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

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_____________

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended 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 000-26719

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes       No   X  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes       No   X  

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes        No    X  

The aggregate value of the common equity held by non-affiliates (persons other than directors and executive officers) of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price of the common stock as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $377 million.

As of March 6, 2015, there were issued and outstanding 16,888,530 shares of the registrant’s common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Company’s proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 28, 2015 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

PART I

The Company

Mercantile Bank Corporation is a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “Bank Holding Company Act”). Unless the text clearly suggests otherwise, references to “us,” “we,” “our,” or “the company” include Mercantile Bank Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. As a bank holding company, we are subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”). We were organized on July 15, 1997, under the laws of the State of Michigan, primarily for the purpose of holding all of the stock of Mercantile Bank of Michigan (“our bank”), and of such other subsidiaries as we may acquire or establish. Our bank commenced business on December 15, 1997. During the third quarter of 2013, we filed an election to become a financial holding company, which election became effective April 14, 2014.

Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. (“our insurance company”), a subsidiary of our bank, commenced operations during 2002 to offer insurance products. Mercantile Bank Real Estate Co., L.L.C., (“our real estate company”), a subsidiary of our bank, was organized on July 21, 2003, principally to develop, construct and own our facility in downtown Grand Rapids which serves as our bank’s main office and Mercantile Bank Corporation’s headquarters. Mercantile Bank Capital Trust I (“our trust”), a business trust subsidiary, was formed in September 2004 to issue trust preferred securities.

Our expenses have generally been paid using cash dividends from our bank. Our principal source of future operating funds is expected to be dividends from our bank.

Firstbank Corporation Merger

We completed our merger with Firstbank Corporation (“Firstbank”), a Michigan corporation with approximately $1.5 billion in total assets and 46 branch locations, into Mercantile Bank Corporation as of June 1, 2014 (“Merger Date”). The merger was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, with Mercantile treated as the acquirer for accounting purposes. The results of operations due to the Firstbank transaction have been included in Mercantile’s financial results since the Merger Date. All of Firstbank’s common stock was converted into the right to receive one share of Mercantile common stock for each share of Firstbank common stock. The conversion of Firstbank’s common stock into Mercantile’s common stock resulted in Mercantile issuing 8,087,272 shares of common stock. As of the Merger Date, former Firstbank shareholders owned approximately 48% of the combined company. The merger substantially expanded our geographic footprint and increased the size of our balance sheet.

In conjunction with the completion of the merger, Mercantile assumed the obligations of Firstbank Capital Trust I, Firstbank Capital Trust II, Firstbank Capital Trust III and Firstbank Capital Trust IV, all of which are business trust subsidiaries formed to issue trust preferred securities. At the Merger Date, Firstbank had two Michigan-chartered bank subsidiaries that were consolidated into Mercantile Bank of Michigan effective June 30, 2014.

Our Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend on our common stock on May 9, 2014, in the amount of $2.00 per share that was paid on May 29, 2014 to shareholders of record as of May 22, 2014. The special cash dividend, in contemplation of the plan of merger with Firstbank, was paid to Mercantile shareholders prior to the effective date of the merger with Firstbank and before the issuance of Mercantile shares in exchange for Firstbank shares.

Our Bank

Our bank is a state banking company that operates under the laws of the State of Michigan, pursuant to a charter issued by the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation. Our bank’s deposits are insured to the maximum extent permitted by law by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Our bank, through its 53 office locations, provides commercial banking services primarily to small- to medium-sized businesses and retail banking services in and around the West and Central portions of Michigan. Our bank’s main office is located in Grand Rapids, with branch office locations in Alma, Ashley, Belding, Cadillac, Canadian Lakes, Clare, Comstock Park, DeWitt, Fairview, Grand Rapids, Hale, Hastings, Higgins Lake, Holland, Howard City, Ionia, Ithaca, Kalamazoo, Kentwood, Lakeview, Lansing, Lowell, Merrill, Mt. Pleasant, Paw Paw, Portage, Remus, Rose City, Shepherd, St. Charles, St. Helen, St. Johns, St. Louis, Vestaburg, West Branch, and Wyoming.

Our bank makes secured and unsecured commercial, construction, mortgage and consumer loans, and accepts checking, savings and time deposits. Our bank owns 53 automated teller machines ("ATM") located at certain of our office locations and at one off-site location that participate in the ACCEL/EXCHANGE and PLUS regional network systems, as well as other ATM networks throughout the country. Our bank also enables customers to conduct certain loan and deposit transactions by personal computer and through mobile applications. Courier service is provided to certain commercial customers, and safe deposit facilities are available at a vast majority of our office locations. Our bank does not have trust powers.

