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MACATAWA BANK CORP - Annual Report: 2014 (Form 10-K)


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______ to _______
Commission file number: 000-25927

MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Michigan
38-3391345
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
10753 Macatawa Drive, Holland, Michigan 49424
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (616) 820-1444
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
 
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock
The Nasdaq Stock Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes  ☐     No  ☒
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  Yes  ☐     No  ☒
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant:  (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  ☒     No  ☐
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate 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  ☒     No  ☐
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained in this form and no disclosure will be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendments to this Form 10‑K.   ☐
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
   
(Do not check if smaller
 
   
reporting company)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes  ☐    No  ☒
 
The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, as of June 30, 2014, was $159,091,819 based on the closing sale price of $5.07 as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market.  There were 33,866,789 outstanding shares of the Company's common stock as of February 18, 2015.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:  Portions of the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 5, 2015 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.
 


MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1
 
Page
Item 1:
1
     
Item 1A:
13
     
Item 1B:
21
     
Item 2:
21
     
Item 3:
21
     
Item 4:
22
     
PART II
   
Item 5:
22
     
Item 6:
24
     
Item 7:
25
     
Item 7A:
46
     
Item 8:
47
     
Item 9:
92
     
Item 9A:
92
     
Item 9B:
94
     
PART III
   
Item 10:
94
     
Item 11:
94
     
Item 12:
94
     
Item 13:
95
     
Item 14:
95
     
PART IV
   
Item 15:
96
     
 
99
 
Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements that are based on management's beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy, and Macatawa Bank Corporation. Forward-looking statements are identifiable by words or phrases such as “outlook”, “plan” or “strategy” that an event or trend “may”, “should”, “will”, “is likely”, or is “probable” to occur or “continue”, has “begun” or “is scheduled” or “on track” or that the Company or its management “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “plans”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “predicts”, “projects”, or “expects” a particular result, or is “committed”, “confident”, “optimistic” or has an “opinion” that an event will occur, or other words or phrases such as “ongoing”, “future”, “signs”, “efforts”, “tend”, “exploring”, “appearing”, “until”, “near term”, “going forward”, “focus”, “starting”, “initiative,” “trend” and variations of such words and similar expressions. Such statements are based upon current beliefs and expectations and involve substantial risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements include, among others, future levels of earning assets, statements related to stabilization of our loan portfolio, trends in credit quality metrics, future capital levels and capital needs, including the impact of Basel III, real estate valuation, future levels of repossessed and foreclosed properties and nonperforming assets, future levels of losses and costs associated with the administration and disposition of repossessed and foreclosed properties and nonperforming assets, future levels of loan charge-offs, future levels of other real estate owned, future levels of provisions for loan losses, the rate of asset dispositions, future dividends, future growth and funding sources, future cost of funds, future liquidity levels, future profitability levels, future FDIC assessment levels, future net interest margin levels, building and improving our investment portfolio, diversifying our credit risk, the effects on earnings of changes in interest rates, future economic conditions, future effects of new or changed accounting standards, future loss recoveries, future balances of short-term investments, future loan demand and loan growth, future levels of mortgage banking revenue and the future level of other revenue sources. Management's determination of the provision and allowance for loan losses, the appropriate carrying value of intangible assets (including deferred tax assets) and other real estate owned, and the fair value of investment securities (including whether any impairment on any investment security is temporary or other-than-temporary and the amount of any impairment) involves judgments that are inherently forward-looking. All statements with references to future time periods are forward-looking. All of the information concerning interest rate sensitivity is forward-looking. Our ability to sell other real estate owned at its carrying value or at all, successfully implement new programs and initiatives, increase efficiencies, maintain our current levels of deposits and other sources of funding, maintain liquidity, respond to declines in collateral values and credit quality, increase loan volume, originate high quality loans, maintain or improve mortgage banking income, realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets, continue payment of dividends and improve profitability is not entirely within our control and is not assured. The future effect of changes in the real estate, financial and credit markets and the national and regional economy on the banking industry, generally, and Macatawa Bank Corporation, specifically, are also inherently uncertain. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“risk factors”) that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Macatawa Bank Corporation does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that may arise after the date of the forward-looking statements.

Risk factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors described in “Item 1A - Risk Factors” of this report. These and other factors are representative of the risk factors that may emerge and could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a preceding forward-looking statement.
 

PART I

ITEM 1: Business.

As used in this report, the terms "we," "us," "our” and “Company” mean Macatawa Bank Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates another meaning.  The term "Bank" means Macatawa Bank.

Overview
Macatawa Bank Corporation is a Michigan corporation and a registered bank holding company. The Company was incorporated in 1997.  Our business is concentrated in a single industry segment - commercial banking. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Macatawa Bank, we offer a full range of commercial and personal banking services, including checking, savings and certificates of deposit accounts, cash management, safe deposit boxes, trust services and commercial, mortgage and consumer loans through our twenty-six branch offices and a lending and operation service facility in Ottawa County, Kent County and northern Allegan County, Michigan. Other services we offer include ATMs, internet banking, telephone banking and debit cards. The Bank provides various brokerage services, including discount brokerage through Infinex, personal financial planning and consultation regarding mutual funds.

At December 31, 2014, we had total assets of $1.58 billion, total loans of $1.12 billion, total deposits of $1.31 billion and shareholders’ equity of $142.5 million.  We recognized net income of $10.5 million in 2014, our fourth straight full year of profitability post recession. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, our interest income accounted for approximately 74%, 75% and 79%, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenue and our noninterest income accounted for approximately 26%, 25% and 21%, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenue. For additional information about our financial condition and results of operations, see our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report.

In response to our losses during 2008, 2009 and early 2010, our Board of Directors implemented additional corporate governance practices and disciplined business and banking principles, including more conservative lending principles.   These and other efforts were reflected in our results of operations for the past four years with lower levels of charge-offs and provisions for loan losses, reductions in operating expenses and reductions in balance sheet totals resulting in improvement in our regulatory capital and liquidity ratios.  We successfully completed our shareholder rights offering and public offering of common stock in June 2011 resulting in net proceeds of $20.3 million.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s and the Bank’s risk-based regulatory capital ratios were among the highest in Company history.  The Bank was categorized as “well capitalized” at December 31, 2014.

During 2013, the Company improved its capital structure by prepaying and redeeming its $1.7 million of 11% unsecured subordinated debt, resuming interest payments on its trust preferred securities and completing an exchange of all of the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock for Company common stock and cash, at the election of the holder.  Each of these transactions are discussed in detail in Item 7 and in our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report.

Within the past five years, much progress has been made at reducing our nonperforming assets.  The following table reflects period end balances of these nonperforming assets as well as total loan delinquencies over the past five years.
  
(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Nonperforming loans
 
$
8,426
   
$
12,335
   
$
16,003
   
$
28,946
   
$
75,361
 
Other repossessed assets
   
38
     
40
     
6
     
---
     
50
 
Other real estate owned
   
28,242
     
36,796
     
51,582
     
66,438
     
57,984
 
Total nonperforming assets
 
$
36,706
   
$
49,171
   
$
67,591
   
$
95,384
   
$
133,395
 
                                         
Total delinquencies 30 days or greater past due
 
$
2,841
   
$
5,520
   
$
7,887
   
$
13,138
   
$
55,748
 

Earnings in recent years have been impacted by high costs associated with administration and disposition of nonperforming assets.  These costs, including losses on repossessed and foreclosed properties, were $3.1 million, $5.5 million and $10.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  During 2014, we added $4.9 million in other real estate and sold $12.5 million, allowing for a meaningful reduction in our year-end balance.  Going forward, as further reductions in nonperforming assets are accomplished, we expect the costs associated with these assets to continue to decline thereby allowing for improved earnings in future periods.

Our earnings in 2014, 2013 and 2012 were favorably impacted by a negative provision for loan losses of $3.4 million, $4.3 million and $7.1 million, respectively.  As discussed in detail later in Item 7 of this report under the heading "Allowance for Loan Losses", the large negative provision in 2012 was primarily a result of a large recovery taken in the first quarter of 2012.  The negative provision in each period was also impacted by other recoveries from our collection efforts and a continual decline in our historical charge-off levels from prior years.  We do not expect a similar level of negative provision for loan losses in 2015 as the opportunity for large recoveries appears to be diminishing.
 
The following table reflects the provision for loan losses for the past five years along with certain metrics that impact the determination of the level of the provision for loan losses.
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Provision for loan losses
 
$
(3,350
)
 
$
(4,250
)
 
$
(7,100
)
 
$
(4,700
)
 
$
22,460
 
Net charge-offs (recoveries)
   
(1,514
)
   
(1,309
)
   
802
     
11,085
     
29,657
 
Net charge-offs to average loans
   
(0.14
)%
   
(0.13
)%
   
0.08
%
   
0.99
%
   
2.18
%
Nonperforming loans to total loans
   
0.75
%
   
1.18
%
   
1.52
%
   
2.70
%
   
6.19
%
Loans transferred to ORE to average loans
   
0.47
%
   
0.34
%
   
0.88
%
   
3.42
%
   
3.32
%
Performing troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs") to average loans
   
4.47
%
   
5.61
%
   
6.24
%
   
5.15
%
   
1.91
%

During the economic downturn in 2008 and 2009, the State of Michigan entered into a recession earlier than the rest of the country and experienced heavy job loss as a result of the concentration the state has related to the automotive industry.  Our market areas of Grand Rapids and Holland fared better than the state as a whole, but nevertheless the impact of our local economy on our results was profound.  The recession and job loss impacted housing values, commercial real estate values and consumer activity.  Improvement has been evident during the past several years.  The state’s unemployment rate at the end of 2014 was 6.7%, down dramatically from 15.2% in June 2009.  The Holland area unemployment was 3.8%, and the Grand Rapids area unemployment was 3.7% at the end of 2014.  Residential housing values and commercial real estate property values decreased significantly during the recession, but have shown signs of stabilization, with some of our newer appraisals tending to reflect values at or above prior year values.

It also appears that the housing market in our primary market area has stabilized and is now improving.  In the Grand Rapids market during 2014, there were 61% more living unit starts than in 2013. Similarly, in the Holland-Grand Haven/Lakeshore region, there were 53% more living unit starts in 2014 than in 2013.  These improvements are on top of improved results in 2013 over 2012.  Also, these markets are now also seeing significant activity in duplex, condominium and apartment starts after years of virtually no activity.

In recent years, we have diversified our loan portfolio structure by de-emphasizing commercial real estate loans. In 2014, we began cautiously increasing commercial real estate loans along with commercial and industrial loans, residential mortgages and other consumer loans.  Commercial real estate loans have increased from $472.3 million at December 31, 2013 to $490.5 million at December 31, 2014. Commercial and industrial loans have increased from $274.1 million at December 31, 2013 to $327.7 million at December 31, 2014.  Consumer loans have increased in 2014, totaling $300.3 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $295.9 million at December 31, 2013.  With our improved financial condition, successful capital raise in 2011, and retained earnings growth, our focus has shifted to high quality loan portfolio growth.  We experienced strong commercial loan growth in the fourth quarter of 2014 and believe we are positioned for continued growth in 2015.

We have no material foreign loans, assets or activities. No material part of our business is dependent on a single customer or very few customers.  Our loan portfolio is not concentrated in any one industry.

Our headquarters and administrative offices are located at 10753 Macatawa Drive, Holland, Michigan 49424, and our telephone number is (616) 820-1444.  Our internet website address is www.macatawabank.com.  We make available free of charge through this website our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after filing or furnishing such reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The information on our website address is not incorporated by reference into this report, and the information on the website is not part of this report.

Products and Services

Loan Portfolio

We have historically offered a broad range of loan products to business customers, including commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loans, and to retail customers, including residential mortgage and consumer loans.  Given current soft economic conditions, new commercial loan origination activity has been significantly lower than it was when economic conditions were stronger.  However, select, well-managed loan renewal activity is taking place and we are seeing growth in our commercial and consumer loan portfolios and pipelines.  Following is a discussion of our various types of lending activities.

Commercial and Industrial Loans

Our commercial and industrial lending portfolio contains loans with a variety of purposes and security, including loans to finance operations and equipment. Generally, our commercial and industrial lending has been limited to borrowers headquartered, or doing business, in our primary market area.  These credit relationships typically require the satisfaction of appropriate loan covenants and debt formulas, and generally require that the Bank be the primary depository bank of the business.  These loan covenants and debt formulas are monitored through periodic, required reporting of accounts receivable aging schedules and financial statements, and in the case of larger business operations, reviews or audits by independent professional firms.

Commercial and industrial loans typically are made on the basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower's business.  As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial business loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself and economic conditions.  Further, the collateral securing the loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.

Commercial Real Estate Loans

Our commercial real estate loans consist primarily of construction and development loans and multi-family and other non-residential real estate loans.

Construction and Development Loans.  These consist of construction loans to commercial customers for the construction of their business facilities.  They also include construction loans to builders and developers for the construction of one- to four-family residences and the development of one- to four-family lots, residential subdivisions, condominium developments and other commercial developments.

This portfolio was particularly adversely affected by job losses, declines in real estate value, declines in home sale volumes, and declines in new home building in 2008 and 2009.  Declining real estate values resulted in sharp increases in losses, particularly in the land development and construction loan portfolios to residential developers.  We curtailed this type of lending beginning in 2008.  During the past several years, we made a significant effort to reduce exposure to residential land development and other construction and development loans.

Multi-Family and Other Non-Residential Real Estate Loans.  These are permanent loans secured by multi-family and other non-residential real estate and include loans secured by apartment buildings, condominiums, small office buildings, small business facilities, medical facilities and other non-residential building properties, substantially all of which are located within our primary market area.

Multi-family and other non-residential real estate loans generally present a higher level of risk than loans secured by owner occupied one- to four-family residences.  This greater risk is due to several factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, the effects of general economic conditions on income producing properties and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these types of loans.  Furthermore, the repayment of these loans is typically dependent upon the successful operation of the related real estate project.  For example, if leases are not obtained or renewed, or a bankruptcy court modifies a lease term, or a major tenant is unable to fulfill its lease obligations, cash flow from the project will be reduced.   If cash flow from the project is reduced, the borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired.

Retail Loans

Our retail loans are loans to consumers and consist primarily of residential mortgage loans and consumer loans.

Residential Mortgage Loans.  We originate construction loans to individuals for the construction of their residences and owner-occupied residential mortgage loans, which are generally long-term with either fixed or adjustable interest rates.  Our general policy is to sell the majority of our fixed rate residential mortgage loans in the secondary market due primarily to the interest rate risk associated with these loans.
 
During the past three years, in an effort to further diversify our loan concentrations, we increased our targeted retention of residential mortgage loans, resulting in a $1.6 million increase in balances held in portfolio at December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013.  For 2014, we retained loans representing 39% of the total dollar volume originated, compared to 37% in 2013.

Our borrowers generally qualify and are underwritten using industry standards for quality residential mortgage loans.  We do not originate loans that are considered "sub-prime".  Residential mortgage loan originations derive from a number of sources, including advertising, direct solicitation, real estate broker referrals, existing borrowers and depositors, builders and walk-in customers.  Loan applications are accepted at most of our offices and online. The substantial majority of these loans are secured by one-to-four family properties in our market area.

Consumer Loans.  We originate a variety of different types of consumer loans, including automobile loans, home equity lines of credit and installment loans, home improvement loans, deposit account loans and other loans for household and personal purposes.  We also originate home equity lines of credit utilizing the same underwriting standards as for home equity installment loans. Home equity lines of credit are revolving line of credit loans.  The majority of our existing home equity line of credit portfolio has variable rates with floors and ceilings, interest only payments and a maximum maturity of ten years.

The underwriting standards that we employ for consumer loans include a determination of the applicant's payment history on other debts and ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan.  Although creditworthiness of the applicant is of primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the security, if any, in relation to the proposed loan amount.  Consumer loans may entail greater credit risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans which are unsecured or are secured by rapidly depreciable assets, such as automobiles.  In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation.  In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower's continuing financial stability, and are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances.  Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.

Loan Portfolio Composition

The following table reflects the composition of our loan portfolio and the corresponding percentage of our total loans represented by each class of loans as of the dates indicated.

(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Amount
   
% of Total Loans
   
Amount
   
% of Total Loans
   
Amount
   
% of Total Loans
   
Amount
   
% of Total Loans
   
Amount
   
% of Total Loans
 
Real estate - construction (1)
 
$
77,564
     
7
%
 
$
86,413
     
8
%
 
$
89,631
     
9
%
 
$
90,191
     
8
%
 
$
133,228
     
11
 
Real estate - mortgage
   
412,967
     
37
     
385,927
     
37
     
413,328
     
39
     
478,076
     
45
     
535,961
     
44
 
Commercial and industrial
   
327,674
     
29
     
274,099
     
26
     
259,700
     
25
     
227,051
     
21
     
264,679
     
22
 
Total commercial
   
818,205
     
73
     
746,439
     
72
     
762,659
     
72
     
795,318
     
74
     
933,868
     
77
 
Residential mortgage
   
190,249
     
17
     
188,648
     
18
     
182,625
     
17
     
156,891
     
15
     
135,227
     
11
 
Consumer
   
110,029
     
10
     
107,290
     
10
     
107,064
     
10
     
118,766
     
11
     
148,101
     
12
 
Total loans
   
1,118,483
     
100
%
   
1,042,377
     
100
%
   
1,052,348
     
100
%
   
1,070,975
     
100
%
   
1,217,196
     
100
 
Less: allowance for loan losses
   
(18,962
)
           
(20,798
)
           
(23,739
)
           
(31,641
)
           
(47,426
)
       
Total loans receivable, net
 
$
1,099,521
           
$
1,021,579
           
$
1,028,609
           
$
1,039,334
           
$
1,169,770
         
 
(1) Consists of construction and development loans.

At December 31, 2014, there was no concentration of loans exceeding 10% of total loans which were not otherwise disclosed as a category of loans in the table above.
 
Maturities and Sensitivities of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates

The following table shows the amount of total loans outstanding at December 31, 2014 which, based on remaining scheduled repayments of principal, are due in the periods indicated.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Maturing
 
   
Within One Year
   
After One, But
Within Five Years
   
After Five Years
   
Total
 
Real estate - construction (1)
 
$
30,924
   
$
28,592
   
$
18,048
   
$
77,564
 
Real estate - mortgage
   
69,376
     
211,536
     
132,055
     
412,967
 
Commercial and industrial
   
131,991
     
183,789
     
11,894
     
327,674
 
Total Commercial
   
232,291
     
423,917
     
161,997
     
818,205
 
Residential mortgage
   
555
     
688
     
189,006
     
190,249
 
Consumer
   
7,158
     
39,601
     
63,270
     
110,029
 
Total Loans
 
$
240,004
   
$
464,206
   
$
414,273
   
$
1,118,483
 
                                 
 
Maturing or Repricing
 
Loans above:
                               
With predetermined interest rates
 
$
78,267
   
$
317,835
   
$
114,560
   
$
510,662
 
With floating or adjustable rates
   
518,238
     
35,898
     
45,393
     
599,529
 
Total (excluding nonaccrual loans)
 
$
596,505
   
$
353,733
   
$
159,953
     
1,110,191
 
Nonaccrual loans
                           
8,292
 
Total Loans
                         
$
1,118,483
 
 
(1) Consists of construction and development loans.

Nonperforming Assets

Interest income totaling $4.2 million was recorded in 2014 on loans that were on a non-accrual status or classified as restructured as of December 31, 2014.  Additional interest income of $665,000 would have been recorded during 2014 on these loans had they been current in accordance with their original terms.  More information about the levels of nonperforming loan balances in 2010 through 2014 and our policy for placing loans on non-accrual status may be found in Item 7 of this report under the heading "Portfolio Loans and Asset Quality" included in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition."

Loans at December 31, 2014 that were classified as substandard or worse per our internal risk rating system that would cause management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms are discussed in Item 7 of this report under the heading "Portfolio Loans and Asset Quality" included in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition."  At December 31, 2014, there were no other interest-bearing assets that would be required to be disclosed under Industry Guide 3, Item III, C. 1. or 2. if such assets were loans.

Loan Loss Experience

A summary of our loan balances at the end of 2010 through 2014 and the daily average balances of these loans as well as changes in the allowance for loan losses arising from loans charged-off and recoveries on loans previously charged-off, and additions to the allowance which we have expensed is shown in Item 7 of this report under the heading "Loan Portfolio and Asset Quality" included in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition."

Additional information about our allowance for loan losses, including a table showing the allocation of the allowance for loan losses at the end of 2010 through 2014 and the factors which influenced management’s judgment in determining the amount of the additions to the allowance charged to operating expense, may be found in Item 7 of this report under the heading "Allowance for Loan Losses" in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition."
 
Deposit Portfolio

We offer a broad range of deposit services, including checking accounts, savings accounts and time deposits of various types.  Transaction accounts and savings and time certificates are tailored to the principal market area at rates competitive with those offered in the area.  All deposit accounts are insured by the FDIC up to the maximum amount permitted by law.

We solicit deposit services from individuals, businesses, associations, churches, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions and government authorities.  Deposits are gathered primarily from the communities we serve through our network of 26 branches.   We offer business and consumer checking accounts, regular and money market savings accounts, and certificates of deposit with many term options. We operate in a competitive environment, competing with other local banks similar in size and with significantly larger regional banks. We monitor rates at other financial institutions in the area to ascertain that our rates are competitive with the market.  We also attempt to offer a wide variety of products to meet the needs of our customers.  We set our deposit pricing to be competitive with other banks in our market area.

We may utilize alternative funding sources as needed, including short-term borrowings, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis or the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, securities sold under agreements to repurchase ("repo borrowings") and brokered deposits.  The Bank has not accepted or renewed brokered deposits since November of 2008.  We had no brokered deposits at December 31, 2014 or 2013.

Deposit Portfolio Composition

The following table sets forth the average deposit balances and the weighted average rates paid (dollars in thousands).
 
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
Average Amount
   
Average Rate
 
Average Amount
   
Average Rate
 
Average Amount
   
Average Rate
 
Average Amount
   
Average Rate
 
Average Amount
   
Average Rate
 
Noninterest bearing demand
 
$
359,384
     
---
%
 
$
317,332
     
---
%
 
$
323,368
     
---
%
 
$
296,926
     
---
%
 
$
238,974
     
---
%
Interest bearing demand
   
274,100
     
0.1
     
272,689
     
0.1
     
225,250
     
0.2
     
185,591
     
0.2
     
224,843
     
0.3
 
Savings and money market accounts
   
449,623
     
0.2
     
472,920
     
0.4
     
420,553
     
0.5
     
369,758
     
0.6
     
315,640
     
0.6
 
Time
   
138,300
     
1.0
     
171,657
     
0.9
     
254,796
     
1.3
     
371,870
     
1.8
     
534,429
     
2.8
 
Total deposits
 
$
1,221,407
     
0.2
%
 
$
1,234,598
     
0.3
%
 
$
1,223,967
     
0.5
%
 
$
1,224,145
     
0.7
%
 
$
1,313,886
     
1.3
%

The following table summarizes time deposits in amounts of $100,000 or more by time remaining until maturity as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands).
 
Three months or less
 
$
7,678
 
Over 3 months through 6 months
   
17,851
 
Over 6 months through 1 year
   
16,372
 
Over 1 year
   
8,247
 
   
$
50,148
 

As of the date of this report, the Bank had no material foreign deposits.

Securities Portfolio

Our securities portfolio is classified as either "available for sale" or "held to maturity."  Securities classified as "available for sale" may be sold prior to maturity due to changes in interest rates, prepayment risks, and availability of alternative investments, or to meet our liquidity needs.

The primary objective of our investing activities is to provide for the safety of the principal invested. Our secondary considerations include the maximization of earnings, liquidity and to help decrease our overall exposure to changes in interest rates.  We have generally invested in bonds with lower credit risk, primarily those secured by government agencies or insured municipalities, to assist in the diversification of credit risk within our asset base.  We have not experienced any credit losses within our investment portfolio.
 
The following table reflects the composition of our securities portfolio as of the dates indicated.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities
 
$
67,164
   
$
54,439
   
$
42,564
   
$
27,613
   
$
8,109
 
U.S. Agency MBS and CMOs
   
16,688
     
19,365
     
23,761
     
3,886
     
---
 
Tax-exempt state and municipal bonds
   
69,046
     
46,097
     
25,093
     
4,708
     
83
 
Taxable state and municipal bonds
   
25,293
     
26,328
     
27,296
     
16,716
     
---
 
Corporate bonds
   
13,766
     
11,212
     
7,526
     
1,081
     
---
 
Other equity securities
   
1,502
     
1,466
     
1,557
     
1,042
     
1,011
 
Total
 
$
193,459
   
$
158,907
   
$
127,797
   
$
55,046
   
$
9,203
 

At December 31, 2014, other than our holdings in U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency Securities, we had no investments in securities of any one issuer with an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of shareholders' equity.  At December 31, 2014, we had no investment in securities of issuers outside of the United States.

Schedule of Maturities of Investment Securities and Weighted Average Yields

The following is a schedule of investment securities maturities and their weighted average yield by category at December 31, 2014.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
   
Due Within One Year
   
One to Five Years
   
Five to Ten Years
   
After Ten Years
   
No Contractual Maturity
 
   
Amount
   
Average Yield
   
Amount
   
Average Yield
   
Amount
   
Average Yield
   
Amount
   
Average Yield
   
Amount
   
Average Yield
 
U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities
 
$
---
     
---
%
 
$
60,598
     
1.28
%
 
$
6,566
     
1.85
%
 
$
---
     
---
%
 
$
---
     
---
%
U.S. Agency MBS and CMOs
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
850
     
1.80
     
15,838
     
2.00
     
---
     
---
 
Tax-exempt state and municipal bonds (1)
   
20,154
     
1.06
     
3,792
     
2.49
     
38,293
     
3.37
     
6,807
     
3.17
     
---
     
---
 
Taxable state and municipal bonds
   
1,205
     
2.43
     
20,608
     
2.86
     
3,480
     
2.17
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
 
Corporate bonds
   
2,011
     
2.03
     
11,755
     
1.35
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
 
Other equity securities
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
1,502
     
2.15
 
Total (1)
 
$
23,370
     
1.21
%
 
$
96,753
     
1.66
%
 
$
49,189
     
3.05
%
 
$
22,645
     
2.35
%
 
$
1,502
     
2.15
%
 
(1) Yields on tax-exempt securities are computed on a fully taxable-equivalent basis.

Trust Services

We began offering trust services in January 1999 to further provide for the financial needs of our customers.  As of December 31, 2014, the Trust Department managed assets of approximately $648.0 million.  Our types of service include both personal trust and retirement plan services.

Our personal trust services include financial planning, investment management services, trust and estate administration and custodial services.  As of December 31, 2014, personal trust assets under management totaled approximately $374.5 million.  Our retirement plan services provide all types of qualified retirement plans, including profit sharing, 401(k) and pension plans.  As of December 31, 2014, retirement plan assets under management totaled approximately $273.5 million.
 
Market Area

Our primary market area includes Ottawa, Kent and northern Allegan Counties, all located in western Michigan. This area includes two mid-sized cities, Grand Rapids and Holland, and rural areas. Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan.  Holland is the largest city in Ottawa County. Both cities and surrounding areas have a solid and diverse economic base, which includes health and life sciences, tourism, office and home furniture, automotive components and assemblies, pharmaceutical, transportation, equipment, food and construction supplies.  Grand Valley State University, a 24,000-student regional university with nearly 2,000 employees, has its three main campuses in our market area.  GVSU and several smaller colleges and university affiliates located in our market area help stabilize the local economy because they are not as sensitive to the fluctuations of the broader economy.  Companies operating in the market area include the Van Andel Institute, Steelcase, Herman Miller, Alticor, Gentex, Spectrum Health, Haworth, Wolverine World Wide, Johnson Controls, General Motors, Gerber, Magna, SpartanNash and Meijer.

Competition

There are many bank, thrift, credit union and other financial institution offices located within our market area.  Most are branches of larger financial institutions.  We also face competition from finance companies, insurance companies, mortgage companies, securities brokerage firms, money market funds and other providers of financial services.  Many of our competitors have been in business a number of years, have established customer bases, are larger and have higher lending limits than we do.  We compete for loans, deposits and other financial services based on our ability to communicate effectively with our customers, to understand and meet their needs and to provide high quality customer service.  Our management believes that our personal service philosophy, our local decision-making and diverse delivery channels enhances our ability to compete favorably in attracting individuals and small businesses.  We actively solicit customers by offering our customers personal attention, professional service, and competitive interest rates.

Employees

As of December 31, 2014, we had 355 full-time equivalent employees consisting of 307 full-time and 82 part-time employees.  We have assembled a staff of experienced, dedicated and qualified professionals whose goal is to meet the financial needs of our customers while providing outstanding service.  The majority of our management team has at least 10 years of banking experience, and several key personnel have more than 20 years of banking experience.  None of our employees are represented by collective bargaining agreements with us.
 
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

The following is a summary of statutes and regulations affecting Macatawa Bank Corporation and Macatawa Bank.  A change in applicable laws or regulations may have a material effect on us and our business.

General

Financial institutions and their holding companies are extensively regulated under federal and state law. Consequently, our growth and earnings performance can be affected not only by management decisions and general economic conditions, but also by the statutes administered by, and the regulations and policies of, various governmental regulatory authorities.  Those authorities include, but are not limited to, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board"), the FDIC, the State of Michigan’s DIFS, the Internal Revenue Service, and state taxing authorities. The effect of such statutes, regulations and policies can be significant, and cannot be predicted with a high degree of certainty.

Federal and state laws and regulations generally applicable to financial institutions and their holding companies regulate, among other things, the scope of business, investments, reserves against deposits, capital levels relative to operations, lending activities and practices, the nature and amount of collateral for loans, the establishment of branches, mergers, consolidations and declaration and payment of dividends.  The system of supervision and regulation applicable to us and our bank establishes a comprehensive framework for our respective operations and is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC's deposit insurance fund, our depositors, and the public, rather than our shareholders.

Federal law and regulations establish supervisory standards applicable to our lending activities, including internal controls, credit underwriting, loan documentation and loan-to-value ratios for loans secured by real property.

Recent Developments

Dodd-Frank Act:  The Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law by President Obama on July 21, 2010.  The Dodd-Frank Act represents a comprehensive overhaul of the financial services industry within the United States, established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"), and requires the CFPB and other federal agencies to implement many new and significant rules and regulations.  The CFPB has issued significant new regulations that impact consumer mortgage lending and servicing.  Those regulations became effective in January 2014.  In addition, the CFPB is drafting regulations that will change the disclosure requirements and forms used under the Truth in Lending Act and Real Estate Settlement and Procedures Act.  Compliance with these new laws and regulations and other regulations under consideration by the CFPB will likely result in additional costs, which could be significant and could adversely impact the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Debit Card Interchange Fees and Routing:  The Federal Reserve Board in June 2011 issued a rule to implement a provision in the Dodd-Frank Act that requires it to set debit-card interchange fees so they are "reasonable and proportional" in relation to the cost of the transaction incurred by the card issuer. The rule could result in a significant reduction in banks' debit-card interchange revenue. Though the rule technically does not apply to institutions with less than $10 billion, there is concern that the price controls will harm community banks, such as Macatawa Bank, which will be pressured by the marketplace to lower their own interchange rates.

BASEL III:  On July 3, 2013, the FDIC Board of Directors approved the Regulatory Capital Interim Final Rule, implementing Basel III.  This rule redefines Tier 1 capital as two components (Common Equity Tier 1 and Additional Tier 1), creates a new capital ratio (Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-based Capital Ratio) and implements a capital conservation buffer.  It also revises the prompt corrective action thresholds and makes changes to risk weights for certain assets and off-balance-sheet exposures.  Banks are required to transition into the new rule beginning on January 1, 2015.

