president’s annual salary was paid in the form of common stock.  The annual amount paid in common stock (also referred to as “salary stock”) was $0.020 million for 2013.
 
41

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Total compensation expense recognized for grants pursuant to our long-term incentive plan was $0.3 million and $0.8 million during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and was $0.5 million and $0.7 million during the same periods in 2013, respectively.  The corresponding tax benefit relating to this expense was $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, respectively and zero for each period during 2013. Total expense recognized for non-employee director share based payments was $0.05 million and $0.14 million during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and was $0.09 million and $0.26 million during the same periods in 2013, respectively.  The corresponding tax benefit relating to this expense was $0.02 million and $0.05 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, respectively and zero for each period during 2013.

At September 30, 2014, the total expected compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, restricted stock, PSUs and restricted stock unit awards not yet recognized was $1.8 million.  The weighted-average period over which this amount will be recognized is 2.0 years.

A summary of outstanding stock option grants and related transactions follows:

   
Number of
Shares
   
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
   
Aggregated
Intrinsic
Value
 
               
(In thousands)
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
   
320,300
   
$
4.52
         
Granted
   
-
                 
Exercised
   
(23,029
)
   
2.84
         
Forfeited
   
(4,401
)
   
5.17
         
Expired
   
(284
)
   
3.46
         
Outstanding at September 30, 2014
   
292,586
   
$
4.64
     
7.37
   
$
2,235
 
                                 
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014
   
286,504
   
$
4.63
     
7.34
   
$
2,194
 
Exercisable at September 30, 2014
   
207,584
   
$
4.56
     
6.96
   
$
1,634
 

A summary of outstanding non-vested restricted stock, restricted stock units and PSUs and related transactions follows:

   
Number
of Shares
   
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
   
303,980
   
$
3.77
 
Granted
   
104,079
     
13.82
 
Vested
   
-
         
Forfeited
   
(2,131
)
   
13.43
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2014
   
405,928
   
$
6.30
 
 
42

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Certain information regarding options exercised during the periods follows:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Intrinsic value
 
$
123
   
$
46
   
$
231
   
$
67
 
Cash proceeds received
 
$
30
   
$
15
   
$
66
   
$
28
 
Tax benefit realized
 
$
44
   
$
-
   
$
81
   
$
-
 

10. Income Tax

Income tax expense (benefit) was $2.3 million and $0.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and $5.7 million and $(56.2) million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Prior to the second quarter of 2013, we had established a deferred tax asset valuation allowance against all of our net deferred tax assets.  The reversal of substantially all of this valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets during the second quarter of 2013 resulted in our recording an income tax benefit of $57.6 million.  In addition, during the second quarter of 2013, we recorded $1.4 million of income tax expense to clear from accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) the disproportionate tax effects from cash flow hedges.  These disproportionate tax effects had been charged to other comprehensive income and credited to income tax expense due to our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets (see Note #16).  Because we terminated our last remaining cash flow hedge in the second quarter of 2013, it was appropriate to clear these disproportionate tax effects from AOCL.

We assess whether a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets is necessary each quarter.  Reversing or reducing the valuation allowance requires us to conclude that the realization of the deferred tax assets is “more likely than not.”  The ultimate realization of this asset is primarily based on generating future income.  As of June 30, 2013, we concluded that the realization of substantially all of our deferred tax assets was now more likely than not.  This conclusion was primarily based upon the following factors:

· Achieving a sixth consecutive quarter of profitability;
· A forecast of future profitability that supported that the realization of the deferred tax assets is more likely than not; and
· A forecast that future asset quality continued to be stable to improving and that other factors did not exist that could cause a significant adverse impact on future profitability.

We have also concluded subsequent to June 30, 2013, that the realization of substantially all of our deferred tax assets continues to be more likely than not for substantially the same reasons as enumerated above, including five additional profitable quarters since June 30, 2013.

The valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets totaled $1.0 million and $1.1 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. We did not reverse approximately $1.0 million of valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets that primarily relates to state income taxes from our Mepco segment.  In this instance, we determined that the future realization of these particular deferred tax assets was not more likely than not.  This conclusion was primarily based on the uncertainty of Mepco’s future earnings attributable to particular states (given the various apportionment criteria) and the significant reduction in the size of Mepco’s business over the past three years.
 
43

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Our actual federal income tax expense (benefit) is different than the amount computed by applying our statutory federal income tax rate to our pre-tax income (loss) primarily due to tax-exempt interest income and tax-exempt income from the increase in the cash surrender value on life insurance and also for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, the impact of the change in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  In addition, the year-to-date 2014 income tax expense was reduced by a credit of approximately $0.7 million due to a true-up of the amount of unrecognized tax benefits relative to certain net operating loss carryforwards and the reversal of the valuation allowance on our capital loss carryforward that we now believe is more likely than not to be realized due to a strategy executed during the second quarter of 2014.

At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $1.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively.  We do not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease during the balance of 2014.

11. Regulatory Matters

Capital guidelines adopted by Federal and State regulatory agencies and restrictions imposed by law limit the amount of cash dividends our Bank can pay to us. Under these guidelines, the amount of dividends that may be paid in any calendar year is limited to the Bank’s current year’s net profits, combined with the retained net profits of the preceding two years. Further, the Bank cannot pay a dividend at any time that it has negative undivided profits.  As of September 30, 2014, the Bank had negative undivided profits of $35.1 million.  We can request regulatory approval for a return of capital from the Bank to the parent company. During the first quarter of 2014, we requested regulatory approval for a $15.0 million return of capital from the Bank to the parent company.  This return of capital request was approved by our banking regulators on March 28, 2014 and the Bank returned $15.0 million of capital to the parent company on April 9, 2014.  It is not our intent to have dividends paid in amounts that would reduce the capital of our Bank to levels below those which we consider prudent and in accordance with guidelines of regulatory authorities.

We are also subject to various regulatory capital requirements. The prompt corrective action regulations establish quantitative measures to ensure capital adequacy and require minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and Tier 1 capital to average assets. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly discretionary, actions by regulators that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines, we must meet specific capital requirements that involve quantitative measures as well as qualitative judgments by the regulators. The most recent regulatory filings as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 categorized our Bank as well capitalized. Management is not aware of any conditions or events that would have changed the most recent Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) categorization.
 
44

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Our actual capital amounts and ratios follow:

   
Actual
   
Minimum for
Adequately Capitalized
Institutions
   
Minimum for
Well-Capitalized
Institutions
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
September 30, 2014
                       
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
                       
Consolidated
 
$
264,705
     
18.12
%
 
$
116,860
     
8.00
%
 
NA
   
NA
 
Independent Bank
   
241,509
     
16.57
     
116,575
     
8.00
   
$
145,718
     
10.00
%
                                                 
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
                                               
Consolidated
 
$
246,238
     
16.86
%
 
$
58,430
     
4.00
%
 
NA
   
NA
 
Independent Bank
   
223,092
     
15.31
     
58,287
     
4.00
   
$
87,431
     
6.00
%
                                                 
Tier 1 capital to average assets
                                               
Consolidated
 
$
246,238
     
11.19
%
 
$
88,041
     
4.00
%
 
NA
   
NA
 
Independent Bank
   
223,092
     
10.21
     
87,436
     
4.00
    $
109,295
     
5.00
%
                                                 
December 31, 2013
                                               
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
                                               
Consolidated
 
$
245,284
     
17.35
%
 
$
113,086
     
8.00
%
 
NA
   
NA
 
Independent Bank
   
234,078
     
16.57
     
113,013
     
8.00
   
$
141,267
     
10.00
%
                                                 
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
                                               
Consolidated
 
$
227,338
     
16.08
%
 
$
56,543
     
4.00
%
 
NA
   
NA
 
Independent Bank
   
216,146
     
15.30
     
56,507
     
4.00
   
$
84,760
     
6.00
%
                                                 
Tier 1 capital to average assets
                                               
Consolidated
 
$
227,338
     
10.61
%
 
$
85,729
     
4.00
%
 
NA
   
NA
 
Independent Bank
   
216,146
     
10.09
     
85,681
     
4.00
   
$
107,101
     
5.00
%
                                                 
NA - Not applicable
                                               
 
45

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The components of our regulatory capital are as follows:

   
Consolidated
   
Independent Bank
 
   
September 30,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
   
September 30,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Total shareholders’ equity
 
$
247,067
   
$
231,581
   
$
253,420
   
$
250,306
 
Add (deduct)
                               
Qualifying trust preferred securities
   
39,500
     
39,500
     
-
     
-
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
6,083
     
9,245
     
6,083
     
9,245
 
Intangible assets
   
(2,761
)
   
(3,163
)
   
(2,761
)
   
(3,163
)
Disallowed deferred tax assets
   
(43,049
)
   
(49,609
)
   
(33,048
)
   
(40,026
)
Disallowed capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights
   
(602
)
   
(216
)
   
(602
)
   
(216
)
Tier 1 capital
   
246,238
     
227,338
     
223,092
     
216,146
 
Allowance for loan losses and allowance for unfunded lending commitments limited to 1.25% of total risk-weighted assets
   
18,467
     
17,946
     
18,417
     
17,932
 
Total risk-based capital
 
$
264,705
   
$
245,284
   
$
241,509
   
$
234,078
 

12. Fair Value Disclosures

FASB ASC topic 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. FASB ASC topic 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1: Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets. Level 1 instruments include securities traded on active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets.

Level 2:  Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market. Level 2 instruments include securities traded in less active dealer or broker markets.

Level 3:  Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.
 
46

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

We used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate fair value:

Securities:  Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities (trading or available for sale) are classified as Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.  Level 1 securities include certain preferred stocks included in our trading portfolio for which there are quoted prices in active markets.  If quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, then fair values are estimated by (1) using quoted market prices of securities with similar characteristics, (2) matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices, or (3) a discounted cash flow analysis whose significant fair value inputs can generally be verified and do not typically involve judgment by management. These securities are classified as Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy and include agency securities, private label residential mortgage-backed securities, other asset backed securities, municipal securities, trust preferred securities and corporate securities.

Loans held for sale:  The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is based on mortgage backed security pricing for comparable assets (recurring Level 2).

Impaired loans with specific loss allocations based on collateral valueFrom time to time, certain loans are considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. We measure our investment in an impaired loan based on one of three methods: the loan’s observable market price, the fair value of the collateral or the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, all of our total impaired loans were evaluated based on either the fair value of the collateral or the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an appraised value or when an appraised value is not available we record the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.  These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments can be significant and thus will typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

Other real estate:  At the time of acquisition, other real estate is recorded at fair value, less estimated costs to sell, which becomes the property’s new basis. Subsequent write-downs to reflect declines in value since the time of acquisition may occur from time to time and are recorded in loss on other real estate and repossessed assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of the property used at and subsequent to the time of acquisition is typically determined by a third party appraisal of the property.  These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments can be significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.
 
47

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Appraisals for both collateral-dependent impaired loans and other real estate owned are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by us.  Once received, an independent third party (for commercial properties over $0.25 million) or a member of our Collateral Evaluation Department (for commercial properties under $0.25 million) or a member of our Special Assets Group (for retail properties) reviews the assumptions and approaches utilized in the appraisal as well as the overall resulting fair value in comparison with independent data sources such as recent market data or industry-wide statistics.   We compare the actual selling price of collateral that has been sold to the most recent appraised value of our properties to determine what additional adjustment, if any, should be made to the appraisal value to arrive at fair value.  For commercial and retail properties we typically discount an appraisal to account for various factors that the appraisal excludes in its assumptions.  These additional discounts generally do not result in material adjustments to the appraised value.  In addition, we will adjust the appraised values for expected liquidation costs including sales commissions and transfer taxes.

Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights:  The fair value of capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights is based on a valuation model used by an independent third party that calculates the present value of estimated net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income. Since the secondary servicing market has not been active since the later part of 2009, model assumptions are generally unobservable and are based upon the best information available including data relating to our own servicing portfolio, reviews of mortgage servicing assumption and valuation surveys and input from various mortgage servicers and, therefore, are recorded as nonrecurring Level 3.  Management evaluates the third party valuation for reasonableness each quarter as part of our financial reporting control processes.

Derivatives:  The fair value of rate-lock mortgage loan commitments and mandatory commitments to sell mortgage loans is based on mortgage backed security pricing for comparable assets (recurring Level 2).  The fair value of interest rate swap agreements is based on a discounted cash flow analysis whose significant fair value inputs can generally be observed in the market place and do not typically involve judgment by management (recurring Level 2).  The fair value of the U.S. Treasury short position is based on the market value of the underlying security (recurring Level 2).
 
48

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value, including financial assets for which we have elected the fair value option, were as follows:

       
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
Fair Value
Measure-
ments
   
Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets
for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Un-
observable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2014:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:
               
Assets
               
Trading securities
 
$
530
   
$
530
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Securities available for sale
                               
U.S. agency
   
35,404
     
-
     
35,404
     
-
 
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
   
258,179
     
-
     
258,179
     
-
 
U.S. agency commercial mortgage-backed
   
26,271
     
-
     
26,271
     
-
 
Private label residential mortgage-backed
   
6,579
     
-
     
6,579
     
-
 
Other asset backed
   
35,544
     
-
     
35,544
     
-
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
145,761
     
-
     
145,761
     
-
 
Corporate
   
22,809
     
-
     
22,809
     
-
 
Trust preferred
   
2,619
     
-
     
2,619
     
-
 
Loans held for sale
   
22,837
     
-
     
22,837
     
-
 
Derivatives (1)
   
784
     
-
     
784
     
-
 
Liabilities
                               
Derivatives (2)
   
98
     
-
     
98
     
-
 
                                 
Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring basis:
                               
Assets
                               
Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights (3)
   
7,809
     
-
     
-
     
7,809
 
Impaired loans (4)
                               
Commercial
                               
Income producing - real estate
   
928
     
-
     
-
     
928
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
440
     
-
     
-
     
440
 
Commercial and industrial
   
2,899
     
-
     
-
     
2,899
 
Mortgage
                               
1-4 Family
   
1,328
     
-
     
-
     
1,328
 
Resort Lending
   
221
     
-
     
-
     
221
 
Other real estate (5)
                               
Commercial
                               
Income producing - real estate
   
559
     
-
     
-
     
559
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
1,048
     
-
     
-
     
1,048
 
Mortgage
                               
1-4 Family
   
25
     
-
     
-
     
25
 
Resort Lending
   
762
     
-
     
-
     
762
 
Installment
                               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
96
     
-
     
-
     
96
 
Payment plan receivables
                               
Full refund/partial refund
   
2,668
     
-
     
-
     
2,668
 

(1) Included in accrued income and other assets
(2) Included in accrued expenses and other liabilities
(3) Only includes servicing rights that are carried at fair value due to recognition of a valuation allowance.
(4) Only includes impaired loans with specific loss allocations based on collateral value.
(5) Only includes other real estate with subsequent write downs to fair value.
 