Our Insurance Company

Our insurance company acquired an existing shelf insurance agency effective April 15, 2002. An Agency and Institution Agreement was entered into among our insurance company, our bank and Hub International for the purpose of providing programs of mass marketed personal lines of insurance. Insurance product offerings include private passenger automobile, homeowners, personal inland marine, boat owners, recreational vehicle, dwelling fire, umbrella policies, small business and life insurance products, all of which are provided by and written through companies that have appointed Hub International as their agent.

Our Real Estate Company

Our real estate company was organized on July 21, 2003, principally to develop, construct and own our facility in downtown Grand Rapids that serves as our bank’s main office and Mercantile Bank Corporation’s headquarters. This facility was placed into service during the second quarter of 2005. Our real estate company is 99% owned by our bank and 1% owned by our insurance company.

Our Trusts

We have five business trusts that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Mercantile, four of which were assumed by Mercantile in conjunction with the merger with Firstbank. Each of the trusts was formed to issue Preferred Securities that were sold in private sales, as well as selling Common Securities to Mercantile. The proceeds from the Preferred and Common Securities sales were used by the trusts to purchase Floating Rate Notes issued by Mercantile. The rates of interest, interest payment dates, call features and maturity dates of each Floating Rate Note are identical to its respective Preferred Securities. The net proceeds from the issuance of the Floating Rate Notes were used for a variety of purposes, including contributions to our bank as capital to provide support for asset growth and the funding of stock repurchase programs and certain acquisitions.

The only significant assets of our trusts are the Floating Rate Notes, and the only significant liabilities of our trusts are the Preferred Securities. The Floating Rate Notes are categorized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as subordinated debentures, and the interest expense is recorded on our Consolidated Statements of Income under interest expense on other borrowings.

Effect of Government Monetary Policies

Our earnings are affected by domestic economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States Government, its agencies, and the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board’s monetary policies have had, and will likely continue to have, an important impact on the operating results of commercial banks through its power to implement national monetary policy in order to, among other things, curb inflation, maintain or encourage employment, and mitigate economic recessions. The policies of the Federal Reserve Board have a major effect upon the levels of bank loans, investments and deposits through its open market operations in United States Government securities, and through its regulation of, among other things, the discount rate on borrowings of member banks and the reserve requirements against member bank deposits. Our bank maintains reserves directly with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to the extent required by law. It is not possible to predict the nature and impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies.

Regulation and Supervision

As a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act, we are required to file an annual report with the Federal Reserve Board and such additional information as the Federal Reserve Board may require. We are also subject to examination by the Federal Reserve Board.

The Bank Holding Company Act limits the activities of bank holding companies to banking and the management of banking organizations, and to certain non-banking activities. The permitted non-banking activities include those limited activities that the Federal Reserve Board found, by order or regulation as of the day prior to enactment of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to banking. These permitted non-banking activities include, among other things: operating a mortgage company, finance company, or factoring company; performing certain data processing operations; providing certain investment and financial advice; acting as an insurance agent for certain types of credit-related insurance; leasing property on a full-payout, nonoperating basis; and providing discount securities brokerage services for customers. Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries engage in any of the non-banking activities listed above.

On April 14, 2014, our election to become a financial holding company, as permitted by the Bank Holding Company Act, as amended by Title I of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, was accepted by the Federal Reserve Board. In order to continue as a financial holding company, we and our bank must satisfy statutory requirements regarding capitalization, management and compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. As a financial holding company, we are permitted to engage in a broader range of activities under the Bank Holding Company Act than are permitted to bank holding companies. Those expanded activities include any activity which the Federal Reserve Board (in certain instances in consultation with the Department of the Treasury) determines, by order or by regulation, to be financial in nature or incidental to such financial activity, or to be complementary to a financial activity, and not to pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions of the financial system generally. Such expanded activities include, among others: insuring, guaranteeing, or indemnifying against loss, harm, damage, illness, disability or death, or issuing annuities, and acting as principal, agent or broker for such purposes; providing financial, investment or economic advisory services, including advising a mutual fund; and underwriting, dealing in, or making a market in securities. While our insurance company is permitted to engage in the insurance agency activities described above by virtue of our financial holding company status, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries currently engage in the expanded activities.