Macatawa Bank Corporation

General.  Macatawa Bank Corporation is registered with, and subject to regulation by, the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHCA").  Under the BHCA, Macatawa Bank Corporation is subject to periodic examination by the Federal Reserve Board, and is required to file with the Federal Reserve Board periodic reports of our operations and such additional information as the Federal Reserve Board may require.

In accordance with Federal Reserve Board policy, Macatawa Bank Corporation is expected to act as a source of financial strength to the Bank and to commit resources to support the Bank.  In addition, if the DIFS deems the Bank's capital to be impaired, the DIFS may require the Bank to restore its capital by a special assessment upon Macatawa Bank Corporation as the Bank's sole shareholder.  If Macatawa Bank Corporation were to fail to pay any such assessment, the directors of the Bank would be required, under Michigan law, to sell the shares of the Bank's stock owned by Macatawa Bank Corporation to the highest bidder at either a public or private auction and use the proceeds of the sale to restore the Bank's capital.
 
Investments and Activities.  In general, any direct or indirect acquisition by us of any voting shares of any bank which would result in our direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting shares of such bank, and any merger or consolidation between us and another financial holding company or bank holding company, will require the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve Board under the BHCA.

The merger or consolidation of the Bank with another bank, or the acquisition by the Bank of assets of another bank, or the assumption of liability by the Bank to pay any deposits of another bank, will require the prior written approval of the responsible federal depository institution regulatory agency under the Bank Merger Act.  In addition, in certain such cases, an application to, and the prior approval of, the Federal Reserve Board under the BHCA or the OFIR under the Michigan Banking Code, may be required.

Capital Requirements.  The Federal Reserve Board uses capital adequacy guidelines in its examination and regulation of bank holding companies.  If capital falls below minimum guidelines, a bank holding company may, among other items, be denied approval to acquire or establish additional banks or non-bank businesses.

Additional information on our capital ratios may be found in Item 7 of this report under the heading "Capital Resources" included in "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition" and in Item 8 of this report in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and is here incorporated by reference.

Dividends.  Macatawa Bank Corporation is a corporation separate and distinct from the Bank.  Most of our revenues are dividends paid by the Bank.  Thus, Macatawa Bank Corporation's ability to pay dividends to our shareholders is indirectly limited by restrictions on the Bank's ability to pay dividends described below.  Further, in a policy statement, the Federal Reserve Board has expressed its view that a bank holding company should not pay cash dividends if its net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends, its prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition, or it will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.  The Federal Reserve Board also possesses enforcement powers over bank holding companies and their non-bank subsidiaries to prevent or remedy actions that represent unsafe or unsound practices or violations of applicable statutes and regulations.  Among these powers is the ability to proscribe the payment of dividends by banks and bank holding companies.  Similar enforcement powers over our bank are possessed by the FDIC.  The "prompt corrective action" provisions of federal law and regulation authorizes the FDIC to restrict the payment of dividends to Macatawa Bank Corporation by our bank if it fails to meet specified capital levels.

In addition, the Michigan Business Corporation Act provides that dividends may be legally declared or paid only if after the distribution a corporation can pay its debts as they come due in the usual course of business and its total assets equal or exceed the sum of its liabilities plus the amount that would be needed to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of any holders of preferred stock whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution.

Additional information about restrictions on the payment of dividends by the Bank may be found in Item 8 of this report in Notes 1 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and is here incorporated by reference.

Federal Securities Regulation.  Our common stock is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").  We are subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading and other restrictions and requirements of the SEC under the Exchange Act.  We are subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which imposes numerous reporting, accounting, corporate governance and business practices on companies, as well as financial and other professionals who have involvement with the U.S. public markets.  We are generally subject to these requirements and applicable SEC rules and regulations.

Macatawa Bank

General.  Macatawa Bank is a Michigan banking corporation, and its deposit accounts are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund (the "DIF") of the FDIC.  As a DIF-insured Michigan-chartered bank, the Bank is subject to the examination, supervision, reporting and enforcement requirements of the DIFS, as the chartering authority for Michigan banks, and the FDIC, as administrator of the DIF.  These agencies, and the federal and state laws applicable to the Bank and its operations, extensively regulate various aspects of the banking business, including, among other things, permissible types and amounts of loans, investments and other activities, capital adequacy, branching, interest rates on loans and on deposits, the maintenance of noninterest bearing reserves on deposit accounts, and the safety and soundness of banking practices.
 
Deposit Insurance.  As an FDIC-insured institution, the Bank is required to pay deposit insurance premium assessments to the FDIC.  The FDIC has adopted a risk-based assessment system under which all insured depository institutions are placed into one of four categories and assessed insurance premiums, based upon their respective levels of capital and results of supervisory evaluation.  Institutions categorized as well-capitalized (as defined by the FDIC) and considered healthy pay the lowest premium, while institutions that are categorized as less than adequately capitalized (as defined by the FDIC) and considered of substantial supervisory concern pay the highest premium.  Risk classification of all insured institutions is made by the FDIC for each semi-annual assessment period.

The FDIC’s deposit insurance assessment base methodology uses average consolidated total assets less average tangible equity as the assessment base.  Under this calculation, most well capitalized banks will pay 5 to 9 basis points annually, increasing up to 35 basis points for banks that pose significant supervisory concerns.  This base rate may be adjusted for the level of unsecured debt and brokered deposits, resulting in adjusted rates ranging from 2.5 to 9 basis points annually for most well capitalized banks to 30 to 45 basis points for banks that pose significant supervisory concerns.  We estimate our annual assessment rate to be 9 basis points in 2015.

FICO Assessments.  The Bank, as a member of the DIF, is subject to assessments to cover the payments on outstanding obligations of the Financing Corporation ("FICO").  From now until the maturity of the outstanding FICO obligations in 2019, DIF members will share the cost of the interest on the FICO bonds on a pro rata basis.  It is estimated that FICO assessments during this period will be less than 0.025% of deposits.

Capital Requirements.  The FDIC has established the following minimum capital standards for FDIC insured banks:  a leverage requirement consisting of a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total average assets and risk-based capital requirements consisting of a ratio of total capital to total risk-weighted assets and a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets.  Tier 1 capital consists principally of shareholders' equity.

Federal regulations define these capital categories as follows:

 
Total Risk-Based
Capital Ratio
Tier 1 Risk-Based
Capital Ratio
 
Leverage Ratio
          
Well capitalized
10% or above
6% or above
5% or above
Adequately capitalized
8% or above
4% or above
4% or above
Undercapitalized
Less than 8%
Less than 4%
Less than 4%
Significantly undercapitalized
Less than 6%
Less than 3%
Less than 3%
Critically undercapitalized
       --
       --
A ratio of tangible equity to total assets of 2% or less

Federal law provides the federal banking regulators with broad power to take prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized institutions.  Depending upon the capital category to which an institution is assigned, the regulators' corrective powers include:  requiring the submission of a capital restoration plan; placing limits on asset growth and restrictions on activities; requiring the institution to issue additional capital stock (including additional voting stock) or to be acquired; restricting transactions with affiliates; restricting the interest rate the institution may pay on deposits; ordering a new election of directors of the institution; requiring that senior executive officers or directors be dismissed; prohibiting the institution from accepting deposits from correspondent banks; requiring the institution to divest certain subsidiaries; prohibiting the payment of principal or interest on subordinated debt; and ultimately, appointing a receiver for the institution.

In general, a depository institution may be reclassified to a lower category than is indicated by its capital levels if the appropriate federal depository institution regulatory agency determines the institution to be otherwise in an unsafe or unsound condition or to be engaged in an unsafe or unsound practice.  This could include a failure by the institution, following receipt of a less-than-satisfactory rating on its most recent examination report, to correct the deficiency.

As of December 31, 2014, the Bank was categorized as “well capitalized”.  Additional information on our capital ratios may be found in Item 8 of this report in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and is here incorporated by reference.

Dividends.  Under Michigan law, the Bank is restricted as to the maximum amount of dividends it may pay on its common stock.  The Bank may not pay dividends except out of net income after deducting its losses and bad debts. A Michigan state bank may not declare or pay a dividend unless the bank will have surplus amounting to at least 20% of its capital after the payment of the dividend.

Federal law generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distribution (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized.  The FDIC may prevent an insured bank from paying dividends if the bank is in default of payment of any assessment due to the FDIC.  In addition, the FDIC may prohibit the payment of dividends by our bank, if such payment is determined to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice.
 
Additional information about restrictions on payment of dividends by the Bank may be found in Item 8 of this report in Notes 1 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and is here incorporated by reference.

Insider Transactions.  The Bank is subject to certain restrictions imposed by federal law on any extensions of credit to Macatawa or any subsidiary of Macatawa, on investments in the stock or other securities of Macatawa or any subsidiary of Macatawa and the acceptance of the stock or other securities of Macatawa or any subsidiary of Macatawa as collateral for loans.  Certain limitations and reporting requirements are also placed on extensions of credit by our bank to its directors and officers, to Macatawa's directors and officers, to our principal shareholders and to "related interests" of such directors, officers and principal shareholders.  In addition, federal law and regulations may affect the terms upon which any person becoming a director or officer of our company or any subsidiary or a principal shareholder in our company may obtain credit from banks with which our bank maintains a correspondent relationship.

Safety and Soundness Standards.  The federal banking agencies have adopted guidelines to promote the safety and soundness of federally insured depository institutions.  These guidelines establish standards for internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits, asset quality and earnings.

Investments and Other Activities.  Under federal law and FDIC regulations, FDIC insured state banks are prohibited, subject to certain exceptions, from making or retaining equity investments of a type, or in an amount, that are not permissible for a national bank.  Federal law, as implemented by FDIC regulations, also prohibits FDIC insured state banks and their subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, from engaging as principal in any activity that is not permitted for a national bank or its subsidiary, respectively, unless the bank meets, and continues to meet, its minimum regulatory capital requirements and the FDIC determines the activity would not pose a significant risk to the DIF.  Impermissible investments and activities must be divested or discontinued within certain time frames set by the FDIC in accordance with federal law.

Consumer Protection Laws.  The Bank's business includes making a variety of types of loans to individuals. In making these loans, we are subject to state usury and regulatory laws and to various federal laws and regulations, including the privacy of consumer financial information provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, and the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, which prohibit discrimination, specify disclosures to be made to borrowers regarding credit and settlement costs, and regulate the mortgage loan servicing activities of the Bank, including the maintenance and operation of escrow accounts and the transfer of mortgage loan servicing.  In receiving deposits, the Bank is subject to extensive regulation under state and federal law and regulations, including the Truth in Savings Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.  Violation of these laws could result in the imposition of significant damages and fines upon the Bank and its directors and officers.

Branching Authority.  Michigan banks have the authority under Michigan law to establish branches anywhere in the State of Michigan, subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals.  Banks may establish interstate branch networks through acquisitions of other banks.  The establishment of de novo interstate branches or the acquisition of individual branches of a bank in another state (rather than the acquisition of an out-of-state bank in its entirety) is allowed only if specifically authorized by state law.

Michigan law permits both U.S. and non-U.S. banks to establish branch offices in Michigan.  The Michigan Banking Code permits, in appropriate circumstances and with the approval of DIFS, (1) acquisition of Michigan banks by FDIC-insured banks, savings banks or savings and loan associations located in other states, (2) sale by a Michigan bank of branches to an FDIC-insured bank, savings bank or savings and loan association located in a state in which a Michigan bank could purchase branches of the purchasing entity, (3) consolidation of Michigan banks and FDIC-insured banks, savings banks or savings and loan associations located in other states having laws permitting such consolidation, (4) establishment of branches in Michigan by FDIC-insured banks located in other states, the District of Columbia or U.S. territories or protectorates having laws permitting a Michigan bank to establish a branch in such jurisdiction, and (5) establishment by foreign banks of branches located in Michigan.  A Michigan bank holding company may acquire a non-Michigan bank and a non-Michigan bank holding company may acquire a Michigan bank.
 

ITEM 1A: Risk Factors.

Risks related to the our Business

Earnings in recent years were supported, in part, by negative provisions for loan losses and non-recurring events, which will not necessarily be available in future years.

We were profitable in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Earnings in these years were supported, in part, by negative provisions for loan losses and non-recurring events.  We have recorded negative provisions for loan losses of $3.4 million, $4.3 million, $7.1 million and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Earnings in 2012 were significantly impacted by the reversal of an $18.9 million valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, the receipt of a large prepayment fee of $2.8 million, and large recoveries of previously charged-off loans.  We do not expect a similar level of negative provisions for loan losses in 2015, and non-recurring events with similar levels of positive impact on earnings are not likely to occur in 2015.

Our elevated level of nonperforming assets and other problem loans could continue to have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.

Our nonperforming assets (which includes non-accrual loans, foreclosed properties and other accruing loans past due 90 days or more) were approximately $36.7 million at December 31, 2014.  These elevated levels could continue to negatively impact operating results through higher loan losses, lost interest and higher costs to administer problem assets. Until these elevated levels of problem assets are reduced, the Company could record operating losses that further materially deteriorate the Company's financial condition and reduce capital levels, further exposing the Company to additional risk factors discussed below.

National, state and local economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.

The results of operations for financial institutions, including our Bank, may be materially and adversely affected by changes in prevailing national, state and local economic conditions. Our profitability is heavily influenced by the quality of the Company's loan portfolio and the stability of the Company's deposits. Unlike larger national or regional banks that are more geographically diversified, the Company provides banking and financial services to customers primarily in Ottawa, Kent and Allegan Counties of western Michigan. The local economic conditions in these areas have a significant impact on the demand for the Company's products and services, and the ability of the Company's customers to repay loans, the value of the collateral securing loans and the stability of the Company's deposit funding sources. A significant decline in general economic conditions, caused by inflation, recession, acts of terrorism, outbreak of hostilities or other international or domestic occurrences, unemployment, changes in securities, financial, capital or credit markets or other factors, could impact national and local economic conditions and have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.

Our credit losses could increase and our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses.

The risk of nonpayment of loans is inherent in all lending activities and nonpayment of loans may have a material adverse effect on our earnings and overall financial condition, and the value of our common stock. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio and provide an allowance for potential losses based on a number of factors. If our assumptions are wrong, our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover our losses, which could have an adverse effect on our operating results, and may cause us to increase the allowance in the future. The actual amount of future provisions for loan losses cannot now be determined and may exceed the amounts of past provisions for loan losses. Federal and state banking regulators, as an integral part of their supervisory function, periodically review our allowance for loan losses. These regulatory agencies may require us to increase our provision for loan losses or to recognize further loan charge-offs based upon their judgments, which may be different from ours. Any increase in the allowance for loan losses could have a negative effect on our regulatory capital ratios, net income, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to liquidity risk in our operations, which could adversely affect our ability to fund various obligations.

Liquidity risk is the possibility of being unable to meet obligations as they come due, pay deposits when withdrawn, and fund loan and investment opportunities as they arise because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding on a timely basis, at a reasonable cost and within acceptable risk tolerances. Liquidity is required to fund various obligations, including credit obligations to borrowers, mortgage originations, withdrawals by depositors, repayment of debt, operating expenses and capital expenditures. Liquidity of the Bank is derived primarily from retail deposit growth and retention, principal and interest payments on loans and investment securities, net cash provided from operations and access to other funding sources. Liquidity is essential to our business. We must maintain sufficient funds to respond to the needs of depositors and borrowers. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale or pledging as collateral of loans and other assets could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity.  An inability to retain the current level of deposits, including the loss of one or more of the Bank's larger deposit relationships, could have a material adverse effect on the Bank's liquidity.  Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance activities could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of the business activity due to a market down turn or regulatory action that limits or eliminates access to alternate funding sources, including brokered deposits discussed above. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are nonspecific to the Company, such as severe disruption of the financial markets or negative expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry as a whole.
 
Our construction and development lending exposes us to significant risks.

Construction and development loans consist of loans to commercial customers for the construction of their business facilities.  They also include construction loans to builders and developers for the construction of one- to four-family residences and the development of one- to four-family lots, residential subdivisions, condominium developments and other commercial developments.  This portfolio may be particularly adversely affected by job losses, declines in real estate values, declines in home sale volumes, and declines in new home building. Declining real estate values may result in sharp increases in losses, particularly in the land development and construction loan portfolios to residential developers.  This type of lending is generally considered to have more complex credit risks than traditional single-family residential lending because the principal is concentrated in a limited number of loans with repayment dependent on the successful completion and sales of the related real estate project.  Consequently, these loans are often more sensitive to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the general economy than other real estate loans.  These loans are generally less predictable and more difficult to evaluate and monitor and collateral may be difficult to dispose of in a market decline. Additionally, we may experience significant construction loan losses if independent appraisers or project engineers inaccurately estimate the cost and value of construction loan projects.

We have significant exposure to risks associated with commercial and residential real estate.

A substantial portion of our loan portfolio consists of commercial and residential real estate-related loans, including real estate development, construction and residential and commercial mortgage loans.  As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately  $490.5 million of commercial real estate loans outstanding, which represented approximately 43.9% of our loan portfolio.  As of that same date, we had approximately $190.2 million in residential real estate loans outstanding, or approximately 17.0% of our loan portfolio. Consequently, real estate-related credit risks are a significant concern for us. The adverse consequences from real estate-related credit risks tend to be cyclical and are often driven by national economic developments that are not controllable or entirely foreseeable by us or our borrowers.

Commercial loans may expose us to greater financial and credit risk than other loans.

Our commercial loan portfolio, including commercial mortgages, was approximately $818.2 million at December 31, 2014, comprising approximately 73.2% of our total loan portfolio. Commercial loans generally carry larger loan balances and can involve a greater degree of financial and credit risk than other loans. Any significant failure to pay on time by our customers would hurt our earnings. The increased financial and credit risk associated with these types of loans are a result of several factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, the size of loan balances, the effects of general economic conditions on income-producing properties and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these types of loans. In addition, when underwriting a commercial or industrial loan, we may take a security interest in commercial real estate, and, in some instances upon a default by the borrower, we may foreclose on and take title to the property, which may lead to potential financial risks for us under applicable environmental laws. If hazardous substances were discovered on any of these properties, we may be liable to governmental agencies or third parties for the costs of remediation of the hazard, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Many environmental laws can impose liability regardless of whether we knew of, or were responsible for, the contamination.

Our loan portfolio has and will continue to be affected by the soft housing market.

Loans to residential developers involved in the development or sale of 1-4 family residential properties were approximately $29.8 million, $35.2 million, $48.9 million, $66.3 million, $95.7 million and $153.3 million at December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. While activity has increased in 2014, the housing market in our market area continues to be inconsistent. While improving, we expect the home builder market to continue to be soft and anticipate continued pressure on the home builder segment. As we continue our on-going portfolio monitoring, we will make credit and reserve decisions based on the current conditions of the borrower or project combined with our expectations for the future. If the housing market deteriorates, we could experience higher charge-offs and delinquencies in this portfolio.
 
We may face increasing pressure from historical purchasers of our residential mortgage loans to repurchase those loans or reimburse purchasers for losses related to those loans.

We generally sell the fixed rate long-term residential mortgage loans we originate on the secondary market and retain adjustable rate mortgage loans for our portfolios.  In response to the financial crisis, purchasers of residential mortgage loans, such as government sponsored entities, are increasing their efforts to seek to require sellers of residential mortgage loans to either repurchase loans previously sold or reimburse purchasers for losses related to loans previously sold when losses are incurred on a loan previously sold due to actual or alleged failure to strictly conform to the purchaser's purchase criteria.  As a result, while we have not yet been required to repurchase such loans, we may face increasing pressure from historical purchasers of our residential mortgage loans to repurchase those loans or reimburse purchasers for losses related to those loans and we may face increasing expenses to defend against such claims.  If we are required in the future to repurchase loans previously sold, reimburse purchasers for losses related to loans previously sold, or if we incur increasing expenses to defend against such claims, our financial condition and results of operations would be negatively affected, and would lower our capital ratios as a result of increasing assets and lowering income through expenses and any loss incurred.

For the five-year period ended December 31, 2014, the Company has sold an aggregate of $508.8 million of residential mortgage loans on the secondary market.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company had thirteen pending make whole requests with respect to loans having an aggregate of $857,000 in principal amount, and had not realized any loss, related to residential mortgage loans sold on the secondary market during the five-year period ended December 31, 2014.

Changes in interest rates may negatively affect our earnings and the value of our assets.

Our earnings and cash flows depend substantially upon our net interest income.  Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowed funds.  Interest rates are sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions, competition and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the policies of the Federal Reserve Board.  Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest we receive on loans and investment securities and the amount of interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect: (i) our ability to originate loans and obtain deposits; (ii) the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities, including our securities portfolio; and (iii) the average duration of our interest-earning assets.  This also includes the risk that interest-earning assets may be more responsive to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing liabilities, or vice versa (repricing risk), the risk that the individual interest rates or rates indices underlying various interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities may not change in the same degree over a given time period (basis risk), and the risk of changing interest rate relationships across the spectrum of interest-earning asset and interest-bearing liability maturities (yield curve risk), including a prolonged flat or inverted yield curve environment.  Any substantial, unexpected, prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

During fiscal 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Federal Open Market Committee kept the target federal funds between 0% and 0.25% and we expect the low interest rate environment to continue in 2015.  The low interest rate environment has compressed our net interest spread and reduced our spread-based revenues, which has had an adverse impact on our revenue and results of operations.

The Dodd-Frank Act may adversely impact the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

The Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law by President Obama on July 21, 2010.  The Dodd-Frank Act represents a comprehensive overhaul of the financial services industry within the United States, established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the "CFPB"), and requires the CFPB and other federal agencies to implement many new and significant rules and regulations.  The CFPB has issued significant new regulations that impact consumer mortgage lending and servicing.  Those regulations became effective in January 2014.  In addition, the CFPB is drafting regulations that will change the disclosure requirements and forms used under the Truth in Lending Act and Real Estate Settlement and Procedures Act.  Compliance with these new laws and regulations and other regulations under consideration by the CFPB will likely result in additional costs, which could be significant, and could adversely impact the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

We are subject to significant government regulation, and any regulatory changes may adversely affect us.

The banking industry is heavily regulated under both federal and state law.  These regulations are primarily intended to protect customers and the Deposit Insurance Fund, not our creditors or shareholders.  We are subject to extensive regulation by the Federal Reserve, the FDIC and OFIR, in addition to other regulatory and self-regulatory organizations.  Future regulatory changes or accounting pronouncements may increase our regulatory capital requirements or adversely affect our regulatory capital levels.  Regulations affecting banks and financial services companies undergo continuous change, and we cannot predict the ultimate effect of such changes, which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability or financial condition.
 
The Company could be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions, including defaults by larger financial institutions.

The Company's ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of credit, trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships between financial institutions. The Company has exposure to multiple counterparties, and the Company routinely executes transactions with counterparties in the financial industry. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, could lead to market-wide liquidity problems and losses or defaults by the Company or by other institutions. This is sometimes referred to as "systemic risk" and may adversely affect financial intermediaries, such as clearing agencies, clearing houses, banks, securities firms and exchanges, with which the Company interacts on a daily basis, and therefore could adversely affect the Company.

We rely heavily on our management and other key personnel, and the loss of any of them may adversely affect our operations.

We are and will continue to be dependent upon the services of our management team and other key personnel.  Losing the services of one or more key members of our management team could adversely affect our operations.

Our controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented.

Management regularly reviews and updates our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met.  If we fail to identify and remediate control deficiencies, it is possible that a material misstatement of interim or annual financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  In addition, any failure or circumvention of our other controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Bank may be required to pay additional insurance premiums to the FDIC, which could negatively impact earnings.

Depending upon any future losses that the FDIC insurance fund may suffer, there can be no assurance that there will not be additional premium increases in order to replenish the fund. The FDIC may need to set a higher base rate schedule or impose special assessments due to future financial institution failures and updated failure and loss projections. Increased FDIC assessment rates could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations through organic growth and acquisitions could be materially impaired.

We are required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain specified levels of capital to support our operations.  We may need to raise additional capital to support our current level of assets or our growth.  Our ability to raise additional capital will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside our control, and on our financial performance.  We cannot assure that we will be able to raise additional capital in the future on terms acceptable to us or at all.  If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to maintain our current level of assets or to expand our operations through organic growth or acquisitions could be materially limited.  Additional information on the capital requirements applicable to the Bank may be found under the heading "Regulatory Capital" in Note 17 in Item 8.

We may be a defendant in a variety of litigation and other actions, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may be involved from time to time in a variety of litigation arising out of our business. Our insurance may not cover all claims that may be asserted against us, and any claims asserted against us, regardless of merit or eventual outcome, may harm our reputation or cause us to incur unexpected expenses, which could be material in amount. Should the ultimate expenses, judgments or settlements in any litigation exceed our insurance coverage, they could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may not be able to obtain appropriate types or levels of insurance in the future, and we may not be able to obtain adequate replacement of our existing policies with acceptable terms, if at all.
 

Our future success is dependent on our ability to compete effectively in the highly competitive banking industry.

We face substantial competition in all phases of our operations from a variety of different competitors.  Our future growth and success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in this highly competitive environment.  We compete for deposits, loans and other financial services with numerous Michigan-based and out-of-state banks, thrifts, credit unions and other financial institutions as well as other entities which provide financial services.  Some of the financial institutions and financial services organizations with which we compete are not subject to the same degree of regulation as we are.  Most of our competitors have been in business for many years, have established customer bases, are larger, and have substantially higher lending limits than we do.  The financial services industry is also likely to become more competitive as further technological advances enable more companies to provide financial services.  Competition for limited, high-quality lending opportunities and core deposits in an increasingly competitive marketplace may adversely affect our results of operations.

Evaluation of investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment involves subjective determinations and could materially impact our results of operations and financial condition.

The evaluation of impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties and is intended to determine whether declines in the fair value of investments should be recognized in current period earnings. The risks and uncertainties include changes in general economic conditions, the issuer's financial condition or future recovery prospects, the effects of changes in interest rates or credit spreads and the expected recovery period. Estimating future cash flows involves incorporating information received from third-party sources and making internal assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral and assessing the probability that an adverse change in future cash flows has occurred. The determination of the amount of other-than-temporary impairments is based upon our periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available.  Our management considers a wide range of factors about the security issuer and uses reasonable judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for recovery. Inherent in management's evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Impairments to the carrying value of our investment securities may need to be taken in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We depend upon the accuracy and completeness of information about customers.

In deciding whether to extend credit to customers, we rely on information provided to us by our customers, including financial statements and other financial information. We also rely on representations of customers as to the accuracy and completeness of that information and, with respect to financial statements, on reports of independent auditors. Our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted to the extent that we extend credit in reliance on financial statements or other information provided by customers that is false, misleading or incomplete.

Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client or customer information, whether through a breach of computer systems or otherwise, or failure or interruption of the Company's communication or information systems, could severely harm the Company’s business.
 
As part of its business, the Company collects, processes and retains sensitive and confidential client and customer information on behalf of the Company and other third parties. Despite the security measures the Company has in place for its facilities and systems, and the security measures of its third party service providers, the Company may be vulnerable to security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors or other similar events.

The Company relies heavily on communications and information systems to conduct its business. Any failure or interruption of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in the Company’s customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan and other systems.  In addition, customers could lose access to their accounts and be unable to conduct financial transactions during a period of failure or interruption of these systems.

Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential customer information, whether by the Company or by its vendors, or failure or interruption of the Company's communication or information systems, could severely damage the Company’s reputation, expose it to risks of regulatory scrutiny, litigation and liability, disrupt the Company’s operations, or result in a loss of customer business, the occurrence of any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
 

Cybersecurity incidents could disrupt business operations, result in the loss of critical and confidential information, and adversely impact our reputation and results of operations.

Global cybersecurity threats and incidents can range from uncoordinated individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to information technology (IT) systems to sophisticated and targeted measures known as advanced persistent threats, directed at the Company and/or its third party service providers. While we have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, these types of threats and incidents, none of them to date have been material to the Company. Although we employ comprehensive measures to prevent, detect, address and mitigate these threats (including access controls, data encryption, vulnerability assessments, continuous monitoring of our IT networks and systems and maintenance of backup and protective systems), cybersecurity incidents, depending on their nature and scope, could potentially result in the misappropriation, destruction, corruption or unavailability of critical data and confidential or proprietary information (our own or that of third parties) and the disruption of business operations. The potential consequences of a material cybersecurity incident include reputational damage, litigation with third parties and increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs, which in turn could adversely affect our results of operations.

We continually encounter technological change, and we may have fewer resources than our competitors to continue to invest in technological improvements.

The banking industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services.  In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs.  Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations.  Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing such products and services to our customers.

An "ownership change" for purposes of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code could materially impair our ability to use our deferred tax assets.

At December 31, 2014, our gross deferred tax asset was $14.7 million. Our ability to use our deferred tax assets to offset future taxable income will be limited if we experience an "ownership change" as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. In general, an ownership change will occur if there is a cumulative increase in our ownership by "5-percent shareholders" (as defined in the Code) that exceeds 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. A corporation that experiences an ownership change will generally be subject to an annual limitation on the use of its pre-ownership change deferred tax assets equal to the equity value of the corporation immediately before the ownership change, multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt rate.

If an "ownership change" occurs, we could lose certain built-in losses that have not been recognized for tax purposes. The amount of the permanent loss would depend on the size of the annual limitation (which is in part a function of our market capitalization at the time of an "ownership change") and the remaining carry forward period (U.S. federal net operating losses generally may be carried forward for a period of 20 years).

Risks Associated With the Company's Stock

The market price of our common stock can be volatile, which may make it more difficult to resell our common stock at a desired time and price.

Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for a shareholder to resell our common stock when a shareholder wants to and at prices a shareholder finds attractive or at all.  Our stock price can fluctuate significantly in response to a variety of factors, regardless of operating results.  These factors include, among other things:

 
Variations in our anticipated or actual operating results or the results of our competitors;
 
Changes in investors' or analysts' perceptions of the risks and conditions of our business;
 
The size of the public float of our common stock;
 
Regulatory developments, including changes to regulatory capital levels, components of regulatory capital and how regulatory capital is calculated;
 
Interest rate changes or credit loss trends;
 
Trading volume in our common stock;
 
Market conditions; and
 
General economic conditions.
 
The Company may issue additional shares of its common stock in the future, which could dilute a shareholder's ownership of common stock.

The Company's articles of incorporation authorize its Board of Directors, without shareholder approval, to, among other things, issue additional shares of common or preferred stock. The issuance of any additional shares of common or preferred stock could be dilutive to a shareholder's ownership of Company common stock. The Company may offer additional shares of its common stock in exchange for some or all outstanding shares of its preferred stock.

To the extent that the Company issues options or warrants to purchase common stock in the future and the options or warrants are exercised, the Company's shareholders may experience further dilution. Holders of shares of Company common stock have no preemptive rights that entitle holders to purchase their pro rata share of any offering of shares of any class or series and, therefore, shareholders may not be permitted to invest in future issuances of Company common or preferred stock.

Exercise of our outstanding Warrants to purchase common stock could substantially dilute a shareholder's ownership of common stock.

We have issued Warrants to purchase a total of 1,478,811 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $9.00 per share. Additional information about the Warrants may be found in Item 8, Note 17 – "Shareholders' Equity."

The exercise, in whole or in part, of these Warrants into shares of our common stock could dilute a shareholder's ownership of common stock.

Although publicly traded, our common stock has substantially less liquidity than the average liquidity of stocks listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market.

Although our common stock is listed for trading on The Nasdaq Global Select Market, our common stock has substantially less liquidity than the average liquidity for companies listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market.  A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of our common stock at any given time. This marketplace depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. This limited market may affect a shareholder’s ability to sell their shares on short notice, and the sale of a large number of shares at one time could temporarily depress the market price of our common stock. For these reasons, our common stock should not be viewed as a short-term investment.