49

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
 
       
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
Fair Value
Measure-
ments
   
Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets
for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Un-
observable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
December 31, 2013:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:
               
Assets
               
Trading securities
 
$
498
   
$
498
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Securities available for sale
                               
U.S. agency
   
31,808
     
-
     
31,808
     
-
 
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
   
203,460
     
-
     
203,460
     
-
 
Private label residential mortgage-backed
   
6,788
     
-
     
6,788
     
-
 
Other asset backed
   
45,185
     
-
     
45,185
     
-
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
153,678
     
-
     
153,678
     
-
 
Corporate
   
19,137
     
-
     
19,137
     
-
 
Trust preferred
   
2,425
     
-
     
2,425
     
-
 
Loans held for sale
   
20,390
     
-
     
20,390
     
-
 
Derivatives (1)
   
494
     
-
     
494
     
-
 
Liabilities
                               
Derivatives (2)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
                                 
Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring basis:
                               
Assets
                               
Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights (3)
   
7,773
     
-
     
-
     
7,773
 
Impaired loans (4)
                               
Commercial
                               
Income producing - real estate
   
1,997
     
-
     
-
     
1,997
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
673
     
-
     
-
     
673
 
Commercial and industrial
   
2,927
     
-
     
-
     
2,927
 
Mortgage
                               
1-4 Family
   
1,455
     
-
     
-
     
1,455
 
Resort Lending
   
340
     
-
     
-
     
340
 
Other real estate (5)
                               
Commercial
                               
Income producing - real estate
   
559
     
-
     
-
     
559
 
Land, land development & construction-real estate
   
1,047
     
-
     
-
     
1,047
 
Mortgage
                               
1-4 Family
   
337
     
-
     
-
     
337
 
Resort Lending
   
1,257
     
-
     
-
     
1,257
 
Installment
                               
Home equity - 1st lien
   
29
     
-
     
-
     
29
 
Payment plan receivables
                               
Full refund/partial refund
   
2,668
     
-
     
-
     
2,668
 

(1) Included in accrued income and other assets
(2) Included in accrued expenses and other liabilities
(3) Only includes servicing rights that are carried at fair value due to recognition of a valuation allowance.
(4) Only includes impaired loans with specific loss allocations based on collateral value.
(5) Only includes other real estate with subsequent write downs to fair value.
 
50

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Changes in fair values for financial assets which we have elected the fair value option for the periods presented were as follows:
 
 
Changes in Fair Values for the Nine-Month
Periods Ended September 30 for Items Measured at
Fair Value Pursuant to Election of the Fair Value Option
 
2014
2013
 
Net Gains (Losses)
on Assets
Total
Change
in Fair
Values
Included
in Current
Period
Net Gains (Losses)
on Assets
Total
Change
in Fair
Values
Included
in Current
Period
 
Securities
Loans
Earnings
Securities
Loans
Earnings
 
(In thousands)
Trading securities
 
$
32
   
$
-
   
$
32
   
$
197
   
$
-
   
$
197
 
Loans held for sale
   
-
     
127
     
127
     
-
     
(765
)
   
(765
)

For those items measured at fair value pursuant to our election of the fair value option, interest income is recorded within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the contractual amount of interest income earned on these financial assets and dividend income is recorded based on cash dividends.

The following represent impairment charges recognized during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 relating to assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis:
·
Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights, whose individual strata are measured at fair value, had a carrying amount of $7.8 million which is net of a valuation allowance of $2.8 million at September 30, 2014 and had a carrying amount of $7.8 million which is net of a valuation allowance of $2.9 million at December 31, 2013.  A recovery of $0.52 million and $0.04 million was included in our results of operations for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2014, respectively and $0.04 million and $2.49 million during the same periods in 2013.
·
Loans which are measured for impairment using the fair value of collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a carrying amount of $8.2 million, with a valuation allowance of $2.4 million at September 30, 2014 and had a carrying amount of $10.8 million, with a valuation allowance of $3.4 million at December 31, 2013.  The provision for loan losses included in our results of operations relating to impaired loans was an expense of $0.5 million and $0.5 million for the three month periods ending September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and an expense of $1.4 million and a credit of $0.1 million for the nine month periods ending September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
·
Other real estate, which is measured using the fair value of the property, had a carrying amount of $5.2 million which is net of a valuation allowance of $3.7 million at September 30, 2014 and a carrying amount of $5.9 million which is net of a valuation allowance of $4.0 million at December 31, 2013.  An additional charge relating to other real estate measured at fair value of $0.3 million and $0.4 million was included in our results of operations during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, respectively and $0.3 million and $1.8 million during the same periods in 2013.
 
51

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
 
A reconciliation for all liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and nine months ended September 30 follows:

   
(Liability)
 
   
Amended Warrant
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Beginning balance
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(459
)
Total gains (losses) realized and unrealized:
                               
Included in results of operations
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,025
)
Included in other comprehensive income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Purchases, issuances, settlements, maturities and calls
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Reclassification to shareholders’ equity
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,484
 
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Ending balance
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
                               
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 

Because of certain anti-dilution features included in the Amended Warrant, it was not considered to be indexed to our common stock and was therefore accounted for as a derivative instrument (see Note #7). Any change in value of this warrant was recorded in other income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  However, the anti-dilution features in the Amended Warrant which caused it to be accounted for as a derivative and included in accrued expenses and other liabilities expired on April 16, 2013.  As a result, the Amended Warrant was reclassified into shareholders’ equity on that date at its then fair value which totaled $1.5 million.  During the third quarter of 2013 we repurchased the Amended Warrant from the UST (see Note #15).
 
52

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
 
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements measured on a non-recurring basis follows:

   
Asset
(Liability)
Fair
Value
 
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Weighted
Average
 
 
(In thousands)
September 30, 2014
           
Capitalized mortgage
           
loan servicing rights
 
$
7,809
 
Present value of net
Discount rate
   
10.05
%
         
  servicing revenue
Cost to service
 
$
81
 
             
Ancillary income
   
25
 
             
Float rate
   
1.93
%
 
Impaired loans
                   
Commercial
   
4,267
 
Sales comparison
Adjustment for differences
       
         
  approach
  between comparable sales
   
2.5
%
         
Income approach
Capitalization rate
   
9.3
 
 
Mortgage
   
1,549
 
Sales comparison
Adjustment for differences
       
         
  approach
  between comparable sales
   
4.7
 
 
Other real estate
                   
Commercial
   
1,607
 
Sales comparison
Adjustment for differences
       
         
  approach
  between comparable sales
   
(8.1
)
 
Mortgage and
                   
installment
   
883
 
Sales comparison
Adjustment for differences
       
         
  approach
  between comparable sales
   
33.4
 
 
Payment plan
                   
receivables
   
2,668
 
Sales comparison
Adjustment for differences
       
         
  approach
  between comparable sales
   
10.4
 
                     
December 31, 2013
                   
Capitalized mortgage
                   
loan servicing rights
 
$
7,773
 
Present value of net
Discount rate
   
10.09
%
         
  servicing revenue
Cost to service
 
$
81
 
             
Ancillary income
   
29
 
             
Float rate
   
1.79
%
 
Impaired loans
                   
Commercial
   
5,597
 
Sales comparison
Adjustment for differences
       
         
  approach
  between comparable sales
   
(1.9
)%
         
Income approach
Capitalization rate
   
9.3
 
 
Mortgage
   
1,795
 
Sales comparison
Adjustment for differences
       
         
  approach
  between comparable sales
   
3.2
 
 
Other real estate
                   
Commercial
   
1,606
 
Sales comparison
Adjustment for differences
       
         
  approach
  between comparable sales
   
(5.7
)
 
Mortgage and
                   
installment
   
1,623
 
Sales comparison
Adjustment for differences
       
         
  approach
  between comparable sales
   
55.7
 
 
Payment plan
                   
receivables
   
2,668
 
Sales comparison
Adjustment for differences
       
         
  approach
  between comparable sales
   
10.4
 

53

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
 
The following table reflects the difference between the aggregate fair value and the aggregate remaining contractual principal balance outstanding for loans held for sale for which the fair value option has been elected for the periods presented.

   
Aggregate
Fair Value
   
Difference
   
Contractual
Principal
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Loans held for sale
           
September 30, 2014
 
$
22,837
   
$
493
   
$
22,344
 
December 31, 2013
   
20,390
     
366
     
20,024
 

13.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Most of our assets and liabilities are considered financial instruments. Many of these financial instruments lack an available trading market and it is our general practice and intent to hold the majority of our financial instruments to maturity. Significant estimates and assumptions were used to determine the fair value of financial instruments. These estimates are subjective in nature, involving uncertainties and matters of judgment, and therefore, fair values cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Estimated fair values have been determined using available data and methodologies that are considered suitable for each category of financial instrument. For instruments with adjustable-interest rates which reprice frequently and without significant credit risk, it is presumed that estimated fair values approximate the recorded book balances.

Cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits and repurchase agreement:  The recorded book balance of cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits and repurchase agreement approximate fair value and are classified as Level 1.

Interest bearing deposits - time:  Interest bearing deposits - time have been valued based on a model using a benchmark yield curve plus a base spread and are classified as Level 2.

Securities:  Financial instrument assets actively traded in a secondary market have been valued using quoted market prices.  Trading securities are classified as Level 1 while securities available for sale are classified as Level 2 as described in Note #12.

Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock:  It is not practicable to determine the fair value of FHLB and FRB Stock due to restrictions placed on transferability.

Net loans and loans held for sale:  The fair value of loans is calculated by discounting estimated future cash flows using estimated market discount rates that reflect credit and interest-rate risk inherent in the loans resulting in a Level 3 classification.  Impaired loans are valued at the lower of cost or fair value as described in Note #12.  Loans held for sale are classified as Level 2 as described in Note #12.

Accrued interest receivable and payable:  The recorded book balance of accrued interest receivable and payable approximate fair value and are classified at the same Level as the asset and liability they are associated with.
 
54

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Derivative financial instruments:  The fair value of rate-lock mortgage loan commitments and mandatory commitments to sell mortgage loans is based on mortgage backed security pricing for comparable assets (recurring Level 2).  The fair value of interest rate swap agreements is based on a discounted cash flow analysis whose significant fair value inputs can generally be observed in the market place and do not typically involve judgment by management (recurring Level 2).  The fair value of the U.S. Treasury short position is based on the market value of the underlying security (recurring Level 2).

Deposits:  Deposits without a stated maturity, including demand deposits, savings, NOW and money market accounts, have a fair value equal to the amount payable on demand.  Each of these instruments is classified as Level 1.  Deposits with a stated maturity, such as certificates of deposit have generally been valued based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows using a discount rate approximating current market rates for liabilities with a similar maturity resulting in a Level 2 classification.

Other borrowings:  FHLB advances have been valued based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows using a discount rate approximating current market rates for liabilities with a similar maturity resulting in a Level 2 classification.  The liability to broker relating our U.S. Treasury short position is valued at book value (Level 2 classification).

Subordinated debentures:  Subordinated debentures have generally been valued based on a quoted market price of similar instruments resulting in a Level 2 classification.
 
55

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The estimated recorded book balances and fair values follow:

           
Fair Value Using
 
   
Recorded
Book
Balance
   
Fair Value
   
Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets
for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant
Un-
observable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2014
                   
Assets
                   
Cash and due from banks
 
$
48,259
   
$
48,259
   
$
48,259
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Interest bearing deposits and repurchase agreement
   
17,229
     
17,229
     
17,229
     
-
     
-
 
Interest bearing deposits - time
   
14,604
     
14,646
     
-
     
14,646
     
-
 
Trading securities
   
530
     
530
     
530
     
-
     
-
 
Securities available for sale
   
533,166
     
533,166
     
-
     
533,166
     
-
 
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal
                                       
Reserve Bank Stock
   
23,344
   
NA
   
NA
   
NA
   
NA
 
Net loans and loans held for sale
   
1,394,113
     
1,378,560
     
-
     
22,837
     
1,355,723
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
6,190
     
6,190
     
2
     
1,793
     
4,395
 
Derivative financial instruments
   
784
     
784
     
-
     
784
     
-
 
                                         
Liabilities
                                       
Deposits with no stated maturity (1)
 
$
1,501,906
   
$
1,501,906
   
$
1,501,906
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Deposits with stated maturity (1)
   
393,989
     
392,368
     
-
     
392,368
     
-
 
Other borrowings
   
26,228
     
28,398
     
-
     
28,398
     
-
 
Subordinated debentures
   
40,723
     
29,625
     
-
     
29,625
     
-
 
Accrued interest payable
   
504
     
504
     
20
     
484
     
-
 
Derivative financial instruments
   
98
     
98
     
-
     
98
     
-
 
                                         
December 31, 2013
                                       
Assets
                                       
Cash and due from banks
 
$
48,156
   
$
48,156
   
$
48,156
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Interest bearing deposits
   
70,925
     
70,925
     
70,925
     
-
     
-
 
Interest bearing deposits - time
   
17,999
     
18,000
     
-
     
18,000
     
-
 
Trading securities
   
498
     
498
     
498
     
-
     
-
 
Securities available for sale
   
462,481
     
462,481
     
-
     
462,481
     
-
 
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal
                                       
Reserve Bank Stock
   
23,419
   
NA
   
NA
   
NA
   
NA
 
Net loans and loans held for sale
   
1,362,635
     
1,333,229
     
-
     
20,390
     
1,312,839
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
5,948
     
5,948
     
1
     
1,426
     
4,521
 
Derivative financial instruments
   
494
     
494
     
-
     
494
     
-
 
                                         
Liabilities
                                       
Deposits with no stated maturity (1)
 
$
1,440,225
   
$
1,440,225
   
$
1,440,225
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Deposits with stated maturity (1)
   
444,581
     
446,366
     
-
     
446,366
     
-
 
Other borrowings
   
17,188
     
19,726
     
-
     
19,726
     
-
 
Subordinated debentures
   
40,723
     
27,871
     
-
     
27,871
     
-
 
Accrued interest payable
   
445
     
445
     
20
     
425
     
-
 
Derivative financial instruments
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 

(1)
Deposits with no stated maturity include reciprocal deposits with a recorded book balance of $13.7 million and $11.2 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  Deposits with a stated maturity include reciprocal deposits with a recorded book balance of $38.5 million and $72.3 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

The fair values for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are estimated to approximate their aggregate book balance, which is nominal and therefore are not disclosed.
 