Our bank is subject to restrictions imposed by federal law and regulation. Among other things, these restrictions apply to any extension of credit to us or to our other subsidiaries, to securities borrowing or lending, derivatives, and repurchase transactions with us or our other subsidiaries, to investments in stock or other securities that we issue, to the taking of such stock or securities as collateral for loans to any borrower, and to acquisitions of assets or services from, and sales of certain types of assets to, us or our other subsidiaries. Federal law restricts our ability to borrow from our bank by limiting the aggregate amount we may borrow and by requiring that all loans to us be secured in designated amounts by specified forms of collateral.

With respect to the acquisition of banking organizations, we are generally required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before we can acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any bank, or acquire ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank or bank holding company, if, after the acquisition, we would own or control more than 5% of the voting shares of the bank or bank holding company. Acquisitions of banking organizations across state lines are subject to restrictions imposed by federal and state laws and regulations.

The scope of existing regulation and supervision of various aspects of our business has expanded, and continues to expand, as a result of the adoption in July, 2010 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), and of implementing regulations that are being adopted by federal regulators. For additional information on this legislation and its potential impact, refer to the Risk Factor entitled “The effect of financial services legislation and regulations remains uncertain” in Item 1A- Risk Factors in this Annual Report.

Employees

As of December 31, 2014, we employed 550 full-time and 181 part-time persons. Management believes that relations with employees are good.

Lending Policy

As a routine part of our business, we make loans to businesses and individuals located within our market areas. Our lending policy states that the function of the lending operation is twofold: to provide a means for the investment of funds at a profitable rate of return with an acceptable degree of risk, and to meet the credit needs of the creditworthy businesses and individuals who are our customers. We recognize that in the normal business of lending, some losses on loans will be inevitable and should be considered a part of the normal cost of doing business.

Our lending policy anticipates that priorities in extending loans will be modified from time to time as interest rates, market conditions and competitive factors change. The policy sets forth guidelines on a nondiscriminatory basis for lending in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The policy describes various criteria for granting loans, including the ability to pay; the character of the customer; evidence of financial responsibility; purpose of the loan; knowledge of collateral and its value; terms of repayment; source of repayment; payment history; and economic conditions.

The lending policy further limits the amount of funds that may be loaned against specified types of real estate collateral. For certain loans secured by real estate, the policy requires an appraisal of the property offered as collateral by a state certified independent appraiser. The policy also provides general guidelines for loan to value for other types of collateral, such as accounts receivable and machinery and equipment. In addition, the policy provides general guidelines as to environmental analysis, loans to employees, executive officers and directors, problem loan identification, maintenance of an allowance for loan losses, loan review and grading, mortgage and consumer lending, and other matters relating to our lending practices.

The Board of Directors has delegated significant lending authority to officers of our bank. The Board of Directors believes this empowerment, supported by our strong credit culture and the significant experience of our commercial lending staff, enables us to be responsive to our customers. The loan policy specifies lending authority for our lending officers with amounts based on the experience level and ability of each lender. Our loan officers and loan managers are able to approve loans up to $1.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively. We have established higher approval limits for our bank’s Senior Lender, President, and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, ranging from $4.0 million up to $10.0 million. These lending authorities, however, are typically used only in rare circumstances where timing is of the essence. Generally, loan requests exceeding $2.5 million require approval by the Officers Loan Committee, and loan requests exceeding $7.5 million, up to the legal lending limit of approximately $80.2 million, require approval by the Board of Directors. We apply an in-house lending limit that is significantly less than our bank’s legal lending limit.

Provisions of recent legislation, including the Dodd-Frank Act, when fully implemented by regulations to be adopted by federal agencies, may have a significant impact on our lending policy, especially in the areas of single-family residential real estate and other consumer lending. For additional information on this legislation and its potential impact, refer to the Risk Factors entitled “The effect of financial services legislation and regulations remains uncertain” and “Our single-family real estate lending business faces significant change” in Item 1A- Risk Factors in this Annual Report.

Lending Activity

Commercial Loans. Our commercial lending group originates commercial loans primarily in our market areas. Our commercial lenders have extensive commercial lending experience, with most having at least ten years’ experience. Loans are originated for general business purposes, including working capital, accounts receivable financing, machinery and equipment acquisition, and commercial real estate financing, including new construction and land development.