The Company's common stock is not insured by any governmental entity.

Our common stock is not a deposit account or other obligation of any bank and is not insured by the FDIC or any other governmental entity.  Investment in Company common stock is subject to risk, including possible loss.

The Company may issue debt and equity securities that are senior to Company common stock as to distributions and in liquidation, which could negatively affect the value of Company common stock.

The Company has in the past and may in the future increase its capital by entering into debt or debt-like financing or issuing debt or equity securities, which could include issuances of senior notes, subordinated notes, preferred stock or common stock. In the event of the Company's liquidation, its lenders and holders of its debt securities would receive a distribution of the Company's available assets before distributions to the holders of Company common stock. The Company's decision to incur debt and issue securities in future offerings will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond its control. The Company cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of its future offerings and debt financings. Future offerings could reduce the value of shares of Company common stock and dilute a shareholder's interest in the Company.

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws and Michigan laws contain certain provisions that could make a takeover more difficult.

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws, and the laws of Michigan, include provisions which are designed to provide our Board of Directors with time to consider whether a hostile takeover offer is in our best interest and the best interests of our shareholders. These provisions could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control. The provisions also could diminish the opportunities for a holder of our common stock to participate in tender offers, including tender offers at a price above the then-current price for our common stock. These provisions could also prevent transactions in which our shareholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current market prices, and may limit the ability of our shareholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interests.
 
The Michigan Business Corporation Act contains provisions intended to protect shareholders and prohibit or discourage certain types of hostile takeover activities. In addition to these provisions and the provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws, federal law requires the Federal Reserve Board's approval prior to acquisition of "control" of a bank holding company. All of these provisions may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company without action by our shareholders, and therefore, could adversely affect the price of our common stock.

If an entity holds as little as a 5% interest in our outstanding securities, that entity could, under certain circumstances, be subject to regulation as a "bank holding company."

Any entity, including a "group" composed of natural persons, owning or controlling with the power to vote 25% or more of our outstanding securities, or 5% or more if the holder otherwise exercises a "controlling influence" over us, may be subject to regulation as a "bank holding company" in accordance with the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHC Act").  In addition, any bank holding company or foreign bank with a U.S. presence may be required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board under the BHC Act to acquire or retain 5% or more of our outstanding securities.  Becoming a bank holding company imposes statutory and regulatory restrictions and obligations, such as providing managerial and financial strength for its bank subsidiaries.  Regulation as a bank holding company could require the holder to divest all or a portion of the holder's investment in our securities or those nonbanking investments that may be deemed impermissible or incompatible with bank holding company status, such as a material investment in a company unrelated to banking.

Any person not defined as a company by the BHC Act may be required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended, to acquire or retain 10% or more of our outstanding securities.

Any person not otherwise defined as a company by the BHC Act and its implementing regulations may be required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended, to acquire or retain 10% or more of our outstanding securities.  Applying to obtain this approval could result in a person incurring substantial costs and time delays.  There can be no assurance that regulatory approval will be obtained.
 

ITEM 1B: Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.
 
ITEM 2: Properties.

We own or lease facilities located in Ottawa County, Allegan County and Kent County, Michigan.  Our administrative offices are located at 10753 Macatawa Drive, Holland, Michigan  49424.  Our administrative offices are approximately 49,000 square feet and contain our administration, human resources, trust, loan underwriting and processing, and deposit operations. We believe our facilities are well-maintained and adequately insured.  We own each of the facilities except those identified in the “Use” column as “(Leased facility)”.  Our facilities as of February 19, 2015, were as follows:

Location of Facility
Use
   
10753 Macatawa Drive, Holland
Main Branch, Administrative, and Loan Processing Offices
815 E. Main Street, Zeeland
Branch Office
116 Ottawa Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids
Branch Office (Leased facility, lease expires August 2020)
126 Ottawa Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids
Loan Center (Leased facility, lease expires August 2020)
141 E. 8th Street, Holland
Branch Office
489 Butternut Dr., Holland
Branch Office
701 Maple Avenue, Holland
Branch Office
699 E. 16th Street, Holland
Branch Office
41 N. State Street, Zeeland
Branch Office
2020 Baldwin Street, Jenison
Branch Office
6299 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale
Branch Office
132 South Washington, Douglas
Branch Office
4758 – 136th Street, Hamilton
Branch Office (Leased facility, lease expires December 2019)
3526 Chicago Drive, Hudsonville
Branch Office
20 E. Lakewood Blvd., Holland
Branch Office
3191 – 44th Street, S.W., Grandville
Branch Office
2261 Byron Center Avenue S.W., Byron Center
Branch Office
5271 Clyde Park Avenue, S.W., Wyoming
Branch Office and Loan Center
4590 Cascade Road, Grand Rapids
Branch Office
3177 Knapp Street, N.E., Grand Rapids
Branch Office and Loan Center
15135 Whittaker Way, Grand Haven
Branch Office and Loan Center
12415 Riley Street, Holland
Branch Office
2750 Walker N.W., Walker
Branch Office
1575 – 68th Street S.E., Grand Rapids
Branch Office
2820 – 10 Mile Road, Rockford
Branch Office
520 Baldwin Street, Jenison
Branch Office
2440 Burton Street, S.E., Grand Rapids
Branch Office
6330 28th Street, S.E., Grand Rapids
Branch Office
 
ITEM 3: Legal Proceedings.

Smith v. Macatawa Bank Corporation, et al, case no. 14-3604 filed January 27, 2014 in Ottawa County (MI) Circuit Court.  The Company's former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Benj. A. Smith III, commenced legal action against the Company claiming that the Company breached an alleged employment agreement pursuant to which he claims entitlement to $20,833 monthly for a period of six years from the date of his resignation in February 2009.  On February10, 2015, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Smith related to this litigation.  A liability of $516,000, net of insurance proceeds, was accrued and the related expense was included in other noninterest expense at December 31, 2014.

As of the date of this report, there were no material pending legal proceedings, other than routine litigation incidental to the business of banking, to which Macatawa Bank Corporation or the Bank are a party or of which any of our properties are the subject.
 
ITEM 4: Mine Safety Disclosures.
 
Not applicable.
 
PART II

ITEM 5: Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Our common stock is quoted on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol MCBC.  High and low closing prices (as reported on The Nasdaq Global Select Market) of our common stock for each quarter for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are set forth in the table below.

   
2014
   
2013
 
Quarter
 
High
   
Low
   
Dividends
Declared
   
High
   
Low
   
Dividends
Declared
 
First Quarter
 
$
5.70
   
$
4.93
   
$
0.02
   
$
6.10
   
$
2.88
   
$
---
 
Second Quarter
   
5.32
     
4.75
     
0.02
     
6.00
     
4.70
     
---
 
Third Quarter
   
5.26
     
4.70
     
0.02
     
5.63
     
4.43
     
---
 
Fourth Quarter
   
5.52
     
4.77
     
0.02
     
5.48
     
4.68
     
---
 

Information on restrictions on payments of dividends by us may be found in Item 1 of this report under the heading “Supervision and Regulation” and is here incorporated by reference.   Information regarding our equity compensation plans may be found in Item 12 of this report and is here incorporated by reference.

On February 18, 2015, there were approximately 692 owners of record and approximately 5,969 beneficial owners of our common stock.

Shareholder Return Performance Graph

The following graph shows the cumulative total shareholder return on an investment in the Company’s common stock compared to the Russell 2000 Index and the SNL Bank NASDAQ Index.  The comparison assumes a $100 investment on December 31, 2009 at the initial price of $2.09 per share (adjusted for all stock dividends and splits) and assumes that dividends are reinvested.  The comparisons in this table are set forth in response to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosure requirements and therefore are not intended to forecast or be indicative of future performance of the common stock.


   
Period Ending
 
Index
 
12/31/09
   
12/31/10
   
12/31/11
   
12/31/12
   
12/31/13
   
12/31/14
 
Macatawa Bank Corporation
   
100.00
     
197.13
     
109.09
     
138.28
     
239.23
     
264.39
 
Russell 2000
   
100.00
     
126.86
     
121.56
     
141.43
     
196.34
     
205.95
 
SNL Bank NASDAQ
   
100.00
     
117.98
     
104.68
     
124.77
     
179.33
     
185.73
 
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information regarding the Company’s purchase of its own common stock during the fourth quarter of 2014.  All employee transactions are under stock compensation plans.  These include shares of Macatawa Bank Corporation common stock submitted for cancellation to satisfy tax withholding obligations that occur upon the vesting of restricted shares.  The value of the shares withheld is determined based on the closing price of Macatawa Bank Corporation common stock at the date of vesting.  The Company has no publicly announced repurchase plans or programs.
 
Macatawa Bank Corporation Purchases of Equity Securities
 
   
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
   
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 
         
Period
       
October 1 - October 31, 2014
       
Employee Transactions
   
---
     
---
 
November 1 - November 30, 2014
               
Employee Transactions
   
10,279
     
5.06
 
December 1 - December 31, 2014
               
Employee Transactions
   
10,255
   
$
5.28
 
Total for Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2014
               
Employee Transactions
   
20,534
   
$
5.17
 
 
ITEM 6: Selected Financial Data.

The following unaudited table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, which is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. You should read this information in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition " included elsewhere in this report.

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
As of and for the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Financial Condition
                   
Total assets
 
$
1,583,846
   
$
1,517,405
   
$
1,560,718
   
$
1,507,667
   
$
1,578,261
 
Securities
   
193,459
     
158,907
     
127,797
     
55,046
     
9,203
 
Loans
   
1,118,483
     
1,042,377
     
1,052,348
     
1,070,975
     
1,217,196
 
Deposits
   
1,306,325
     
1,249,734
     
1,286,261
     
1,215,289
     
1,276,620
 
Long-term debt
   
41,238
     
41,238
     
42,888
     
42,888
     
42,888
 
Other borrowed funds
   
88,107
     
89,991
     
91,822
     
148,603
     
185,336
 
Shareholders' equity
   
142,519
     
132,522
     
130,507
     
94,426
     
67,842
 
Share Information*
                                       
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
0.31
   
$
(0.29
)
 
$
1.31
   
$
0.26
   
$
(1.01
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
   
0.31
     
(0.29
)
   
1.31
     
0.26
     
(1.01
)
Book value per common share
   
4.21
     
3.92
     
3.59
     
2.26
     
1.96
 
Tangible book value per common share
   
4.21
     
3.92
     
3.59
     
2.26
     
1.94
 
Dividends per common share
   
0.08
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
 
Dividend payout ratio
   
25.81
%
   
---
%
   
---
%
   
---
%
   
---
%
Average dilutive common shares outstanding
   
33,803,030
     
27,161,888
     
27,086,792
     
22,739,990
     
17,686,362
 
Common shares outstanding at period end
   
33,866,789
     
33,801,097
     
27,203,825
     
27,082,823
     
17,679,621
 
Operations
                                       
Interest income
 
$
46,988
   
$
48,620
   
$
57,276
   
$
60,779
   
$
76,003
 
Interest expense
   
5,596
     
7,337
     
9,814
     
14,480
     
25,436
 
Net interest income
   
41,392
     
41,283
     
47,462
     
46,299
     
50,567
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(3,350
)
   
(4,250
)
   
(7,100
)
   
(4,700
)
   
22,460
 
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses
   
44,742
     
45,533
     
54,562
     
50,999
     
28,107
 
Total noninterest income
   
16,214
     
16,141
     
15,628
     
14,892
     
18,023
 
Total noninterest expense
   
45,910
     
47,855
     
53,283
     
60,062
     
62,681
 
Income (loss) before income tax
   
15,046
     
13,819
     
16,907
     
5,829
     
(16,551
)
Federal income tax (benefit)
   
4,573
     
4,270
     
(18,583
)
   
---
     
1,303
 
Net income (loss)
   
10,473
     
9,549
     
35,490
     
5,829
     
(17,854
)
Dividend declared on preferred shares**
   
---
     
(17,575
)
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Net income (loss) attributable to common shares
   
10,473
     
(8,026
)
   
35,490
     
5,829
     
(17,854
)
Performance Ratios
                                       
Return on average equity
   
7.58
%
   
7.11
%
   
34.39
%
   
7.08
%
   
(24.99
)%
Return on average assets
   
0.70
     
0.63
     
2.37
     
0.38
     
(1.08
)
Yield on average interest-earning assets
   
3.48
     
3.58
     
4.21
     
4.32
     
4.93
 
Cost on average interest-bearing liabilities
   
0.56
     
0.69
     
0.92
     
1.26
     
1.88
 
Average net interest spread
   
2.92
     
2.89
     
3.29
     
3.06
     
3.05
 
Average net interest margin
   
3.07
     
3.05
     
3.49
     
3.29
     
3.28
 
Efficiency ratio
   
79.70
     
83.34
     
84.46
     
98.15
     
91.39
 
Capital Ratios
                                       
Period-end equity to total assets
   
9.00
%
   
8.73
%
   
8.36
%
   
6.26
%
   
4.30
%
Average equity to average assets
   
9.25
     
8.90
     
6.89
     
5.37
     
4.30
 
Total risk-based capital ratio (consolidated)
   
15.55
     
15.69
     
14.98
     
13.15
     
9.65
 
Credit Quality Ratios
                                       
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
   
1.70
%
   
2.00
%
   
2.26
%
   
2.95
%
   
3.90
%
Nonperforming assets to total assets
   
2.32
     
3.24
     
4.33
     
6.33
     
8.45
 
Net charge-offs to average loans
   
(0.14
)
   
(0.13
)
   
0.08
     
0.99
     
2.18
 

*Retroactively adjusted to reflect the effect of all stock splits and dividends
**2013 reflects effect of induced exchange of preferred stock to common stock
 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

Management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition contains forward-looking statements.  Please refer to the discussion of forward-looking statements at the beginning of this report.

The following section presents additional information to assess our results of operation and financial condition.  This section should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the supplemental financial data contained elsewhere in this report.

OVERVIEW

Macatawa Bank Corporation is a Michigan corporation and a registered bank holding company. It wholly-owns Macatawa Bank, Macatawa Statutory Trust I and Macatawa Statutory Trust II. Macatawa Bank is a Michigan chartered bank with depository accounts insured by the FDIC. The Bank operates twenty-six branch offices and a lending and operational service facility, providing a full range of commercial and consumer banking and trust services in Kent County, Ottawa County, and northern Allegan County, Michigan. Macatawa Statutory Trusts I and II are grantor trusts and have issued $20.0 million each of pooled trust preferred securities. These trusts are not consolidated in our Consolidated Financial Statements. For further information regarding consolidation, see the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

At December 31, 2014, we had total assets of $1.58 billion, total loans of $1.12 billion, total deposits of $1.31 billion and shareholders' equity of $142.5 million.  We recognized net income of $10.5 million in 2014 compared to net income of $9.5 million in 2013. As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios were among the highest levels in the Company’s history.  The Bank was categorized as “well capitalized” at December 31, 2014.

During 2013, the Company improved its capital structure by prepaying and redeeming its $1.7 million of 11% unsecured subordinated debt, resuming interest payments on its trust preferred securities and completing an exchange of all of the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock for Company common stock and cash, at the election of the holder.  Each of these transactions are discussed in detail in Item 7 and in our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report.

This paved the way for the Company to resume payment of quarterly cash dividends to common shareholders.  Beginning with the first quarter of 2014, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.02 per share in each quarter of 2014, after a hiatus of over five years.

Over the past five years, much progress has been made at reducing our nonperforming assets.  The following table reflects period end balances of these nonperforming assets as well as total loan delinquencies.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
Nonperforming loans
 
$
8,426
   
$
12,335
   
$
16,003
   
$
28,946
   
$
75,361
 
Other repossessed assets
   
38
     
40
     
6
     
---
     
50
 
Other real estate owned
   
28,242
     
36,796
     
51,582
     
66,438
     
57,984
 
Total nonperforming assets
 
$
36,706
   
$
49,171
   
$
67,591
   
$
95,384
   
$
133,395
 
                                         
Total loan delinquencies 30 days or greater past due
 
$
2,841
   
$
5,520
   
$
7,887
   
$
13,138
   
$
55,748
 

Earnings in recent years have been impacted by high costs associated with administration and disposition of nonperforming assets.  These costs, including losses on repossessed and foreclosed properties, were $3.1 million, $5.5 million and $10.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Going forward, as further reductions in nonperforming assets are accomplished, we expect the costs associated with these assets to continue to decline thereby allowing for improved earnings in future periods.

Our earnings in 2014, 2013 and 2012 were favorably impacted by negative provision for loan losses of $3.4 million, $4.3 million and $7.1 million, respectively.  As discussed in detail later in Item 7 of this report under the heading "Allowance for Loan Losses", the large negative provision in 2012 was primarily a result of a large recovery taken in the first quarter of 2012.  The negative provision in each period was also impacted by other recoveries from our collection efforts and a continual decline in our historical charge-off levels from prior years.  We do not expect a similar level of negative provision for loan losses in 2015.
 
We had our second consecutive full year of net recoveries in 2014.  The following table reflects the provision for loan losses for the past five years along with certain metrics that impact the determination of the level of the provision for loan losses.

   
For the year ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Provision for loan losses
 
$
(3,350
)
 
$
(4,250
)
 
$
(7,100
)
 
$
(4,700
)
 
$
22,460
 
Net charge-offs (recoveries)
   
(1,514
)
   
(1,309
)
   
802
     
11,085
     
29,657
 
Net charge-offs to average loans
   
(0.14
)%
   
(0.13
)%
   
0.08
%
   
0.99
%
   
2.18
%
Nonperforming loans to total loans
   
0.75
%
   
1.18
%
   
1.52
%
   
2.70
%
   
6.19
%
Loans transferred to ORE to average loans
   
0.47
%
   
0.34
%
   
0.88
%
   
3.42
%
   
3.32
%
Performing troubled debt restructurings to average loans
   
4.47
%
   
5.61
%
   
6.24
%
   
5.15
%
   
1.91
%

During the economic downturn in 2008 and 2009, the State of Michigan entered into a recession earlier than the rest of the country and experienced heavy job loss as a result of the concentration the state has related to the automotive industry.  Our market areas of Grand Rapids and Holland fared better than the state as a whole, but nevertheless the impact of our local economy on our results was profound.  The recession and job loss impacted housing values, commercial real estate values and consumer activity.  Improvement has been evident during the past several years.  The state’s unemployment rate at the end of 2014 was 6.7%, down dramatically from 15.2% in June 2009.  The Holland area unemployment was 3.8%, and the Grand Rapids area unemployment was 3.7% at the end of 2014.  Residential housing values and commercial real estate property values decreased significantly during the recession, but have shown signs of stabilization, with some of our newer appraisals tending to reflect values at or above prior year values.

It also appears that the housing market in our primary market area has stabilized and is now improving.  In the Grand Rapids market during 2014, there were 61% more living unit starts than in 2013. Similarly, in the Holland-Grand Haven/Lakeshore region, there were 53% more living unit starts in 2014 than in 2013.  These improvements are on top of improved results in 2013 over 2012.  Also, these markets are now also seeing significant activity in duplex, condominium and apartment starts after years of virtually no activity.

In recent years, we have diversified our loan portfolio structure by de-emphasizing commercial real estate loans. In 2014, we began cautiously increasing commercial real estate loans along with commercial and industrial loans, residential mortgages and other consumer loans.  Commercial real estate loans have increased from $472.3 million at December 31, 2013 to $490.5 million at December 31, 2014. Commercial and industrial loans have increased from $274.1 million at December 31, 2013 to $327.7 million at December 31, 2014.  Consumer loans have increased in 2014, totaling $300.3 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $295.9 million at December 31, 2013.  With our improved financial condition, successful capital raise in 2011, and retained earnings growth, our focus has shifted to high quality loan portfolio growth.  We experienced strong commercial loan growth in the fourth quarter of 2014 and believe we are positioned for continued growth in 2015.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Summary: Net income was $10.5 million ($15.0 million on a pretax basis) for 2014, compared to net income of $9.5 million ($13.8 million on a pretax basis) for 2013 and $35.5 million ($16.9 million on a pretax basis) for 2012.  Earnings (loss) per common share on a diluted basis was $0.31 for 2014, $(0.29) for 2013 and $1.31 for 2012.  Earnings (loss) per share for 2013 was affected by a one-time, non-cash reduction to net income available to common shares of $17.6 million representing the impact of the preferred stock exchange completed on December 30, 2013.

The results for 2012 were significantly impacted by the reversal of an $18.9 million valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets (“DTA”) as we determined it to be more likely than not that we would be able to utilize the DTA against future taxable income.  Also contributing to the higher 2012 income was the collection of a large prepayment fee of $2.8 million on an individual loan.  Earnings in each period were positively impacted by negative provision for loan losses ($3.4 million in 2014, $4.3 million in 2013 and $7.1 million in 2012).  These negative provisions resulted from reduced levels of nonperforming loans, improved asset quality and reduced levels of chargeoffs.  The negative provision in 2012 was higher due to the recovery of $4.4 million on an individual loan previously charged off.  These items are discussed more fully below.

We continued our improvement in nonperforming asset expenses in 2014.  Costs associated with nonperforming assets were $3.1 million in 2014, compared to $5.5 million in 2013 and $10.0 million in 2012.  Lost interest from nonperforming assets decreased to approximately $1.9 million for 2014, compared to $2.4 million for 2013 and $5.0 million for 2012.  Each of these items are discussed more fully below.
 
Net Interest Income: Net interest income totaled $41.4 million during 2014, compared to $41.3 million during 2013 and $47.5 million in 2012.

The increase in net interest income during 2014 compared to 2013 was our first annual increase in core net interest income in several years.  This increase was due to a positive shift in asset mix and a reduction in our cost of funds.  Our net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets (i.e. "net interest margin" or "margin") increased by 2 basis points compared to 2013.  As is customary in the banking industry, interest income on tax-exempt securities is adjusted in the computation of the yield on tax-exempt securities and net interest margin using a 35% tax rate to report these items on a fully taxable equivalent basis.  Average interest earning assets decreased slightly from $1.36 billion in 2013 to $1.35 billion in 2014.

The decrease in net interest income during 2013 compared to 2012 was largely due to the collection of a one-time prepayment fee of $2.8 million related to prepayment on a commercial loan in the third quarter of 2012.  Our net interest margin decreased by 44 basis points compared to 2012.  The prepayment fee contributed 21 basis points to the margin in 2012Average interest earning assets increased slightly from $1.35 billion in 2012 to $1.36 billion in 2013.

The yield on earning assets decreased 10 basis points from 3.58% for 2013 to 3.48% for 2014, and decreased 63 basis points to 3.58% for 2013 from 4.21% for 2012.  The decreases were due to decreases in the yield on our commercial, residential and consumer loan portfolios, which repriced in the generally lower rate environment during 2013 and 2014.  Our margin was negatively impacted by our decision to hold significant balances in liquid and short-term investments in the past three years.  In 2014, we began to see positive impact on our net interest margin from deploying some of these balances into higher yielding assets, including investment securities and portfolio loans.  Going forward, we expect our net interest margin to continue to be positively impacted through further deployment of short-term investments into higher yielding assets.

Our net interest margin for 2014 benefitted from a 13 basis point decrease in our cost of funds from 0.69% for 2013 to 0.56% for 2014.  Average interest bearing liabilities decreased from $1.05 billion in 2013 to $992.0 million in 2014.  Our net interest margin for 2013 benefitted from a 23 basis point decrease in our cost of funds from 0.92% for 2012 to 0.69% for 2013.  Average interest bearing liabilities decreased from $1.06 billion in 2012 to $1.05 billion in 2013.  Decreases in the rates paid on our deposit accounts in response to declining market rates and the rollover of time deposits and other borrowings at lower rates within the current rate environment caused the reduction in our cost of funds for each period.

Margin continued to be dampened by the impact of our elevated levels of nonperforming assets, including other real estate owned and nonaccrual loans.  However, as we work to further reduce these levels, our margin is expected to benefit.  The estimated negative impact of these nonperforming assets on net interest margin decreased from 37 basis points in 2012 to 18 basis points in 2013 and 14 basis points in 2014.

We are encouraged by the increase in higher yielding average earning assets in 2014 and expect these balances to continue to increase in 2015, which should positively affect net interest income.
 

The following table shows an analysis of net interest margin for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Earned
or paid
   
Average
Yield
or cost
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Earned
or paid
   
Average
Yield
or cost
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Earned
or paid
   
Average
Yield
or cost
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Assets
                                   
Taxable securities
 
$
120,980
   
$
2,006
     
1.66
%
 
$
108,079
   
$
1,798
     
1.67
%
 
$
79,379
   
$
1,544
     
1.94
%
Tax-exempt securities (1)
   
57,445
     
1,161
     
3.16
     
33,930
     
742
     
3.44
     
13,769
     
330
     
4.03
 
Loans (2)
   
1,050,100
     
42,911
     
4.04
     
1,034,775
     
45,201
     
4.32
     
1,049,501
     
54,549
     
5.14
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
11,319
     
471
     
4.10
     
11,236
     
393
     
3.45
     
11,236
     
351
     
3.08
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
115,021
     
439
     
0.38
     
167,833
     
486
     
0.29
     
197,423
     
502
     
0.25
 
Total interest earning assets (1)
   
1,354,865
     
46,988
     
3.48
     
1,355,853
     
48,620
     
3.58
     
1,351,308
     
57,276
     
4.21
 
                                                                         
Noninterest earning assets:
                                                                       
Cash and due from banks
   
26,108
                     
24,033
                     
23,042
                 
Other
   
113,113
                     
129,954
                     
124,510
                 
Total assets
 
$
1,494,086
                   
$
1,509,840
                   
$
1,498,860
                 
                                                                         
Liabilities
                                                                       
Deposits:
                                                                       
Interest bearing demand
 
$
274,100
     
308
     
0.11
%
 
$
272,689
     
369
     
0.13
%
 
$
225,250
     
346
     
0.15
%
Savings and money market accounts
   
449,623
     
936
     
0.21
     
472,920
     
1,999
     
0.43
     
420,553
     
2,003
     
0.48
 
Time deposits
   
138,300
     
1,332
     
0.96
     
171,657
     
1,625
     
0.94
     
254,796
     
3,372
     
1.32
 
Borrowings:
                                                                       
Other borrowed funds
   
88,714
     
1,709
     
1.90
     
90,580
     
1,781
     
1.94
     
121,300
     
2,374
     
1.92
 
Long-term debt
   
41,238
     
1,311
     
3.14
     
41,238
     
1,450
     
3.47
     
41,238
     
1,537
     
3.67
 
Subordinated debt
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
1,013
     
113
     
11.10
     
1,650
     
182
     
11.00
 
Total interest bearing liabilities
   
991,975
     
5,596
     
0.56
     
1,050,097
     
7,337
     
0.69
     
1,064,787
     
9,814
     
0.92
 
                                                                         
Noninterest bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
Noninterest bearing demand accounts
   
359,384
                     
317,332
                     
323,368
                 
Other noninterest bearing liabilities
   
4,585
                     
8,070
                     
7,507
                 
Shareholders' equity
   
138,142
                     
134,341
                     
103,198
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
1,494,086
                   
$
1,509,840
                   
$
1,498,860
                 
                                                                         
Net interest income
         
$
41,392
                   
$
41,283
                   
$
47,462
         
                                                                         
Net interest spread (1)
                   
2.92
%
                   
2.89
%
                   
3.29
%
Net interest margin (1)
                   
3.07
%
                   
3.05
%
                   
3.49
%
Ratio of average interest earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities
   
136.58
%
                   
129.12
%
                   
126.91
%
               

(1) Yields are presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 35% tax rate.
(2) Loan fees of $583,000, $548,000 and $4.0 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012 are included in interest income.  Includes average nonaccrual loans of approximately $12.6 million, $14.7 million and $24.1 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012.
 
The following table presents the dollar amount of changes in net interest income due to changes in volume and rate.

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2014 vs 2013
Increase (Decrease) Due to
   
2013 vs 2012
Increase (Decrease) Due to
 
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
                         
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Interest income
                       
Taxable securities
 
$
214
   
$
(6
)
 
$
208
   
$
501
   
$
(247
)
 
$
254
 
Tax-exempt securities
   
534
     
(115
)
   
419
     
473
     
(61
)
   
412
 
Loans
   
646
     
(2,936
)
   
(2,290
)
   
(756
)
   
(8,592
)
   
(9,348
)
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
3
     
75
     
78
     
---
     
42
     
42
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
(175
)
   
128
     
(47
)
   
(80
)
   
64
     
(16
)
Total interest income
   
1,222
     
(2,854
)
   
(1,632
)
   
138
     
(8,794
)
   
(8,656
)
                                                 
Interest expense
                                               
Interest bearing demand
 
$
2
    $
(63
)
 
$
(61
)
 
$
67
    $
(44
)
 
$
23
 
Savings and money market accounts
   
(94
)
   
(969
)
   
(1,063
)
   
235
     
(239
)
   
(4
)
Time deposits
   
(321
)
   
28
     
(293
)
   
(933
)
   
(814
)
   
(1,747
)
Other borrowed funds
   
(36
)
   
(36
)
   
(72
)
   
(604
)
   
11
     
(593
)
Long-term debt
   
---
     
(139
)
   
(139
)
   
---
     
(87
)
   
(87
)
Subordinated debt
   
(113
)
   
---
     
(113
)
   
(69
)
   
---
     
(69
)
Total interest expense
   
(562
)
   
(1,179
)
   
(1,741
)
   
(1,304
)
   
(1,173
)
   
(2,477
)
Net interest income
 
$
1,784
   
$
(1,675
)
 
$
109
   
$
1,442
   
$
(7,621
)
 
$
(6,179
)

Provision for Loan Losses: The provision for loan losses for 2014 was a negative $3.4 million compared to a negative $4.3 million for 2013 and a negative $7.1 million for 2012. The negative provisions in each period were the result of continued significant declines in the level of net charge-offs, reduction in the balances and required reserves on nonperforming loans and stabilizing real estate values on problem credits.  The provision for loan losses for 2012 was affected by a $4.4 million recovery on a previously charged-off loan in the first quarter of 2012.  Net charge-offs were $58.0 million in 2009, $29.7 million in 2010, $11.1 million in 2011, and $802,000 in 2012, turning to net recoveries of $1.3 million in 2013 and $1.5 million in 2014.  The lower level of net charge-offs was a result of a slowing in the rate of declines in real estate values, success at reducing our levels of nonperforming loans and positive results from our aggressive collection recovery efforts.

We continue to see an increase in the quality of some credits within our loan portfolio resulting in an improved loan grade. Over the past two years, we have experienced improvements in our weighted average loan grade. Our weighted average commercial loan grade was 3.78 at December 31, 2014 reflecting improvement compared to 3.88 at December 31, 2013 and 4.01 at December 31, 2012. We believe efforts that began in late 2009 and in early 2010 to improve loan administration and loan risk management practices have had a significant impact, ultimately allowing for the reduction in the level of the allowance for loan losses since then.

The amounts of loan loss provision in each period were the result of establishing our allowance for loan losses at levels believed necessary based upon our methodology for determining the adequacy of the allowance. The sustained lower level of quarterly net charge-offs over the past three years has had a significant effect on the historical loss component of our methodology. More information about our allowance for loan losses and our methodology for establishing its level may be found in this Item 7 of the report under the heading “Allowance for Loan Losses” below and in Item 8 of this report in Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

Noninterest Income: Noninterest income totaled $16.2 million in 2014, compared to $16.1 million in 2013 and $15.6 million in 2012.  The components of noninterest income are shown in the table below (in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
 
$
4,334
   
$
4,129
   
$
3,471
 
Net gains on mortgage loans
   
1,939
     
2,554
     
2,882
 
Trust fees
   
2,701
     
2,413
     
2,389
 
Gain as sales of securities
   
75
     
120
     
73
 
ATM and debit card fees
   
4,654
     
4,325
     
4,130
 
Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) income
   
678
     
713
     
847
 
Investment services fees
   
1,002
     
943
     
771
 
Other income
   
831
     
944
     
1,065
 
Total noninterest income
 
$
16,214
   
$
16,141
   
$
15,628
 

Revenue from deposit services was $4.3 million in 2014, compared to $4.1 million in 2013 and $3.5 million in 2012.  The increase from 2013 to 2014 was due primarily to increased levels of returned check fees, changes in pricing of certain analysis products and increased deposit balances.  The increase from 2012 to 2013 was due primarily to increased levels of returned check fees from changes to the overdraft privilege feature of our checking accounts implemented in late 2012.