56

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale the entire holdings of a particular financial instrument.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business, the value of future earnings attributable to off-balance sheet activities and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.

Fair value estimates for deposit accounts do not include the value of the core deposit intangible asset resulting from the low-cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market.

14.
Contingent Liabilities

We are involved in various litigation matters in the ordinary course of business. At the present time, we do not believe any of these matters will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. The aggregate amount we have accrued for losses we consider probable as a result of these litigation matters is immaterial. However, because of the inherent uncertainty of outcomes from any litigation matter, we believe it is reasonably possible we may incur losses in addition to the amounts we have accrued. At this time, we estimate the maximum amount of additional losses that are reasonably possible is approximately $0.5 million. However, because of a number of factors, including the fact that certain of these litigation matters are still in their early stages, this maximum amount may change in the future.

The litigation matters described in the preceding paragraph primarily include claims that have been brought against us for damages, but do not include litigation matters where we seek to collect amounts owed to us by third parties (such as litigation initiated to collect delinquent loans or vehicle service contract counterparty receivables). These excluded, collection-related matters may involve claims or counterclaims by the opposing party or parties, but we have excluded such matters from the disclosure contained in the preceding paragraph in all cases where we believe the possibility of us paying damages to any opposing party is remote. Risks associated with the likelihood that we will not collect the full amount owed to us, net of reserves, are disclosed elsewhere in this report.

Our Mepco segment conducts its payment plan business activities across the United States. Mepco acquires the payment plans from companies (which we refer to as Mepco’s “counterparties”) at a discount from the face amount of the payment plan. Each payment plan (which are classified as payment plan receivables in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition) permits a consumer to purchase a vehicle service contract by making installment payments, generally for a term of 12 to 24 months, to the sellers of those contracts (one of the “counterparties”). Mepco thereafter collects the payments from consumers. In acquiring the payment plan, Mepco generally funds a portion of the cost to the seller of the service contract and a portion of the cost to the administrator of the service contract. The administrator, in turn, pays the necessary contractual liability insurance policy (“CLIP”) premium to the insurer or risk retention group.
 
57

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Consumers are allowed to voluntarily cancel the service contract at any time and are generally entitled to receive a refund from the administrator of the unearned portion of the service contract at the time of cancellation. As a result, while Mepco does not owe any refund to the consumer, it also does not have any recourse against the consumer for nonpayment of a payment plan and therefore does not evaluate the creditworthiness of the individual consumer. If a consumer stops making payments on a payment plan or exercises the right to voluntarily cancel the service contract, the service contract seller and administrator are each obligated to refund to Mepco the amount necessary to make Mepco whole as a result of its funding of the service contract. In addition, the insurer or risk retention group that issued the CLIP for the service contract often guarantees all or a portion of the refund to Mepco. See note #4 above for a breakdown of Mepco’s payment plan receivables by the level of recourse Mepco has against various counterparties.

Upon the cancellation of a service contract and the completion of the billing process to the counterparties for amounts due to Mepco, there is a decrease in the amount of “payment plan receivables” and an increase in the amount of “vehicle service contract counterparty receivables” until such time as the amount due from the counterparty is collected. These amounts represent funds actually due to Mepco from its counterparties for cancelled service contracts. At September 30, 2014, the aggregate amount of such obligations owing to Mepco by counterparties, net of write-downs and reserves made through the recognition of vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies expense, totaled $6.8 million. This compares to a balance of $7.7 million at December 31, 2013.  Mepco is currently in the process of working to recover these receivables, primarily through litigation against counterparties.

In some cases, Mepco requires collateral or guaranties by the principals of the counterparties to secure these refund obligations; however, this is generally only the case when no rated insurance company is involved to guarantee the repayment obligation of the seller and administrator counterparties. In most cases, there is no collateral to secure the counterparties’ refund obligations to Mepco, but Mepco has the contractual right to offset unpaid refund obligations against amounts Mepco would otherwise be obligated to fund to the counterparties. In addition, even when collateral is involved, the refund obligations of these counterparties are not fully secured. Mepco incurs losses when it is unable to fully recover funds owing to it by counterparties upon cancellation of the underlying service contracts. The sudden failure of one of Mepco’s major counterparties (an insurance company, administrator, or seller/dealer) could expose us to significant losses.

When counterparties do not honor their contractual obligations to Mepco to repay funds, we recognize estimated losses. Mepco pursues collection (including commencing legal action if necessary) of funds due to it under its various contracts with counterparties.  Mepco has had to initiate litigation against certain counterparties, including third party insurers, to collect amounts owed to Mepco as a result of those parties' dispute of their contractual obligations to Mepco.  Charges related to estimated losses for vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies included in non-interest expenses were $0.03 million and $0.15 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and $0.17 million and $3.40 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The significant decrease in this expense in 2014 is due to the second quarter of 2013 including write-downs of vehicle service contract counterparty receivables related to settlements of certain litigation to collect these receivables during that quarter.  Given the costs and uncertainty of continued litigation, we determined it was in our best interest to resolve these matters.  These charges are being classified in non-interest expense because they are associated with a default or potential default of a contractual obligation under our counterparty contracts as opposed to loss on the administration of the payment plan itself.
 
58

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Our estimate of probable incurred losses from vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies requires a significant amount of judgment because a number of factors can influence the amount of loss that we may ultimately incur. These factors include our estimate of future cancellations of vehicle service contracts, our evaluation of collateral that may be available to recover funds due from our counterparties, and our assessment of the amount that may ultimately be collected from counterparties in connection with their contractual obligations.  We apply a rigorous process, based upon historical payment plan activity and past experience, to estimate probable incurred losses and quantify the necessary reserves for our vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies, but there can be no assurance that our modeling process will successfully identify all such losses.

We believe our assumptions regarding the collection of vehicle service contract counterparty receivables are reasonable, and we based them on our good faith judgments using data currently available. We also believe the current amount of reserves we have established and the vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies expense that we have recorded are appropriate given our estimate of probable incurred losses at the applicable Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition date. However, because of the uncertainty surrounding the numerous and complex assumptions made, actual losses could exceed the charges we have taken to date.

The provision for loss reimbursement on sold loans represents our estimate of incurred losses related to mortgage loans that we have sold to investors (primarily Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). Since we sell mortgage loans without recourse, loss reimbursements only occur in those instances where we have breached a representation or warranty or other contractual requirement related to the loan sale. The provision for loss reimbursement on sold loans was an expense of zero and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and a credit of $0.5 million and an expense of $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The credit provision for the first nine months of 2014 is due primarily to the rescission of certain loss reimbursement requests by Freddie Mac that had been pending and accrued for at the end of 2013.
 
59

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Historically, loss reimbursements on mortgage loans sold without recourse were rare. In 2009, we had only one actual loss reimbursement (for $0.06 million). Prior to 2009, we had years in which we incurred no such loss reimbursements. However, our loss reimbursements increased from 2010 to 2013 as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, in particular, were doing more reviews of mortgage loans where they had incurred or expected to incur a loss and were more aggressive in pursuing loss reimbursements from the sellers of such mortgage loans.  In November 2013, we executed a Resolution Agreement with Fannie Mae to resolve our existing and future repurchase and make whole obligations (collectively “Repurchase Obligations”) related to mortgage loans originated between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2008 and delivered to them by January 31, 2009.  Under the terms of the Resolution Agreement, we paid Fannie Mae approximately $1.5 million in November 2013 with respect to the Repurchase Obligations.  We believe that it was in our best interest to execute the Resolution Agreement in order to bring finality to the loss reimbursement exposure with Fannie Mae for these years and reduce the resources spent on individual file reviews and defending loss reimbursement requests.  In addition, we were notified by Freddie Mac in January 2014 that they had completed their review of mortgage loans that we originated between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2008 and delivered to them.  The reserve for loss reimbursements on sold mortgage loans totaled $0.7 million and $1.4 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. This reserve is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. This reserve is based on an analysis of mortgage loans that we have sold which are further categorized by delinquency status, loan to value, and year of origination. The calculation includes factors such as probability of default, probability of loss reimbursement (breach of representation or warranty) and estimated loss severity. The reserve levels at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 also reflect the resolution of the mortgage loan origination years of 2000 to 2008 with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  We believe that the amounts that we have accrued for incurred losses on sold mortgage loans are appropriate given our analyses.  However, future losses could exceed our current estimate.

15.
Shareholders’ Equity

On July 26, 2013 we executed a Securities Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) with the UST.  Under the terms of the SPA, we agreed to purchase from the UST for $81.0 million in cash consideration:  (i) 74,426 shares of our Series B Fixed Rate Cumulative Mandatorily Convertible Preferred Stock, with an original liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (“Series B Preferred Stock”), including any and all accrued and unpaid dividends; and (ii) the Amended and Restated Warrant to purchase 346,154 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $7.234 per share and expiring on December 12, 2018 (the “Amended Warrant”).  On August 30, 2013 we closed the SPA transaction with the UST and we exited the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”).  On that date the Series B Preferred Stock and Amended Warrant had book balances of $87.2 million (including accrued dividends) and $1.5 million, respectively. This transaction resulted in a discount of $7.7 million of which $7.6 million was allocated to the Series B Preferred Stock and included in net income applicable to common stock and $0.1 million was allocated to the Amended Warrant and recorded to common stock.

On August 28, 2013 we sold 11.5 million shares of our common stock for gross proceeds of $89.1 million in a public offering and on September 10, 2013 we sold an additional 1.725 million shares of our common stock for gross proceeds of $13.4 million pursuant to the underwriters’ overallotment option (collectively, the “Common Stock Offering”).  The net proceeds from the Common Stock Offering were approximately $97.1 million.
 
60

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

On November 15, 2011, we entered into a Tax Benefits Preservation Plan (the "Preservation Plan") with our stock transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company. Our Board of Directors adopted the Preservation Plan in an effort to protect the value to our shareholders of our ability to use deferred tax assets such as net operating loss carry forwards to reduce potential future federal income tax obligations. Under federal tax rules, this value could be lost in the event we experienced an "ownership change," as defined in Section 382 of the federal Internal Revenue Code. The Preservation Plan attempts to protect this value by reducing the likelihood that we will experience such an ownership change by discouraging any person who is not already a 5% shareholder from becoming a 5% shareholder (with certain limited exceptions).

On November 15, 2011, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of our common stock under the terms of the Preservation Plan. The dividend is payable to the holders of common stock outstanding as of the close of business on November 15, 2011 or outstanding at any time thereafter but before the earlier of a "Distribution Date" and the date the Preservation Plan terminates. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us 1/1000 of a share of our Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value per share ("Series C Preferred Stock"). Each 1/1000 of a share of Series C Preferred Stock has economic and voting terms similar to those of one whole share of common stock. The Rights are not exercisable and generally do not become exercisable until a person or group has acquired, subject to certain exceptions and conditions, beneficial ownership of 4.99% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock. At that time, each Right will generally entitle its holder to purchase securities of the Company at a discount of 50% to the current market price of the common stock. However, the Rights owned by the person acquiring beneficial ownership of 4.99% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock would automatically be void. The significant dilution that would result is expected to deter any person from acquiring beneficial ownership of 4.99% or more and thereby triggering the Rights.

To date, none of the Rights have been exercised or have become exercisable because no unpermitted 4.99% or more change in the beneficial ownership of the outstanding common stock has occurred. The Rights will generally expire on the earlier to occur of the close of business on November 15, 2016 and certain other events described in the Preservation Plan, including such date as our Board of Directors determines that the Preservation Plan is no longer necessary for its intended purposes.
 
61

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

16.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

A summary of changes in AOCL, presented net of tax, follows:

   
Unrealized
Losses on
Available
for Sale
Securities
   
Dispropor-
tionate
Tax Effects
from
Securities
Available
for Sale
   
Unrealized
Losses on
Cash Flow
Hedges
   
Unrealized
Losses on
Settled
Derivatives
   
Dispropor-
tionate
Tax Effects
from Cash
Flow
Hedges
   
Total
 
       
(In thousands)
         
For the three months ended September 30,
                       
    2014 
Balances at beginning of period
 
$
(376
)
 
$
(5,798
)
 
$
-
   
$
(124
)
 
$
-
   
$
(6,298
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
   
226
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
226
 
Amounts reclassified from AOCL
   
(73
)
   
-
     
-
     
62
     
-
     
(11
)
Net current period other comprehensive income
   
153
     
-
     
-
     
62
     
-
     
215
 
Balances at end of period 
 
$
(223
)
 
$
(5,798
)
 
$
-
   
$
(62
)
 
$
-
   
$
(6,083
)
    2013 
Balances at beginning of period
 
$
(1,102
)
 
$
(5,798
)
 
$
-
   
$
(370
)
 
$
-
   
$
(7,270
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
   
(1,962
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,962
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
62
     
-
     
62
 
Net current period other comprehensive income
   
(1,962
)
   
-
     
-
     
62
     
-
     
(1,900
)
Balances at end of period
 
$
(3,064
)
 
$
(5,798
)
 
$
-
   
$
(308
)
 
$
-
   
$
(9,170
)
                                                 
For the nine months ended September 30,
                                         
    2014 
Balances at beginning of period
 
$
(3,200
)
 
$
(5,798
)
 
$
-
   
$
(247
)
 
$
-
   
$
(9,245
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
   
3,051
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,051
 
Amounts reclassified from AOCL
   
(74
)
   
-
     
-
     
185
     
-
     
111
 
Net current period other comprehensive income
   
2,977
     
-
     
-
     
185
     
-
     
3,162
 
Balances at end of period
 
$
(223
)
 
$
(5,798
)
 
$
-
   
$
(62
)
 
$
-
   
$
(6,083
)
    2013 
Balances at beginning of period
 
$
(516
)
 
$
(5,617
)
 
$
(739
)
 
$
-
   
$
(1,186
)
 
$
(8,058
)
Income tax
   
181
     
(181
)
   
258
     
-
     
(258
)
   
-
 
Balances at beginning of period, net of tax
   
(335
)
   
(5,798
)
   
(481
)
   
-
     
(1,444
)
   
(8,058
)
Terminated cash flow hedge
   
-
     
-
     
370
     
(370
)
   
-
     
-
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
   
(2,741
)
   
 
     
(24
)
   
-
     
-
     
(2,765
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL
   
12
     
-
     
135
     
62
     
1,444
     
1,653
 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(2,729
)
   
-
     
111
     
62
     
1,444
     
(1,112
)
Balances at end of period
 
$
(3,064
)
 
$
(5,798
)
 
$
-
   
$
(308
)
 
$
-
   
$
(9,170
)
 
62

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The disproportionate tax effects from securities available for sale and cash flow hedges arose due to tax effects of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) in the presence of a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets and a pretax loss from operations.  Generally, the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to operations is determined without regard to the tax effects of other categories of income or loss, such as OCI. However, an exception to the general rule is provided when, in the presence of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, there is a pretax loss from operations and pretax income from other categories in the current period.  In such instances, income from other categories must offset the current loss from operations, the tax benefit of such offset being reflected in operations.  During the second quarter of 2013, we terminated our last remaining cash flow hedge and cleared the disproportionate tax effects relating to cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income (see Note #10).
 