Working capital loans are often structured as a line of credit and are reviewed periodically in connection with the borrower’s year-end financial reporting. These loans are generally secured by substantially all of the assets of the borrower and have a floating interest rate tied to the Mercantile Bank Prime Rate, Wall Street Journal Prime Rate or 30-day Libor Rate. Loans for machinery and equipment purposes typically have a maturity of three to five years and are fully amortizing, while commercial real estate loans are usually written with a five-year maturity and amortize over a 10- to 20-year period. Commercial loans typically have an interest rate that is fixed to maturity or is tied to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate, Mercantile Bank Prime Rate or 30-day Libor Rate.

We evaluate many aspects of a commercial loan transaction in order to minimize credit and interest rate risk. Underwriting includes an assessment of the management, products, markets, cash flow, capital, income and collateral of the borrowing entity. This analysis includes a review of the borrower’s historical and projected financial results. Appraisals are generally required to be performed by certified independent appraisers where real estate is the primary collateral, and in some cases, where equipment is the primary collateral. In certain situations, for creditworthy customers, we may accept title reports instead of requiring lenders’ policies of title insurance.

Commercial real estate lending involves more risk than residential lending because loan balances are typically greater and repayment is dependent upon the borrower’s business operations. We attempt to minimize the risks associated with these transactions by generally limiting our commercial real estate lending to owner-operated properties and to owners of non-owner occupied properties who have an established profitable history and satisfactory tenant structure. In many cases, risk is further reduced by requiring personal guarantees, limiting the amount of credit to any one borrower to an amount considerably less than our legal lending limit and avoiding certain types of commercial real estate financings.

We have no material foreign loans, and only limited exposure to companies engaged in energy producing and agricultural-related activities.

Single-Family Residential Real Estate Loans. We originate single-family residential real estate loans in our market areas, generally according to secondary market underwriting standards. Loans not conforming to those standards are made in certain circumstances. Single-family residential real estate loans provide borrowers with a fixed or adjustable interest rate with terms up to 30 years and are generally sold to certain investors.

Our bank has a home equity line of credit program. Home equity lines of credit are generally secured by either a first or second mortgage on the borrower’s primary residence. The program provides revolving credit at a rate tied to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate.

Consumer Loans. We originate consumer loans for a variety of personal financial needs, including new and used automobiles, boats, credit cards and overdraft protection for our checking account customers. Consumer loans generally have shorter terms and higher interest rates and usually involve more credit risk than single-family residential real estate loans because of the type and nature of the collateral.

We believe our consumer loans are underwritten carefully, with a strong emphasis on the amount of the down payment, credit quality, employment stability and monthly income of the borrower. These loans are generally repaid on a monthly repayment schedule with the source of repayment tied to the borrower’s periodic income. In addition, consumer lending collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and are thus likely to be adversely affected by job loss, illness and personal bankruptcy. In many cases, repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan will not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance because of depreciation of the underlying collateral.

We believe that the generally higher yields earned on consumer loans compensate for the increased credit risk associated with such loans, and that consumer loans are important to our efforts to serve the credit needs of the communities and customers that we serve.

Loan Portfolio Quality

We utilize a comprehensive grading system for our commercial loans, whereby all commercial loans are graded on a ten grade rating system. The rating system utilizes standardized grade paradigms that analyze several critical factors such as cash flow, operating performance, financial condition, collateral, industry condition and management. All commercial loans are graded at inception and reviewed at various intervals.

Our independent loan review program is primarily responsible for the administration of the grading system and ensuring adherence to established lending policies and procedures. The loan review program is an integral part of maintaining our strong asset quality culture. The loan review function works closely with senior management, although it functionally reports to the Board of Directors. Using a risk-based approach to selecting credits for review, our loan review program covers approximately 40% of total loans outstanding each year. Our watch list credits are reviewed monthly by our Board of Directors and our Watch List Committee, the latter of which is comprised of senior level officers from the administration, lending and loan review functions.

Loans are placed in a nonaccrual status when, in our opinion, uncertainty exists as to the ultimate collection of all principal and interest. As of December 31, 2014, loans placed in nonaccrual status totaled $29.4 million, or 1.4% of total loans, compared to $6.7 million, or 0.6% of total loans, at December 31, 2013. Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest at year-end 2014 totaled less than $0.1 million, and we had no such loans as of year-end 2013.