Net gains on mortgage loans included gains on the sale of real estate mortgage loans in the secondary market.  We sell the majority of the fixed-rate mortgage loans we originate. We do not retain the servicing rights for the loans we sell.

A summary of gain on sales of loans and related loan volume was as follows (in thousands):
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Gain on sales of loans
 
$
1,939
   
$
2,554
   
$
2,882
 
                         
Real estate mortgage loans originated for sale
 
$
73,516
   
$
107,988
   
$
140,151
 
Real estate mortgage loans sold
   
75,023
     
116,757
     
135,929
 
Net gain on the sale of mortgage loans as a percent of real estate mortgage loans sold ("Loan sale margin")
   
2.58
%
   
2.19
%
   
2.12
%
 
As demonstrated in the table above, mortgage volume declined in 2014 and 2013 following a peak in 2012.  Mortgage rates increased in the second half of 2013, reducing the residential mortgage volume and thus reducing gains on mortgage loans in the latter half of 2013 and into 2014.  During 2013 and 2014, we saw a shift in our mortgage production from refinance activity to purchase activity.  We expect this trend to continue in 2015.  We have increased our gain margin over the past few years by increasing our number of investors and focus on pricing.

Trust service revenue increased $288,000 in 2014 after having increased $24,000 in 2013.   These increases were due to improvements in general market conditions and our improved financial condition.  Our financial performance in previous years and the existence of our previous regulatory orders likely impacted how we were perceived in the marketplace, resulting in challenges to retain trust customers and maintain levels of trust revenue.  We believe that our improved financial performance in the past several years and the termination of our previous regulatory orders has had a positive impact on our trust service revenue in 2013 and 2014.

ATM and debit card processing income increased $329,000 in 2014 to $4.7 million, following an increase of $195,000 in 2013 over 2012.  These increases reflected a continued increase in usage from current customers and overall growth in the number of debit and ATM card customers.  Promotional efforts to increase volume in these low cost transaction alternatives continued to be successful.  Our recent rollout of our uChoose Rewards program had a positive impact on this income in 2014 and is expected to contribute to further increases in 2015.

We sold securities in 2014 resulting in net gains of $75,000.  We sold securities in 2013 resulting in net gains of $120,000.  In 2012, we sold securities resulting in net gains of $73,000.  The sales in 2014 were done to reposition certain holdings in our investment portfolio in response to changes in market rates during the year.  The sales in 2013 were made due to downgrades of the individual investments sold.  We continually review our securities portfolio and will dispose of securities that pose higher than desired credit or market risk.
 
Other categories of noninterest income totaled $2.5 million in 2014, $2.6 million in 2013 and $2.7 million in 2012.  Investment service fees were up $59,000 in 2014 and $172,000 in 2013 due to our focus on these services and improvement in stock market performance.  Earnings from bank owned life insurance decreased $35,000 in 2014 compared to 2013 as the underlying investments performed better in 2013 than in 2014.  This followed a reduction in bank owned life insurance earnings of $134,000 from 2012 to 2013, again due to the performance of the underlying investments.  ORE rental income was $146,000 in 2014, compared to $304,000 in 2013 and $684,000 in 2012.  The decreases were due to continued reduction in the level of other real estate owned balances from period to period.

Noninterest Expense: Noninterest expense was $45.9 million in 2014, $47.9 million in 2013 and $53.3 million in 2012.  The steady decline in our noninterest expense areas reflected our active management of controllable costs to offset the high level of nonperforming assets costs.  These costs have decreased dramatically during the periods presented as well.  The components of noninterest expense are shown in the table below (in thousands):

   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Salaries and benefits
 
$
23,137
   
$
23,012
   
$
22,986
 
Occupancy of premises
   
3,840
     
3,756
     
3,815
 
Furniture and equipment
   
3,190
     
3,224
     
3,259
 
Legal and professional
   
846
     
680
     
664
 
Marketing and promotion
   
932
     
870
     
929
 
Data processing
   
2,423
     
2,306
     
2,221
 
FDIC assessment
   
1,218
     
1,458
     
2,196
 
Interchange and other card expense
   
1,109
     
1,300
     
1,222
 
Bond and D&O insurance
   
659
     
740
     
909
 
FHLB Advance prepayment penalty
   
---
     
---
     
322
 
Administration and disposition of problem assets
   
3,071
     
5,524
     
9,960
 
Outside services
   
1,597
     
1,606
     
1,407
 
Other noninterest expense
   
3,888
     
3,379
     
3,393
 
Total noninterest expense
 
$
45,910
   
$
47,855
   
$
53,283
 

Salaries and benefit expense were the highest component of noninterest expense and was $23.1 million in 2014, $23.0 million in 2013 and $23.0 million in 2012.  The small increases in 2014 and 2013 were primarily due to salary and wage performance adjustments, partially offset by reduced medical insurance costs driven by lower claims experience in 2014 and 2013.  Also impacting salary and benefit expense in 2014 and 2013 was the reinstatement of our 401(k) plan matching contribution, effective January 1, 2013.

Costs associated with nonperforming assets remained elevated, but have decreased significantly each of the past three years, totaling $3.1 million in 2014 compared to $5.5 million in 2013 and $10.0 million in 2012.  These costs included legal costs, repossessed and foreclosed property administration expense and losses on repossessed and foreclosed properties. Repossessed and foreclosed property administration expense included survey and appraisal, property maintenance and management and other disposition and carrying costs. Losses on repossessed and foreclosed properties included both net gains and losses on the sale of properties and unrealized losses from value declines for outstanding properties.

These costs are itemized in the following table (in thousands):

 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
Legal and professional – nonperforming assets
 
$
362
   
$
882
   
$
1,149
 
Repossessed and foreclosed property administration
   
1,710
     
2,817
     
3,516
 
Net losses on repossessed and foreclosed properties
   
999
     
1,825
     
5,295
 
Total
 
$
3,071
   
$
5,524
   
$
9,960
 

As problems loans move through the collection process, the costs associated with nonperforming assets have remained elevated, yet have decreased significantly during each of the past three years.  During 2014, we added $4.9 million in other real estate and sold $12.5 million, allowing for a meaningful reduction in our year end balance.  This compares to 2013, when we added $3.5 million in other real estate and sold $16.5 million and 2012 when we added $9.2 million in other real estate and sold $18.7 million.  Looking forward to 2015, we expect this trend to continue and should see meaningful reductions in the balances of other real estate owned and the related nonperforming asset carry costs.
 
Legal and professional fees totaled $846,000 in 2014, $680,000 in 2013 and $664,000 in 2012.  These expenses have been unusually high in recent years as a result of legal fees associated with consultation related to our previous regulatory orders we had been under and our implementation of additional corporate governance procedures, including more consultation with corporate legal counsel.  These fees were also elevated in 2014 as a result of expenses incurred in defending the Bank against legal action brought by the Bank’s former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in early 2014.  As discussed below, this matter was settled in February 2015.  As a result of the resolution of the regulatory orders and this legal action, we anticipate reductions in legal and professional expenses in 2015.

FDIC assessments decreased to $1.2 million in 2014 compared to $1.5 million in 2013 and $2.2 million in 2012 primarily due to the termination of our previous regulatory orders and resulting favorable change in our assessment category.  Further discussion regarding the determination of FDIC assessments for the Bank may be found in Item 1 of this report under the heading "Supervision and Regulation."

Insurance costs for bond and directors and officers (“D&O”) insurance decreased from $909,000 in 2012 to $740,000 in 2013 and $659,000 in 2014.  The reductions experienced in 2013 and 2014 were a result of the improvement in our regulatory status and financial condition, which demonstrated to the insurance carriers lower risk and resulted in a reduction in premiums charged.

Occupancy expense increased $84,000 in 2014 following decreases of $59,000 in 2013 and $134,000 in 2012.  Furniture and equipment expense was down $34,000 in 2014 after decreases of $35,000 in 2013 and $59,000 in 2012.  These expenses were stable due to our continued efforts to manage facility costs.  Marketing expenses increased $62,000 following a decrease of $59,000 in 2013 and an increase of $95,000 in 2012.  The increase in 2014 was due to a couple of significant marketing campaigns.  One was a special consumer and home equity loan promotion and the other was the launch of our new logo and related brand awareness campaign, particularly in the Grand Rapids market.

We incurred a $322,000 prepayment fee in 2012 associated with the early payoff of $20 million in FHLB advances.  Other noninterest expenses not discussed above were $5.5 million in 2014, compared to $5.0 million in 2013 and $4.8 million in 2012.  On February 10, 2015, we entered into a settlement agreement with our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to resolve litigation he brought against the Bank in early 2014 for payment under an employment agreement.  The settlement totaled $516,000, net of insurance proceeds, and was included in other noninterest expense in 2014.  This accounts for all of the increase in other noninterest expense in 2014.   The increase in 2013 was primarily due to increases in outside services, partially offset by decreases in electronic banking services.

Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit):  We recorded federal income tax expense of $4.6 million in 2014, $4.3 million in 2013 and a federal income tax benefit of $18.6 million in 2012.  From June 30, 2009 to December 31, 2012, we had concluded that a full valuation allowance needed to be maintained for all of our net deferred tax assets based primarily on our net operating losses in 2008 and 2009 and the continued challenging environment confronting banks at that time. At December 31, 2012, we concluded that the valuation allowance was no longer required and the $18.9 million valuation allowance was reversed.  Our effective tax rate for 2014 was 30% and for 2013 was 31%.
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION

Summary:  Since the economic recession in 2008 and 2009, we had been focused on improving our loan portfolio, reducing exposure in higher loan concentration types, building our investment portfolio, and improving our financial condition through diversification of credit risk, improved capital ratios, and reduced reliance on non-core funding.   We experienced positive results in each of these areas over the past several years. With the success in strengthening our financial condition, we have turned our focus more recently to achieving high quality loan portfolio growth.
 
Total assets were $1.584 billion at December 31, 2014, an increase of $66.4 million from $1.517 billion at December 31, 2013. This change reflected increases of $22.2 million in securities available for sale, $12.3 million in securities held to maturity and $76.1 million in our loan portfolio, partially offset by decreases of $5.0 million of interest-bearing time deposits in other financial institutions and $27.4 million in cash and cash equivalents. Total deposits increased by $56.6 million and other borrowed funds were down by $1.9 million at December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013.
 
Total shareholders’ equity increased by $10.0 million from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014.  Shareholders’ equity was increased by $10.5 million of net income in 2014, partially offset by cash dividends of $2.7 million, or $0.08 per share.  Shareholders’ equity was also increased by $2.0 million in 2014 as a result of a swing in other comprehensive income due to the effect of interest rate movement on the fair value of our available for sale securities portfolio. As of December 31, 2014, the Bank was categorized as “well capitalized” under applicable regulatory guidelines.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Our cash and cash equivalents, which include federal funds sold and short-term investments, were $129.5 million at December 31, 2014 compared to $156.9 million at December 31, 2013. This $27.4 million decrease was a result of using excess liquidity to fund loan growth and purchase investment securities.

Interest-bearing Time Deposits with Other Financial Institutions: We opened two time deposit accounts with our primary correspondent bank in the first quarter of 2013, each in equal amounts totaling $25.0 million.  One of these deposits matured in March 2014 and the other matured in September 2014.  We opened another time deposit of $20.0 million in the first quarter of 2014 which matures in February 2016.  These time deposits provide a higher interest rate than federal funds sold or other short-term investments.

Securities: Securities available for sale were $161.9 million at December 31, 2014 compared to $139.7 million at December 31, 2013. The balance at December 31, 2014 primarily consisted of U.S. agency securities, agency mortgage backed securities and various municipal investments. Our held to maturity portfolio increased from $19.2 million at December 31, 2013 to $31.6 million at December 31, 2014.  Our held to maturity portfolio is comprised of state and municipal bonds.

Portfolio Loans and Asset Quality: Total portfolio loans increased by $76.1 million to $1.12 billion at December 31, 2014 compared to $1.04 billion at December 31, 2013. During 2014, our commercial portfolio increased by $71.8 million, while our residential and consumer portfolios increased by $1.6 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

The volume of residential mortgage loans originated for sale in 2014 decreased compared to 2013 and 2012 due to the mortgage rate environment as well as our decision to hold more of our production in portfolio. Residential mortgage loans originated for sale were $73.5 million in 2014 compared to $108.0 million in  2013 and $140.2 million in 2012.

Our commercial loan portfolio balances declined in recent years leading up to 2014 reflecting the continued soft economic conditions in west Michigan and our interest in improving the quality of our loan portfolio through reducing our exposure to these generally higher credit risk assets. We have focused our efforts on reducing our exposure to residential land development loans, diversifying our commercial loan portfolio and improving asset quality. We believe our loan portfolio has stabilized and we experienced year over year growth in commercial loan balances for the first time in many years in 2014, increasing $71.8 million from December 31, 2013.  We plan to continue measured, high quality loan portfolio growth in 2015.

Commercial and commercial real estate loans remained our largest loan segment and accounted for approximately 73% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2014 and 72% at December 31, 2013. Residential mortgage and consumer loans comprised approximately 27% of total loans at December 31, 2014 and 28% at December 31, 2013.
 
A further breakdown of the composition of the loan portfolio is shown in the table below (in thousands):
 
   
December 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
   
Balance
   
Percent of
Total Loans
   
Balance
   
Percent of
Total Loans
 
Commercial real estate: (1)
               
Residential developed
 
$
12,771
     
1.1
%
 
$
18,130
     
1.8
%
Unsecured to residential developers
   
7,496
     
0.7
     
7,315
     
0.7
 
Vacant and unimproved
   
50,372
     
4.5
     
42,988
     
4.1
 
Commercial development
   
4,082
     
0.4
     
2,434
     
0.2
 
Residential improved
   
69,612
     
6.2
     
76,294
     
7.3
 
Commercial improved
   
269,757
     
24.1
     
247,195
     
23.7
 
Manufacturing and industrial
   
76,441
     
6.9
     
77,984
     
7.5
 
Total commercial real estate
   
490,531
     
43.9
     
472,340
     
45.3
 
Commercial and industrial
   
327,674
     
29.3
%
   
274,099
     
26.3
%
Total commercial
   
818,205
     
73.2
     
746,439
     
71.6
 
                                 
Consumer
                               
Residential mortgage
   
190,249
     
17.0
     
188,648
     
18.1
 
Unsecured
   
948
     
0.1
     
1,337
     
0.1
 
Home equity
   
98,887
     
8.8
     
95,961
     
9.2
 
Other secured
   
10,194
     
0.9
     
9,992
     
1.0
 
Total consumer
   
300,278
     
26.8
     
295,938
     
28.4
 
Total loans
 
$
1,118,483
     
100.0
%
 
$
1,042,377
     
100.0
%

(1)
Includes both owner occupied and non-owner occupied commercial real estate.

Commercial real estate loans accounted for approximately 44% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2014 and consisted primarily of loans to business owners and developers of owner and non-owner occupied commercial properties and loans to developers of single and multi-family residential properties. In the table above, we show our commercial real estate portfolio by loans secured by residential and commercial real estate, and by stage of development. Improved loans are generally secured by properties that are under construction or completed and placed in use. Development loans are secured by properties that are in the process of development or fully developed. Vacant and unimproved loans are secured by raw land for which development has not yet begun and agricultural land.

Total commercial real estate loans increased $18.2 million since December 31, 2013. Our commercial and industrial loan portfolio increased by $53.6 million to $327.7 million at December 31, 2014 and represented 29% of our commercial portfolio.

Our consumer residential mortgage loan portfolio, which also includes residential construction loans made to individual homeowners, comprised approximately 17% of portfolio loans at December 31, 2014 and 18% at December 31, 2013.  We expect to continue to retain in our loan portfolio certain types of residential mortgage loans (primarily high quality, low loan to value loans) in an effort to continue to diversify our credit risk and deploy our excess liquidity. A large portion of our residential mortgage loan production continues to be sold on the secondary market with servicing released.

The volume of residential mortgage loans originated for sale during 2014 declined from 2013 and 2012 as interest rates increased beginning late in the second quarter of 2013. We were encouraged by an increase in volume in the fourth quarter of 2014 and we expect continued increase in volume in 2015, with a shift in production to financing new home purchases versus refinancings.  We have not yet had to repurchase any residential mortgage loans sold to historical purchasers; however, due to market conditions many banks are being required to repurchase loans resulting from actual or alleged failure to strictly conform to the investor’s purchase criteria.

Our portfolio of other consumer loans includes loans secured by personal property and home equity fixed term and line of credit loans. Consumer loans increased by $2.7 million to $110.0 million at December 31, 2014 from $107.3 million at December 31, 2013 due to an increase in home equity loans.  Consumer loans comprised approximately 10% of our portfolio loans at December 31, 2014 and 10% at  December 31, 2013.
 
The following table shows our loan origination activity for portfolio loans during 2014, broken out by loan type and also shows average originated loan size (dollars in thousands):
 
   
Portfolio
Originations
   
Percent of
Total
Originations
   
Average
Loan Size
 
Commercial real estate:
           
Residential developed
 
$
6,111
     
0.9
%
 
$
611
 
Unsecured to residential developers
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Vacant and unimproved
   
24,883
     
3.7
     
1,659
 
Commercial development
   
2,359
     
0.4
     
2,359
 
Residential improved
   
73,662
     
11.1
     
295
 
Commercial improved
   
134,275
     
20.2
     
1,343
 
Manufacturing and industrial
   
24,563
     
3.7
     
682
 
Total commercial real estate
   
265,853
     
40.0
     
645
 
Commercial and industrial
   
301,358
     
45.2
     
37
 
Total commercial
   
567,211
     
85.2
     
66
 
                         
Consumer
                       
Residential mortgage
   
50,102
     
7.6
     
200
 
Unsecured
   
206
     
---
     
9
 
Home equity
   
41,955
     
6.3
     
69
 
Other secured
   
6,056
     
0.9
     
19
 
Total consumer
   
98,319
     
14.8
     
51
 
Total loans
 
$
665,530
     
100.0
%
   
68
 
 
Our loan portfolio is reviewed regularly by our senior management, our loan officers, and an internal loan review team that is independent of our loan originators and credit administration. An administrative loan committee consisting of senior management and seasoned lending and collections personnel meets monthly to manage our internal watch list and proactively manage high risk loans.

When reasonable doubt exists concerning collectability of interest or principal of one of our loans, the loan is placed in nonaccrual status. Any interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed and charged against current earnings.

Nonperforming assets are comprised of nonperforming loans, foreclosed assets and repossessed assets. At December 31, 2014, nonperforming assets totaled $36.7 million compared to $49.2 million at December 31, 2013. Additions to other real estate owned in 2014 were $4.9 million, compared to $3.5 million in 2013.  Based on the loans currently in their redemption period, we expect there to be fewer additions to other real estate owned in 2015 than there were in 2014.  Proceeds from sales of foreclosed properties were $12.5 million in 2014, resulting in a net realized gain on sale of $624,000.  Proceeds from sales of foreclosed properties were $16.5 million in 2013 resulting in a net realized gain of $1.1 million.  We expect the level of sales of foreclosed properties in 2015 to be similar to the levels experienced in 2014.

Nonperforming loans include loans on nonaccrual status and loans delinquent more than 90 days but still accruing. As of December 31, 2014, nonperforming loans totaled $8.4 million, or 0.75% of total portfolio loans, compared to $12.3 million, or 1.18% of total portfolio loans, at December 31, 2013.

Loans for development or sale of 1-4 family residential properties comprised approximately $245,000, or 2.9% of total nonperforming loans, at December 31, 2014 compared to $2.6 million, or 21.0% of total nonperforming loans, at December 31, 2013. The remaining balance of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2014 consisted of $1.8 million of commercial real estate loans secured by various types of non-residential real estate, $5.6 million of commercial and industrial loans, and $798,000 of consumer and residential mortgage loans.

Foreclosed and repossessed assets include assets acquired in settlement of loans. Foreclosed assets totaled $28.2 million at December 31, 2014 and $36.8 million at December 31, 2013. Of this balance at December 31, 2014, there were 60 commercial real estate properties totaling approximately $27.4 million. The remaining balance was comprised of 12 residential properties totaling approximately $877,000. Three commercial real estate properties comprised $11.9 million, or 42%, of total other real estate owned at December 31, 2014.  All properties acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure are initially transferred at their fair value less estimated costs to sell and then evaluated monthly for impairment after transfer using a lower of cost or market approach. Updated property valuations are obtained at least annually on all foreclosed assets.
 
At December 31, 2014, our foreclosed asset portfolio had a weighted average age held in portfolio of 3.62 years. Below is a breakout of our foreclosed asset portfolio at December 31, 2014 by property type and the percentages the property has been written down since taken into our possession and the combined writedown percentage, including losses taken when the property was loan collateral (dollars in thousands):

Foreclosed Asset Property Type
Carrying
Value at
December 31,
2014
Foreclosed
Asset
Writedown
Combined
Writedown
(Loan and
Foreclosed
Asset)
Single Family
 
$
469
     
---
%
   
3.3
%
Residential Lot
   
407
     
31.5
     
49.1
 
Multi-Family
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Vacant Land
   
4,338
     
41.3
     
54.5
 
Residential Development
   
9,363
     
34.0
     
78.0
 
Commercial Office
   
1,556
     
31.6
     
57.7
 
Commercial Industrial
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Commercial Improved
   
12,109
     
31.4
     
43.9
 
   
$
28,242
     
33.7
     
63.9
 
 
The following table shows the composition and amount of our nonperforming assets (dollars in thousands):
 
   
December 31
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Nonaccrual loans
 
$
8,292
   
$
12,182
   
$
15,385
   
$
26,876
   
$
74,761
 
Loans 90 days or more delinquent and still accruing
   
134
     
153
     
618
     
2,070
     
600
 
Total nonperforming loans
   
8,426
     
12,335
     
16,003
     
28,946
     
75,361
 
                                         
Foreclosed assets
   
28,242
     
36,796
     
51,582
     
66,438
     
57,984
 
Repossessed assets
   
38
     
40
     
6
     
---
     
50
 
Total nonperforming assets (NPAs)
   
36,706
     
49,171
     
67,591
     
95,384
     
133,395
 
Accruing troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) (1)
   
46,197
     
57,790
     
65,024
     
55,679
     
25,395
 
Total NPAs and accruing TDRs
 
$
82,903
   
$
106,961
   
$
132,615
   
$
151,063
   
$
158,790
 
                                         
NPLs to total loans
   
0.75
%
   
1.18
%
   
1.52
%
   
2.70
%
   
6.19
%
NPAs to total assets
   
2.32
%
   
3.24
%
   
4.33
%
   
6.33
%
   
8.45
%

 (1) Comprised of approximately $32.0 million and $43.6 million of commercial loans and $14.2 million and $14.2 million of consumer loans whose terms have been restructured at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Interest is being accrued on these loans under their restructured terms as they are less than 90 days past due.

We had a total of $53.4 million and $68.1 million of loans whose terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.  These loans may have involved the restructuring of terms to allow customers to mitigate the risk of foreclosure by meeting a lower loan payment requirement based upon their current cash flow.  These may also include loans that renewed at existing contractual rates, but below market rates for comparable credit.  For each restructuring, a comprehensive credit underwriting analysis of the borrower’s financial condition and prospects of repayment under the revised terms is performed to assess whether the structure can be successful and that cash flows will be sufficient to support the restructured debt.  An analysis is also performed to determine whether the restructured loan should be on accrual status.  Generally, if the loan is on accrual at the time of restructure, it will remain on accrual after the restructuring.  In some cases, a nonaccrual loan may be placed on accrual at restructuring if the loan’s actual payment history demonstrates it would have cash flowed under the restructured terms.  After six consecutive payments under the restructured terms, a nonaccrual restructured loan is reviewed for possible upgrade to accruing status.
 
Based upon recently issued regulatory guidance, we have determined that in situations where there is a subsequent modification or renewal and the loan is brought to market terms, including a contractual interest rate not less than a market interest rate for new debt with similar credit risk characteristics, the TDR and impaired designations may be removed.  This guidance was applied to loans outstanding at December 31, 2014, resulting in a reduction of $5.9 million in loans designated as TDR and impaired.

As with other impaired loans, an allowance for loan loss is estimated for each TDR based on the most likely source of repayment for each loan.  For impaired commercial real estate loans that are collateral dependent, the allowance is computed based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell.  For impaired commercial loans where repayment is expected from cash flows from business operations, the allowance is computed based on a discounted cash flow computation.  Certain groups of TDRs, such as residential mortgages, have common characteristics and for them the allowance is computed based on a discounted cash flow computation on the change in weighted rate for the pool.  The allowance allocations for commercial TDRs where we have reduced the contractual interest rate are computed by measuring cash flows using the new payment terms discounted at the original contractual rate.

Allowance for loan losses: Determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses is highly subjective.  Timely identification of risk rating changes within the commercial loan portfolio is key to our process of establishing an appropriate allowance balance.  The internal risk rating system is discussed below.

The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2014 was $19.0 million, a decrease of $1.8 million, compared to $20.8 million at December 31, 2013.  The balance of the allowance for loan losses was 1.70% of total portfolio loans at December 31, 2014 compared to 2.00% of total portfolio loans at December 31, 2013. While this ratio decreased, the allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loan coverage ratio continued to increase, from 168.61% at December 31, 2013 to 225.04% at December 31, 2014.
 
The following is a summary of our portfolio loan balances at the end of each period and the daily average balance of these loans.  It also includes changes in the allowance for loan losses arising from loans charged-off, recoveries on loans previously charged-off, and provisions for loan losses.
 
   
December 31
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Portfolio loans:
                   
Average daily balance of loans for the year
 
$
1,048,496
   
$
1,030,766
   
$
1,041,833
   
$
1,120,857
   
$
1,360,548
 
Amount of loans outstanding at end of period
   
1,118,483
     
1,042,377
     
1,052,348
     
1,070,975
     
1,217,196
 
                                         
Allowance for loan losses:
                                       
Balance at beginning of year
   
20,798
     
23,739
     
31,641
     
47,426
     
54,623
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(3,350
)
   
(4,250
)
   
(7,100
)
   
(4,700
)
   
22,460
 
Loans charged-off:
                                       
Real estate - construction
   
---
     
(55
)
   
(1,455
)
   
(3,014
)
   
(9,768
)
Real estate - mortgage
   
(133
)
   
(1,010
)
   
(1,751
)
   
(7,967
)
   
(11,499
)
Commercial and industrial
   
(43
)
   
(317
)
   
(1,245
)
   
(2,935
)
   
(7,400
)
Total Commercial
   
(176
)
   
(1,382
)
   
(4,451
)
   
(13,916
)
   
(28,667
)
Residential mortgage
   
(9
)
   
(433
)
   
(2,257
)
   
(1,559
)
   
(1,364
)
Consumer
   
(491
)
   
(389
)
   
(788
)
   
(976
)
   
(1,806
)
     
(676
)
   
(2,204
)
   
(7,496
)
   
(16,451
)
   
(31,837
)
Recoveries:
                                       
Real estate - construction
   
869
     
1,568
     
5,521
     
2,541
     
613
 
Real estate - mortgage
   
510
     
573
     
319
     
802
     
663
 
Commercial and industrial
   
522
     
1,134
     
547
     
1,727
     
694
 
Total Commercial
   
1,901
     
3,275
     
6,387
     
5,070
     
1,970
 
Residential mortgage
   
142
     
65
     
142
     
39
     
115
 
Consumer
   
147
     
173
     
165
     
257
     
95
 
     
2,190
     
3,513
     
6,694
     
5,366
     
2,180
 
Net (charge-offs) recoveries
   
1,514
     
1,309
     
(802
)
   
(11,085
)
   
(29,657
)
Balance at end of year
 
$
18,962
   
$
20,798
   
$
23,739
   
$
31,641
   
$
47,426
 
                                         
Ratios:
                                       
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding
   
(0.14
)%
   
(0.13
)%
   
0.08
%
   
0.99
%
   
2.18
%
Allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding at year-end
   
1.70
%
   
2.00
%
   
2.26
%
   
2.95
%
   
3.90
%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans at year-end
   
225.04
%
   
168.61
%
   
148.34
%
   
109.31
%
   
62.93
%

The continued reduction in net charge-offs over the last several years has had a significant effect on the historical loss component of our allowance for loan losses computation as have the improvements in our credit quality metrics.

The table below shows the changes in these metrics over the past five years:
 
(in millions)
 
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Commercial loans
 
$
818.2
   
$
746.4
   
$
762.7
   
$
795.3
   
$
933.9
 
Nonperforming loans
   
8.4
     
12.3
     
16.0
     
28.9
     
75.4
 
Other real estate owned and repo assets
   
28.3
     
36.8
     
51.6
     
66.4
     
58.0
 
Total nonperforming assets
   
36.7
     
49.2
     
67.6
     
95.4
     
133.4
 
Net charge-offs (recoveries)
   
(1.5
)
   
(1.3
)
   
0.8
     
11.1
     
29.7
 
Total delinquencies
   
2.8
     
5.5
     
7.9
     
13.1
     
55.7
 
 
Nonperforming loans have continually declined since the first quarter of 2010 to $8.4 million at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, we have had net loan recoveries in eight of the past nine quarters and for the full years of 2013 and 2014.  Perhaps even more importantly, our total delinquencies have decreased each year since 2009, to just $2.8 million at December 31, 2014.

These factors all provide for a reduction in our allowance for loan losses, and thus impacts our provision for loan losses. The provision for loan losses was a negative $3.4 million for 2014 compared to a negative $4.3 million for 2013 and a negative $7.1 million for 2012.  The negative provision in each period was partially due to decreases in nonperforming loans and favorable net charge-off/recovery expense.  We had net recoveries in 2014 totaling $1.5 million compared to net recoveries of $1.3 million in 2013 and net charge-offs of $802,000 in 2012.  The ratio of net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans was -0.14% for 2014, compared to -0.13% for 2013 and 0.08% for 2012.

We are encouraged by the reduced level of charge-offs over the past four years. We do, however, recognize that future charge-offs and resulting provisions for loan losses are expected to be impacted by the timing and extent of changes in the overall economy and the real estate markets. We believe we have seen some stabilization in economic conditions and real estate markets. However, we expect it to take additional time for sustained improvement in the economy and real estate markets in order for us to reduce our impaired loans to acceptable levels.

Our allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level believed appropriate based upon our assessment of the probable estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Our methodology for measuring the appropriate level of allowance and related provision for loan losses relies on several key elements, which include specific allowances for loans considered impaired, general allowance for commercial loans not considered impaired based upon applying our loan rating system, and general allocations based on historical trends for homogeneous loan groups with similar risk characteristics.

Impaired loans declined $15.5 million, or 22%, to $53.4 million at December 31, 2014 compared to $68.9 million at December 31, 2013.  The specific allowance for impaired loans increased $195,000 to $4.1 million, or 7.6% of total impaired loans, at December 31, 2014 compared to $3.9 million, or 5.6% of total impaired loans, at December 31, 2013.  The overall balance of impaired loans remained elevated due to an accounting rule (ASU 2011-02) adopted in 2011 that requires us to identify classified loans that renew at existing contractual rates as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) if the contractual rate is less than market rates for similar loans at the time of renewal.