63

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

A summary of reclassifications out of each component of AOCL for the three months ended September 30 follows:

AOCL Component
 
Amount Reclassified From AOCL
 
 Affected Line Item in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
   
(In thousands)
   
2014
      
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities
      
   
$
121
 
Net gains on securities
     
(9
)
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings
     
112
 
Total reclassifications before tax
     
39
 
Tax expense (benefit)
   
$
73
 
Reclassifications, net of tax
             
Unrealized losses on settled derivatives
          
   
$
(95
)
Interest expense
     
(33
)
Tax expense (benefit)
   
$
(62
)
Reclassification, net of tax
             
   
$
11
 
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax
             
2013
          
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities
          
   
$
-
 
Net gains on securities
     
-
 
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings
     
-
 
Total reclassifications before tax
     
-
 
Tax expense (benefit)
   
$
-
 
Reclassifications, net of tax
             
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges
          
   
$
-
 
Interest expense
     
-
 
Tax expense (benefit)
   
$
-
 
Reclassification, net of tax
             
Unrealized losses on settled derivative
          
   
$
(95
)
Interest expense
     
(33
)
Tax expense (benefit)
   
$
(62
)
Reclassification, net of tax
             
Disproportionate tax effects from cash flow hedges
          
 
$
-
 
Tax expense (benefit)
             
   
$
(62
)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax

 
64

NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
 
A summary of reclassifications out of each component of AOCL for the nine months ended September 30 follows:

AOCL Component
 
Amount Reclassified From AOCL
 
 Affected Line Item in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
   
(In thousands)
   
2014
      
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities
      
   
$
123
 
Net gains on securities
     
(9
)
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings
     
114
 
Total reclassifications before tax
     
40
 
Tax expense (benefit)
   
$
74
 
Reclassifications, net of tax
             
Unrealized losses on settled derivatives
          
   
$
(285
)
Interest expense
     
(100
)
Tax expense (benefit)
   
$
(185
)
Reclassification, net of tax
             
   
$
(111
)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax
             
2013
          
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities
          
   
$
8
 
Net gains on securities
     
(26
)
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings
     
(18
)
Total reclassifications before tax
     
(6
)
Tax expense (benefit)
   
$
(12
)
Reclassifications, net of tax
             
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges
          
   
$
(208
)
Interest expense
     
(73
)
Tax expense (benefit)
   
$
(135
)
Reclassification, net of tax
             
Unrealized losses on settled derivative
          
   
$
(95
)
Interest expense
     
(33
)
Tax expense (benefit)
   
$
(62
)
Reclassification, net of tax
             
Disproportionate tax effects from cash flow hedges
          
 
$
1,444
 
Tax expense (benefit)
             
   
$
(1,653
)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax
 
 
65

ITEM 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Introduction

The following section presents additional information to assess the financial condition and results of operations of Independent Bank Corporation, its wholly-owned bank, Independent Bank (the "Bank"), and their subsidiaries. This section should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. We also encourage you to read our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). That report includes a list of risk factors that you should consider in connection with any decision to buy or sell our securities.

Overview. We provide banking services to customers located primarily in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.  As a result, our success depends to a great extent upon the economic conditions in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. We have in general experienced a difficult economy in Michigan since 2001, which has had significant adverse effects on our performance.  As a result of the recession, we incurred net losses from 2008 through 2011 and found it necessary to take certain steps to preserve capital and maintain our regulatory capital ratios.

Economic conditions in Michigan began to show signs of improvement during 2010.  Generally, these improvements have continued into 2014, albeit at an uneven pace.  There has been an overall decline in the unemployment rate, although Michigan’s unemployment rate has been consistently above the national average.  In addition, housing prices and other related statistics (such as home sales and new building permits) have generally been improving.  In addition, since early- to mid-2009, we have seen an improvement in asset quality metrics. In particular, since early 2012, we have generally experienced a decline in non-performing assets, reduced levels of new loan defaults, and reduced levels of net loan charge-offs.  As a result of the foregoing factors and others, we returned to profitability in 2012 and have now been profitable for 11 consecutive quarters.  In addition, we have completed various transactions to improve our capital structure, as described below.

Recent Developments. In 2013, we successfully completed the implementation of a capital plan we had adopted to restore and improve our capital position.  In particular, during the last half of 2013, we completed the following:

· On July 26, 2013, we executed a Securities Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) with the United States Department of the Treasury ("UST"), pursuant to which we agreed to purchase from the UST for $81.0 million in cash consideration:  (i) 74,426 shares of our Series B Fixed Rate Cumulative Mandatorily Convertible Preferred Stock, with an original liquidation preference of $1,000 per share ("Series B Preferred Stock"), including any and all accrued and unpaid dividends; and (ii) the Amended and Restated Warrant to purchase up to 346,154 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $7.234 per share and expiring on December 12, 2018 (the "Amended Warrant");
· In the third quarter of 2013, we sold a total of 13.225 million shares of our common stock in a public offering for total net proceeds of $97.1 million (including 11.5 million shares sold on August 28, 2013, and 1.725 million shares sold on September 10, 2013 pursuant to the underwriters’ overallotment option), after payment of $5.4 million in underwriting discounts and other offering expenses (the “Common Stock Offering”);
 
66

· On August 29, 2013, we brought current the interest payments and quarterly dividends we had been deferring since the fourth quarter of 2009 on all of our subordinated debentures and trust preferred  securities;
· On August 30, 2013, we completed the redemption of the Series B Preferred Stock and Amended Warrant from the UST pursuant to the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement described above, which resulted in our exit from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP); and
· On October 11, 2013, we redeemed all of the 8.25% trust preferred securities (with an aggregate liquidation amount of $9.2 million) issued by IBC Capital Finance II.

Regulation. On July 2, 2013, the Federal Reserve Board (the "FRB") approved a final rule that establishes an integrated regulatory capital framework (the "New Capital Rules"). The rule will implement in the United States the Basel III regulatory capital reforms from the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act.  In general, under the New Capital Rules, minimum requirements will increase for both the quantity and quality of capital held by banking organizations. Consistent with the international Basel framework, the New Capital Rules include a new minimum ratio of common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.5% and a common equity tier 1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets that will apply to all supervised financial institutions. The rule also raises the minimum ratio of tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4% to 6% and includes a minimum leverage ratio of 4% for all banking organizations. As to the quality of capital, the New Capital Rules emphasize common equity tier 1 capital, the most loss-absorbing form of capital, and implements strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments. The New Capital Rules also change the methodology for calculating risk-weighted assets to enhance risk sensitivity.  We are subject to the New Capital Rules beginning on January 1, 2015. The 2.5% capital conservation buffer is being phased in over a four-year period beginning in 2016. Also, under the New Capital Rules our existing trust preferred securities are grandfathered as qualifying regulatory capital. We believe that we currently exceed all of the capital ratio requirements of the New Capital Rules.

In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") was enacted. The Dodd-Frank Act included the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with power to promulgate and enforce consumer protection laws; the creation of the Financial Stability Oversight Council chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury with authority to identify institutions and practices that might pose a systemic risk; provisions affecting corporate governance and executive compensation of all companies whose securities are registered with the SEC; a provision that broadened the base for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance assessments; a provision under which interchange fees for debit cards are set by the Federal Reserve under a restrictive "reasonable and proportional cost" per transaction standard; a provision that requires bank regulators to set minimum capital levels for bank holding companies that are as strong as those required for their insured depository subsidiaries, subject to a grandfather clause for financial institutions with less than $15 billion in assets as of December 31, 2009; and new restrictions on how mortgage brokers and loan originators may be compensated. Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act only apply to institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. The Dodd-Frank Act has had, and we expect it will continue to have, a significant impact on the banking industry, including our organization.
 
It is against this backdrop that we discuss our results of operations for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014 as compared to 2013 and our financial condition as of September 30, 2014.
 
67

Results of Operations

Summary.  We recorded net income of $4.9 million and $3.5 million, respectively, and net income applicable to common stock of $4.9 million and $10.3 million, respectively, during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.  The increase in net income on a comparative quarterly basis is due primarily to decreases in the provision for loan losses and non-interest expenses as well as an increase in non-interest income that were partially offset by a decrease in net interest income and an increase in income tax expense.  Third quarter 2013 net income applicable to common stock included a $7.6 million benefit from the redemption of our Series B Preferred Stock at a discount.

We recorded net income of $14.1 million and $72.7 million, respectively, and net income applicable to common stock of $14.1 million and $77.3 million, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.  The significant decline in 2014 year-to-date results as compared to 2013 primarily reflects the income tax benefit associated with the reversal of substantially all of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets that was recorded in June 2013. (See “Income tax benefit.”)

Key performance ratios
               
   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Net income (annualized) to(1)(2)
               
Average assets
   
0.87
%
   
1.90
%
   
0.84
%
   
4.93
%
Average common shareholders’ equity
   
7.95
     
25.64
     
7.86
     
110.70
 
                                 
Net income per common share(1)
                               
Basic
 
$
0.21
   
$
0.73
   
$
0.62
   
$
7.03
 
Diluted
   
0.21
     
0.17
     
0.60
     
3.40
 

(1)  These amounts are calculated using net income applicable to common stock.
(2)  Income before tax less preferred stock dividends and discount accretion (annualized) to average assets and average common shareholders’ equity were 0.86% and 19.38% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

Net interest income.  Net interest income is the most important source of our earnings and thus is critical in evaluating our results of operations. Changes in our net interest income are primarily influenced by our level of interest-earning assets and the income or yield that we earn on those assets and the manner and cost of funding our interest-earning assets. Certain macro-economic factors can also influence our net interest income such as the level and direction of interest rates, the difference between short-term and long-term interest rates (the steepness of the yield curve) and the general strength of the economies in which we are doing business. Finally, risk management plays an important role in our level of net interest income. The ineffective management of credit risk and interest-rate risk in particular can adversely impact our net interest income.
 
68

Our net interest income totaled $18.2 million during the third quarter of 2014, a decrease of $1.3 million, or 6.9% from the year-ago period.  The decrease in net interest income in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily reflects a 49 basis point decrease in our tax equivalent net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets (the “net interest margin”) that was partially offset by a $106.8 million increase in average interest-earning assets.

The decline in our net interest margin is primarily due to the prolonged low interest rate environment that has pushed our average yield on loans lower.  In addition, the growth in average interest-earning assets has been in lower yielding investment securities.

Interest rates have generally been at extremely low levels over the past five to six years due primarily to the FRB’s monetary policies and its efforts to stimulate the U.S. economy.  This very low interest rate environment has had an adverse impact on our interest income and net interest income.   Based on recent announcements by the FRB, short-term interest rates are expected to remain extremely low until at least mid-2015.  Given the repricing characteristics of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities (and our level of non-interest bearing demand deposits), our net interest margin will generally benefit on a long-term basis from rising interest rates.

For the first nine months of 2014, net interest income totaled $55.2 million, a decrease of $3.4 million, or 5.8% from 2013. Our net interest margin for the first nine months of 2014 decreased to 3.71% compared to 4.17% in 2013.  The reasons for the decline in net interest income for the first nine months of 2014 are generally consistent with those described above for the comparative quarterly periods.

Our net interest income is also adversely impacted by our level of non-accrual loans.  In the third quarter and first nine months of 2014 non-accrual loans averaged $17.1 million and $18.4 million, respectively compared to $20.5 million and $25.4 million, respectively for the same periods in 2013.  In addition, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014 we had net recoveries of $0.06 million and $0.21 million, respectively, of accrued and unpaid interest on loans placed on or taken off non-accrual during each period compared to net recoveries of $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, during the same periods in 2013.
 
69

Average Balances and Tax Equivalent Rates

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
  2014     2013  
   
Average Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate (3)
   
Average Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate (3)
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Assets (1)
                       
Taxable loans
 
$
1,390,811
   
$
17,768
     
5.08
%
 
$
1,396,709
   
$
20,027
     
5.70
%
Tax-exempt loans (2)
   
4,803
     
77
     
6.36
     
5,321
     
86
     
6.41
 
Taxable securities
   
484,687
     
1,644
     
1.35
     
337,299
     
1,109
     
1.30
 
Tax-exempt securities (2)
   
40,613
     
430
     
4.20
     
35,242
     
433
     
4.87
 
Interest bearing cash and repurchase agreement
   
76,529
     
61
     
0.32
     
117,971
     
68
     
0.23
 
Other investments
   
23,415
     
264
     
4.47
     
21,496
     
242
     
4.47
 
Interest Earning Assets
   
2,020,858
     
20,244
     
3.98
     
1,914,038
     
21,965
     
4.57
 
Cash and due from banks
   
46,643
                     
46,069
                 
Other assets, net
   
179,861
                     
188,705
                 
Total Assets
 
$
2,247,362
                   
$
2,148,812
                 
                                                 
Liabilities
                                               
Savings and interest-bearing checking
 
$
949,039
     
270
     
0.11
   
$
910,422
     
294
     
0.13
 
Time deposits
   
402,951
     
966
     
0.95
     
415,090
     
1,077
     
1.03
 
Other borrowings
   
67,114
     
649
     
3.84
     
67,578
     
884
     
5.19
 
Interest Bearing Liabilities
   
1,419,104
     
1,885
     
0.53
     
1,393,090
     
2,255
     
0.64
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
   
551,617
                     
502,357
                 
Other liabilities
   
30,734
                     
37,143
                 
Shareholders’ equity
   
245,907
                     
216,222
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
2,247,362
                   
$
2,148,812
                 
                                                 
Net Interest Income
         
$
18,359
                   
$
19,710
         
                                                 
Net Interest Income as a Percent of Average Interest Earning Assets
                   
3.61
%
                   
4.10
%
 

(1)
All domestic.
(2)
Interest on tax-exempt loans and securities is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis assuming a marginal tax rate of 35%.
(3)
Annualized.
 