Additional detail and information relative to the loan portfolio is incorporated by reference to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“Management’s Discussion and Analysis”) and Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Allowance for Loan Losses

In each accounting period, we adjust the allowance to the amount we believe is necessary to maintain the allowance at an adequate level. Through the loan review and credit departments, we establish specific portions of the allowance based on specifically identifiable problem loans. The evaluation of the allowance is further based on, but not limited to, consideration of the internally prepared Allowance Analysis, loan loss migration analysis, composition of the loan portfolio, third party analysis of the loan administration processes and portfolio, and general economic conditions.

The Allowance Analysis applies reserve allocation factors to non-impaired outstanding loan balances, the result of which is combined with specific reserves to calculate an overall allowance dollar amount. For non-impaired commercial loans, reserve allocation factors are based on the loan ratings as determined by our standardized grade paradigms and by loan purpose. Our commercial loan portfolio is segregated into five classes: 1) commercial and industrial loans; 2) vacant land, land development and residential construction loans; 3) owner occupied real estate loans; 4) non-owner occupied real estate loans; and 5) multi-family and residential rental property loans. The reserve allocation factors are primarily based on the historical trends of net loan charge-offs through a migration analysis whereby net loan losses are tracked via assigned grades over various time periods, with adjustments made for environmental factors reflecting the current status of, or recent changes in, items such as: lending policies and procedures; economic conditions; nature and volume of the loan portfolio; experience, ability and depth of management and lending staff; volume and severity of past due, nonaccrual and adversely classified loans; effectiveness of the loan review program; value of underlying collateral; lending concentrations; and other external factors, including competition and regulatory environment. Adjustments for specific lending relationships, particularly impaired loans, are made on a case-by-case basis. Non-impaired retail loan reserve allocations are determined in a similar fashion as those for non-impaired commercial loans, except that retail loans are segmented by type of credit and not a grading system. We regularly review the Allowance Analysis and make adjustments periodically based upon identifiable trends and experience.

A migration analysis is completed quarterly to assist us in determining appropriate reserve allocation factors for non-impaired commercial loans. Our migration takes into account various time periods, with most weight placed on the twelve-quarter time frame. We believe the twelve-quarter period represents an appropriate range of economic conditions, and that it provides for an appropriate basis in determining reserve allocation factors given current economic conditions and the general market consensus of economic conditions in the near future.

Although the migration analysis provides an accurate historical accounting of our net loan losses, it is not able to fully account for environmental factors that will also very likely impact the collectability of our commercial loans as of any quarter-end date. Therefore, we incorporate the environmental factors as adjustments to the historical data. Environmental factors include both internal and external items. We believe the most significant internal environmental factor is our credit culture and the relative aggressiveness in assigning and revising commercial loan risk ratings, with the most significant external environmental factor being the assessment of the current economic environment and the resulting implications on our commercial loan portfolio.

The primary risk elements with respect to commercial loans are the financial condition of the borrower, the sufficiency of collateral, and timeliness of scheduled payments. We have a policy of requesting and reviewing periodic financial statements from commercial loan customers, and we have a disciplined and formalized review of the existence of collateral and its value. The primary risk element with respect to each residential real estate loan and consumer loan is the timeliness of scheduled payments. We have a reporting system that monitors past due loans and have adopted policies to pursue creditor’s rights in order to preserve our collateral position.

Additional detail regarding the allowance is incorporated by reference to Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.

Investments

Bank Holding Company Investments. The principal investments of our bank holding company are the investments in the common stock of our bank and the common securities of our trusts. Other funds of our bank holding company may be invested from time to time in various debt instruments.

Subject to the limitations of the Bank Holding Company Act and the “Volcker Rule”, we are also permitted to make portfolio investments in equity securities and to make equity investments in subsidiaries engaged in a variety of non-banking activities, which include real estate-related activities such as community development, real estate appraisals, arranging equity financing for commercial real estate, and owning and operating real estate used substantially by our bank or acquired for its future use. Our bank holding company has no plans at this time to make directly any of these equity investments at the bank holding company level. Our Board of Directors may, however, alter the investment policy at any time without shareholder approval.