Specific allowances are established on individually impaired credits where we believe it is probable that a loss may be incurred.  Specific allowances are determined based on discounting estimated cash flows over the life of the loan or based on the fair value of collateral supporting the loan.  For commercial real estate loans, generally appraisals are used to estimate the fair value of the collateral and determine the appropriate specific allowance.  Estimated selling costs are also considered in the estimate.  When it becomes apparent that liquidation of the collateral is the only source of repayment, the collateral shortfall is charged off rather than carried as a specific allowance.

The general allowance (referred to as “formula allowance”) allocated to commercial loans that were not considered to be impaired was based upon the internal risk grade of such loans.  We use a loan rating method based upon an eight point system. Loans are stratified between real estate secured and non real estate secured.  The real estate secured portfolio is further stratified by the type of real estate.  Each stratified portfolio is assigned a loss allocation factor.  Generally, a worse grade assigned to a loan category results in a greater allocation percentage.  Changes in risk grade of loans affect the amount of the allowance allocation.

The determination of our loss factors is based upon our actual loss history by loan grade and adjusted for significant factors that, in management's judgment, affect the collectability of the portfolio as of the analysis date. We use a rolling 18 month (6 quarter) actual net charge-off history as the base for our computation for commercial loans.  The 18 month period ended December 31, 2014 reflected another sizeable decrease in net charge-off experience.  We addressed this volatility in the qualitative factor considerations applied in our allowance computation.  Adjustments to the qualitative factors also involved consideration of different loss periods for the Bank, including 12, 24, 36 and 48 month periods.  We also considered the extended period of improved asset quality in assessing the overall qualitative component.  Considering the change in our qualitative factors and changes in our commercial loan portfolio balances, the general commercial loan allowance decreased $2.4 million to $11.7 million at December 31, 2014 compared to $14.1 million at December 31, 2013.  This resulted in a general reserve percentage allocated at December 31, 2014 of 1.50% of commercial loans, a decrease from 2.03% at December 31, 2013.   The qualitative component of our allowance allocated to commercial loans was $11.7 million at December 31, 2014 (down from $13.9 million at December 31, 2013).
 
Groups of homogeneous loans, such as residential real estate and open- and closed-end consumer loans, receive allowance allocations based on loan type.  A rolling 12 month (4 quarter) historical loss experience period was applied to residential mortgage and consumer loan portfolios.  As with commercial loans that are not considered impaired, the determination of the allowance allocation percentage is based principally on our historical loss experience.  These allocations are adjusted for consideration of general economic and business conditions, credit quality and delinquency trends, collateral values, and recent loss experience for these similar pools of loans.  The homogeneous loan allowance was $3.2 million at December 31, 2014 compared to $2.8 million at December 31, 2013.  The increase was related to an increase in residential mortgage loans over 90 days past due, which receive a larger allocation.

As noted above, the formula allowance allocated to commercial loans that are not considered to be impaired is calculated by applying historical loss factors to outstanding loans based on the internal risk rating of such loans.  We use a loan rating method based upon an eight point system.  Loans rated a 4 or better are considered of acceptable risk.  Loans rated a 5 exhibit above-normal risk to the Company and warrant a greater level of attention by management.  These loans are subject to on-going review and assessment by our Administrative Loan Committee.  Loans rated a 6 or worse are considered substandard, doubtful or loss, exhibit a greater relative risk of loss to the Company based upon the rating and warrant an active workout plan administered by our Special Asset Group.

The qualitative factors assessed and used to adjust historical loss experience reflect our assessment of the impact of economic trends, delinquency and other problem loan trends, trends in valuations supporting underlying collateral, changes in loan portfolio concentrations and changes in internal credit administration practices have on probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio.  Qualitative adjustments are inherently subjective and there can be no assurance that these adjustments have properly identified probable losses in our loan portfolio.  More information regarding the subjectivity involved in determining the estimate of the allowance for loan losses may be found in this Item 7 of the report under the heading "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates."

The following table shows the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio type at the dates indicated.
 
(Dollars in thousands)  
December 31
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Allowance Amount
   
% of Each Category to total Loans
   
Amount
   
% of Each Category to total Loans
   
Amount
   
% of Each Category to total Loans
   
Amount
   
% of Each Category to total Loans
   
Amount
   
% of Each Category to total Loans
 
Commercial and commercial real estate
 
$
14,916
     
73
%
 
$
17,095
     
72
%
 
$
19,952
     
73
%
 
$
26,820
     
74
%
 
$
42,011
     
77
%
Residential mortgage
   
2,689
     
17
     
2,368
     
18
     
2,544
     
17
     
3,093
     
15
     
2,155
     
11
 
Consumer
   
1,357
     
10
     
1,335
     
10
     
1,243
     
10
     
1,728
     
11
     
3,260
     
12
 
Total
 
$
18,962
     
100
%
 
$
20,798
     
100
%
 
$
23,739
     
100
%
 
$
31,641
     
100
%
 
$
47,426
     
100
%
 
The components of the allowance for loan losses were as follows:
 
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2014
   
2013
 
   
Balance of Loans
   
Allowance Amount
   
Balance of Loans
   
Allowance Amount
 
                 
Commercial and commercial real estate:
               
Impaired with allowance recorded
 
$
34,268
   
$
3,172
   
$
42,434
   
$
2,989
 
Impaired with no allowance recorded
   
4,634
     
---
     
12,006
     
---
 
Loss allocation factor on non-impaired loans
   
779,303
     
11,744
     
691,999
     
14,106
 
     
818,205
     
14,916
     
746,439
     
17,095
 
Residential mortgage and consumer:
                               
Reserves on troubled debt restructurings
   
14,495
     
893
     
14,483
     
881
 
Loss allocation factor
   
285,783
     
3,153
     
281,455
     
2,822
 
Total
 
$
1,118,483
   
$
18,962
   
$
1,042,377
   
$
20,798
 
 
With the exception of certain TDRs, impaired commercial loans at December 31, 2014 were classified as substandard or worse per our internal risk rating system.  The $9.4 million of residential mortgage troubled debt restructurings were associated with programs approved by the U.S. government during 2009 to minimize the number of consumer foreclosures.  These loans involved the restructuring of terms on consumer mortgages to allow customers to mitigate foreclosure by meeting a lower loan payment requirement based upon their current cash flow.  Also included in this category are certain consumer home equity loans that were restructured maturing home equity lines of credit that did not qualify for traditional term financing.  We have been actively working with our customers to reduce the risk of foreclosure using these programs.  Additional information regarding impaired loans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 may be found in Item 8 of this report in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The decrease in the level of the allowance for 2014 was due to decreases in net charge-offs from commercial loans, a reduction in the level of impaired loans and nonperforming loans, an improvement in the loan grades and a reduction in qualitative factor allocations for commercial loans, which provided a lower allocation.  Our weighted average loan grade improved from 4.38 at December 31, 2010 to 4.19 at December 31, 2011, 4.01 at December 31, 2012, 3.88 at December 31, 2013 and 3.78 at December 31, 2014.  The decrease of $2.2 million in reserves on commercial loans was due to a $2.4 million decrease in the loss allocation factor on non-impaired loans, partially offset by a $182,000 increase in specific reserves on impaired loans.  Continued net recoveries for the period and general improvement in the credit quality and overall risk ratings of commercial loans were the primary reasons for this decrease.

The general allowance for residential real estate and consumer loans was $3.2 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $2.8 million at December 31, 2013.

Of the $19.0 million allowance at December 31, 2014, 21% related to specific allocations on impaired loans, 62% related to formula allowance on commercial loans and 17% related to general allocations for homogeneous loans.  Of the $20.8 million allowance at December 31, 2013, 19% related to specific allocations on impaired loans, 68% related to formula allowance on commercial loans and 13% related to general allocations for homogeneous loans.  Of the $15.7 million total formula based allowance for loan loss allocations at December 31, 2014, $14.8 million is from general/environmental allocations with $981,000 driven from historical experience.  Of the $16.9 million total formula based allowance for loan loss allocations at December 31, 2013, $16.4 million is from general/environmental allocations with $506,000 driven from historical experience.  The above allocations are not intended to imply limitations on usage of the allowance. The entire allowance is available for any loan losses without regard to loan type.

More information regarding steps to address the elevated levels of substandard, impaired and nonperforming loans may be found in this Item 7 of the report under the heading "Portfolio Loans and Asset Quality" above and in Item 8 of this report in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Although we believe our allowance for loan losses has captured the losses that are probable in our portfolio as of December 31, 2014, there can be no assurance that all losses have been identified or that the allowance is sufficient.  The additional efforts by management to accelerate the identification and disposition of problem assets discussed above, and the impact of the lasting economic slowdown, may result in additional losses in 2015.

Premises and Equipment:  Premises and equipment totaled $52.9 million at December 31, 2014 compared to $53.6 million at December 31, 2013 as capital additions were offset by depreciation of current facilities during 2014.

Deposits and Other Borrowings: Total deposits increased $56.6 million to $1.306 billion at December 31, 2014, as compared to $1.250 billion at December 31, 2013.  Noninterest checking account balances increased $59.6 million in 2014.  Interest bearing demand account balances increased $52.6 million and savings and money market account balances decreased $27.3 million in 2014.  We decreased higher costing certificates of deposits by $28.3 million in 2014.    We believe our success in maintaining and increasing the balances of personal and business checking and savings accounts was primarily attributable to our focus on quality customer service, the desire of customers to deal with a local bank, the convenience of our branch network and the breadth and depth of our product line.

Noninterest bearing demand accounts comprised 31% of total deposits at December 31, 2014 compared to 28% of total deposits at December 31, 2013.  Because of the generally low rates paid on interest bearing account alternatives, many of our business customers chose to keep their balances in these more liquid noninterest bearing demand account types.  Interest bearing demand, money market and savings accounts, comprised 60% of total deposits at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Time accounts as a percentage of total deposits were 9% at December 31, 2014 and 12% at December 31, 2013.

Borrowed funds totaled $129.3 million at December 31, 2014 including $88.1 million in Federal Home Loan Bank advances and $41.2 million in long-term debt associated with trust preferred securities.  Borrowed funds totaled $131.2 million at December 31, 2013 including $90.0 million of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and $41.2 million in long-term debt associated with trust preferred securities.  Borrowed funds decreased by $1.9 million in 2014 as a result of an annual payment on an amortizing Federal Home Loan Bank advance in the first quarter of 2014.
 
During the second quarter of 2013, we modified the terms of six of our existing FHLB advances (totaling $60.0 million) having the effect of extending the weighted average maturity for all outstanding advances from 3.22 years to 4.86 years and reducing the weighted average interest rate from 1.95% to 1.94% at that time.  As the modifications did not result in the terms being substantially different (as defined in ASC 470-50-40-10), the transaction was accounted for as a modification, not extinguishment of debt.  Accordingly, the prepayment fees that were incurred are amortized as an adjustment of the yield over the remaining life of each advance.

The Company has outstanding $40.0 million aggregate liquidation amount of pooled trust preferred securities (“TRUPs”) issued through its wholly-owned subsidiary grantor trusts, Macatawa Statutory Trust I (issued $20.0 million aggregate liquidation amount with floating interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus 3.05%) and Macatawa Statutory Trust II (issued $20.0 million aggregate liquidation amount with  a floating interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.75%).  In December 2009, the Company exercised its right to defer interest payments on the TRUPs for 20 consecutive quarters or until such earlier time as determined by further action of the Board of Directors.    Through June 30, 2013, the Company had deferred interest payments on the TRUPs for 15 quarters.    In the second half of 2013, we discontinued the deferral and resumed regular payment of quarterly interest payments on our trust preferred securities and paid all accrued and unpaid interest that had been previously deferred and became due and payable upon the discontinuance of the deferral. For Macatawa Statutory Trust I, a total of $3.0 million, representing all of the deferred and current interest payment due was distributed on September 30, 2013. For Macatawa Statutory Trust II, a total of $2.7 million, representing all of the deferred and current interest payment due was distributed on October 7, 2013.

In 2009, the Company received proceeds of $1,650,000 from the issuance of unsecured subordinated debt in the form of 11% subordinated notes due in 2017.  On August 13, 2013, the Company prepaid and redeemed all of the subordinated notes for $1,650,000 plus interest accrued through the prepayment date.

Information regarding our off-balance sheet commitments may be found in Item 8 of this report in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

Total shareholders' equity of $142.5 million at December 31, 2014 increased $10.0 million from $132.5 million at December 31, 2013. The increase was primarily a result of net income of $10.5 million earned in 2014 and unrealized gains on securities available for sale,  offset in part by cash dividends on common stock of $2.7 million, or $0.08 per share.

Our regulatory capital ratios (on a consolidated basis) were stable in 2014 and ended among the highest year-end levels in the Company’s history.  The Bank was categorized as “well capitalized” at December 31, 2014. The following table shows our regulatory capital ratios (on a consolidated basis) for the past five years.
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
Total capital to risk weighted assets
   
15.6
%
   
15.7
%
   
15.0
%
   
13.2
%
   
9.7
%
Tier 1 capital to average assets
   
11.6
     
10.6
     
10.4
     
8.3
     
5.8
 

On December 30, 2013, we completed the cancellation and exchange (the “Exchange”) of each share of issued and outstanding Series A and Series B Preferred Stock for shares of common stock and cash, at the election of the holder.  Pursuant to the Exchange, we canceled and exchanged each share of Preferred Stock for shares of Company common stock, no par value, in an amount equal to $1,000, the preferred stocks’ liquidation preference amount, divided by $5.25 plus, at the election of the holder, an amount of cash equal to $142.00, in the case of Series A Preferred Stock, or $182.00, in the case of Series B Preferred Stock, or a number of shares of Company common stock equal to this cash amount divided by $5.25.  The one-time cash payments approximated a 5.0% and 4.5% dividend rate for the Series A and Series B, respectively, after considering previous dividends paid.  The Exchange resulted in cash payments of $4.4 million for the Series A Preferred Stock and $319,000 for the Series B Preferred Stock.  Under the accounting guidance, the cash payments were recorded as a reduction to common stock, rather than retained earnings,  as we had a retained deficit at December 30, 2013.
 
In addition to the cash payment discussed above, the Exchange resulted in the issuance of 5,973,519 shares of Company common stock in exchange for the Series A Preferred Stock and 457,159 shares in exchange for the Series B Preferred Stock.   The total of the fair value of the new common shares issued and the $4.7 million cash payment exceeded the fair value of the securities issuable according to the original conversion terms by $17.6 million, which amount is reflected as a reduction of net income available to common shares in the computation of earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2013.

As discussed above, these actions as well as a consideration of our levels of cash, earnings, capital and prospects for sustained economic growth and improved performance allowed our Board of Directors to declare our first quarterly cash dividend to common shareholders in over five years beginning with the first quarter of 2014, and each subsequent quarter in 2014.  The declaration and payment of future dividends to common shareholders will be considered by the Board of Directors in its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including our financial condition and anticipated profitability.

All of the $40.0 million of trust preferred securities outstanding at December 31, 2014 qualified as Tier 1 capital.

Capital sources include, but are not limited to, additional private and public common stock offerings, preferred stock offerings and subordinated debt.

On July 3, 2013, the FDIC Board of Directors approved the Regulatory Capital Interim Final Rule, implementing Basel III.  This rule redefines Tier 1 capital as two components (Common Equity Tier 1 and Additional Tier 1), creates a new capital ratio (Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-based Capital Ratio) and implements a capital conservation buffer.  It also revises the prompt corrective action thresholds and makes changes to risk weights for certain assets and off-balance-sheet exposures.  Banks are required to transition into the new rule beginning on January 1, 2015.  Based on our capital levels and balance sheet composition at December 31, 2014, we believe implementation of the new rule will have no material impact on our capital needs.

Macatawa Bank:

The Bank was categorized as "well capitalized" at December 31, 2014 and 2013.  The following table shows the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios for the past five years.

   
December 31,
 
   
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
Average equity to average assets
   
11.6
%
   
11.2
%
   
9.2
%
   
7.8
%
   
6.7
%
Total risk-based capital
   
15.3
     
15.4
     
14.5
     
12.5
     
9.7
 
Tier 1 risk-based capital
   
14.0
     
14.2
     
13.3
     
11.2
     
8.4
 
Tier 1 capital to average assets
   
11.4
     
10.5
     
10.3
     
8.4
     
7.1
 
 
LIQUIDITY

Liquidity of Macatawa Bank: The liquidity of a financial institution reflects its ability to manage 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 on developing access to a variety of borrowing sources to supplement our deposit gathering activities and provide funds for our investment and loan portfolios. Our sources of liquidity include our borrowing capacity with the FRB's discount window, the Federal Home Loan Bank, federal funds purchased lines of credit and other secured borrowing sources with our correspondent banks, loan payments by our borrowers, maturity and sales of our securities available for sale, growth of our deposits, federal funds sold and other short-term investments, and the various capital resources discussed above.

Liquidity management involves the ability to meet the cash flow requirements of our customers. Our customers may be either borrowers with credit needs or depositors wanting to withdraw funds. Our liquidity management involves periodic monitoring of our assets considered to be liquid and illiquid, and our funding sources considered to be core and non-core and short-term (less than 12 months) and long-term. We have established parameters that monitor, among other items, our level of liquid assets to short-term liabilities, our level of non-core funding reliance and our level of available borrowing capacity. We maintain a diversified wholesale funding structure and actively manage our maturing wholesale sources to reduce the risk to liquidity shortages. We have also developed a contingency funding plan to stress test our liquidity requirements arising from certain events that may trigger liquidity shortages, such as rapid loan growth in excess of normal growth levels or the loss of deposits and other funding sources under extreme circumstances.
 
We have actively pursued initiatives to further strengthen our liquidity position.  The Bank reduced its reliance on non-core funding sources, including brokered deposits, and focused on achieving a non-core funding dependency ratio below its peer group average.  We have had no brokered deposits on our balance sheet since December 2011.  We also reduced other borrowed funds by $56.8 million in 2012, $1.8 million in 2013 and $1.9 million in 2014.  We continue to maintain significant on-balance sheet liquidity.  At December 31, 2014, the Bank held $98.0 million of federal funds sold and other short-term investments and $20.0 million in time deposits with other financial institutions with maturities of less than 18 months.  In addition, the Bank’s available borrowing capacity from correspondent banks has been improved and was approximately $251.8 million as of December 31, 2014.

In the normal course of business, we enter into certain contractual obligations, including obligations which are considered in our overall liquidity management.

The table below summarizes our significant contractual obligations at December 31, 2014.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Less than
1 year
   
1-3 years
   
3-5 years
   
More than
5 years
 
Long term debt
 
$
---
   
$
---
   
$
---
   
$
41,238
 
Time deposit maturities
   
85,486
     
29,039
     
5,358
     
---
 
Other borrowed funds
   
1,938
     
24,051
     
62,118
     
---
 
Total
 
$
87,424
   
$
53,090
   
$
67,476
   
$
41,238
 

In addition to normal loan funding, we also maintain liquidity to meet customer financing needs through unused lines of credit, unfunded loan commitments and standby letters of credit.  The level and fluctuation of these commitments is also considered in our overall liquidity management.  At December 31, 2014, we had a total of $389.1 million in unused lines of credit, $81.3 million in unfunded loan commitments and $11.9 million in standby letters of credit.

Liquidity of Holding Company: The primary sources of liquidity for the Company are dividends from the Bank, existing cash resources and the capital markets if the need to raise additional capital arises.  Banking regulations and the laws of the State of Michigan in which our Bank is chartered limit the amount of dividends the Bank may declare and pay to the Company in any calendar year.  Under the state law limitations, the Bank is restricted from paying dividends to the Company in excess of retained earnings. In December 2013, the Bank paid a dividend of $5.0 million to the Company in anticipation of the preferred stock exchange, in which the Company paid a total of $4.8 million in cash as a part of the transaction, retaining the remaining balance for general corporate purposes.  In 2014, the Company resumed payment of quarterly cash dividends to Company shareholders.  In 2014, the Bank paid dividends to the Company totaling $4.1 million.  In the same period, the Company paid dividends to its shareholders totaling $2.7 million.  The Company retained the remaining balance for general corporate purposes.  At December 31, 2014, the Bank had a retained earnings balance of $17.1 million.
During the first quarter of 2014, the Company also received a payment from the Bank totaling $1.9 million, representing the Bank’s intercompany tax liability for the 2013 tax year in accordance with the Company’s tax allocation agreement.  At December 31, 2014, the Bank’s tax liability to the Company for 2014 was $4.0 million.  This amount will be paid to the Company in the first quarter of 2015.

The Company has the right to defer interest payments for 20 consecutive quarters on its trust preferred securities if necessary for liquidity purposes.  During the deferral period, the Company may not declare or pay any dividends on its common stock or make any payment on any outstanding debt obligations that rank equally with or junior to the trust preferred securities.

The Company’s cash balance at December 31, 2014 was $2.5 million.  The Company believes that it has sufficient liquidity to meet its cash flow obligations.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES:

To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information.  These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and future results could differ.  The allowance for loan losses, other real estate owned valuation, loss contingencies and income taxes are deemed critical due to the required level of management judgment and the use of estimates, making them particularly subject to change.
 
Our methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses and the related provision for loan losses is described above in the "Allowance for Loan Losses" discussion.  This area of accounting requires significant judgment due to the number of factors which can influence the collectability of a loan.  Unanticipated changes in these factors could significantly change the level of the allowance for loan losses and the related provision for loan losses.  Although, based upon our internal analysis, and in our judgment, we believe that we have provided an adequate allowance for loan losses, there can be no assurance that our analysis has properly identified all of the probable losses in our loan portfolio.  As a result, we could record future provisions for loan losses that may be significantly different than the levels that we recorded in 2014.

Assets acquired through or instead of foreclosure, primarily other real estate owned, are initially recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis.  New real estate appraisals are generally obtained at the time of foreclosure and are used to establish fair value.  If fair value declines, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense.  Estimating the initial and ongoing fair value of these properties involves a number of factors and judgments including holding time, costs to complete, holding costs, discount rate, absorption and other factors.

Loss contingencies are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated.  This, too, is an accounting area that involves significant judgment.  Although, based upon our judgment, internal analysis, and consultations with legal counsel we believe that we have properly accounted for loss contingencies, future changes in the status of such contingencies could result in a significant change in the level of contingent liabilities and a related impact to operating earnings.

Our accounting for income taxes involves the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities primarily associated with differences in the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses for financial reporting and tax purposes.  At December 31, 2014, we had gross deferred tax assets of $14.7 million and gross deferred tax liabilities of $2.4 million resulting in a net deferred tax asset of $12.3 million.  Accounting standards require that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a "more likely than not" standard.  From mid 2009 through the end of 2012, we had maintained a full valuation allowance on our net deferred tax asset.  At December 31, 2012, we considered all reasonably available positive and negative evidence and determined that with completing our eleventh consecutive profitable quarter, continued significant improvement in asset quality measures for the third straight year, the termination of our previous regulatory orders and our moving to a cumulative income position in the most recent three year period, that it was “more likely than not” that we will be able to realize our deferred tax assets and, as such, the full $18.9 million valuation allowance was reversed as of December 31, 2012.  With the positive results in 2014, we concluded at December 31, 2014 that no valuation allowance on our net deferred tax asset was required.  Changes in tax laws, changes in tax rates, changes in ownership and our future level of earnings can impact the ultimate realization of our net deferred tax asset.
 
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Our primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk and, to a lesser extent, liquidity risk. All of our transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars with no specific foreign exchange exposure. Macatawa Bank has only limited agricultural-related loan assets, and therefore has no significant exposure to changes in commodity prices.

Our balance sheet has sensitivity, in various categories of assets and liabilities, to changes in prevailing rates in the U.S. for prime rate, mortgage rates, U.S. Treasury rates and various money market indexes. Our asset/liability management process aids us in providing liquidity while maintaining a balance between interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities.

We utilize a simulation model as our primary tool to assess the direction and magnitude of variations in net interest income and the economic value of equity (“EVE”) resulting from potential changes in market interest rates. Key assumptions in the model include contractual cash flows and maturities of interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities, prepayment speeds on certain assets, and changes in market conditions impacting loan and deposit pricing. We also include pricing floors on discretionary priced liability products which limit how low various checking and savings products could go under declining interest rates. These floors reflect our pricing philosophy in response to changing interest rates.

We forecast the next twelve months of net interest income under an assumed environment of gradual changes in market interest rates under various scenarios. The resulting change in net interest income is an indication of the sensitivity of our earnings to directional changes in market interest rates. The simulation also measures the change in EVE, or the net present value of our assets and liabilities, under an immediate shift, or shock, in interest rates under various scenarios, as calculated by discounting the estimated future cash flows using market-based discount rates.

The following table shows the impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income over the next twelve months and EVE based on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands).
 
Interest Rate Scenario
 
Economic
Value of
Equity
 
Percent
Change
 
Net Interest
Income
 
Percent
Change
 
Interest rates up 200 basis points
  $
176,484
     
1.04
%
 
$
44,487
     
3.10
%
Interest rates up 100 basis points
   
176,084
     
0.81
     
43,860
     
1.65
 
No change
   
174,665
     
---
     
43,147
     
---
 
Interest rates down 100 basis points
   
163,414
     
(6.44
)
   
42,867
     
(0.65
)
Interest rates down 200 basis points
   
163,667
     
(6.30
)
   
42,563
     
(1.35
)

If interest rates were to increase, this analysis suggests that we are positioned for an improvement in net interest income over the next twelve months.

We also forecast the impact of immediate and parallel interest rate shocks on net interest income under various scenarios to measure the sensitivity of our earnings under extreme conditions.

The quarterly simulation analysis is monitored against acceptable interest rate risk parameters by the Asset/Liability Committee and reported to the Board of Directors.

In addition to changes in interest rates, the level of future net interest income is also dependent on a number of other variables, including: the growth, composition and absolute levels of loans, deposits, and other earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; economic and competitive conditions; potential changes in lending, investing and deposit gathering strategies; and client preferences.
 
ITEM 8:
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Macatawa Bank Corporation
Holland, Michigan

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Macatawa Bank Corporation as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of  the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Macatawa Bank Corporation at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Macatawa Bank Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated February 19, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
 
 
 
Grand Rapids, Michigan
February 19, 2015
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)


   
2014
   
2013
 
ASSETS
       
Cash and due from banks
 
$
31,503
   
$
38,714
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
97,952
     
118,178
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
129,455
     
156,892
 
Interest-bearing time deposits in other financial institutions
   
20,000
     
25,000
 
Securities available for sale, at fair value
   
161,874
     
139,659
 
Securities held to maturity (fair value 2014 - $31,428 and 2013 - $19,278)
   
31,585
     
19,248
 
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock
   
11,238
     
11,236
 
Loans held for sale, at fair value
   
2,347
     
1,915
 
Total loans
   
1,118,483
     
1,042,377
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
(18,962
)
   
(20,798
)
Net loans
   
1,099,521
     
1,021,579
 
Premises and equipment – net
   
52,894
     
53,641
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
3,399
     
3,231
 
Bank-owned life insurance
   
28,195
     
27,517
 
Other real estate owned
   
28,242
     
36,796
 
Net deferred tax asset
   
12,265
     
16,200
 
Other assets
   
2,831
     
4,491
 
Total assets
 
$
1,583,846
   
$
1,517,405
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Deposits
               
Noninterest-bearing
 
$
404,143
   
$
344,550
 
Interest-bearing
   
902,182
     
905,184
 
Total deposits
   
1,306,325
     
1,249,734
 
Other borrowed funds
   
88,107
     
89,991
 
Long-term debt
   
41,238
     
41,238
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
5,657
     
3,920
 
Total liabilities
   
1,441,327
     
1,384,883
 
                 
Commitments and contingent liabilities
   
---
     
---
 
                 
Shareholders' equity
               
Common stock, no par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 33,866,789 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 33,801,097 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013
   
216,460
     
216,263
 
Retained deficit
   
(74,002
)
   
(81,786
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
61
     
(1,955
)
Total shareholders' equity
   
142,519
     
132,522
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
1,583,846
   
$
1,517,405
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Interest income
           
Loans, including fees
 
$
42,911
   
$
45,201
   
$
54,549
 
Securities
                       
Taxable
   
2,006
     
1,798
     
1,544
 
Tax-exempt
   
1,161
     
742
     
330
 
FHLB Stock
   
471
     
393
     
351
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
439
     
486
     
502
 
Total interest income
   
46,988
     
48,620
     
57,276
 
Interest expense
                       
Deposits
   
2,576
     
3,993
     
5,721
 
Other borrowings
   
1,709
     
1,781
     
2,374
 
Subordinated and long-term debt
   
1,311
     
1,563
     
1,719
 
Total interest expense
   
5,596
     
7,337
     
9,814
 
Net interest income
   
41,392
     
41,283
     
47,462
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(3,350
)
   
(4,250
)
   
(7,100
)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
44,742
     
45,533
     
54,562
 
Noninterest income
                       
Service charges and fees
   
4,334
     
4,129
     
3,471
 
Net gains on mortgage loans
   
1,939
     
2,554
     
2,882
 
Trust fees
   
2,701
     
2,413
     
2,389
 
ATM and debit card fees
   
4,654
     
4,325
     
4,130
 
Gain on sales of securities
   
75
     
120
     
73
 
Other
   
2,511
     
2,600
     
2,683
 
Total noninterest income
   
16,214
     
16,141
     
15,628
 
Noninterest expense
                       
Salaries and benefits
   
23,137
     
23,012
     
22,986
 
Occupancy of premises
   
3,840
     
3,756
     
3,815
 
Furniture and equipment
   
3,190
     
3,224
     
3,259
 
Legal and professional
   
846
     
680
     
664
 
Marketing and promotion
   
932
     
870
     
929
 
Data processing
   
2,423
     
2,306
     
2,221
 
FDIC assessment
   
1,218
     
1,458
     
2,196
 
Interchange and other card expense
   
1,109
     
1,300
     
1,222
 
Bond and D&O Insurance
   
659
     
740
     
909
 
FHLB Advance prepayment penalty
   
---
     
---
     
322
 
Net losses on repossessed and foreclosed properties
   
999
     
1,825
     
5,295
 
Administration and disposition of problem assets
   
2,072
     
3,699
     
4,665
 
Other
   
5,485
     
4,985
     
4,800
 
Total noninterest expenses
   
45,910
     
47,855
     
53,283
 
Income before income tax
   
15,046
     
13,819
     
16,907
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
4,573
     
4,270
     
(18,583
)
Net income
 
$
10,473
   
$
9,549
   
$
35,490
 
Effect of induced exchange of preferred stock
   
---
     
17,575
     
---
 
Net income available to common shares
 
$
10,473
   
$
(8,026
)
 
$
35,490
 
                         
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.31
   
$
(0.29
)
 
$
1.31
 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.31
   
$
(0.29
)
 
$
1.31
 
Cash dividends per common share
 
$
0.08
   
$
---
   
$
---
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(Dollars in thousands)


   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
             
Net income
 
$
10,473
   
$
9,549
   
$
35,490
 
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
                         
Unrealized gains (losses):
                       
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale
   
3,177
     
(4,365
)
   
968
 
Tax effect
   
(1,112
)
   
1,528
     
(339
)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale, net of tax
   
2,065
     
(2,837
)
   
629
 
                         
Less: reclassification adjustments:
                       
Reclassification for gains included in net income
   
75
     
120
     
73
 
Tax effect
   
(26
)
   
(42
)
   
(26
)
Reclassification for gains included in net income, net of tax
   
49
     
78
     
47
 
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
   
2,016
     
(2,915
)
   
582
 
                         
Comprehensive income
 
$
12,489
   
$
6,634
   
$
36,072
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common
   
Retained
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
   
Total
Shareholders'
 
   
Series A
   
Series B
   
Stock
   
Deficit
   
Income (Loss)
   