70

Average Balances and Tax Equivalent Rates

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
    2014     2013  
   
Average Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate (3)
   
Average Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate (3)
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Assets (1)
                       
Taxable loans
 
$
1,377,884
   
$
54,024
     
5.24
%
 
$
1,415,545
   
$
60,919
     
5.75
%
Tax-exempt loans (2)
   
5,028
     
239
     
6.36
     
5,628
     
272
     
6.46
 
Taxable securities
   
470,995
     
4,623
     
1.31
     
274,002
     
2,772
     
1.35
 
Tax-exempt securities (2)
   
41,493
     
1,268
     
4.09
     
28,873
     
1,164
     
5.39
 
Interest bearing cash and repurchase agreement
   
87,511
     
219
     
0.33
     
149,807
     
272
     
0.24
 
Other investments
   
23,416
     
857
     
4.89
     
21,274
     
694
     
4.36
 
Interest Earning Assets
   
2,006,327
     
61,230
     
4.08
     
1,895,129
     
66,093
     
4.66
 
Cash and due from banks
   
45,137
                     
44,866
                 
Other assets, net
   
184,709
                     
157,038
                 
Total Assets
 
$
2,236,173
                   
$
2,097,033
                 
                                                 
Liabilities
                                               
Savings and interest-bearing checking
 
$
953,008
     
799
     
0.11
   
$
906,046
     
864
     
0.13
 
Time deposits
   
421,775
     
2,990
     
0.95
     
418,193
     
3,499
     
1.12
 
Other borrowings
   
59,362
     
1,720
     
3.87
     
67,716
     
2,625
     
5.18
 
Interest Bearing Liabilities
   
1,434,145
     
5,509
     
0.51
     
1,391,955
     
6,988
     
0.67
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
   
529,654
                     
496,777
                 
Other liabilities
   
32,226
                     
39,292
                 
Shareholders’ equity
   
240,148
                     
169,009
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
2,236,173
                   
$
2,097,033
                 
                                                 
Net Interest Income
         
$
55,721
                   
$
59,105
         
                                                 
Net Interest Income as a Percent of Average Interest Earning Assets
                   
3.71
%
                   
4.17
%
 

(1) All domestic.
(2) Interest on tax-exempt loans and securities is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis assuming a marginal tax rate of 35%.
(3) Annualized.
 
71

Provision for loan losses.  The provision for loan losses was a credit of $0.6 million and $0.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the provision was a credit of $2.0 million and $3.2 million, respectively. The provision reflects our assessment of the allowance for loan losses taking into consideration factors such as loan mix, levels of non-performing and classified loans and loan net charge-offs.  While we use relevant information to recognize losses on loans, additional provisions for related losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, customer circumstances and other credit risk factors.  See “Portfolio Loans and asset quality” for a discussion of the various components of the allowance for loan losses and their impact on the provision for loan losses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014.

Non-interest income.  Non-interest income is a significant element in assessing our results of operations. We regard net gains on mortgage loans as a core recurring source of revenue but they are quite cyclical and thus can be volatile. We regard net gains (losses) on securities as a “non-operating” component of non-interest income.

Non-interest income totaled $10.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of $0.7 million from the comparable period in 2013.  For the first nine months of 2014 non-interest income totaled $29.6 million, a $4.3 million decrease from the comparable period in 2013.  The quarterly comparative increase is due primarily to increases in interchange, mortgage loan servicing and other non-interest income.  The year-to-date decline is primarily due to decreases in service charges on deposit accounts, net gains on mortgage loans, mortgage loan servicing income and title insurance fees.   The nine months ended September 30, 2013 included a $1.0 million reduction in non-interest income related to an increase in the fair value of the U.S. Treasury warrant.

Non-Interest Income
               
   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
 
$
3,579
   
$
3,614
   
$
10,166
   
$
10,603
 
Interchange income
   
1,984
     
1,852
     
5,992
     
5,542
 
Net gains (losses) on assets:
                               
Mortgage loans
   
1,490
     
1,570
     
4,139
     
8,415
 
Securities
   
168
     
14
     
334
     
205
 
Other than temporary loss on securities available for sale:
                               
Total impairment loss
   
(9
)
   
-
     
(9
)
   
(26
)
Recognized in other comprehensive loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net impairment loss in earnings
   
(9
)
   
-
     
(9
)
   
(26
)
Mortgage loan servicing
   
932
     
338
     
1,389
     
2,614
 
Investment and insurance commissions
   
404
     
447
     
1,305
     
1,280
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
361
     
353
     
1,021
     
1,028
 
Title insurance fees
   
243
     
409
     
734
     
1,261
 
Increase in fair value of U.S. Treasury warrant
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,025
)
Other
   
1,391
     
1,240
     
4,503
     
4,019
 
Total non-interest income
 
$
10,543
   
$
9,837
   
$
29,574
   
$
33,916
 
 
72

Service charges on deposit accounts declined on both a comparative quarterly and year-to-date basis in 2014 as compared to 2013.  The decrease in such service charges in 2014 principally results from a decline in non-sufficient funds (“NSF”) occurrences and related NSF fees. We believe the decline in NSF occurrences is principally due to our customers managing their finances more closely in order to reduce NSF activity and avoid the associated fees.

Interchange income increased on both a comparative quarterly and year-to-date basis in 2014 as compared to 2013.  The increase in interchange income primarily results from a new Debit Brand Agreement with MasterCard (which replaces our former agreement with VISA) that we executed in January 2014.  We began converting our debit card base to MasterCard in June 2014 and completed the conversion in September 2014.  Assuming similar future transaction volumes, we expect this new agreement to result in an increase in our annual interchange net revenues of approximately $1 million.

As described earlier, the Dodd-Frank Act includes a provision under which interchange fees for debit cards are set by the FRB under a restrictive “reasonable and proportional cost” per transaction standard. On June 29, 2011, the FRB issued final rules (that were effective October 1, 2011) on interchange fees for debit cards. Overall, these final rules established price caps for debit card interchange fees that were significantly lower than previous averages. However, debit card issuers with less than $10 billion in assets (like us) are exempt from this rule. On a long-term basis, it is not clear how competitive market factors may impact debit card issuers who are exempt from the rule.  However, we have been experiencing some reduction in per transaction interchange revenue due to certain transaction routing changes, particularly at large merchants.

Net gains on mortgage loans decreased on both a quarterly and a year to date basis. Mortgage loan activity is summarized as follows:

Mortgage Loan Activity
               
   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Mortgage loans originated
 
$
77,501
   
$
97,391
   
$
187,172
   
$
347,177
 
Mortgage loans sold
   
62,007
     
96,989
     
156,090
     
340,318
 
Mortgage loans sold with servicing rights released
   
11,229
     
16,017
     
27,447
     
46,250
 
Net gains on the sale of mortgage loans
   
1,490
     
1,570
     
4,139
     
8,415
 
Net gains as a percent of mortgage loans sold (“Loan Sales Margin”)
   
2.40
%
   
1.62
%
   
2.65
%
   
2.47
%
Fair value adjustments included in the Loan Sales Margin
   
(0.13
)
   
(0.89
)
   
0.09
     
(0.58
)

The volume of loans sold is dependent upon our ability to originate mortgage loans as well as the demand for fixed-rate obligations and other loans that we choose to not put into portfolio because of our established interest-rate risk parameters. (See “Portfolio Loans and asset quality.”) Net gains on mortgage loans are also dependent upon economic and competitive factors as well as our ability to effectively manage exposure to changes in interest rates and thus can often be a volatile part of our overall revenues.  The declines in mortgage loan originations and sales in 2014 is due primarily to higher mortgage loan interest rates compared to the first five months of 2013 that reduced mortgage loan refinance volumes.
 
73

Net gains as a percentage of mortgage loans sold (our “Loan Sales Margin”) are impacted by several factors including competition and the manner in which the loan is sold (with servicing rights retained or released). Our decision to sell or retain mortgage loan servicing rights is primarily influenced by an evaluation of the price being paid for mortgage loan servicing by outside third parties compared to our calculation of the economic value of retaining such servicing. Net gains on mortgage loans are also impacted by recording fair value accounting adjustments. Excluding the aforementioned accounting adjustments, the Loan Sales Margin would have been 2.53% and 2.51% in the third quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively and 2.56% and 3.05% for the comparative 2014 and 2013 year-to-date periods, respectively. The decrease in the year-to-date Loan Sales Margin (excluding fair value adjustments) in 2014 was primarily due to a change in mix, with significantly fewer mortgage loan refinances (which generally have higher margins) as well as more competitive market conditions due to the industry-wide decline in mortgage loan origination volumes.  The changes in the fair value accounting adjustments are primarily due to changes in the amount of commitments to originate mortgage loans for sale.

Net securities gains totaled $0.2 million and $0.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $0.014 million and $0.2 million for the respective comparable periods in 2013. The 2014 net securities gains were due primarily to the sale of a municipal security as well as fair value adjustments on trading securities and a U.S. treasury short sale position.  The 2013 net securities gains were due primarily to an increase in the fair value of trading securities.

We recorded net other than temporary impairment charges on securities available for sale of $0.009 million during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and zero and $0.026 million for the respective comparable periods in 2013.  These impairment charges all related to private label residential mortgage-backed investment securities.  (See “Securities.”)

Mortgage loan servicing generated income of $0.9 million and $1.4 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, respectively, compared to income of $0.3 million and $2.6 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, respectively. These variances are primarily due to changes in the valuation allowance on and the amortization of capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights. The period end valuation allowance is based on the valuation of the mortgage loan servicing portfolio.  The decreases in the valuation allowance are due primarily to lower estimated future prepayment rates being used in the period end valuations that generally reflect higher mortgage loan interest rates as well as a reduction in the weighted average coupon rate of the portfolio (due to the payoff of higher rate mortgage loans).  Activity related to capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights is as follows:
 
74

Capitalized Mortgage Loan Servicing Rights
       
   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
12,796
   
$
13,037
   
$
13,710
   
$
11,013
 
Originated servicing rights capitalized
   
489
     
772
     
1,253
     
2,661
 
Amortization
   
(628
)
   
(793
)
   
(1,827
)
   
(3,111
)
(Increase)/decrease in valuation allowance
   
523
     
35
     
44
     
2,488
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
13,180
   
$
13,051
   
$
13,180
   
$
13,051
 
Valuation allowance at end of period
 
$
2,811
   
$
3,599
   
$
2,811
   
$
3,599
 

At September 30, 2014 we were servicing approximately $1.67 billion in mortgage loans for others on which servicing rights have been capitalized. This servicing portfolio had a weighted average coupon rate of 4.46% and a weighted average service fee of approximately 25.3 basis points. Remaining capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights at September 30, 2014 totaled $13.2 million, representing approximately 79 basis points on the related amount of mortgage loans serviced for others. The capitalized mortgage loan servicing had an estimated fair market value of $14.0 million at September 30, 2014.

Investment and insurance commissions decreased on a comparative quarterly basis and increased slightly on a year-to-date basis in 2014 compared to 2013.  These changes primarily reflect the sales volumes of such products.

Income from bank owned life insurance was relatively consistent on both a comparative quarterly and year-to-date basis in 2014 compared to 2013 reflecting a stable average crediting rate on our cash surrender value. Our separate account is primarily invested in agency mortgage-backed securities and managed by PIMCO. The crediting rate (on which the earnings are based) reflects the performance of the separate account.  The total cash surrender value of our bank owned life insurance was $53.3 million and $52.3 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Title insurance fees were lower on both a comparative quarterly and year-to-date basis in 2014 as compared to 2013.  The amount of title insurance fees is primarily a function of the level of mortgage loans that we originated.

Changes in the fair value of the Amended Warrant issued to the UST in April 2010 had been recorded as a component of non-interest income. Up until April 16, 2013, the fair value of this Amended Warrant was included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  The provision in the Amended Warrant which caused it to be accounted for as a derivative and included in accrued expenses and other liabilities expired on April 16, 2013.  As a result, the Amended Warrant was reclassified into shareholders’ equity on that date at its then fair value (which was approximately $1.5 million).  (See “Liquidity and capital resources.”)  The Amended Warrant was purchased from the UST and retired on August 30, 2013 pursuant to the SPA.
 
75

Two significant inputs in the valuation model for the Amended Warrant were our common stock price and the probability of triggering anti-dilution provisions in this instrument related to certain equity transactions. The fair value of the Amended Warrant increased by $1.0 million in the first half of 2013 (through April 16) due primarily to a rise in our common stock price during the first three months of that year.

Other non-interest income increased on both a comparative quarterly and year-to-date basis in 2014 compared to 2013.  This increase is primarily due to an increase in rental income on other real estate (“ORE”).  The ORE property generating this increase in rental income was sold in July 2014.  (See “Non-interest expense” and “Portfolio Loans and asset quality.”)

Non-interest expense.  Non-interest expense is an important component of our results of operations. We strive to efficiently manage our cost structure and management is focused on a number of initiatives to reduce and contain non-interest expenses.

Non-interest expense decreased by $3.9 million to $22.1 million and by $12.1 million to $67.0 million during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the like periods in 2013.  These decreases were primarily due to declines in credit related costs (loan and collection expenses, net (gains) losses on ORE and repossessed assets, vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies and the provision for loss reimbursement on sold loans) as well as data processing, advertising, FDIC deposit insurance, legal and professional fees (for the year-to-date period), interchange expense, and credit card and bank service fees.
 
76

Non-Interest Expense
               
   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Compensation
 
$
8,574
   
$
8,529
   
$
25,321
   
$
25,080
 
Performance-based compensation
   
1,203
     
2,104
     
3,348
     
4,686
 
Payroll taxes and employee benefits
   
1,941
     
1,958
     
6,105
     
5,847
 
Compensation and employee benefits
   
11,718
     
12,591
     
34,774
     
35,613
 
Occupancy, net
   
2,079
     
2,017
     
6,715
     
6,588
 
Data processing
   
1,790
     
2,090
     
5,653
     
6,048
 
Loan and collection
   
1,391
     
1,584
     
4,283
     
5,512
 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
   
1,005
     
1,051
     
3,127
     
3,171
 
Communications
   
712
     
695
     
2,212
     
2,205
 
Advertising
   
427
     
652
     
1,547
     
1,881
 
Legal and professional fees
   
559
     
487
     
1,380
     
1,843
 
FDIC deposit insurance
   
396
     
685
     
1,235
     
2,026
 
Interchange expense
   
368
     
410
     
1,112
     
1,238
 
Supplies
   
249
     
277
     
746
     
771
 
Credit card and bank service fees
   
226
     
310
     
734
     
975
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
134
     
203
     
402
     
609
 
Vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies
   
28
     
149
     
169
     
3,403
 
Costs (recoveries) related to unfunded lending commitments
   
12
     
(86
)
   
27
     
(57
)
Provision for loss reimbursement on sold loans
   
-
     
1,417
     
(466
)
   
2,436
 
Net (gains) losses on ORE and repossessed assets
   
(285
)
   
119
     
(410
)
   
1,091
 
Other
   
1,275
     
1,283
     
3,804
     
3,796
 
Total non-interest expense
 
$
22,084
   
$
25,934
   
$
67,044
   
$
79,149
 

Compensation and employee benefits expenses, in total, decreased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013.

Compensation expense increased by $0.05 million, or 0.5%, and by $0.2 million, or 1.0%, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013.  Average full-time equivalent employees (“FTEs”) were reduced by approximately 3.9% and 4.3% during the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, respectively, compared to the year ago periods.  However, the impact of the FTE reductions was offset by $0.1 million and $0.6 million declines for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, respectively, in the amounts of deferred compensation related to direct loan origination costs because of the reduced levels of new loan volumes in 2014.  The impact of the FTE reductions was also offset by merit raises granted in 2014.

Performance-based compensation decreased by $0.9 million and by $1.3 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013, due primarily to lower accruals for the anticipated employee stock ownership plan contribution and for incentive compensation (based on projected actual performance metrics as compared to target).
 
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Payroll taxes and employee benefits were relatively unchanged and increased by $0.3 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013.  The year-to-date increase is due primarily to increases in medical insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and employee training costs.

Occupancy, net, was up slightly in the third quarter and increased by 0.1 million in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013.  The year-to-date increase is primarily due to higher snow removal costs associated with the harsh Michigan winter in 2014.

Data processing expenses decreased by $0.3 million and by $0.4 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013, due primarily to the impact of a new seven-year core data processing contract that we executed in March 2014.  Under the terms of the new contract, we have reduced core data processing and interchange costs by approximately $1 million annually.  The first quarter of 2014 included a write-off of approximately $0.2 million related to certain deferred but unamortized costs associated with our previous core data processing contract that was scheduled to expire in April 2015.

Loan and collection expenses primarily reflect costs related to the management and collection of non-performing loans and other problem credits. These expenses have further declined in 2014, which primarily reflects the overall year-over-year decrease in non-performing assets and “watch” credits. (See “Portfolio Loans and asset quality.”)

Furniture, fixtures and equipment, communications, supplies and other non-interest expenses were relatively unchanged on both a comparative quarterly and year-to-date basis.

Advertising expenses were lower on both a comparative quarterly and year-to-date basis due primarily to a reduction in direct mail costs.

Legal and professional fees increased $0.1 million on a comparative quarterly basis but decreased $0.5 million on a year-to-date basis.  The quarterly comparative increase is due primarily to increased consulting and internal audit outsourcing fees.  The year-to-date decrease is due primarily to a decline in legal fees at Mepco related to counterparty litigation associated with collection matters and a decline in consulting fees at the Bank.

FDIC deposit insurance expense decreased by $0.3 million and by $0.8 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013, due primarily to a reduction in the Bank’s risk based premium rate that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2013 due to our improved financial metrics.

Interchange expense primarily represents our third-party cost to process debit card transactions.  This cost has declined on both a comparative quarterly and year-to-date basis due primarily to the impact of the aforementioned new seven-year core data processing contract that we executed in March 2014.

Credit card and bank service fees decreased on both a comparative quarterly and year-to-date basis primarily due to a decline in the number of payment plans being serviced by Mepco in 2014 compared to 2013.
 
78

The amortization of intangible assets primarily relates to branch acquisitions and the amortization of the deposit customer relationship value, including core deposit value, which was acquired in connection with those acquisitions. We had remaining unamortized intangible assets of $2.8 million and $3.2 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. See Note #8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a schedule of future amortization of intangible assets

We record estimated incurred losses associated with Mepco’s vehicle service contract payment plan receivables in our provision for loan losses and establish a related allowance for loan losses. (See “Portfolio Loans and asset quality.”) We record estimated incurred losses associated with defaults by Mepco’s counterparties as “vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies expense,” which is included in non-interest expenses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

We recorded an expense of $0.03 million and $0.17 million for vehicle service contract payment plan counterparty contingencies in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, respectively, compared to $0.15 million and $3.4 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2013.  The significant decrease in this expense in 2014 is due to the second quarter of 2013 including write-downs of vehicle service contract counterparty receivables related to settlements of certain litigation to collect these receivables during that quarter.  Given the costs and uncertainty of continued litigation, we determined it was in our best interest to resolve these matters.

Our estimate of probable incurred losses from vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies requires a significant amount of judgment because a number of factors can influence the amount of loss that we may ultimately incur. These factors include our estimate of future cancellations of vehicle service contracts, our evaluation of collateral that may be available to recover funds due from our counterparties, and our assessment of the amount that may ultimately be collected from counterparties in connection with their contractual obligations. We apply a rigorous process, based upon historical payment plan activity and past experience, to estimate probable incurred losses and quantify the necessary reserves for our vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies, but there can be no assurance that our modeling process will successfully identify all such losses.

In particular, as noted in our Risk Factors included in Part I - Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, Mepco has had to initiate litigation against certain counterparties, including third party insurers, to collect amounts owed to Mepco as a result of those parties' dispute of their contractual obligations to Mepco.  In addition, see Note #14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report for more information about Mepco's business, certain risks and difficulties we currently face with respect to that business, and reserves we have established (through vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies expense) for losses related to the business.

The changes in costs (recoveries) related to unfunded lending commitments are primarily impacted by changes in the amounts of such commitments to originate portfolio loans as well as (for commercial loan commitments) the grade (pursuant to our loan rating system) of such commitments.
 
79

The provision for loss reimbursement on sold loans was zero and a credit of $0.5 million and an expense of $1.4 million and $2.4 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and represents our estimate of incurred losses related to mortgage loans that we have sold to investors (primarily Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac).  The credit provision for the first nine months of 2014 is due primarily to the rescission of certain loss reimbursement requests by Freddie Mac that had been pending and accrued for at the end of 2013.  Since we sell mortgage loans without recourse, loss reimbursements only occur in those instances where we have breached a representation or warranty or other contractual requirement related to the loan sale. Historically, loss reimbursements on mortgage loans sold without recourse were rare. In 2009, we had only one actual loss reimbursement (for $0.06 million). Prior to 2009, we had years in which we incurred no such loss reimbursements. However, our loss reimbursements increased from 2010 to 2013 as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, in particular, were doing more reviews of mortgage loans where they had incurred or expected to incur a loss and were more aggressive in pursuing loss reimbursements from the sellers of such mortgage loans.  In November 2013, we executed a Resolution Agreement with Fannie Mae to resolve our existing and future repurchase and make whole obligations (collectively “Repurchase Obligations”) related to mortgage loans originated between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2008 and delivered to them by January 31, 2009.  Under the terms of the Resolution Agreement, we paid Fannie Mae approximately $1.5 million in November 2013 with respect to the Repurchase Obligations.  We believe that it was in our best interest to execute the Resolution Agreement in order to bring finality to the loss reimbursement exposure with Fannie Mae for these years and reduce the resources spent on individual file reviews and defending loss reimbursement requests.  In addition, we were notified by Freddie Mac in January 2014 that they had completed their review of mortgage loans that we originated between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2008 and delivered to them.  The reserve for loss reimbursements on sold mortgage loans totaled $0.7 million and $1.4 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. This reserve is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. This reserve is based on an analysis of mortgage loans that we have sold which are further categorized by delinquency status, loan to value, and year of origination. The calculation includes factors such as probability of default, probability of loss reimbursement (breach of representation or warranty) and estimated loss severity. The reserve levels at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 also reflect the resolution of the mortgage loan origination years of 2000 to 2008 with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  We believe that the amounts that we have accrued for incurred losses on sold mortgage loans are appropriate given our analyses.  However, future losses could exceed our current estimate.

Net (gains) losses on ORE and repossessed assets primarily represent the gain or loss on the sale or additional write downs on these assets subsequent to the transfer of the asset from our loan portfolio. This transfer occurs at the time we acquire the collateral that secured the loan. At the time of acquisition, the other real estate or repossessed asset is valued at fair value, less estimated costs to sell, which becomes the new basis for the asset. Any write-downs at the time of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses.  The net gains of $0.3 million and $0.4 million recorded in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, respectively (as compared to net losses of $0.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively, recorded in the same periods in 2013) primarily reflect greater stability in real estate prices during the last twelve months, with some markets even experiencing price increases. Also, in the third quarter of 2014, we closed on the cash sales of our two largest ORE properties.  The combined book value of these properties was $8.6 million and we recorded net gains of $0.56 million on these sales.
80

Income tax expense (benefit).  We recorded an income tax expense of $2.3 million and $5.7 million in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2014, respectively. We recorded an income tax expense (benefit) of $0.3 million and $(56.2) million in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2013, respectively. Prior to the second quarter of 2013, we had established a deferred tax asset valuation allowance against all of our net deferred tax assets.

We assess whether a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets is necessary each quarter.  Reversing or reducing the valuation allowance requires us to conclude that the realization of the deferred tax assets is “more likely than not.”  The ultimate realization of this asset is primarily based on generating future income.  As of June 30, 2013, we concluded that the realization of substantially all of our deferred tax assets was more likely than not.  That conclusion was primarily based upon the following factors:

· Achieving a sixth consecutive quarter of profitability;
· A forecast of future profitability that supported the conclusion that the realization of the deferred tax assets was more likely than not; and
· A forecast that future asset quality continued to be stable to improving and that other factors did not exist that could cause a significant adverse impact on future profitability.

The reversal of substantially all of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets resulted in our recording an income tax benefit of $57.6 million in the second quarter of 2013.  In addition, during the second quarter of 2013, we recorded $1.4 million of income tax expense to clear from accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) the disproportionate tax effects from cash flow hedges.  These disproportionate tax effects had been charged to other comprehensive income and credited to income tax expense due to our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets as more fully discussed in Note #16 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

We have also concluded subsequent to June 30, 2013, that the realization of substantially all of our deferred tax assets continues to be more likely than not for substantially the same reasons as enumerated above, including five additional profitable quarters since the second quarter of 2013.

The valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets totaled approximately $1.0 million, $1.1 million and $1.0 million at September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively. The portion of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets that we did not reverse in 2013 primarily relates to state income taxes at our Mepco segment.  In this instance, we determined that the future realization of these particular deferred tax assets was not more likely than not.  This conclusion was primarily based on the uncertainty of Mepco’s future earnings attributable to particular states (given the various apportionment criteria) and the significant reduction in the size of Mepco’s business over the past three years.

Because of our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, we are still subject to the rules of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  An ownership change, as defined by these rules, would negatively affect our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets in the future. If such an ownership change were to occur, we may suffer higher-than-anticipated tax expense, and consequently lower net income and cash flow, in those future years.  Although we cannot control market purchases or sales of our common stock, we have in place a Tax Benefits Preservation Plan to dissuade any movement in our stock that would trigger an ownership change, and we limited the size of our Common Stock Offering to avoid triggering any Section 382 limitations.
81

Our actual federal income tax expense (benefit) is different than the amount computed by applying our statutory federal income tax rate to our pre-tax income (loss) primarily due to tax-exempt interest income and tax-exempt income from the increase in the cash surrender value on life insurance and also for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, the impact of the change in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  In addition, the year-to-date 2014 income tax expense was reduced by a credit of approximately $0.7 million in the second quarter due to a true-up of the amount of unrecognized tax benefits relative to certain net operating loss carryforwards and the reversal of the valuation allowance on our capital loss carryforward that we now believe is more likely than not to be realized due to a strategy executed during the second quarter of 2014.

Business Segments.  Our reportable segments are based upon legal entities.  We currently have two reportable segments:  Independent Bank and Mepco.  These business segments are also differentiated based on the products and services provided.  We evaluate performance based principally on net income (loss) of the respective reportable segments.

The following table presents net income (loss) by business segment.

Business Segments
               
   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Independent Bank
 
$
5,048
   
$
3,831
   
$
14,345
   
$
68,337
 
Mepco
   
163
     
172
     
607
     
(1,124
)
Other(1)
   
(266
)
   
(474
)
   
(665
)
   
5,558
 
Elimination
   
(16
)
   
(24
)
   
(168
)
   
(71
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
4,929
   
$
3,505
   
$
14,119
   
$
72,700
 

(1) Includes amounts relating to our parent company and certain insignificant operations.

The substantial change in the Bank’s year-to-date results in 2014 compared to 2013 is primarily due to 2013 including the reversal of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets resulting in recording a significant income tax benefit.  The increased net income at the Bank in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the year ago period is primarily due to a decline in non-interest expenses and an increase in non-interest income that were partially offset by a decline in net interest income and an increase in income tax expense.  See “Net interest income,” “Non-interest income,” “Non-interest expense,” and “Income tax expense (benefit).”

The change in Mepco’s results is primarily due to a decrease in vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies expense that was partially offset by a decrease in net interest income because of a decline in payment plan receivables.  See “Net interest income” and “Non-interest expense.”  All of Mepco’s funding is provided by Independent Bank through an intercompany loan (that is eliminated in consolidation).  The rate on this intercompany loan is based on the Prime Rate (currently 3.25%). Mepco might not be able to obtain such favorable funding costs on its own in the open market.

The change in Other in the table above is primarily due to 2013 including the reversal of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets resulting in recording a significant income tax benefit at the parent company.  See “Income tax expense (benefit).”
 
82

Financial Condition

Summary.  Our total assets increased by $29.9 million during the first nine months of 2014 due primarily to increases in securities available for sale and loans that were partially offset by a decline in cash and cash equivalents.  Loans, excluding loans held for sale ("Portfolio Loans"), totaled $1.40 billion at September 30, 2014, up 1.8% from $1.37 billion at December 31, 2013.  (See "Portfolio Loans and asset quality.")

Deposits totaled $1.90 billion at September 30, 2014, compared to $1.88 billion at December 31, 2013.  The $11.1 million increase in total deposits during the period is due to growth in checking and savings account balances.