Equity
 
Balance, January 1, 2012
 
$
30,604
   
$
2,560
   
$
187,709
   
$
(126,825
)
 
$
378
   
$
94,426
 
Net income
                           
35,490
             
35,490
 
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of tax
                                   
582
     
582
 
Stock compensation expense
                   
9
                     
9
 
Balance, December 31, 2012
 
$
30,604
   
$
2,560
   
$
187,718
   
$
(91,335
)
 
$
960
   
$
130,507
 
                                                 
Net income
                           
9,549
             
9,549
 
Conversion of 300 shares of Preferred Stock Series B to 50,000 shares of common stock
           
(300
)
   
300
                     
---
 
Preferred stock exchange:
                                               
Exchange of 31,290 shares of Preferred Stock Series A to 5,973,519 shares of common stock
   
(30,604
)
           
30,604
                     
---
 
Exchange of 2,300 shares of Preferred Stock Series B to 457,159 shares of common stock
           
(2,260
)
   
2,260
                     
---
 
Cash portion of exchange consideration, including exchange-related expenses
                   
(4,734
)
                   
(4,734
)
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of tax
                                   
(2,915
)
   
(2,915
)
Repurchase of 8,906 shares for taxes withheld on vested restricted stock
                   
(45
)
                   
(45
)
Stock compensation expense
                   
160
                     
160
 
Balance, December 31, 2013
 
$
---
   
$
---
   
$
216,263
   
$
(81,786
)
 
$
(1,955
)
 
$
132,522
 
                                                 
Net income
                           
10,473
             
10,473
 
Common stock issuance costs
                   
(102
)
                   
(102
)
Issuance of 392 shares of Common Stock on exercise of stock purchase warrants
                   
4
                     
4
 
Cash dividends at $.08 per share
                           
(2,689
)
           
(2,689
)
Repurchase of 20,534 shares for taxes withheld on vested restricted stock
                   
(106
)
                   
(106
)
Tax effect of vested stock awards
                   
63
                     
63
 
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of tax
                                   
2,016
     
2,016
 
Stock compensation expense
                   
338
                     
338
 
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
$
---
   
$
---
   
$
216,460
   
$
(74,002
)
 
$
61
   
$
142,519
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(Dollars in thousands)


   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net income
 
$
10,473
   
$
9,549
   
$
35,490
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
   
3,139
     
3,067
     
2,970
 
Stock compensation expense
   
338
     
160
     
9
 
Tax effect of vested stock awards
   
63
     
---
     
---
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(3,350
)
   
(4,250
)
   
(7,100
)
Origination of loans for sale
   
(73,516
)
   
(107,988
)
   
(140,151
)
Proceeds from sales of loans originated for sale
   
75,023
     
116,757
     
135,929
 
Net gains on mortgage loans
   
(1,939
)
   
(2,554
)
   
(2,882
)
Gain on sales of securities
   
(75
)
   
(120
)
   
(73
)
Write-down of other real estate
   
1,623
     
2,922
     
5,236
 
Net (gain) loss on sales of other real estate
   
(624
)
   
(1,098
)
   
59
 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
   
---
     
---
     
89
 
Change in net deferred tax asset
   
2,849
     
4,150
     
(18,858
)
FHLB advance prepayment penalty
   
---
     
---
     
322
 
Change in accrued interest receivable and other assets
   
1,555
     
124
     
2,149
 
Earnings in bank-owned life insurance
   
(678
)
   
(713
)
   
(847
)
Change in accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
1,737
     
(3,694
)
   
1,153
 
Net cash from operating activities
   
16,618
     
16,312
     
13,495
 
                         
Cash flows from investing activities
                       
Loan originations and payments, net
   
(79,524
)
   
7,741
     
8,657
 
Change in interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions
   
5,000
     
(25,000
)
   
---
 
Purchases of securities available for sale
   
(43,882
)
   
(42,594
)
   
(115,248
)
Purchases of securities held to maturity
   
(25,225
)
   
(19,732
)
   
(4,000
)
Purchase FHLB stock
   
(2,519
)
   
---
     
---
 
Proceeds from:
                       
Maturities and calls of securities available for sale
   
22,528
     
13,159
     
40,042
 
Sales of securities available for sale
   
10,936
     
5,241
     
4,595
 
Principal paydowns on securities
   
3,642
     
6,100
     
3,884
 
Sales of other real estate
   
12,487
     
16,501
     
18,729
 
Sale of FHLB stock
   
2,517
     
---
     
---
 
Additions to premises and equipment
   
(1,766
)
   
(2,407
)
   
(707
)
Net cash from investing activities
   
(95,806
)
   
(40,991
)
   
(44,048
)
                         
Cash flows from financing activities
                       
Change in deposits
   
56,591
     
(36,527
)
   
70,972
 
Repayments of other borrowed funds and subordinated debt
   
(1,884
)
   
(3,481
)
   
(57,103
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
4
     
---
     
---
 
Cash retained (paid) related to tax impact of vested stock awards
   
(63
)
   
---
     
---
 
Cash dividends paid
   
(2,689
)
   
---
     
---
 
Common stock issuance costs
   
(102
)
   
---
     
---
 
Repurchase shares for taxes withheld on vested restricted stock
   
(106
)
   
(45
)
   
---
 
Cash paid in preferred stock exchange
   
---
     
(4,734
)
   
---
 
Net cash from financing activities
   
51,751
     
(44,787
)
   
13,869
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
(27,437
)
   
(69,466
)
   
(16,684
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
156,892
     
226,358
     
243,042
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
129,455
   
$
156,892
   
$
226,358
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(Dollars in thousands)

 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Supplemental cash flow information
           
Interest paid
 
$
5,615
   
$
11,886
   
$
8,473
 
Income taxes paid
   
90
     
120
     
275
 
Supplemental noncash disclosures:
                       
Transfers from loans to other real estate
   
4,932
     
3,539
     
9,168
 
Security settlement
   
---
     
1,626
     
1,626
 
Conversion of 300 shares of Preferred Series B to 50,000 shares of common stock
   
---
     
300
     
---
 
Exchange of 31,290 shares of Preferred Series A to 5,973,519 shares of common stock
   
---
     
30,604
     
---
 
Exchange of 2,300 shares of Preferred Series B to 457,159 shares of common stock
   
---
     
2,260
     
---
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Macatawa Bank Corporation ("Macatawa" or the "Company") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Macatawa Bank (the "Bank").  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Macatawa Bank is a Michigan chartered bank with depository accounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Bank operates 26 full service branch offices providing a full range of commercial and consumer banking and trust services in Kent County, Ottawa County, and northern Allegan County, Michigan.

The Company owns all of the common securities of Macatawa Statutory Trust I and Macatawa Statutory Trust II.  These are grantor trusts that issued trust preferred securities and are discussed in a separate note.  Under generally accepted accounting principles, these trusts are not consolidated into the financial statements of the Company.

Use of Estimates:  To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information.  These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided, and future results could differ.  The allowance for loan losses, valuation of deferred tax assets, loss contingencies, fair value of other real estate owned and fair values of financial instruments are particularly subject to change.

Concentration of Credit Risk:  Loans are granted to, and deposits are obtained from, customers primarily in the western Michigan area as described above.  Substantially all loans are secured by specific items of collateral, including residential real estate, commercial real estate, commercial assets and consumer assets.  Commercial real estate loans are the largest concentration, comprising 44% of total loans at December 31, 2014.  Commercial and industrial loans total 29%, while residential real estate and consumer loans make up the remaining 27%.  Other financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, include deposit accounts in other financial institutions.

Cash Flow Reporting:  Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits with other financial institutions and short-term securities (securities with maturities equal to or less than 90 days and federal funds sold).  Cash flows are reported net for customer loan and deposit transactions, interest-bearing time deposits with other financial institutions and short-term borrowings with maturities of 90 days or less.

Securities:  Securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity.  Securities available for sale consist of those securities which might be sold prior to maturity due to changes in interest rates, prepayment risks, yield and availability of alternative investments, liquidity needs or other factors.  Securities classified as available for sale are reported at their fair value and the related unrealized holding gain or loss is reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount.  Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level yield method without anticipating prepayments.  Gains and losses on sales are based on the amortized cost of the security sold.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation.  Investment securities classified as available for sale or held-to-maturity are generally evaluated for OTTI under ASC Topic 320, Investments — Debt and Equity Instruments.

In determining OTTI, management considers many factors, including: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the entity has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time. Management has determined that no OTTI charges were necessary during 2014, 2013 and 2012.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Stock:  The Bank is a member of the FHLB system.  Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts.  FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment.  Because this stock is viewed as a long term investment, impairment is based on ultimate recovery of par value.  Management has determined that there is no impairment of FHLB stock.  Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

Loans Held for Sale:  Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at fair value, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, these loans had a net unrealized gain of $62,000 and $42,000, respectively, which are reflected in their carrying value.  Changes in fair value of loans held for sale are included in net gains on mortgage loans.  Loans are sold servicing released; therefore no mortgage servicing right assets are established.

Loans:  Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of unearned interest, deferred loan fees and costs and an allowance for loan losses.

Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance.  Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income over the respective term of the loan using the level‑yield method without anticipating prepayments.

Interest income on mortgage and commercial loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection.  Consumer loans are typically charged off no later than 120 days past due.  Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan.  In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.  Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.

All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income.  Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost‑recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual.  Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Allowance for Loan Losses:  The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses, increased by the provision for loan losses and recoveries, and decreased by charge-offs of loans.  Management believed the estimated allowance for loan losses to be adequate based on known and inherent risks in the portfolio, past loan loss experience, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions and other factors.  Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged-off.  Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed.

The allowance consists of specific and general components.  The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired.  The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current qualitative environmental factors.  The Company maintains a loss migration analysis that tracks loan losses and recoveries based on loan class as well as the loan risk grade assignment for commercial loans.  At December 31, 2014, an 18 month (six quarter) annualized historical loss experience was used for commercial loans and a 12 month (four quarter) historical loss experience period was applied to residential mortgage and consumer loan portfolios.  These historical loss percentages are adjusted (both upwards and downwards) for certain qualitative environmental factors, including economic trends, credit quality trends, valuation trends, concentration risk, quality of loan review, changes in personnel, external factors and other considerations.

A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is believed to be probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Loans for which the terms have been modified and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired.

Commercial and commercial real estate loans with relationship balances exceeding $500,000 and an internal risk grading of 6 or worse are evaluated for impairment.  If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing interest rate or at the fair value of collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.  Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and residential real estate loans are collectively evaluated for impairment and, accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Troubled debt restructurings are also considered impaired with impairment generally measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception or using the fair value of collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.

Transfers of Financial Assets:  Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished.  Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Foreclosed Assets:  Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure, primarily other real estate owned, are initially recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis.  If fair value declines, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense.  Costs after acquisition are expensed unless they add value to the property.

Premises and Equipment:  Land is carried at cost.  Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.  Buildings and related components are depreciated using the straight‑line method with useful lives ranging from 5 to 40 years.  Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 3 to 15 years.  Maintenance, repairs and minor alterations are charged to current operations as expenditures occur and major improvements are capitalized.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance (BOLI):  The Bank has purchased life insurance policies on certain officers. Bank-owned life insurance is recorded at its currently realizable cash surrender value.  Changes in cash surrender value are recorded in other income.

Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets:  Goodwill resulting from business combinations represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired.  Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually.  Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values.  The Company had no goodwill or acquired intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Acquired intangible assets consist of core deposit and customer relationship intangible assets arising from acquisitions.  They are initially measured at fair value and then are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives, which range from ten to sixteen years.  The Company had no acquired intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Long-term Assets:  Premises and equipment and other long-term assets are reviewed for impairment when events indicate their carrying amount may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows.  If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value.

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments:  Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs.  The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay.  Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Mortgage Banking Derivatives:  Commitments to fund mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans are accounted for as derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting.  Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the interest on the loan is locked.  At times, the Company enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans when interest rate locks are entered into, in order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans.

Changes in the fair values of these interest rate lock and forward commitment derivatives are included in net gains on mortgage loans.  The net fair value of mortgage banking derivatives was approximately $(2,000) and $51,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Derivatives:  Certain of our commercial loan customers have entered into interest rate swap agreements directly with the Bank.  At the same time the Bank enters into a swap agreement with its customer, the Bank enters into a corresponding interest rate swap agreement with a correspondent bank at terms mirroring the Bank’s interest rate swap with its commercial loan customer.   This is known as a back-to-back swap agreement.  Under this arrangement the Bank has two freestanding interest rate swaps, both of which are carried at fair value.  As the terms mirror each other, there is no income statement impact to the Bank.  At December 31, 2014, the total notional amount of such agreements was $20.0 million and resulted in a derivative asset with a fair value of $140,000 which was included in other assets and a derivative liability of $140,000 which was included in other liabilities.  At December 31, 2013, the total notional amount of such agreements was $20.0 million and resulted in a derivative asset with a fair value of $94,000 which was included in other assets and a derivative liability of $94,000 which was included in other liabilities.

Income Taxes:  Income tax expense is the sum of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates.  A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

The Company recognizes a tax position as a benefit only if it is "more likely than not" that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur.  The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination.  For tax positions not meeting the "more likely than not" test, no tax benefit is recorded.

The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Earnings Per Common Share:  Basic earnings per common share is net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  All outstanding unvested restricted stock awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities for this calculation.  Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options and the conversion of the Company’s convertible preferred stock (for periods before the fourth quarter of 2013 when the convertible preferred stock was exchanged for common stock).   In the event of a net loss, our unvested restricted stock awards are excluded from both basic and diluted earnings per share.

Comprehensive Income (Loss):  Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss).  Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale.

Loss Contingencies:  Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated.

Restrictions on Cash:  Cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of $5,016,000 and $4,417,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, was required to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements.

Stock Splits and Dividends:  Stock dividends in excess of 20% are reported as stock splits, resulting in no adjustment to the Company’s equity accounts.  Stock dividends for 20% or less are reported by transferring the fair value, as of the ex‑dividend date, of the stock issued from retained earnings to common stock.  Fractional share amounts are paid in cash with a reduction in retained earnings. All share and per share amounts are retroactively adjusted for stock splits and dividends.

Dividend Restriction:  Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and impose limitations on dividends paid by the Bank to the Company and by the Company to shareholders.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Fair Values of Financial Instruments:  Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed separately.  Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items.  Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.  The fair value estimates of existing on-and off-balance sheet financial instruments do not include the value of anticipated future business or the values of assets and liabilities not considered financial instruments.

Segment Reporting:  The Company, through the branch network of the Bank, provides a broad range of financial services to individuals and companies in western Michigan.  These services include demand, time and savings deposits; lending; ATM and debit card processing; cash management; and trust and brokerage services.  While the Company’s management team monitors the revenue streams of the various Company products and services, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis.  Accordingly, all of the Company’s banking operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one operating segment – commercial banking.

Reclassifications:  Some items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards:  The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward or Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.  This update requires an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the statement of financial position as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward or a tax credit carryforward.  However, to the extent that a net operating loss carryforward or tax credit carryforward at the reporting date is not available under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position, the unrecognized tax benefit is to be presented in the statement of financial position as a liability.  No new recurring disclosures are required.  The amendments are effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and interim periods within those periods.  The amendments are to be applied on a prospective basis to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date, although retrospective application is permitted.  The impact of prospective adoption of this ASU by the Company in the first quarter of 2014 was not material.

FASB issued ASU No. 2014-17, Business Combinations (Topic 805 )—Pushdown Accounting (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force), which provides guidance regarding when and how an acquiree that is a business or a non-profit activity can apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements. In particular, ASU No. 2014-17 provides an acquired entity with an option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon the occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquiree. An acquired entity may elect the option to apply pushdown accounting in the reporting period in which the change-in-control event occurs. If, however, pushdown accounting is not applied during that reporting period, an acquired entity will have the option to elect to apply pushdown accounting in a subsequent reporting period to the acquired entity’s most recent change-in-control event. Such an election to apply pushdown accounting in a reporting period after the one in which the change-in-control event occurred should be considered a change in accounting principle, in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”) Topic 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. Additionally, the ASU provides that an acquired entity should determine whether to elect to apply pushdown accounting for each individual change-in-control event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. Notably, if pushdown accounting is applied to an individual change-in-control event, that election is irrevocable. The amendments in this ASU are effective on November 18, 2014. Following the effective date, an acquired entity can make an election to apply the guidance to future change-in-control events or to its most recent change-in-control event.  The impact of prospective adoption of this ASU by the Company was not and is not expected to be material.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Newly Issued Not Yet Effective Standards:
 
FASB has issued ASU No. 2014-04, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40) - Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. The amendments are intended to clarify when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan should be derecognized and the real estate recognized.  These amendments clarify that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either: (a) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure; or (b) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additional disclosures are required.  The amendments are effective for  annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The impact of adoption of this ASU by the Company is not expected to be material.

FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.  The amendments in this Update change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations.  A discontinued operation may include a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity, or a business or nonprofit activity. A disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results.  The amendments in this Update require an entity to present, for each comparative period, the assets and liabilities of a disposal group that includes a discontinued operation separately in the asset and liability sections, respectively, of the statement of financial position.  This Update also requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations including pretax profit or loss, and any ongoing involvement with the discontinued operation.   The amendments are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The impact of adoption of this ASU by the Company is not expected to be material.

FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).  The amendments in this Update creates a new topic in the Codification, Topic 606. In addition to superseding and replacing nearly all existing U.S. GAAP revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, ASC 606 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, ASU 2014-09 adds a new Subtopic to the Codification, ASC 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs: Contracts with Customers, to provide guidance on costs related to obtaining a contract with a customer and costs incurred in fulfilling a contract with a customer that are not in the scope of another ASC Topic.   The new guidance does not apply to certain contracts within the scope of other ASC Topics, such as lease contracts, insurance contracts, financing arrangements, financial instruments, guarantees other than product or service warranties, and nonmonetary exchanges between entities in the same line of business to facilitate sales to customers. The amendments are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  The impact of adoption of this ASU by the Company is not expected to be material.

FASB issued ASU 2014-14, Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure.  This update requires creditors to reclassify loans that are within the scope of the ASU to “other receivables” upon foreclosure, rather than reclassifying them to other real estate owned. The separate other receivable recorded upon foreclosure is to be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) the creditor expects to recover from the guarantor.  The new guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014.  The impact of adoption of this ASU by the Company is not expected to be material.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 2 – SECURITIES

The amortized cost and fair value of securities were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
December 31, 2014
               
Available for Sale:
               
U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities
 
$
67,612
   
$
53
   
$
(501
)
 
$
67,164
 
U.S. Agency MBS and CMOs
   
16,692
     
67
     
(71
)
   
16,688
 
Tax-exempt state and municipal bonds
   
37,203
     
419
     
(161
)
   
37,461
 
Taxable state and municipal bonds
   
25,012
     
351
     
(70
)
   
25,293
 
Corporate bonds and other debt securities
   
13,762
     
34
     
(30
)
   
13,766
 
Other equity securities
   
1,500
     
2
     
---
     
1,502
 
   
$
161,781
   
$
926
   
$
(833
)
 
$
161,874
 
Held to Maturity
                               
Tax-exempt state and municipal bonds
 
$
31,585
   
$
64
   
$
(221
)
 
$
31,428
 
                                 
December 31, 2013
                               
Available for Sale:
                               
U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities
 
$
55,701
   
$
92
   
$
(1,354
)
 
$
54,439
 
U. S. Agency MBS and CMOs
   
20,029
     
9
     
(673
)
   
19,365
 
Tax-exempt state and municipal bonds
   
27,920
     
47
     
(1,118
)
   
26,849
 
Taxable state and municipal bonds
   
26,306
     
307
     
(285
)
   
26,328
 
Corporate bonds and other debt securities
   
11,211
     
64
     
(63
)
   
11,212
 
Other equity securities
   
1,500
     
---
     
(34
)
   
1,466
 
   
$
142,667
   
$
519
   
$
(3,527
)
 
$
139,659
 
Held to Maturity:
                               
Tax-exempt state and municipal bonds
 
$
19,248
   
$
46
   
$
(16
)
 
$
19,278
 
 
Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale were $10.9 million, $5.2 million and $4.6 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, resulting in net gains on sale of $75,000, $120,000 and $73,000, respectively, as reported in the consolidated statements of income.  This resulted in reclassifications of $75,000 ($49,000 net of tax), $120,000 ($78,000 net of tax) and $73,000 ($47,000 net of tax) respectively, from accumulated other comprehensive income to gain on sale of securities in the consolidated statements of income in years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Contractual maturities of debt securities at December 31, 2014 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Held–to-Maturity Securities
Available-for-Sale Securities
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
 
Fair
Value
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
19,075
   
$
19,044
   
$
4,280
   
$
4,295
 
Due from one to five years
   
640
     
638
     
96,108
     
96,112
 
Due from five to ten years
   
11,610
     
11,492
     
37,532
     
37,580
 
Due after ten years
   
260
     
254
     
22,361
     
22,385
 
   
$
31,585
   
$
31,428
   
$
160,281
   
$
160,372
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 2 – SECURITIES (Continued)

Securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2014 and 2013, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
   
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
December 31, 2014
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Loss
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Loss
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Loss
 
U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities
 
$
16,426
   
$
(45
)
 
$
35,350
   
$
(456
)
 
$
51,776
   
$
(501
)
U.S. Agency MBS and CMOs
   
---
     
---
     
9,732
     
(71
)
   
9,732
     
(71
)
Tax-exempt state and municipal bonds
   
26,820
     
(264
)
   
4,545
     
(118
)
   
31,365
     
(382
)
Taxable state and municipal bonds
   
3,982
     
(19
)
   
3,240
     
(51
)
   
7,222
     
(70
)
Corporate bonds and other debt securities
   
4,187
     
(13
)
   
1,988
     
(17
)
   
6,175
     
(30
)
Other equity securities
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
 
Total temporarily impaired
 
$
51,415
   
$
(341
)
 
$
54,855
   
$
(713
)
 
$
106,270
   
$
(1,054
)

   
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
December 31, 2013
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Loss
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Loss
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Loss
 
U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities
 
$
43,212
   
$
(1,354
)
 
$
---
   
$
---
   
$
43,212
   
$
(1,354
)
U.S. Agency MBS and CMOs
   
18,494
     
(673
)
   
---
     
---
     
18,494
     
(673
)
Tax-exempt state and municipal bonds
   
21,359
     
(1,066
)
   
831
     
(68
)
   
22,190
     
(1,134
)
Taxable state and municipal bonds
   
9,599
     
(256
)
   
1,015
     
(29
)
   
10,614
     
(285
)
Corporate bonds and other debt securities
   
3,928
     
(63
)
   
---
     
---
     
3,928
     
(63
)
Other equity securities
   
1,466
     
(34
)
   
---
     
---
     
1,466
     
(34
)
Total temporarily impaired
 
$
98,058
   
$
(3,446
)
 
$
1,846
   
$
(97
)
 
$
99,904
   
$
(3,543
)

Other-Than-Temporary-Impairment

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. Management determined that the unrealized losses for each period were attributable to changes in interest rates and not due to credit quality.  As such, no OTTI charges were necessary during 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Securities with a carrying value of approximately $1.0 million were pledged as security for public deposits, letters of credit and for other purposes required or permitted by law at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 3 – LOANS

Portfolio loans were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
   
December 31,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
Commercial and industrial
 
$
327,674
   
$
274,099
 
                 
Commercial real estate:
               
Residential developed
   
12,771
     
18,130
 
Unsecured to residential developers
   
7,496
     
7,315
 
Vacant and unimproved
   
50,372
     
42,988
 
Commercial development
   
4,082
     
2,434
 
Residential improved
   
69,612
     
76,294
 
Commercial improved
   
269,757
     
247,195
 
Manufacturing and industrial
   
76,441
     
77,984
 
Total commercial real estate
   
490,531
     
472,340
 
                 
Consumer
               
Residential mortgage
   
190,249
     
188,648
 
Unsecured
   
948
     
1,337
 
Home equity
   
98,887
     
95,961
 
Other secured
   
10,194
     
9,992
 
Total consumer
   
300,278
     
295,938
 
                 
Total loans
   
1,118,483
     
1,042,377
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
(18,962
)
   
(20,798
)
   
$
1,099,521
   
$
1,021,579
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 3 – LOANS (Continued)
 
The following tables present the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
 
2014
 
Commercial
and
Industrial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Beginning balance
 
$
6,174
   
$
10,868
   
$
3,703
   
$
53
   
$
20,798
 
Charge-offs
   
(43
)
   
(134
)
   
(499
)
   
---
     
(676
)
Recoveries
   
522
     
1,481
     
187
     
---
     
2,190
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(480
)
   
(3,525
)
   
655
     
---
     
(3,350
)
Ending Balance
 
$
6,173
   
$
8,690
   
$
4,046
   
$
53
   
$
18,962
 
 
2013
 
Commercial
and
Industrial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Beginning balance
 
$
6,459
   
$
13,457
   
$
3,787
   
$
36
   
$
23,739
 
Charge-offs
   
(317
)
   
(1,065
)
   
(822
)
   
---
     
(2,204
)
Recoveries
   
1,134
     
2,141
     
238
     
---
     
3,513
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(1,102
)
   
(3,665
)
   
500
     
17
     
(4,250
)
Ending Balance
 
$
6,174
   
$
10,868
   
$
3,703
   
$
53
   
$
20,798
 
 
2012
 
Commercial
and
Industrial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Beginning balance
 
$
6,313
   
$
20,475
   
$
4,821
   
$
32
   
$
31,641
 
Charge-offs
   
(1,245
)
   
(3,206
)
   
(3,045
)
   
---
     
(7,496
)
Recoveries
   
547
     
5,840
     
307
     
---
     
6,694
 
Provision for loan losses
   
844
     
(9,652
)
   
1,704
     
4
     
(7,100
)
Ending Balance
 
$
6,459
   
$
13,457
   
$
3,787
   
$
36
   
$
23,739
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 3 – LOANS (Continued)

The following tables present the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment method (dollars in thousands):
 
December 31, 2014
 
Commercial
and
Industrial
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                   
Ending allowance attributable to loans:
                   
Individually reviewed for impairment
 
$
2,429
   
$
743
   
$
893
   
$
---
   
$
4,065
 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
   
3,744
     
7,947
     
3,153
     
53
     
14,897
 
Total ending allowance balance
 
$
6,173
   
$
8,690
   
$
4,046
   
$
53
   
$
18,962
 
                                         
Loans:
                                       
Individually reviewed for impairment
 
$
9,084
   
$
29,818
   
$
14,495
   
$
---
   
$
53,397
 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
   
318,590
     
460,713
     
285,783
     
---
     
1,065,086
 
Total ending loans balance
 
$
327,674
   
$
490,531
   
$
300,278
   
$
---
   
$
1,118,483
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
Commercial
and
 Industrial
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                   
Ending allowance attributable to loans:
                   
Individually reviewed for impairment
 
$
1,981
   
$
1,008
   
$
881
   
$
---
   
$
3,870
 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
   
4,193
     
9,860
     
2,822
     
53
     
16,928
 
Total ending allowance balance
 
$
6,174
   
$
10,868
   
$
3,703
   
$
53
   
$
20,798
 
                                         
Loans:
                                       
Individually reviewed for impairment
 
$
13,155
   
$
41,285
   
$
14,483
   
$
---
   
$
68,923
 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
   
260,944
     
431,055
     
281,455
     
---
     
973,454
 
Total ending loans balance
 
$
274,099
   
$
472,340
   
$
295,938
   
$
---
   
$
1,042,377
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 3 – LOANS (Continued)

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
December 31, 2014
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
   
Recorded Investment
   
Allowance Allocated
 
With no related allowance recorded:
           
Commercial and industrial
 
$
3,019
   
$
3,019
   
$
---
 
                         
Commercial real estate:
                       
Residential developed
   
531
     
531
     
---
 
Unsecured to residential developers
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Vacant and unimproved
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Commercial development
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Residential improved
   
547
     
547
     
---
 
Commercial improved
   
331
     
331
     
---
 
Manufacturing and industrial
   
206
     
206
     
---
 
     
1,615
     
1,615
     
---
 
Consumer:
                       
Residential mortgage
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Unsecured
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Home equity
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Other secured
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
     
---
     
---
     
---
 
   
$
4,634
   
$
4,634
   
$
---
 
                         
With an allowance recorded:
                       
Commercial and industrial
 
$
6,065
   
$
6,065
   
$
2,429
 
                         
Commercial real estate:
                       
Residential developed
   
550
     
550
     
35
 
Unsecured to residential developers
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Vacant and unimproved
   
1,499
     
1,499
     
43
 
Commercial development
   
199
     
199
     
5
 
Residential improved
   
7,323
     
7,323
     
240
 
Commercial improved
   
16,113
     
16,113
     
389
 
Manufacturing and industrial
   
2,519
     
2,519
     
31
 
     
28,203
     
28,203
     
743
 
Consumer:
                       
Residential mortgage
   
9,492
     
9,484
     
584
 
Unsecured
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Home equity
   
5,182
     
5,011
     
309
 
Other secured
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
     
14,674
     
14,495
     
893
 
   
$
48,942
   
$
48,763
   
$
4,065
 
                         
Total
 
$
53,576
   
$
53,397
   
$
4,065
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 3 – LOANS (Continued)

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
December 31, 2013
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
   
Recorded Investment
   
Allowance Allocated
 
With no related allowance recorded:
           
Commercial and industrial
 
$
3,287
   
$
3,284
   
$
---
 
                         
Commercial real estate:
                       
Residential developed
   
5,273
     
4,340
     
---
 
Unsecured to residential developers
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Vacant and unimproved
   
3
     
3
     
---
 
Commercial development
   
362
     
362
     
---
 
Residential improved
   
1,493
     
1,493
     
---
 
Commercial improved
   
2,797
     
2,272
     
---
 
Manufacturing and industrial
   
252
     
252
     
---
 
     
10,180
     
8,722
     
---
 
Consumer:
                       
Residential mortgage
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Unsecured
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Home equity
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Other secured
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
     
---
     
---
     
---
 
   
$
13,467
   
$
12,006
   
$
---
 
                         
With an allowance recorded:
                       
Commercial and industrial
 
$
9,871
   
$
9,871
   
$
1,981
 
                         
Commercial real estate:
                       
Residential developed
   
618
     
618
     
33
 
Unsecured to residential developers
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Vacant and unimproved
   
1,900
     
1,900
     
47
 
Commercial development
   
207
     
207
     
5
 
Residential improved
   
9,534
     
9,534
     
342
 
Commercial improved
   
14,450
     
14,450
     
479
 
Manufacturing and industrial
   
5,854
     
5,854
     
102
 
     
32,563
     
32,563
     
1,008
 
Consumer:
                       
Residential mortgage
   
9,454
     
9,454
     
575
 
Unsecured
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Home equity
   
5,029
     
5,029
     
306
 
Other secured
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
     
14,483
     
14,483
     
881
 
   
$
56,917
   
$
56,917
   
$
3,870
 
                         
Total
 
$
70,384
   
$
68,923
   
$
3,870
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 3 – LOANS (Continued)

The following table presents information regarding average balances of impaired loans and interest recognized on impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Average of impaired loans during the period:
           
Commercial and industrial
 
$
11,818
   
$
14,333
   
$
14,928
 
                         
Commercial real estate:
                       
Residential developed
   
3,628
     
6,357
     
8,162
 
Unsecured to residential developers
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Vacant and unimproved
   
1,646
     
2,804
     
3,851
 
Commercial development
   
451
     
398
     
216
 
Residential improved
   
9,309
     
11,549
     
13,192
 
Commercial improved
   
17,853
     
20,191
     
17,975
 
Manufacturing and industrial
   
5,630
     
6,305
     
9,125
 
                         
Consumer
   
14,476
     
14,532
     
15,857
 
                         
                         