Securities.  We maintain diversified securities portfolios, which include obligations of U.S. government-sponsored agencies, securities issued by states and political subdivisions, residential mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, corporate securities and trust preferred securities. We regularly evaluate asset/liability management needs and attempt to maintain a portfolio structure that provides sufficient liquidity and cash flow. Except as discussed below, we believe that the unrealized losses on securities available for sale are temporary in nature and are expected to be recovered within a reasonable time period. We believe that we have the ability to hold securities with unrealized losses to maturity or until such time as the unrealized losses reverse. (See “Asset/liability management.”)

Securities
 
Unrealized
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
 
Gains
 
 
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Securities available for sale
(In thousands)    
September 30, 2014
 
$
533,511
   
$
3,135
   
$
3,480
   
$
533,166
 
December 31, 2013
   
467,406
     
2,048
     
6,973
     
462,481
 

Securities available for sale increased during 2014 due primarily to the purchase of U.S. government-sponsored agency mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, municipal securities and corporate securities. The securities were purchased to utilize cash and cash equivalents as well as to utilize funds generated from the increase in total deposits. (See “Deposits” and “Liquidity and capital resources.”)

Our portfolio of available-for-sale securities is reviewed quarterly for impairment in value. In performing this review, management considers (1) the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (3) the impact of changes in market interest rates on the market value of the security and (4) an assessment of whether we intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. For securities that do not meet these recovery criteria, the amount of impairment recognized in earnings is limited to the amount related to credit losses, while impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income or loss.  We recorded net other than temporary impairment charges in earnings on securities available for sale of $0.009 million during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.  We recorded net other than temporary impairment charges in earnings on securities available for sale of zero and $0.026 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.  These impairment charges all related to private label residential mortgage-backed investment securities.
 
83

Sales of securities and net gains on securities were as follows (See “Non-interest income.”):

   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Proceeds from sales
 
$
7,630
   
$
2,940
 
                 
Gross gains
 
$
123
   
$
15
 
Gross losses
   
-
     
(7
)
Net impairment charges
   
(9
)
   
(26
)
Fair value adjustments
   
211
     
197
 
Total net gains
 
$
325
   
$
179
 

Portfolio Loans and asset quality.  In addition to the communities served by our Bank branch network, our principal lending markets also include nearby communities and metropolitan areas. Subject to established underwriting criteria, we also may participate in commercial lending transactions with certain non-affiliated banks.

The senior management and board of directors of our Bank retain authority and responsibility for credit decisions and we have adopted uniform underwriting standards. Our loan committee structure and the loan review process attempt to provide requisite controls and promote compliance with such established underwriting standards. However, there can be no assurance that our lending procedures and the use of uniform underwriting standards will prevent us from incurring significant credit losses in our lending activities.

We generally retain loans that may be profitably funded within established risk parameters. (See “Asset/liability management.”) As a result, we may hold adjustable-rate mortgage loans as Portfolio Loans, while 15- and 30-year, fixed-rate obligations are generally sold to mitigate exposure to changes in interest rates. (See “Non-interest income.”)
 
84

Non-performing assets(1)
       
   
September 30,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Non-accrual loans
 
$
17,543
   
$
17,905
 
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest
   
-
     
-
 
Total non-performing loans
   
17,543
     
17,905
 
Other real estate and repossessed assets
   
9,375
     
18,282
 
Total non-performing assets
 
$
26,918
   
$
36,187
 
As a percent of Portfolio Loans
               
Non-performing loans
   
1.25
%
   
1.30
%
Allowance for loan losses
   
1.97
     
2.35
 
Non-performing assets to total assets
   
1.20
     
1.64
 
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of non-performing loans
   
156.80
     
180.54
 
 
 
(1)
Excludes loans classified as “troubled debt restructured” that are not past due and vehicle service contract counterparty receivables, net.

Troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”)
   
 
September 30, 2014
 
Commercial
 
Retail
 
Total
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Performing TDR’s
 
$
30,768
   
$
75,680
   
$
106,448
 
Non-performing TDR’s (1)
   
3,263
     
5,515
(2)
   
8,778
 
Total
 
$
34,031
   
$
81,195
   
$
115,226
 

 
December 31, 2013
 
Commercial
   
Retail
   
Total
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Performing TDR’s
 
$
35,134
   
$
79,753
   
$
114,887
 
Non-performing TDR’s (1)
   
4,347
     
4,988
(2) 
   
9,335
 
Total
 
$
39,481
   
$
84,741
   
$
124,222
 
 
 
(1)
Included in the “Non-performing assets” table above.
 
(2)
Also includes loans on non-accrual at the time of modification until six payments are received on a timely basis.

Non-performing loans decreased by $0.4 million, or 2.0%, during the first nine months of 2014 due principally to a decline in non-performing commercial loans (down $1.0 million) and consumer installment loans (down $0.5 million) that was partially offset by an increase in non-performing mortgage loans (up $1.1 million).  In general, improving economic conditions in our market areas, as well as our collection and resolution efforts, have resulted in a downward trend in non-performing loans.  However, we are still experiencing some loan defaults, particularly related to commercial loans secured by income-producing property and mortgage loans secured by resort/vacation property.
 
85

Non-performing loans exclude performing loans that are classified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). Performing TDRs totaled $106.4 million, or 7.6% of total Portfolio Loans, and $114.9 million, or 8.4% of total Portfolio Loans, at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The decrease in the amount of performing TDRs in the first nine months of 2014 reflects declines in both commercial loan and retail loan TDR’s.

ORE and repossessed assets totaled $9.4 million at September 30, 2014, compared to $18.3 million at December 31, 2013. This decrease is primarily the result of sales of ORE being in excess of the migration of non-performing loans secured by real estate into ORE as the foreclosure process is completed and any redemption period expires. In the third quarter of 2014, we closed on the cash sale of our two largest ORE properties.  The combined book value of these properties was $8.6 million.

We will place a loan that is 90 days or more past due on non-accrual, unless we believe the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. Accordingly, we have determined that the collection of the accrued and unpaid interest on any loans that are 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest is probable.

The ratio of loan net charge-offs to average Portfolio Loans was 0.27% on an annualized basis in the first nine months of 2014 compared to 0.65% in the first nine months of 2013.  The $3.9 million decline in loan net charge-offs is primarily due to declines in commercial loans (down $1.6 million), mortgage loans (down $1.6 million) and consumer installment loans (down $0.7 million). The overall decrease in loan net charge-offs primarily reflects a year-over-year reduction in non-performing loans and improvement in collateral liquidation values.

Allowance for loan losses
               
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
 
Loans
   
Unfunded
Commitments
   
 
Loans
   
Unfunded
Commitments
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
32,325
   
$
508
   
$
44,275
   
$
598
 
Additions (deduction)
                               
Provision for loan losses
   
(2,049
)
   
-
     
(3,153
)
   
-
 
Recoveries credited to allowance
   
5,438
     
-
     
6,893
     
-
 
Loans charged against the allowance
   
(8,206
)
   
-
     
(13,578
)
   
-
 
Additions included in non-interest expense
   
-
     
27
     
-
     
(57
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
27,508
   
$
535
   
$
34,437
   
$
541
 
                                 
Net loans charged against the allowance to average Portfolio Loans (annualized)
   
0.27
%
           
0.65
%
       
 
86

Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses
       
 
 
   
September 30,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Specific allocations
 
$
12,895
   
$
15,158
 
Other adversely rated commercial loans
   
1,026
     
1,358
 
Historical loss allocations
   
8,221
     
9,849
 
Additional allocations based on subjective factors
   
5,366
     
5,960
 
Total
 
$
27,508
   
$
32,325
 

Some loans will not be repaid in full. Therefore, an allowance for loan losses (“AFLL”) is maintained at a level which represents our best estimate of losses incurred. In determining the AFLL and the related provision for loan losses, we consider four principal elements: (i) specific allocations based upon probable losses identified during the review of the loan portfolio, (ii) allocations established for other adversely rated commercial loans, (iii) allocations based principally on historical loan loss experience, and (iv) additional allowances based on subjective factors, including local and general economic business factors and trends, portfolio concentrations and changes in the size and/or the general terms of the loan portfolios.

The first AFLL element (specific allocations) reflects our estimate of probable incurred losses based upon our systematic review of specific loans. These estimates are based upon a number of factors, such as payment history, financial condition of the borrower, discounted collateral exposure and discounted cash flow analysis. Impaired commercial, mortgage and installment loans are allocated allowance amounts using this first element. The second AFLL element (other adversely rated commercial loans) reflects the application of our commercial loan rating system. This rating system is similar to those employed by state and federal banking regulators. Commercial loans that are rated below a certain predetermined classification are assigned a loss allocation factor for each loan classification category that is based upon a historical analysis of both the probability of default and the expected loss rate (“loss given default”). The lower the rating assigned to a loan or category, the greater the allocation percentage that is applied. The third AFLL element (historical loss allocations) is determined by assigning allocations to higher rated (“non-watch credit”) commercial loans using a probability of default and loss given default similar to the second AFLL element and to homogenous mortgage and installment loan groups based upon borrower credit score and portfolio segment.  For homogenous mortgage and installment loans a probability of default for each homogenous pool is calculated by way of credit score migration.  Historical loss data for each homogenous pool coupled with the associated probability of default is utilized to calculate an expected loss allocation rate.  The fourth AFLL element (additional allocations based on subjective factors) is based on factors that cannot be associated with a specific credit or loan category and reflects our attempt to ensure that the overall allowance for loan losses appropriately reflects a margin for the imprecision necessarily inherent in the estimates of expected credit losses. We consider a number of subjective factors when determining this fourth element, including local and general economic business factors and trends, portfolio concentrations and changes in the size, mix and the general terms of the overall loan portfolio.

Increases in the AFLL are recorded by a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Although we periodically allocate portions of the AFLL to specific loans and loan portfolios, the entire AFLL is available for incurred losses. We generally charge-off commercial, homogenous residential mortgage and installment loans and payment plan receivables when they are deemed uncollectible or reach a predetermined number of days past due based on product, industry practice and other factors. Collection efforts may continue and recoveries may occur after a loan is charged against the allowance.
 
87

While we use relevant information to recognize losses on loans, additional provisions for related losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, customer circumstances and other credit risk factors.

Mepco’s allowance for losses is determined in a similar manner as discussed above, and primarily takes into account historical loss experience and other subjective factors deemed relevant to Mepco’s payment plan business. Estimated incurred losses associated with Mepco’s outstanding vehicle service contract payment plans are included in the provision for loan losses. Mepco recorded a credit of $0.031 million and $0.056 million in the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively, for its provision for loan losses.  Mepco’s allowance for loan losses totaled $0.1 million at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Mepco has established procedures for vehicle service contract payment plan servicing, administration and collections, including the timely cancellation of the vehicle service contract, in order to protect our position in the event of payment default or voluntary cancellation by the customer. Mepco has also established procedures to attempt to prevent and detect fraud since the payment plan origination activities and initial customer contacts are done entirely through unrelated third parties (vehicle service contract administrators and sellers or automobile dealerships). However, there can be no assurance that the aforementioned risk management policies and procedures will prevent us from the possibility of incurring significant credit or fraud related losses in this business segment. The estimated incurred losses described in this paragraph should be distinguished from the possible losses we may incur from counterparties failing to pay their obligations to Mepco.  See Note #14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report.

The allowance for loan losses decreased $4.8 million to $27.5 million at September 30, 2014 from $32.3 million at December 31, 2013 and was equal to 1.97% of total Portfolio Loans at September 30, 2014 compared to 2.35% at December 31, 2013. All four components of the allowance for loan losses outlined above declined in the first nine months of 2014. The allowance for loan losses related to specific loans decreased $2.3 million in 2014 due primarily to a decline in the balance of individually impaired loans as well as charge-offs. The allowance for loan losses related to other adversely rated commercial loans decreased $0.3 million in 2014 primarily due to lower expected loss given default rates. The total balance of such loans included in this component decreased to $38.6 million at September 30, 2014 from $39.4 million at December 31, 2013.  In addition, the mix improved, with the balance of such loans with more adverse ratings declining to $14.9 million at September 30, 2014 from $18.1 million at December 31, 2013. The allowance for loan losses related to historical losses decreased $1.6 million during 2014 due principally to the use of a lower estimated probability of default for homogenous mortgage and installment loans (resulting from lower loan net charge-offs and reduced levels of new defaults on loans). The allowance for loan losses related to subjective factors decreased $0.6 million during 2014 primarily due to the improvement of various economic indicators used in computing this portion of the allowance.

Deposits and borrowings.  Historically, the loyalty of our customer base has allowed us to price deposits competitively, contributing to a net interest margin that compares favorably to our peers. However, we still face a significant amount of competition for deposits within many of the markets served by our branch network, which limits our ability to materially increase deposits without adversely impacting the weighted-average cost of core deposits.
 
88

To attract new core deposits, we have implemented various account acquisition strategies as well as branch staff sales training. Account acquisition initiatives have historically generated increases in customer relationships. Over the past several years, we have also expanded our treasury management products and services for commercial businesses and municipalities or other governmental units and have also increased our sales calling efforts in order to attract additional deposit relationships from these sectors. We view long-term core deposit growth as an important objective. Core deposits generally provide a more stable and lower cost source of funds than alternative sources such as short-term borrowings. (See “Liquidity and capital resources.”)

Deposits totaled $1.90 billion and $1.88 billion at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  The $11.1 million increase in deposits in 2014 is due to growth in checking and savings deposit account balances.  Reciprocal deposits totaled $52.1 million and $83.5 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  These deposits represent demand, money market and time deposits from our customers that have been placed through Promontory Interfinancial Network’s Insured Cash Sweep® service and Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service®.  These services allow our customers to access multi-million dollar FDIC deposit insurance on deposit balances greater than the standard FDIC insurance maximum.

We cannot be sure that we will be able to maintain our current level of core deposits. In particular, those deposits that are uninsured may be susceptible to outflow. At September 30, 2014, we had approximately $356.3 million of uninsured deposits. A reduction in core deposits would likely increase our need to rely on wholesale funding sources.

We have also implemented strategies that incorporate using federal funds purchased, other borrowings and Brokered CDs to fund a portion of our interest-earning assets. The use of such alternate sources of funds supplements our core deposits and is also an integral part of our asset/liability management efforts.

Other borrowings, comprised in part by advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”), totaled $26.2 million and $17.2 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

As described above, we utilize wholesale funding, including FHLB borrowings and Brokered CDs to augment our core deposits and fund a portion of our assets. At September 30, 2014, our use of such wholesale funding sources (including reciprocal deposits) amounted to approximately $91.6 million, or 4.8% of total funding (deposits and total borrowings, excluding subordinated debentures). Because wholesale funding sources are affected by general market conditions, the availability of such funding may be dependent on the confidence these sources have in our financial condition and operations. The continued availability to us of these funding sources is not certain, and Brokered CDs may be difficult for us to retain or replace at attractive rates as they mature. Our liquidity may be constrained if we are unable to renew our wholesale funding sources or if adequate financing is not available in the future at acceptable rates of interest or at all.  Our financial performance could also be affected if we are unable to maintain our access to funding sources or if we are required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding sources. In such case, our net interest income and results of operations could be adversely affected.
 
89

We historically employed derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. We discontinued the active use of derivative financial instruments during 2008. In June 2013, we terminated our last remaining interest-rate swap, which had an aggregate notional amount of $10.0 million.  We have begun to again utilize interest-rate swaps in 2014, relating to our commercial lending activities.  During the first nine months of 2014, we entered into $2.4 million (aggregate notional amount) of interest rate swaps with commercial loan customers, which were offset with interest rate swaps that the Bank entered into with a broker-dealer. We recorded $0.046 million of fee income related to these transactions in the second quarter of 2014.

Liquidity and capital resources. Liquidity risk is the risk of being unable to timely meet obligations as they come due at a reasonable funding cost or without incurring unacceptable losses. Our liquidity management involves the measurement and monitoring of a variety of sources and uses of funds. Our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows categorize these sources and uses into operating, investing and financing activities. We primarily focus our liquidity management on maintaining adequate levels of liquid assets (primarily funds on deposit with the FRB and certain investment securities) as well as developing access to a variety of borrowing sources to supplement our deposit gathering activities and provide funds for purchasing investment securities or originating Portfolio Loans as well as to be able to respond to unforeseen liquidity needs.

Our primary sources of funds include our deposit base, secured advances from the FHLB, a federal funds purchased borrowing facility with another commercial bank, and access to the capital markets (for Brokered CDs).

At September 30, 2014, we had $257.7 million of time deposits that mature in the next 12 months. Historically, a majority of these maturing time deposits are renewed by our customers. Additionally, $1.50 billion of our deposits at September 30, 2014 were in account types from which the customer could withdraw the funds on demand. Changes in the balances of deposits that can be withdrawn upon demand are usually predictable and the total balances of these accounts have generally grown or have been stable over time as a result of our marketing and promotional activities. However, there can be no assurance that historical patterns of renewing time deposits or overall growth or stability in deposits will continue in the future.

We have developed contingency funding plans that stress test our liquidity needs that may arise from certain events such as an adverse change in our financial metrics (for example, credit quality or regulatory capital ratios). Our liquidity management also includes periodic monitoring that measures quick assets (defined generally as short-term assets with maturities less than 30 days and loans held for sale) to total assets, short-term liability dependence and basic surplus (defined as quick assets compared to short-term liabilities). Policy limits have been established for our various liquidity measurements and are monitored on a monthly basis. In addition, we also prepare cash flow forecasts that include a variety of different scenarios.

We believe that we currently have adequate liquidity at our Bank because of our cash and cash equivalents, our portfolio of securities available for sale, our access to secured advances from the FHLB, our ability to issue Brokered CDs and our improved financial metrics.

We also believe that the available cash on hand (including time deposits) of approximately $23.2 million at the parent company as of September 30, 2014 provides sufficient liquidity resources at the parent company to meet operating expenses, to make interest payments on the subordinated debentures and to pay a cash dividend on our common stock for the foreseeable future.
 
90

Effective management of capital resources is critical to our mission to create value for our shareholders. In addition to common stock, our capital structure also currently includes cumulative trust preferred securities.

Capitalization
       
   
September 30,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Subordinated debentures
 
$
40,723
   
$
40,723
 
Amount not qualifying as regulatory capital
   
(1,223
)
   
(1,223
)
Amount qualifying as regulatory capital
   
39,500
     
39,500
 
Shareholders’ equity
               
Common stock
   
352,129
     
351,173
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(98,979
)
   
(110,347
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(6,083
)
   
(9,245
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
247,067
     
231,581
 
Total capitalization
 
$
286,567
   
$
271,081
 

We currently have three special purpose entities that issued $39.5 million of cumulative trust preferred securities.  These special purpose entities issued common securities and provided cash to our parent company that in turn issued subordinated debentures to these special purpose entities equal to the trust preferred securities and common securities. The subordinated debentures represent the sole asset of the special purpose entities. The common securities and subordinated debentures are included in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  On October 11, 2013, we redeemed all ($9.2 million in aggregate liquidation amount) of the outstanding trust preferred securities remaining issued by IBC Capital Finance II and liquidated this entity shortly thereafter.  The trust preferred securities issued by IBC Capital Finance II had an interest rate of 8.25%.

The FRB has issued rules regarding trust preferred securities as a component of the Tier 1 capital of bank holding companies. The aggregate amount of trust preferred securities (and certain other capital elements) are limited to 25 percent of Tier 1 capital elements, net of goodwill (net of any associated deferred tax liability). The amount of trust preferred securities and certain other elements in excess of the limit can be included in Tier 2 capital, subject to restrictions. At the parent company, all of these securities qualified as Tier 1 capital at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Although the Dodd-Frank Act further limited Tier 1 treatment for trust preferred securities, those new limits did not apply to our outstanding trust preferred securities.  Further, the New Capital Rules grandfathered the treatment of our trust preferred securities as qualifying regulatory capital.

On August 30, 2013, we redeemed the Series B Preferred Stock and the Amended Warrant from the UST and exited TARP by making an $81.0 million payment to the UST pursuant to the SPA.  See note #15 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report for additional information about the Series B Preferred Stock and the Amended Warrant.

Common shareholders’ equity increased to $247.1 million at September 30, 2014 from $231.6 million at December 31, 2013 due primarily to our net income in the first nine months of 2014 as well as a decline in our accumulated other comprehensive loss. Our tangible common equity (“TCE”) totaled $244.3 million and $228.4 million, respectively, at those same dates. Our ratio of TCE to tangible assets was 10.92% and 10.35% at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
 
91

Because the Bank currently has negative “undivided profits” (i.e. a retained deficit) of $35.1 million at September 30, 2014, under Michigan banking regulations, the Bank is not currently permitted to pay a dividend.  We can request regulatory approval for a return of capital from the Bank to the parent company. During the first quarter of 2014, we requested regulatory approval for a $15.0 million return of capital from the Bank to the parent company.  This return of capital request was approved by our banking regulators on March 28, 2014 and the Bank returned $15.0 million of capital to the parent company on April 9, 2014.  Also see note #11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report.

In May 2014, we resumed a quarterly cash dividend on our common stock of six cents per share.  This was our first dividend payment since the third quarter of 2009.  We paid a second six cent per share dividend in August 2014 and will pay a third six cent per share dividend in November 2014.

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our Bank (and holding company) continued to meet the requirements to be considered “well-capitalized” under federal regulatory standards (also see note #11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report).

Asset/liability management.  Interest-rate risk is created by differences in the cash flow characteristics of our assets and liabilities. Options embedded in certain financial instruments, including caps on adjustable-rate loans as well as borrowers’ rights to prepay fixed-rate loans, also create interest-rate risk.

Our asset/liability management efforts identify and evaluate opportunities to structure our statement of financial condition in a manner that is consistent with our mission to maintain profitable financial leverage within established risk parameters. We evaluate various opportunities and alternate asset/liability management strategies carefully and consider the likely impact on our risk profile as well as the anticipated contribution to earnings. The marginal cost of funds is a principal consideration in the implementation of our asset/liability management strategies, but such evaluations further consider interest-rate and liquidity risk as well as other pertinent factors. We have established parameters for interest-rate risk. We regularly monitor our interest-rate risk and report at least quarterly to our board of directors.

We employ simulation analyses to monitor our interest-rate risk profile and evaluate potential changes in our net interest income and market value of portfolio equity that result from changes in interest rates. The purpose of these simulations is to identify sources of interest-rate risk inherent in our Statement of Financial Condition. The simulations do not anticipate any actions that we might initiate in response to changes in interest rates and, accordingly, the simulations do not provide a reliable forecast of anticipated results. The simulations are predicated on immediate, permanent and parallel shifts in interest rates and generally assume that current loan and deposit pricing relationships remain constant. The simulations further incorporate assumptions relating to changes in customer behavior, including changes in prepayment rates on certain assets and liabilities.
 
92

Changes in Market Value of Portfolio Equity and Net Interest Income

Change in Interest 
Rates
 
Market Value
Of Portfolio
Equity(1)
   
Percent
Change
   
Net Interest
Income(2)
   
Percent
Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2014
               
200 basis point rise
 
$
407,200
     
8.67
%
 
$
75,700
     
4.85
%
100 basis point rise
   
393,900
     
5.12
     
73,800
     
2.22
 
Base-rate scenario
   
374,700
     
-
     
72,200
     
-
 
100 basis point decline
   
347,700
     
(7.21
)
   
70,700
     
(2.08
)
                                 
December 31, 2013
                               
200 basis point rise
 
$
412,200
     
8.33
%
 
$
77,800
     
5.56
%
100 basis point rise
   
398,200
     
4.65
     
75,300
     
2.17
 
Base-rate scenario
   
380,500
     
-
     
73,700
     
-
 
100 basis point decline
   
356,400
     
(6.33
)
   
72,500
     
(1.63
)
 

(1) Simulation analyses calculate the change in the net present value of our assets and liabilities, including debt and related financial derivative instruments, under parallel shifts in interest rates by discounting the estimated future cash flows using a market-based discount rate. Cash flow estimates incorporate anticipated changes in prepayment speeds and other embedded options.
(2) Simulation analyses calculate the change in net interest income under immediate parallel shifts in interest rates over the next twelve months, based upon a static statement of financial condition, which includes debt and related financial derivative instruments, and do not consider loan fees.

Accounting standards update. See Note #2  to  the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for details on recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact on our financial statements.

Fair valuation of financial instruments.  Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) topic 820 - “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“FASB ASC topic 820”) defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

We utilize fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial instruments and to determine fair value disclosures. FASB ASC topic 820 differentiates between those assets and liabilities required to be carried at fair value at every reporting period (“recurring”) and those assets and liabilities that are only required to be adjusted to fair value under certain circumstances (“nonrecurring”). Trading securities, securities available-for-sale, loans held for sale, and derivatives are financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, we may be required to record at fair value other financial assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as loans held for investment, capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights and certain other assets. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. See Note #12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report for a complete discussion on our use of fair valuation of financial instruments and the related measurement techniques.
 
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Litigation Matters

We are involved in various litigation matters in the ordinary course of business. At the present time, we do not believe any of these matters will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. The aggregate amount we have accrued for losses we consider probable as a result of these litigation matters is immaterial. However, because of the inherent uncertainty of outcomes from any litigation matter, we believe it is reasonably possible we may incur losses in addition to the amounts we have accrued.  At this time, we estimate the maximum amount of additional losses that are reasonably possible is approximately $0.5 million.  However, because of a number of factors, including the fact that certain of these litigation matters are still in their early stages, this maximum amount may change in the future.

The litigation matters described in the preceding paragraph primarily include claims that have been brought against us for damages, but do not include litigation matters where we seek to collect amounts owed to us by third parties (such as litigation initiated to collect delinquent loans or vehicle service contract counterparty receivables). These excluded, collection-related matters may involve claims or counterclaims by the opposing party or parties, but we have excluded such matters from the disclosure contained in the preceding paragraph in all cases where we believe the possibility of us paying damages to any opposing party is remote. Risks associated with the likelihood that we will not collect the full amount owed to us, net of reserves, are disclosed elsewhere in this report.

 Critical Accounting Policies

Our accounting and reporting policies are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and conform to general practices within the banking industry. Accounting and reporting policies for other than temporary impairment of investment securities, the allowance for loan losses, originated mortgage loan servicing rights, vehicle service contract payment plan counterparty contingencies, and income taxes are deemed critical since they involve the use of estimates and require significant management judgments. Application of assumptions different than those that we have used could result in material changes in our consolidated financial position or results of operations.  There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.


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Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

See applicable disclaimers set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 2 under the caption “Asset/liability management.”

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

With the participation of management, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a – 15(e) and 15d – 15(e)) for the period ended September 30, 2014, have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b) Changes in Internal Controls.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
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Part II

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

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

The Company maintains a Deferred Compensation and Stock Purchase Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "Plan") pursuant to which non-employee directors can elect to receive shares of the Company's common stock in lieu of fees otherwise payable to the director for his or her service as a director.  A director can elect to receive shares on a current basis or to defer receipt of the shares, in which case the shares are issued to a trust to be held for the account of the director and then generally distributed to the director after his or her retirement from the Board.  Pursuant to this Plan, during the third quarter of 2014, the Company issued 2,509 shares of common stock to non-employee directors on a current basis and 1,093 shares of common stock to the trust for distribution to directors on a deferred basis.  The shares were issued on July 1, 2014, at a price of $12.87 per share, representing aggregate fees of $0.05 million.   The price per share was the consolidated closing bid price per share of the Company's common stock as of the date of issuance, as determined in accordance with NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.  The Company issued the shares pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 due to the fact that the issuance of the shares was made on a private basis pursuant to the Plan.

The following table shows certain information relating to purchases of common stock for the three-months ended September 30, 2014:

 
 
 
Period
 
 
 
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   
 
 
 
Average Price
Paid Per Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of a
Publicly
Announced Plan
 
Remaining
Number of
Shares Authorized
for Purchase
Under the Plan
July 2014
   
-
   
$
-
     
-
 
NA
August 2014
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
NA
September 2014
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
NA
Total
   
-
   
$
-
     
-
 
NA

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Item 6.
Exhibits
 
(a)
The following exhibits (listed by number corresponding to the Exhibit Table as Item 601 in Regulation S-K) are filed with this report:
 
11.    Computation of Earnings Per Share.
 
31.1  Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer of Independent Bank Corporation pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
 
31.2  Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of Independent Bank Corporation pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
 
32.1  Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer of Independent Bank Corporation pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
 
32.2  Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of Independent Bank Corporation pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
 
101.  INS Instance Document
 
101.  SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
101.  CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
101.  DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
101.  LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
101.  PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
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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.

Date
November 6, 2014
By
/s/ Robert N. Shuster
     
Robert N. Shuster, Principal Financial Officer
       
Date
November 6, 2014
By
/s/ James J. Twarozynski
     
James J. Twarozynski, Principal Accounting Officer
 
 
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