Interest income recognized during impairment:
                       
Commercial and industrial
   
1,108
     
1,278
     
1,291
 
Commercial real estate
   
1,527
     
1,974
     
2,736
 
Consumer
   
541
     
537
     
538
 
                         
Cash-basis interest income recognized
                       
Commercial and industrial
   
1,107
     
1,273
     
1,295
 
Commercial real estate
   
1,547
     
1,971
     
2,740
 
Consumer
   
541
     
532
     
550
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 3 – LOANS (Continued)

Nonaccrual loans include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.  The following tables present the recorded investment in nonaccrual and loans past due over 90 days still on accrual by class of loans as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
December 31, 2014
 
Nonaccrual
   
Over 90
days
Accruing
 
         
Commercial and industrial
 
$
5,605
   
$
---
 
                 
Commercial real estate:
               
Residential developed
   
245
     
---
 
Unsecured to residential developers
   
---
     
---
 
Vacant and unimproved
   
---
     
---
 
Commercial development
   
29
     
---
 
Residential improved
   
766
     
---
 
Commercial improved
   
866
     
117
 
Manufacturing and industrial
   
---
     
---
 
     
1,906
     
117
 
Consumer:
               
Residential mortgage
   
305
     
---
 
Unsecured
   
40
     
---
 
Home equity
   
436
     
17
 
Other secured
   
---
     
---
 
     
781
     
17
 
Total
 
$
8,292
   
$
134
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
Nonaccrual
   
Over 90
days
Accruing
 
         
Commercial and industrial
 
$
5,625
   
$
---
 
                 
Commercial real estate:
               
Residential developed
   
2,590
     
153
 
Unsecured to residential developers
   
---
     
---
 
Vacant and unimproved
   
---
     
---
 
Commercial development
   
23
     
---
 
Residential improved
   
429
     
---
 
Commercial improved
   
2,511
     
---
 
Manufacturing and industrial
   
---
     
---
 
     
5,553
     
153
 
Consumer:
               
Residential mortgage
   
639
     
---
 
Unsecured
   
33
     
---
 
Home equity
   
332
     
---
 
Other secured
   
---
     
---
 
     
1,004
     
---
 
Total
 
$
12,182
   
$
153
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 3 – LOANS (Continued)

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 2014 by class of loans (dollars in thousands):
 
December 31, 2014
 
30-90
Days
   
Greater Than
90 Days
   
Total
Past Due
   
Loans Not
Past Due
   
Total
 
Commercial and industrial
 
$
54
   
$
---
   
$
54
   
$
327,620
   
$
327,674
 
                                         
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Residential developed
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
12,771
     
12,771
 
Unsecured to residential developers
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
7,496
     
7,496
 
Vacant and unimproved
   
100
     
---
     
100
     
50,272
     
50,372
 
Commercial development
   
---
     
29
     
29
     
4,053
     
4,082
 
Residential improved
   
100
     
440
     
540
     
69,072
     
69,612
 
Commercial improved
   
---
     
958
     
958
     
268,799
     
269,757
 
Manufacturing and industrial
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
76,441
     
76,441
 
     
200
     
1,427
     
1,627
     
488,904
     
490,531
 
Consumer:
                                       
Residential mortgage
   
338
     
303
     
641
     
189,608
     
190,249
 
Unsecured
   
---
     
18
     
18
     
930
     
948
 
Home equity
   
79
     
422
     
501
     
98,386
     
98,887
 
Other secured
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
10,194
     
10,194
 
     
417
     
743
     
1,160
     
299,118
     
300,278
 
Total
 
$
671
   
$
2,170
   
$
2,841
   
$
1,115,642
   
$
1,118,483
 

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 2013 by class of loans (dollars in thousands):
 
December 31, 2013
 
30-90
Days
   
Greater Than
90 Days
   
Total
Past Due
   
Loans Not
Past Due
   
Total
 
Commercial and industrial
 
$
---
   
$
---
   
$
---
   
$
274,099
   
$
274,099
 
                                         
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Residential developed
   
143
     
2,296
     
2,439
     
15,691
     
18,130
 
Unsecured to residential developers
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
7,315
     
7,315
 
Vacant and unimproved
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
42,988
     
42,988
 
Commercial development
   
---
     
23
     
23
     
2,411
     
2,434
 
Residential improved
   
98
     
50
     
148
     
76,146
     
76,294
 
Commercial improved
   
438
     
2,056
     
2,494
     
244,701
     
247,195
 
Manufacturing and industrial
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
77,984
     
77,984
 
     
679
     
4,425
     
5,104
     
467,236
     
472,340
 
Consumer:
                                       
Residential mortgage
   
78
     
---
     
78
     
188,570
     
188,648
 
Unsecured
   
9
     
---
     
9
     
1,328
     
1,337
 
Home equity
   
317
     
---
     
317
     
95,644
     
95,961
 
Other secured
   
12
     
---
     
12
     
9,980
     
9,992
 
     
416
     
---
     
416
     
295,522
     
295,938
 
Total
 
$
1,095
   
$
4,425
   
$
5,520
   
$
1,036,857
   
$
1,042,377
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 3 – LOANS (Continued)

The Company had allocated $4,065,000 and $3,870,000 of specific reserves to customers whose loan terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  These loans may have involved the restructuring of terms to allow customers to mitigate the risk of foreclosure by meeting a lower loan payment requirement based upon their current cash flow.  These may also include loans that renewed at existing contractual rates, but below market rates for comparable credit.  The Company has been active at utilizing these programs and working with its customers to reduce the risk of foreclosure.  For commercial loans, these modifications typically include an interest only period and, in some cases, a lowering of the interest rate on the loan.  In some cases, the modification will include separating the note into two notes with the first note structured to be supported by current cash flows and collateral, and the second note made for the remaining unsecured debt.  The second note is charged off immediately and collected only after the first note is paid in full.  This modification type is commonly referred to as an A-B note structure.  For consumer mortgage loans, the restructuring typically includes a lowering of the interest rate to provide payment and cash flow relief.  For each restructuring, a comprehensive credit underwriting analysis of the borrower’s financial condition and prospects of repayment under the revised terms is performed to assess whether the structure can be successful and that cash flows will be sufficient to support the restructured debt.  An analysis is also performed to determine whether the restructured loan should be on accrual status.  Generally, if the loan is on accrual at the time of restructure, it will remain on accrual after the restructuring.  In some cases, a nonaccrual loan may be placed on accrual at restructuring if the loan’s actual payment history demonstrates it would have cash flowed under the restructured terms.  After six consecutive payments under the restructured terms, a nonaccrual restructured loan is reviewed for possible upgrade to accruing status.

Based upon recently issued regulatory guidance, the Company has determined that in situations where there is a subsequent modification or renewal and the loan is brought to market terms, including a contractual interest rate not less than a market interest rate for new debt with similar credit risk characteristics, the TDR and impaired loan designations may be removed.  This guidance was first applied to loans outstanding at September 30, 2014 resulting in a reduction of $5.9 million in loans designated as TDR and impaired.  In addition, the TDR designation may also be removed from loans modified under an A-B note structure.  If the remaining “A” note is at a market rate at the time of restructuring (taking into account the borrower’s credit risk and prevailing market conditions), the loan can be removed from TDR designation in a subsequent calendar year after six months of performance in accordance with the new terms.  The market rate relative to the borrower’s credit risk is determined through analysis of market pricing information gathered from peers and use of a loan pricing model.  The general objective of the model is to achieve a consistent return on equity from one credit to the next, taking into consideration differences in credit risk.  In the model, credits with higher risk receive a higher potential loss allocation, and therefore require a higher interest rate to achieve the target return on equity.

As with other impaired loans, an allowance for loan loss is estimated for each TDR based on the most likely source of repayment for each loan.  For impaired commercial real estate loans that are collateral dependent, the allowance is computed based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell.  For impaired commercial loans where repayment is expected from cash flows from business operations, the allowance is computed based on a discounted cash flow computation.  Certain groups of TDRs, such as residential mortgages, have common characteristics and for them the allowance is computed based on a discounted cash flow computation on the change in weighted rate for the pool.  The allowance allocations for commercial TDRs where we have reduced the contractual interest rate are computed by measuring cash flows using the new payment terms discounted at the original contractual rate.

The following table presents information regarding troubled debt restructurings as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
Number of Loans
   
Outstanding Recorded Balance
   
Number of Loans
   
Outstanding Recorded Balance
 
Commercial and industrial
   
36
   
$
9,085
     
43
   
$
7,787
 
Commercial real estate
   
84
     
29,817
     
122
     
45,774
 
Consumer
   
106
     
14,495
     
106
     
14,531
 
     
226
   
$
53,397
     
271
   
$
68,092
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 3 – LOANS (Continued)

The following table presents information related to accruing troubled debt restructurings as of December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The table presents the amount of accruing troubled debt restructurings that were on nonaccrual status prior to the restructuring, accruing at the time of restructuring and those that were upgraded to accruing status after receiving six consecutive monthly payments in accordance with the restructured terms as of December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Accruing TDR - nonaccrual at restructuring
 
$
---
   
$
---
   
$
1,135
   
$
605
 
Accruing TDR - accruing at restructuring
   
46,197
     
57,790
     
61,545
     
51,532
 
Accruing TDR - upgraded to accruing after six consecutive payments
   
---
     
---
     
2,344
     
3,542
 
   
$
46,197
   
$
57,790
   
$
65,024
   
$
55,679
 

The following tables present information regarding troubled debt restructurings executed during the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
 
2014
 
Number of Loans
   
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded Balance
   
Principal
Writedown upon
Modification
 
Commercial and industrial
   
1
   
$
61
   
$
---
 
Commercial real estate
   
11
     
4,345
     
---
 
Consumer
   
39
     
1,422
     
---
 
     
51
   
$
5,828
   
$
---
 
 
2013
 
Number of Loans
   
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded Balance
   
Principal
Writedown upon
Modification
 
Commercial and industrial
   
5
   
$
1,085
   
$
---
 
Commercial real estate
   
13
     
4,298
     
---
 
Consumer
   
36
     
5,833
     
---
 
     
54
   
$
11,216
   
$
---
 
 
2012
 
Number of Loans
   
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded Balance
   
Principal
Writedown upon
Modification
 
Commercial and industrial
   
16
   
$
1,462
   
$
9
 
Commercial real estate
   
52
     
15,413
     
332
 
Consumer
   
10
     
1,518
     
261
 
     
78
   
$
18,393
   
$
602
 

According to the accounting standards, not all loan modifications are TDRs.  TDRs are modifications or renewals where the Company has granted a concession to a borrower in financial distress.  The Company reviews all modifications and renewals for determination of TDR status.  In some situations a borrower may be experiencing financial distress, but the Company does not provide a concession.  These modifications are not considered TDRs.  In other cases, the Company might provide a concession, such as a reduction in interest rate, but the borrower is not experiencing financial distress.  This could be the case if the Company is matching a competitor’s interest rate.  These modifications would also not be considered TDRs.  Finally, any renewals at existing terms for borrowers not experiencing financial distress would not be considered TDRs.  As with other loans not considered TDR or impaired, allowance allocations are based on the historical based allocation for the applicable loan grade and loan class.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 3 – LOANS (Continued)

The table below presents, by class, information regarding troubled debt restructurings which had payment defaults during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands). Included are loans that became delinquent more than 90 days past due or transferred to nonaccrual within 12 months of restructuring.
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
Number of Loans
 
Outstanding Recorded Balance
   
Number of Loans
 
Outstanding Recorded Balance
   
Number of Loans
 
Outstanding Recorded Balance
 
Commercial and industrial
   
---
   
$
---
     
---
   
$
---
     
3
   
$
112
 
Commercial real estate
   
1
     
131
     
1
     
1,350
     
2
     
225
 
Consumer
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
2
     
184
 

Credit Quality Indicators: The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of the borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information and current economic trends, among other factors.  The Company analyzes commercial loans individually and classifies these relationships by credit risk grading.  The Company uses an eight point grading system, with grades 5 through 8 being considered classified, or watch, credits.  All commercial loans are assigned a grade at origination, at each renewal or any amendment.  When a credit is first downgraded to a watch credit (either through renewal, amendment, loan officer identification or the loan review process), an Administrative Loan Review (“ALR”) is generated by the credit department and the loan officer.  All watch credits have an ALR completed monthly which analyzes the collateral position and cash flow of the borrower and its guarantors.  The loan officer is required to complete both a short term and long term plan to rehabilitate or exit the credit and to give monthly comments on the progress to these plans.  Management meets quarterly with loan officers to discuss each of these credits in detail and to help formulate solutions where progress has stalled.  When necessary, the loan officer proposes changes to the assigned loan grade as part of the ALR.  Additionally, Loan Review reviews all loan grades upon origination, renewal or amendment and again as loans are selected though the loan review process.  The credit will stay on the ALR until either its grade has improved to a 4 or the credit relationship is at a zero balance.  The Company uses the following definitions for the risk grades:

1. Excellent - Loans supported by extremely strong financial condition or secured by the Bank’s own deposits. Minimal risk to the Bank and the probability of serious rapid financial deterioration is extremely small.

2. Above Average - Loans supported by sound financial statements that indicate the ability to repay or borrowings secured (and margined properly) with marketable securities. Nominal risk to the Bank and probability of serious financial deterioration is highly unlikely. The overall quality of these credits is very high.

3. Good Quality - Loans supported by satisfactory asset quality and liquidity, good debt capacity coverage, and good management in all critical positions. Loans are secured by acceptable collateral with adequate margins. There is a slight risk of deterioration if adverse market conditions prevail.

4. Acceptable Risk - Loans carrying an acceptable risk to the Bank, which may be slightly below average quality. The borrower has limited financial strength with considerable leverage. There is some probability of deterioration if adverse market conditions prevail. These credits should be monitored closely by the Relationship Manager.
 
5. Marginally Acceptable - Loans are of marginal quality with above normal risk to the Bank. The borrower shows acceptable asset quality but very little liquidity with high leverage. There is inconsistent earning performance without the ability to sustain adverse market conditions. The primary source of repayment is questionable, but the secondary source of repayment still remains an option. Very close attention by the Relationship Manager and management is needed.

6. Substandard - Loans are inadequately protected by the net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or the collateral pledged. The primary and secondary sources of repayment are questionable. Heavy debt condition may be evident and volume and earnings deterioration may be underway. It is possible that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not immediately addressed and corrected.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 3 – LOANS (Continued)

7. Doubtful - Loans supported by weak or no financial statements, as well as the ability to repay the entire loan, are questionable. Loans in this category are normally characterized less than adequate collateral, insolvent, or extremely weak financial condition. A loan classified doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses makes collection or liquidation in full highly questionable. The possibility of loss is extremely high, however, activity may be underway to minimize the loss or maximize the recovery.

8. Loss - Loans are considered uncollectible and of little or no value as a bank asset.

As of December 31, 2014, the risk grade category of commercial loans by class of loans was as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
2014
   
1
     
2
     
3
     
4
     
5
     
6
     
7
     
8
 
Commercial and industrial
 
$
343
   
$
11,177
   
$
118,382
   
$
182,651
   
$
8,448
   
$
1,068
   
$
5,605
   
$
---
 
                                                                 
Commercial real estate:
                                                               
Residential developed
   
---
     
---
     
2,491
     
4,702
     
4,491
     
842
     
245
     
---
 
Unsecured to residential developers
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
7,496
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
 
Vacant and unimproved
   
---
     
---
     
12,105
     
30,997
     
7,241
     
29
     
---
     
---
 
Commercial development
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
3,643
     
211
     
199
     
29
     
---
 
Residential improved
   
---
     
103
     
16,291
     
43,928
     
6,428
     
2,096
     
766
     
---
 
Commercial improved
   
---
     
4,392
     
61,543
     
178,169
     
20,558
     
4,229
     
866
     
---
 
Manufacturing and industrial
   
---
     
1,508
     
27,396
     
42,494
     
4,713
     
330
     
---
     
---
 
   
$
343
   
$
17,180
   
$
238,208
   
$
494,080
   
$
52,090
   
$
8,793
   
$
7,511
   
$
---
 

As of December 31, 2013, the risk grade category of commercial loans by class of loans was as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
2013
   
1
     
2
     
3
     
4
     
5
     
6
     
7
     
8
 
Commercial and industrial
 
$
509
   
$
15,836
   
$
81,577
   
$
155,680
   
$
13,513
   
$
1,359
   
$
5,625
   
$
---
 
                                                                 
Commercial real estate:
                                                               
Residential developed
   
---
     
---
     
2,039
     
5,653
     
5,232
     
2,616
     
2,590
     
---
 
Unsecured to residential developers
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
7,309
     
6
     
---
     
---
     
---
 
Vacant and unimproved
   
---
     
---
     
11,191
     
24,638
     
6,761
     
398
     
---
     
---
 
Commercial development
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
1,673
     
532
     
207
     
23
     
---
 
Residential improved
   
---
     
109
     
15,121
     
45,018
     
9,391
     
6,226
     
429
     
---
 
Commercial improved
   
---
     
7,382
     
45,391
     
161,897
     
24,937
     
5,075
     
2,511
     
---
 
Manufacturing and industrial
   
---
     
311
     
24,546
     
42,133
     
10,402
     
593
     
---
     
---
 
   
$
509
   
$
23,638
   
$
179,865
   
$
444,001
   
$
70,774
   
$
16,474
   
$
11,178
   
$
---
 

Commercial loans rated a 6 or worse per the Company’s internal risk rating system are considered substandard, doubtful or loss.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 3 – LOANS (Continued)

Commercial loans classified as substandard or worse were as follows at year-end (dollars in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Not classified as impaired
 
$
4,220
   
$
7,400
 
Classified as impaired
   
12,084
     
20,252
 
Total commercial loans classified substandard or worse
 
$
16,304
   
$
27,652
 

The Company considers the performance of the loan portfolio and its impact on the allowance for loan losses. For consumer loan classes, the Company also evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan, which was previously presented, and by payment activity. The following tables present the recorded investment in consumer loans based on payment activity as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
December 31, 2014
 
Residential Mortgage
   
Consumer Unsecured
   
Home
 Equity
   
Consumer Other
 
Performing
 
$
189,946
   
$
930
   
$
98,465
   
$
10,194
 
Nonperforming
   
303
     
18
     
422
     
---
 
Total
 
$
190,249
   
$
948
   
$
98,887
   
$
10,194
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
Residential Mortgage
   
Consumer Unsecured
   
Home
Equity
   
Consumer Other
 
Performing
 
$
188,648
   
$
1,337
   
$
95,961
   
$
9,992
 
Nonperforming
   
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
 
Total
 
$
188,648
   
$
1,337
   
$
95,961
   
$
9,992
 
 
NOTE 4 – OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

Other real estate owned was as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Beginning balance
 
$
53,501
   
$
69,743
   
$
83,663
 
Additions, transfers from loans
   
4,932
     
3,539
     
9,168
 
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
   
(12,487
)
   
(16,501
)
   
(18,729
)
Valuation allowance reversal upon sale
   
(3,499
)
   
(4,378
)
   
(4,300
)
Gain (loss) on sale of other real estate owned
   
624
     
1,098
     
(59
)
     
43,071
     
53,501
     
69,743
 
Less: valuation allowance
   
(14,829
)
   
(16,705
)
   
(18,161
)
Ending balance
 
$
28,242
   
$
36,796
   
$
51,582
 

Activity in the valuation allowance was as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Beginning balance
 
$
16,705
   
$
18,161
   
$
17,225
 
Additions charged to expense
   
1,623
     
2,922
     
5,236
 
Reversals upon sale
   
(3,499
)
   
(4,378
)
   
(4,300
)
Ending balance
 
$
14,829
   
$
16,705
   
$
18,161
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 5 – FAIR VALUE

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, 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 three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value include:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

Investment Securities: The fair values of investment securities are determined by matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities' relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs).  The fair values of certain securities held to maturity are determined by computing discounted cash flows using observable and unobservable market inputs (Level 3 inputs).

Loans Held for Sale: The fair value of loans held for sale is based upon binding quotes from third party investors (Level 2 inputs).

Impaired Loans: Loans identified as impaired are measured using one of three methods: the loan’s observable market price, the fair value of collateral or the present value of expected future cash flows.  For each period presented, no impaired loans were measured using the loan’s observable market price.  If an impaired loan has had a chargeoff or if the fair value of the collateral is less than the recorded investment in the loan, we establish a specific reserve and report the loan as nonrecurring Level 3.  The fair value of collateral of impaired loans is generally based on recent real estate appraisals. 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 appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

Other Real Estate Owned: Other real estate owned (OREO) properties are initially recorded at fair value, less estimated costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis.  Adjustments to OREO are measured at fair value, less costs to sell. Fair values are generally based on third party appraisals or realtor evaluations of the property. These appraisals and evaluations 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 appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available.  Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification.  In cases where the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, less estimated costs to sell, an impairment loss is recognized through a valuation allowance, and the property is reported as nonrecurring Level 3.

Interest Rate Swaps:   For interest rate swap agreements, we measure fair value utilizing pricing provided by a third-party pricing source that that uses market observable inputs, such as forecasted yield curves, and other unobservable inputs and accordingly,  interest rate swap agreements are classified as Level 3.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 5 – FAIR VALUE (Continued)

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands):
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
 for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
December 31, 2014
               
U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities
 
$
67,164
   
$
---
   
$
67,164
   
$
---
 
U.S. Agency MBS and CMOs
   
16,688
     
---
     
16,688
     
---
 
Tax-exempt state and municipal bonds
   
37,461
     
---
     
37,461
     
---
 
Taxable state and municipal bonds
   
25,293
     
---
     
25,293
     
---
 
Corporate bonds and other debt securities
   
13,766
     
---
     
13,766
     
---
 
Other equity securities
   
1,502
     
---
     
1,502
     
---
 
Loans held for sale
   
2,347
     
---
     
2,347
     
---
 
Interest rate swaps
   
140
     
---
     
---
     
140
 
Interest rate swaps
   
(140
)
   
---
     
---
     
(140
)
                                 
December 31, 2013
                               
U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities
 
$
54,439
   
$
---
   
$
54,439
   
$
---
 
U.S. Agency MBS and CMOs
   
19,365
     
---
     
19,365
     
---
 
Tax-exempt state and municipal bonds
   
26,849
     
---
     
26,849
     
---
 
Taxable state and municipal bonds
   
26,328
     
---
     
26,328
     
---
 
Corporate bonds and other debt securities
   
11,212
     
---
     
11,212
     
---
 
Other equity securities
   
1,466
     
---
     
1,466
     
---
 
Loans held for sale
   
1,915
     
---
     
1,915
     
---
 
Interest rate swaps
   
94
     
---
     
---
     
94
 
Interest rate swaps
   
(94
)
   
---
     
---
     
(94
)
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 5 – FAIR VALUE (Continued)

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands):

   
Fair
Value
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
December 31, 2014
               
Impaired loans
 
$
12,649
   
$
---
   
$
---
   
$
12,649
 
Other real estate owned
   
22,472
     
---
     
---
     
22,472
 
                                 
December 31, 2013
                               
Impaired loans
 
$
22,403
   
$
---
   
$
---
   
$
22,403
 
Other real estate owned
   
29,711
     
---
     
---
     
29,711
 

Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements measured on a non-recurring basis were as follows at year end (dollars in thousands).

   
Asset (Liability) Fair Value
 
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable
Inputs
Range (%)
December 31, 2014
             
Impaired Loans
 
$
12,649
 
Sales comparison approach
Adjustment for differences between comparable sales
 1.0 to 20.0
         
Income approach
Capitalization rate
 9.5 to 12.0
                    
Other real estate owned
   
22,472
 
Sales comparison approach
Adjustment for differences between comparable sales
 3.0 to 22.7
         
Income approach
Capitalization rate
 9.5 to 12.0

   
Asset (Liability) Fair Value
 
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable
Inputs
Range (%)
December 31, 2013
             
Impaired Loans
 
$
22,403
 
Sales comparison approach
Adjustment for differences between comparable sales
2.0 to 23.0
         
Income approach
Capitalization rate
9.5 to 12.0 
                    
Other real estate owned
   
29,711
 
Sales comparison approach
Adjustment for differences between comparable sales
1.0 to 17.0 
         
Income approach
Capitalization rate
9.5 to 12.0 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 5 – FAIR VALUE (Continued)

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments, not previously presented, were as follows at year end (dollars in thousands).
 
Level in
 
2014
   
2013
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying Amount
   
Fair
Value
   
Carrying Amount
   
Fair
Value
 
Financial assets
                 
Cash and due from banks
Level 1
 
$
31,503
   
$
31,503
   
$
38,714
   
$
38,714
 
Cash equivalents
Level 2
   
97,952
     
97,952
     
118,178
     
118,178
 
Interest-bearing time deposits in other financial institutions
Level 2
   
20,000
     
20,062
     
25,000
     
25,003
 
Securities held to maturity
Level 3
   
31,585
     
31,428
     
19,248
     
19,278
 
FHLB stock
     
11,238
   
NA
     
11,236
   
NA
 
Loans, net
Level 2
   
1,086,872
     
1,082,675
     
999,176
     
990,084
 
Bank owned life insurance
Level 3
   
28,195
     
28,195
     
27,517
     
27,517
 
Accrued interest receivable
Level 2
   
3,399
     
3,399
     
3,231
     
3,231
 
                                   
Financial liabilities
                                 
Deposits
Level 2
   
(1,306,325
)
   
(1,306,671
)
   
(1,249,734
)
   
(1,250,886
)
Other borrowed funds
Level 2
   
(88,107
)
   
(89,066
)
   
(89,991
)
   
(90,321
)
Long-term debt
Level 2
   
(41,238
)
   
(35,396
)
   
(41,238
)
   
(35,098
)
Accrued interest payable
Level 2
   
(289
)
   
(289
)
   
(308
)
   
(308
)
                                   
Off-balance sheet credit-related items
                                 
Loan commitments
     
---
     
---
     
---
     
---
 

The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value are described as follows.

Carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents, bank owned life insurance, accrued interest receivable and payable, demand deposits, short-term borrowings and variable rate loans or deposits that reprice frequently and fully. Security fair values are determined by matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities as discussed above. For fixed rate loans, interest-bearing time deposits in other financial institutions and deposits, and for variable rate loans or deposits with infrequent repricing or repricing limits, fair value is based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life and credit risk (including consideration of widening credit spreads). Fair value of debt is based on current rates for similar financing. It was not practicable to determine the fair value of FHLB stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability. The fair value of off-balance sheet credit-related items is not significant.

NOTE 6 – PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT – NET

Year-end premises and equipment were as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
2014
   
2013
 
Land
 
$
18,227
   
$
18,236
 
Building
   
43,426
     
42,530
 
Leasehold improvements
   
779
     
779
 
Furniture and equipment
   
18,368
     
20,344
 
Construction in progress
   
413
     
1,065
 
     
81,213
     
82,954
 
Less accumulated depreciation
   
(28,319
)
   
(29,313
)
   
$
52,894
   
$
53,641
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 6 – PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT – NET (Continued)

Depreciation expense was $2,513,000, $2,342,000 and $2,400,000 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Bank leases certain office and branch premises and equipment under operating lease agreements.  Total rental expense for all operating leases aggregated to $436,000, $354,000 and $460,000 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Future minimum rental expense under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

2015
 
$
240
 
2016
   
230
 
2017
   
230
 
2018
   
230
 
2019
   
230
 
Thereafter
   
127
 
   
$
1,287
 
 
NOTE 7 – DEPOSITS

Deposits at year-end were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Noninterest-bearing demand
 
$
404,143
   
$
344,550
 
Interest bearing demand
   
340,053
     
287,417
 
Savings and money market accounts
   
442,246
     
469,542
 
Certificates of deposit
   
119,883
     
148,225
 
   
$
1,306,325
   
$
1,249,734
 

The following table depicts the maturity distribution of certificates of deposit at December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

2015
 
$
85,486
 
2016
   
22,023
 
2017
   
7,016
 
2018
   
2,736
 
2019
   
2,622
 
Thereafter
   
---
 
   
$
119,883
 

Approximately $50.1 million and $56.7 million in certificates of deposit were in denominations of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 8 - OTHER BORROWED FUNDS

Other borrowed funds include advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank and borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

At year-end, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
Principal Terms
Advance Amount
Range of Maturities
Weighted Average Interest Rate
December 31, 2014
         
Single maturity fixed rate advances
 
$
80,000
 
August 2016 to February 2019
   
1.69
%
Amortizable mortgage advances
   
8,107
 
March 2018 to July 2018
   
3.78
%
   
$
88,107
           
 
Principal Terms
Advance Amount
Range of Maturities
Weighted Average Interest Rate
December 31, 2013
         
Single maturity fixed rate advances
 
$
80,000
 
August 2016 to February 2019
   
1.69
%
Amortizable mortgage advances
   
9,991
 
March 2018 to July 2018
   
3.78
%
   
$
89,991
           

Each advance is subject to a prepayment fee if paid prior to its maturity date.  Fixed rate advances are payable at maturity.   Amortizable mortgage advances are fixed rate advances with scheduled repayments based upon amortization to maturity.  These advances were collateralized by residential and commercial real estate loans totaling $441,252,000 and $411,715,000 under a blanket lien arrangement at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

During the second quarter of 2013, the Bank modified the terms of six of its existing FHLB advances (totaling $60.0 million) having the effect of extending the weighted average maturity for all outstanding advances from 3.22 years to 4.86 years and reducing the weighted average interest rate from 1.95% to 1.94%.  As the modifications did not result in the terms being substantially different (as defined in ASC 470-50-40-10), the transaction was accounted for as a modification, not extinguishment of debt.  Accordingly, the prepayment fees incurred are amortized as an adjustment of the yield over the remaining life of each advance.

Scheduled repayments of FHLB advances as of December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
 
2015
 
$
1,938
 
2016
   
21,996
 
2017
   
2,055
 
2018
   
52,118
 
2019
   
10,000
 
Thereafter
   
---
 
   
$
88,107
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 8 - OTHER BORROWED FUNDS (Continued)

Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings

The Company has a financing arrangement with the Federal Reserve Bank.  There were no borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the Company had approximately $22.8 million and $22.7 million in unused borrowing capacity based on commercial and mortgage loans pledged to the Federal Reserve Bank totaling $25.9 million and $26.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

NOTE 9 – LONG TERM DEBT

The Company has outstanding $40.0 million aggregate liquidation amount of pooled trust preferred securities ("TRUPs") issued through its wholly-owned subsidiary grantor trusts.  Macatawa Statutory Trust I issued $619,000 of common securities to the Company and $20.0 million aggregate liquidation amount of Preferred Securities with a floating interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus 3.05%.  Macatawa Statutory Trust II issued $619,000 of common securities and $20.0 million aggregate liquidation amount of Preferred Securities with a floating interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.75%.

The Company issued subordinated debentures (“Debentures”) to each trust in exchange for ownership of all of the common securities of each trust and the $41,238,000 in proceeds of the offerings, which Debentures represent the sole asset of each trust.  The Preferred Securities represent an interest in the Company’s Debentures, which have terms that are similar to the Preferred Securities.  The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of each trust (variable interest entity), therefore each trust is not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, rather the Debentures are shown as a liability.

The Company has the option to defer interest payments on the Debentures from time to time for up to twenty consecutive quarterly payments, although interest continues to accrue on the outstanding balance.  During any deferral period, the Company may not declare or pay any dividends on the Company’s common stock or preferred stock or make any payment on any outstanding debt obligations that rank equally with or junior to the Debentures.

In the second half of 2013, the Company discontinued the deferral and resumed regular payment of quarterly interest payments on its trust preferred securities and paid all accrued and unpaid interest that had been previously deferred and became due and payable upon the discontinuance of the deferral. For Macatawa Statutory Trust I, a total of $3.0 million, representing all of the deferred and current interest payment due was distributed on September 30, 2013. For Macatawa Statutory Trust II, a total of $2.7 million, representing all of the deferred and current interest payment due, was distributed on October 7, 2013.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, Debentures totaling $41,238,000 are reported in liabilities as long-term debt, and the common securities of $1,238,000 and unamortized debt issuance costs are included in other assets.  The Preferred Securities may be included in Tier 1 capital (with certain limitations applicable) under current regulatory guidelines and interpretations.  At December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $40.0 million of the Preferred Securities issued qualified as Tier 1 capital for regulatory capital purposes.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 10 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Loans to principal officers, directors, and their affiliates were as follows (dollars in thousands).
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Beginning balance
 
$
3,462
   
$
5,645
 
New loans and renewals
   
21,594
     
10,704
 
Repayments and renewals
   
(14,979
)
   
(12,887
)
Effect of changes in related parties
   
---
     
---
 
Less accumulated depreciation
 
$
10,077
   
$
3,462
 

Deposits from principal officers, directors, and their affiliates at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $80.3 million and $113.8 million, respectively.  The majority of the deposit balances for each year are associated with institutional accounts of affiliated organizations of one of the Company’s directors.

NOTE 11 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has stock-based compensation plans for its employees (the Employees’ Plans) and directors (the Directors’ Plans).  The Employees’ Plans permit the grant of stock options or the issuance of restricted stock for up to 1,917,210 shares of common stock.  The Directors’ Plans permit the grant of stock options or the issuance of restricted stock for up to 473,278 shares of common stock.  There were 247,932 shares under the Employees’ Plans and 156,375 shares under the Directors’ Plans available for future issuance as of December 31, 2014.  The Company issues new shares under its stock-based compensation plans from its authorized but unissued shares.

Stock Options

Option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price at the date of grant.  Option awards have vesting periods ranging from one to three years and have ten year contractual terms.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a closed form option valuation (Black-Scholes) model.  Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of the Company’s common stock.  The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and post-vesting termination behavior.  The expected term of options granted is based on historical data and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, which takes into account that the options are not transferable.  The Company expects that all options granted will vest and become exercisable. The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.

There were no options granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012.  A summary of option activity in the plans is as follows (dollars in thousands, except per option data):

Options
 
Number Outstanding
   
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
   
355,328
   
$
17.65
     
---
     
---
 
Forfeited
   
(330
)
   
22.77
     
---
     
---
 
Expired
   
(94,737
)
   
15.09
     
---
     
---
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
   
260,261
   
$
18.57
     
1.54
   
$
---
 
                                 
Exerciseable at December 31, 2014
   
260,261
   
$
18.57
     
1.54
   
$
---
 

 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 11 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

Information related to stock options during each year follows (dollars in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Intrinsic value of options exercised
 
$
---
   
$
---
   
$
---
 
Cash received from option exercises
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Tax benefit realized from option exercises
   
---
     
---
     
---
 

There was no compensation cost for stock options in 2014, 2013 and 2012.

As of December 31, 2014, there was no unrecognized cost related to nonvested stock options granted under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted stock awards have vesting periods of up to three years.  A summary of changes in the Company’s nonvested restricted stock awards for the year follows:

Nonvested Stock Awards
 
Shares
   
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value
   
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
   
206,171
   
$
4.28
   
$
1,121,570
 
Granted
   
98,500
     
5.12
     
535,840
 
Vested
   
(74,325
)
   
4.02
     
404,328
 
Forfeited
   
(12,667
)
   
3.96
     
68,908
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
   
217,679
   
$
4.77
   
$
1,184,174
 

Compensation cost related to restricted stock awards totaled $338,000, $160,000, and $9,000 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

As of December 31, 2014, there was $945,000 of total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards granted under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.51 years.  The total grant date fair value of restricted stock awards vested during 2014 was $299,151.  The total grant date fair value of restricted stock awards vested during 2013 was $116,954.  There were no restricted stock awards that vested during 2012.

NOTE 12 – EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

The Company sponsors a 401(k) plan which covers substantially all employees.  Employees may elect to contribute to the plan up to the maximum percentage of compensation and dollar amount subject to statutory limitations.  Effective January 1, 2010, the Company temporarily suspended its matching contribution.  Beginning January 1, 2013, the Company reinstated its contribution using a matching formula of 100% of the first 3% of employee contributions and 50% of employee contributions in excess of 3%, up to 5%.  The Company’s contributions for the year ended December 31, 2014 were approximately $630,000.  The Company’s contributions for the year ended December 31, 2013 were approximately $584,000.  There were no contributions in 2012.

The Company sponsors an Employee Stock Purchase Plan which covers substantially all employees.  Employees are allowed to direct the Company to withhold payroll dollars and purchase Company stock at market price on a payroll by payroll basis.  The Company has reserved 210,000 shares of common stock to be issued under the plan.  The plan allows for shares to be issued directly from the Company or purchased on the open market.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 13 - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per common share are as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share data):

   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Net income
 
$
10,473
   
$
9,549
   
$
35,490
 
Effect of induced exchange of preferred stock
   
---
     
(17,575
)
   
---
 
Net income available to common shares
 
$
10,473
   
$
(8,026
)
 
$
35,490
 
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding, including participating stock awards - Basic
   
33,803,030
     
27,161,888
     
27,086,792
 
                         
Dilutive potential common shares:
                       
Stock options
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Conversion of preferred stock
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Stock warrants
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted
   
33,803,030
     
27,161,888
     
27,086,792
 
                         
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.31
   
$
(0.29
)
 
$
1.31
 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.31
   
$
(0.29
)
 
$
1.31
 

The 2013 Exchange (See Note 17) by holders of convertible preferred stock for common stock and a cash premium was accounted for as an induced conversion.  Common stock was increased by the carrying (liquidation) value of the amount of convertible preferred stock exchanged.  The fair value of common stock and the cash premium issued in excess of the fair value of securities issuable pursuant to the original conversion terms was treated as a reduction to net income available to common shareholders for earnings per share purposes.

Stock options for 260,261, 355,328 and 472,719 shares of common stock were not considered in computing diluted earnings per share for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, because they were antidilutive. Unvested restricted awards of 206,167 were not considered in computing earnings per share for 2013 as they were antidilutive due to the net loss available to common shares created by the preferred stock exchange.  Potential common shares associated with convertible preferred stock (for periods prior to December 30, 2013, the completion date of the Exchange) and stock warrants were not considered in computing diluted earnings per share in each period because they were antidilutive.

NOTE 14 - FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense (benefit) was as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Current
 
$
1,724
   
$
120
   
$
275
 
Deferred
   
2,849
     
4,150
     
---
 
Valuation allowance - change in estimate
   
---
     
---
     
(18,858
)
   
$
4,573
   
$
4,270
   
$
(18,583
)
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 14 - FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (Continued)

The difference between the financial statement tax expense and amount computed by applying the statutory federal tax rate to pretax income was reconciled as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Statutory rate
   
35
%
   
35
%
   
35
%
Statutory rate applied to income before taxes
 
$
5,266
   
$
4,837
   
$
5,917
 
Add (deduct)
                       
Change in valuation allowance
   
---
     
---
     
(24,026
)
Tax-exempt interest income
   
(391
)
   
(244
)
   
(103
)
Bank-owned life insurance
   
(237
)
   
(250
)
   
(297
)
Other, net
   
(65
)
   
(73
)
   
(74
)
   
$
4,573
   
$
4,270
   
$
(18,583
)

The realization of deferred tax assets (net of a recorded valuation allowance) is largely dependent upon future taxable income, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the ability to carryback losses to available tax years. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider positive and negative evidence, including taxable income in carry-back years, scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, expected future taxable income and tax planning strategies.  The Company’s analysis at December 31, 2012 concluded that it was “more likely than not” that the Company would continue to produce earnings and that the positive evidence outweighed the negative evidence regarding its ability to utilize our deferred tax assets.  As such, the valuation allowance that had been established on deferred tax assets in 2009 was reversed at December 31, 2012.  No valuation allowance was necessary at December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.

The net deferred tax asset recorded included the following amounts of deferred tax assets and liabilities (dollars in thousands):

   
2014
   
2013
 
Deferred tax assets
       
Allowance for loan losses
 
$
6,637
   
$
7,279
 
Nonaccrual loan interest
   
935
     
782
 
Valuation allowance on other real estate owned
   
5,190
     
5,847
 
Net operating loss carryforward
   
---
     
1,743
 
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale
   
---
     
1,053
 
Other
   
1,896
     
1,808
 
Gross deferred tax assets
   
14,658
     
18,512
 
Valuation allowance
   
---
     
---
 
Total net deferred tax assets
   
14,658
     
18,512
 
                 
Deferred tax liabilities
               
Depreciation
   
(1,908
)
   
(1,620
)
Prepaid expenses
   
(21
)
   
(308
)
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale
   
(33
)
   
---
 
Other
   
(431
)
   
(384
)
Gross deferred tax liabilities
   
(2,393
)
   
(2,312
)
Net deferred tax asset
 
$
12,265
   
$
16,200
 

There were no unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014 or 2013 and the Company does not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease in the next twelve months. The Company is no longer subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for years before 2011.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 15 – COMMITMENTS AND OFF BALANCE-SHEET RISK

Some financial instruments are used to meet customer financing needs and to reduce exposure to interest rate changes.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  These involve, to varying degrees, credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount reported in the financial statements.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment, and generally have fixed expiration dates.  Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments to guarantee a customer’s performance to a third party.  Exposure to credit loss if the other party does not perform is represented by the contractual amount for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  Collateral or other security is normally not obtained for these financial instruments prior to their use and many of the commitments are expected to expire without being used.

A summary of the contractual amounts of financial instruments with off‑balance‑sheet risk was as follows at year-end (dollars in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Commitments to make loans
 
$
81,274
   
$
87,513
 
Letters of credit
   
11,862
     
10,774
 
Unused lines of credit
   
389,099
     
313,232
 

The notional amount of commitments to fund mortgage loans to be sold into the secondary market was approximately $14.2 million and $14.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

At year-end 2014, approximately 33% of the Bank’s commitments to make loans were at fixed rates, offered at current market rates.  The remainder of the commitments to make loans were at variable rates tied to the prime rate and generally expire within 30 days.  The majority of the unused lines of credit were at variable rates tied to the prime rate.

NOTE 16 – CONTINGENCIES

The Company and its subsidiaries periodically become defendants in certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. On January 27, 2014, the Company’s former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Benj. A. Smith III, commenced legal action against the Company claiming that the Company breached an alleged employment agreement pursuant to which he claimed entitlement to $20,833 monthly for a period of six years from the date of his resignation in February 2009.  On February 10, 2015, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Smith related to this litigation.  A liability of $516,000, net of insurance proceeds, was accrued and the related expense was included in other noninterest expense at December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2014, there were no other material pending legal proceedings to which we or any of our subsidiaries are a party or which any of our properties are the subject.

NOTE 17 – SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Subordinated Notes
In 2009, the Company received proceeds of $1,650,000 from the issuance of unsecured subordinated debt in the form of 11% subordinated notes due in 2017. On August 13, 2013, the Company prepaid and redeemed all of the subordinated notes for $1,650,000 plus interest accrued through the prepayment date.

Regulatory Capital

The Company and the Bank are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors and the regulators can lower classifications in certain cases. Failure to meet various capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that could have a direct material effect on the financial statements.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 17 – SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Continued)

The prompt corrective action regulations provide five categories, including well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If a bank is only adequately capitalized, regulatory approval is required to, among other things, accept, renew or roll-over brokered deposits. If a bank is undercapitalized, capital distributions and growth and expansion are limited, and plans for capital restoration are required.

Actual capital levels (dollars in thousands) and minimum required levels were as follows at year-end:

   
Actual
   
Minimum Required
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
   
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Regulations
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
December 31, 2014
                       
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)
                       
Consolidated
 
$
189,353
     
15.6
%
 
$
97,420
     
8.0
%
   
N/A
 
   
N/A
 
Bank
   
186,276
     
15.3
     
97,575
     
8.0
   
$
121,969
     
10.0
%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)
                                               
Consolidated
   
174,084
     
14.3
     
48,706
     
4.0
     
N/A
 
   
N/A
 
Bank
   
170,983
     
14.0
     
48,788
     
4.0
     
73,182
     
6.0
 
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
                                               
Consolidated
   
174,084
     
11.6
     
59,998
     
4.0
     
N/A
 
   
N/A
 
Bank
   
170,983
     
11.4
     
59,923
     
4.0
     
74,904
     
5.0
 
                                                 
December 31, 2013
                                               
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)
                                               
Consolidated
 
$
174,433
     
15.7
%
 
$
88,915
     
8.0
%
   
N/A
 
   
N/A
 
Bank
   
171,811
     
15.4
     
88,968
     
8.0
   
$
111,210
     
10.0
%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)
                                               
Consolidated
   
160,455
     
14.4
     
44,457
     
4.0
     
N/A
 
   
N/A
 
Bank
   
157,825
     
14.2
     
44,484
     
4.0
     
66,726
     
6.0
 
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
                                               
Consolidated
   
160,455
     
10.6
     
60,482
     
4.0
     
N/A
 
   
N/A
 
Bank
   
157,825
     
10.5
     
60,407
     
4.0
     
75,509
     
5.0
 

Approximately $40.0 million of trust preferred securities outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, qualified as Tier 1 capital.

The Bank was categorized as "well capitalized" at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

On July 3, 2013, the FDIC Board of Directors approved the Regulatory Capital Interim Final Rule, implementing Basel III.  This rule redefines Tier 1 capital as two components (Common Equity Tier 1 and Additional Tier 1), creates a new capital ratio (Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-based Capital Ratio) and implements a capital conservation buffer.  It also revises the prompt corrective action thresholds and makes changes to risk weights for certain assets and off-balance-sheet exposures.  Banks are required to transition into the new rule beginning on January 1, 2015.  Based on the Company’s capital levels and balance sheet composition at December 31, 2014, the Company believes implementation of the new rule will have no material impact on its capital needs.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 17 – SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Continued)

Issuance of Capital

A summary of the capital instruments issued during recent years is as follows:

Convertible Preferred Stock

In 2008, the Company completed a private offering of 31,290 shares of 12.0% Series A Noncumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (Series A Preferred Stock) with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, resulting in an aggregate liquidation preference of $31.3 million.  Proceeds of $30.6 million from issuance were net of $686,000 of costs.

In 2009, the Company issued 2,600 shares of 9.0% Series B Noncumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (Series B Preferred Stock) with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, resulting in an aggregate liquidation preference of $2.6 million.  Proceeds of $2.6 million from issuance were net of $40,000 of costs.

On December 30, 2013, the Company completed the cancellation and exchange (the “Exchange”) of each share of issued and outstanding Series A and Series B Preferred Stock for shares of Company stock and cash, at the election of the holder.  Pursuant to the Exchange, the Company canceled and exchanged each share of Preferred Stock for shares of Company common stock, no par value, in an amount equal to $1,000, the preferred stocks’ liquidation preference amount, divided by $5.25 plus, at the election of the holder, an amount of cash equal to $142.00, in the case of Series A Preferred Stock, or $182.00, in the case of Series B Preferred Stock, or a number of shares of Company common stock equal to this cash amount divided by $5.25.  The one-time cash payments approximated a 5.0% and 4.5% dividend rate for the Series A and Series B, respectively, after considering previous dividends paid and is considered an inducement payment.  The Exchange resulted in cash payments of $4.4 million for the Series A Preferred Stock and $319,000 for Series B Preferred Stock.  Under the accounting guidance for induced conversions of convertible preferred stock, the cash inducement payments were recorded as a reduction to common stock, rather than retained earnings, as the Company had a retained deficit at December 30, 2013.

In addition to the cash payment discussed above, the Exchange resulted in the issuance of 5,973,519 shares of Company common stock in exchange for the Series A Preferred Stock and 457,159 shares in exchange for the Series B Preferred Stock.   The total of the fair value of the new common shares issued and the $4.7 million inducement payment exceeded the fair value of the Preferred shares issuable according to the original conversion terms by $17.6 million, which amount is reflected as a reduction of net income available to common shares in the computation of earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Common Stock

In order to temporarily replenish the Company’s liquidity pending the Company’s planned public offering of common stock, on April 21, 2011, the Company issued and sold a 2% Subordinated Note due in 2018 in the aggregate principal amount of $1,000,000 to a director of the Company. On June 29, 2011, the director executed his right to convert the 2% Subordinated Note into 491,830 shares of common stock.

On June 7, 2011, the Company closed on a rights offering to existing shareholders, issuing 4,456,186 shares of common stock for $2.30 per share. On June 29, 2011, the Company closed on its public offering, issuing 4,456,186 shares of common stock for $2.30 per share.

The net proceeds from the offerings and subordinated note conversion were $20.3 million. The Company contributed $10.0 million to the Bank on June 30, 2011 and held the remaining proceeds at the holding company.
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013


NOTE 17 – SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Continued)
 
Warrants

In 2009 the Company and Macatawa Bank entered into a Settlement and Release and Stock and Warrant Issuance Agreement in connection with legal proceedings related to Trade Partners, Inc.  In connection with the Settlement, the Company issued warrants to purchase a total of 1,478,811 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $9.00 per share.  The fair value of the warrants issued was $806,000 and was recorded in Common Stock based upon $0.54 per warrant as determined using a Black-Scholes model.  The warrants expire on June 18, 2015 (five years after issuance).

NOTE 18 – CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

Following are condensed parent company only financial statements (dollars in thousands):

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

   
2014
   
2013
 
ASSETS
       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
2,544
   
$
1,910
 
Investment in Bank subsidiary
   
177,312
     
167,292
 
Investment in other subsidiaries
   
1,491
     
1,504
 
Other assets
   
2,599
     
3,272
 
Total assets
 
$
183,946
   
$
173,978
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Long-term debt
   
41,238
     
41,238
 
Other liabilities
   
189
     
218
 
Total liabilities
   
41,427
     
41,456
 
Total shareholders' equity
   
142,519
     
132,522
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
183,946
   
$
173,978
 
 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
INCOME
           
Dividends from subsidiaries
 
$
4,139
   
$
5,179
   
$
---
 
Other
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Total income
   
4,139
     
5,179
     
---
 
EXPENSE
                       
Interest expense
   
1,311
     
1,563
     
1,719
 
Other expense
   
611
     
575
     
555
 
Total expense
   
1,922
     
2,138
     
2,274
 
Income (loss) before income tax and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
   
2,217
     
3,041
     
(2,274
)
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
   
7,592
     
5,770
     
35,338
 
Income before income tax
   
9,809
     
8,811
     
33,064
 
Income tax benefit
   
(664
)
   
(738
)
   
(2,426
)
Net income
 
$
10,473
   
$
9,549
   
$
35,490
 
Net income (loss) available to common shares
 
$
10,473
   
$
(8,026
)
 
$
35,490
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
12,489
   
$
6,634
   
$
36,072
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 18 – CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (PARENT COMPANY ONLY) (Continued)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net income
 
$
10,473
   
$
9,549
   
$
35,490
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
                       
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
   
(7,592
)
   
(5,770
)
   
(35,338
)
Stock compensation expense
   
2
     
---
     
---
 
Change in other assets
   
673
     
(740
)
   
(2,424
)
Change in other liabilities
   
(29
)
   
(4,487
)
   
1,524
 
Net cash from operating activities
   
3,527
     
(1,448
)
   
(748
)
Cash flows from investing activities
                       
Investment in subsidiaries
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Net cash from investing activities
   
---
     
---
     
---
 
Cash flows from financing activities
                       
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
4
     
---
     
---
 
Cash dividends paid
   
(2,689
)
   
---
     
---
 
Common stock issuance costs
   
(102
)
   
---
     
---
 
Redemption of subordinated debt
   
---
     
(1,650
)
   
---
 
Repurchases of shares
   
(106
)
   
(45
)
   
---
 
Cash paid in preferred stock exchange
   
---
     
(4,734
)
   
---
 
Net cash from financing activities
   
(2,893
)
   
(6,429
)
   
---
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
634
     
(7,877
)
   
(748
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
1,910
     
9,787
     
10,535
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
2,544
   
$
1,910
   
$
9,787
 
                         
Supplemental noncash disclosures:
                       
Conversion of 300 shares of Preferred Series B to 50,000 shares of common stock
 
$
---
   
$
300
   
$
---
 
Exchange of 31,290 shares of Preferred Series A to 5,973,519 shares of common stock
   
---
     
30,604
     
---
 
Exchange of 2,300 shares of Preferred Series B to 457,159 shares of common stock
   
---
     
2,260
     
---
 
 
MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

 
NOTE 19 – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

           
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
 
   
Interest Income
   
Net Interest Income
   
Provision for Loan Losses
   
Net Income
   
Basic
   
Diluted
 
2014
                       
First quarter
 
$
11,970
   
$
10,475
   
$
(1,000
)
 
$
2,639
   
$
0.08
   
$
0.08
 
Second quarter
   
11,528
     
10,156
     
(1,000
)
   
2,755
     
0.08
     
0.08
 
Third quarter
   
11,674
     
10,304
     
(750
)
   
2,762
     
0.08
     
0.08
 
Fourth quarter
   
11,816
     
10,457
     
(600
)
   
2,317
     
0.07
     
0.07
 
                                                 
2013
                                               
First quarter
 
$
12,433
   
$
10,483
   
$
(750
)
 
$
2,473
   
$
0.09
   
$
0.09
 
Second quarter
   
12,307
     
10,464
     
(1,000
)
   
2,603
     
0.10
     
0.10
 
Third quarter
   
11,919
     
10,124
     
(1,500
)
   
2,238
     
0.08
     
0.08
 
Fourth quarter
   
11,961
     
10,212
     
(1,000
)
   
2,234
     
(0.56
)
   
(0.56
)
 
Net income for the fourth quarter of 2014 includes $516,000 expense associated with a legal settlement discussed in Note 16.

Fourth quarter 2013 loss per common share includes the impact of the induced exchange of preferred stock discussed in Note 17.
 
ITEM 9:
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.
 
ITEM 9A:
Controls and Procedures.
 
(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

Under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act), as of December 31, 2014.  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, as the Company’s are designed to do, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating whether the benefits of the controls and procedures that the Company adopts outweigh their costs.  Our management, including our CEO and CFO, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, have concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms.
 
(b)
Changes in Internal Controls.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
(c)
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control system was designed by, or under the supervision of, our CEO and CFO and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements and related notes for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

An internal control system, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives have been met.  The inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be deficient and breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes.

Company management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 based on those criteria.

BDO USA LLP, an independent registered certified public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements included herein, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, as stated in their report below.
 
(d)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Macatawa Bank Corporation
Holland, Michigan

We have audited Macatawa Bank Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria).  Macatawa Bank Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Macatawa Bank Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Macatawa Bank Corporation as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, and our report dated February 19, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Grand Rapids, Michigan
February 19, 2015
 
ITEM 9B:
Other Information.
 
None.

PART III
 
ITEM 10:
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
 
The information under the headings "The Board of Directors – General, – Qualifications and Biographical Information, and – Board Committees – Audit Committee," "Executive Officers," "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance," "Corporate Governance – Code of Ethics" and "Shareholder Proposals" in our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our May 5, 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is here incorporated by reference.
 
ITEM 11:
Executive Compensation.

Information under the heading "Executive Compensation" in our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our May 5, 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is here incorporated by reference.

2
ITEM 12:
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
 
Information under the heading "Ownership of Macatawa Stock" in our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our May 5, 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is here incorporated by reference.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company's equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2014.  The following information has been adjusted to reflect the effect of all stock dividends and stock splits.

    
Equity Compensation Plan Information
       
Plan Category
 
(a)
Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
   
(b)
Weighted-average
Exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
   
(c)
Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected in
column (a))
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)
   
260,261
   
$
18.57
     
404,307
 
Equity compensation plans not approved by  security holders
   
0
     
N/A
     
0
 
Total
   
260,261
   
$
18.57
     
404,307
 

(1) Consists of the Macatawa Bank Corporation Stock Compensation Plan, the Macatawa Bank Corporation 1998 Directors’ Stock Compensation Plan, the Macatawa Bank Corporation 2006 Stock Compensation Plan and the Macatawa Bank Corporation 2006 Directors’ Stock Compensation Plan.  Stock options may no longer be issued under the Macatawa Bank Corporation Stock Compensation Plan or the Macatawa Bank Corporation 1998 Directors’ Stock Compensation Plan.  The number of shares reflected in column (c) above with respect to the Macatawa Bank Corporation 2006 Stock Compensation Plan (247,932 shares) and the Macatawa Bank Corporation 2006 Directors’ Stock Compensation Plan (156,375 shares) represents shares that may be issued other than upon the exercise of an option, warrant or right.  Each plan contains customary anti-dilution provisions that are applicable in the event of a stock split or certain other changes in capitalization.
 
The Company has no equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders.
ITEM 13:
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
 
Information under the headings "Transactions with Related Persons" and "The Board of Directors – Board Committees" in our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our May 5, 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is here incorporated by reference.
 
ITEM 14:
Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
 
Information under the headings "Independent Auditors – Fees and – Audit Committee Approval Policies" in our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our May 5, 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is here incorporated by reference.
 
PART IV

ITEM 15:
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) 1.
The following documents are filed as part of Item 8 of this report:
   
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
(a) 2.
Financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not required or because the information is set forth in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.
   
(a) 3.
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

Exhibit Number and Description
3.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation. Previously filed with the Commission on April 28, 2011 in Macatawa Bank Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 3.1. Here incorporated by reference.
   
Bylaws.
   
4.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation. Exhibit 3.1 is here incorporated by reference.
   
4.2
Bylaws. Exhibit 3.2 is here incorporated by reference.
   
4.3
First Amended Settlement and Release and Stock and Warrant Issuance Agreement dated January 30, 2009. Previously filed with the Commission on April 24, 2014 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.3. Here incorporated by reference.
   
4.4
Second Amended Settlement and Release and Stock and Warrant Issuance Agreement dated April 30, 2009. Previously filed with the Commission on July 24, 2014 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.4. Here incorporated by reference.
   
4.5
Warrant Agreement between Macatawa Bank Corporation and Registrar and Transfer Company dated June 16, 2009. Previously filed with the Commission on July 24, 2014 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.5. Here incorporated by reference.
   
4.6
Warrant Agreement Addendum between Macatawa Bank Corporation and Registrar and Transfer Company dated July 27, 2009. Previously filed with the Commission on July 24, 2014 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.6. Here incorporated by reference.
   
4.7
Form of Warrant Certificate (first series). Previously filed with the Commission on July 24, 2014 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.7. Here incorporated by reference.
   
4.8
Form of Warrant Certificate (second series). Previously filed with the Commission on July 24, 2014 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.8. Here incorporated by reference.
   
4.9
Long-Term Debt.  The registrant has outstanding long-term debt which at the time of this report does not exceed 10% of the registrant's total consolidated assets.  The registrant agrees to furnish copies of the agreements defining the rights of holders of such long-term debt to the SEC upon request.
 
10.1*
Macatawa Bank Corporation Stock Compensation Plan.  Previously filed with the Commission on March 30, 2010 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Exhibit 10.1. Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.2*
Macatawa Bank Corporation 1998 Directors' Stock Option Plan.  Previously filed with the Commission on March 30, 2010 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Exhibit 10.2. Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.3*
Macatawa Bank Corporation 2006 Stock Compensation Plan.  Previously filed with the Commission on March 7, 2012 in Macatawa Bank Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, Exhibit 10.3.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.4*
Macatawa Bank Corporation 2006 Directors' Stock Compensation Plan.  Previously filed with the Commission on March 7, 2012 in Macatawa Bank Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, Exhibit 10.4.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.5
Form of Indemnity Agreement between Macatawa Bank Corporation and certain of its directors.  Previously filed with the Commission on March 30, 2010 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Exhibit 10.7. Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.6*
Form of Stock Option Agreement.  Previously filed with the Commission on February 24, 2011 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, Exhibit 10.8.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.7*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for non-qualified stock options.  Previously filed with the Commission on March 7, 2012 in Macatawa Bank Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, Exhibit 10.7.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.8*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for incentive stock options.  Previously filed with the Commission on March 7, 2012 in Macatawa Bank Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, Exhibit 10.8.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.9*
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Directors’ Stock Compensation Plan.   Previously filed with the Commission on March 7, 2012 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, Exhibit 10.9.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.10*
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement.   Previously filed with the Commission on February 21, 2013 in Macatawa Bank Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, Exhibit 10.10.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
Board Representation Agreement dated November 5, 2008, between Macatawa Bank Corporation and White Bay Capital, LLC.
   
10.12
First Amended Settlement and Release and Warrant Issuance Agreement dated January 30, 2009.  Exhibit 4.3 is here incorporated by reference.
   
10.13
Second Amendment to Settlement and Release and Warrant Issuance Agreement dated April 30, 2009.  Exhibit 4.4 is here incorporated by reference.
   
10.14
Warrant Agreement between the Company and Registrar and Transfer Company dated June 16, 2009.  Exhibit 4.5 is here incorporated by reference.
   
10.15
Warrant Agreement Addendum.  Exhibit 4.6 is here incorporated by reference.
   
10.16
Form of Subscription Agreement for the Public Offering.  Previously filed with the Commission on May 3, 2011 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Amendment No. 2 to Form S-1 registration statement, Exhibit 99.5.  Here incorporated by reference.
 
10.17
Form of Voting and Exchange Agreement with holders of Series A Preferred Stock.  Previously filed with the Commission on January 6, 2014 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.18
Form of Voting and Exchange Agreement with holders of Series B Preferred Stock.  Previously filed with the Commission on January 6, 2014 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.2.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
21
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.  One or more subsidiaries were omitted from this exhibit in accordance with Item 601(b)(21)(ii) of Regulation S-K. Previously filed with the Commission on February 24, 2011 in Macatawa Bank Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, Exhibit 21.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
Consent of BDO USA, LLP, independent registered public accounting firm.
   
Powers of Attorney.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.
101.INS
XBRL 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
* Management contract or compensatory plan.
 
The Registrant will furnish a copy of any exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index to any shareholder of the Registrant without charge upon written request to Chief Financial Officer, Macatawa Bank Corporation, 10753 Macatawa Drive, Holland, Michigan 49424.
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, dated February 19, 2015.

MACATAWA BANK CORPORATION
 
   
/s/ Ronald L. Haan
 
Ronald L. Haan
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
   
/s/ Jon W. Swets
 
Jon W. Swets
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
   
     
*/s/ Richard L. Postma
 
February 19, 2015
Richard L. Postma, Chairman of the Board
   
     
/s/ Ronald L. Haan
 
February 19, 2015
Ronald L. Haan, Chief Executive Officer
   
     
/s/ Jon W. Swets
 
February 19, 2015
Jon W. Swets, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
     
*/s/ Mark J. Bugge
 
February 19, 2015
Mark J. Bugge, Director
   
     
*/s/ Arend D. Lubbers
 
February 19, 2015
Arend D. Lubbers, Director
   
     
*/s/ Thomas J. Wesholski
 
February 19, 2015
Thomas J. Wesholski, Director
   
     
*/s/ Douglas B. Padnos
 
February 19, 2015
Douglas B. Padnos, Director
   
     
*/s/ Wayne J. Elhart
 
February 19, 2015
Wayne J. Elhart, Director
   
     
*/s/ Charles A. Geenen
 
February 19, 2015
Charles A. Geenen, Director
   
     
*/s/ Birgit M. Klohs
 
February 19, 2015
Birgit M. Klohs, Director
   
     
*/s/ Robert L. Herr
 
February 19, 2015
Robert L. Herr, Director
   
     
*/s/ Thomas P. Rosenbach
 
February 19, 2015
Thomas P. Rosenbach, Director
   
 
*By: 
/s/ Jon W. Swets
 
 
 
Jon W. Swets
 
 
 
Attorney-in-Fact
 
 
 
 
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