Our Bank’s Investments. Our bank may invest its funds in a wide variety of debt instruments and may participate in the federal funds market with other depository institutions. Subject to certain exceptions, our bank is prohibited from investing in equity securities. Among the equity investments permitted for our bank under various conditions and subject in some instances to amount limitations, are shares of a subsidiary insurance agency, mortgage company, real estate company, or Michigan business and industrial development company, such as our insurance company and our real estate company. Under another such exception, in certain circumstances and with prior notice to or approval of the FDIC, our bank could invest up to 10% of its total assets in the equity securities of a subsidiary corporation engaged in the acquisition and development of real property for sale, or the improvement of real property by construction or rehabilitation of residential or commercial units for sale or lease. Our bank has no present plans to make such an investment. Real estate acquired by our bank in satisfaction of or foreclosure upon loans may be held by our bank for specified periods. Our bank is also permitted to invest in such real estate as is necessary for the convenient transaction of its business. Our bank’s Board of Directors may alter the bank’s investment policy without shareholder approval at any time.

Additional detail and information relative to the securities portfolio is incorporated by reference to Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.

Competition

We face substantial competition in all phases of our operations from a variety of different competitors. We compete for deposits, loans and other financial services with numerous Michigan-based and national and regional banks, savings banks, thrifts, credit unions and other financial institutions as well as from other entities that provide financial services. Some of the financial institutions and financial service organizations with which we compete are not subject to the same degree of regulation as we are. Many of our primary competitors have been in business for many years, have established customer bases, are larger, have substantially higher lending limits than we do, and offer larger branch networks and other services which we do not. Most of these same entities have greater capital resources than we do, which, among other things, may allow them to price their services at levels more favorable to the customer and to provide larger credit facilities than we do. Under specified circumstances (that have been modified by the Dodd-Frank Act), securities firms and insurance companies that elect to become financial holding companies under the Bank Holding Company Act may acquire banks and other financial institutions. Federal banking law affects the competitive environment in which we conduct our business. The financial services industry is also likely to become more competitive as further technological advances enable more companies to provide financial services.

Selected Statistical Information

Management’s Discussion and Analysis beginning on Page F-4 in this Annual Report includes selected statistical information.

Return on Equity and Assets

Return on Equity and Asset information is included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis beginning on Page F-4 in this Annual Report.

Available Information

We maintain an internet website at www.mercbank.com. We make available on or through our website, free of charge, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practical after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend the address of our website to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate the contents of our website into this Annual Report.

The following risk factors could affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. These risk factors should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report because they could cause the actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Before you buy our common stock, you should know that investing in our common stock involves risks, including the risks described below. The risks that are highlighted here are not the only ones we face. If the adverse matters referred to in any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or operations could be adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Adverse changes in economic conditions or interest rates may negatively affect our earnings, capital and liquidity.

The results of operations for financial institutions, including our bank, may be materially and adversely affected by changes in prevailing local and national economic conditions, including declines in real estate market values and the related declines in value of our real estate collateral, rapid increases or decreases in interest rates and changes in the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government. Our profitability is heavily influenced by the spread between the interest rates we earn on loans and investments and the interest rates we pay on deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities. Substantially all of our loans are to businesses and individuals in Western or Central Michigan, and any decline in the economy of these areas could adversely affect us. Like most banking institutions, our net interest spread and margin will be affected by general economic conditions and other factors that influence market interest rates and our ability to respond to changes in these rates. At any given time, our assets and liabilities may be such that they will be affected differently by a given change in interest rates.

Significant declines in the value of commercial real estate could adversely impact us.

Many of our loans relate to commercial real estate. Stressed economic conditions may reduce the value of commercial real estate and strain the financial condition of our commercial real estate borrowers, especially in the land development and non-owner occupied commercial real estate segments of our loan portfolio. Those difficulties could adversely affect us and could produce losses and other adverse effects on our business.

Market volatility may adversely affect us.

The capital and credit markets may experience volatility and disruption. In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices and credit availability for certain issuers without apparent regard to those issuers’ underlying financial strength. Future levels of market disruption and volatility may have an adverse effect, which may be material, on our ability to access capital and on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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 national and regional banks, thrifts, credit unions and other financial institutions as well as other entities that provide financial services, including securities firms and mutual funds. Some of the financial institutions and financial service 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, have substantially higher lending limits than we do and offer branch networks and other services which we do not, including trust and international banking services. Most of these entities have greater capital and other resources than we do, which, among other things, may allow them to price their services at levels more favorable to the customer and to provide larger credit facilities than we do. This competition may limit our growth or earnings. Under specified circumstances (that have been modified by the Dodd-Frank Act), securities firms and insurance companies that elect to become financial holding companies under the Bank Holding Company Act may acquire banks and other financial institutions. Federal banking law affects the competitive environment in which we conduct our business. The financial services industry is also likely to become more competitive as further technological advances enable more companies to provide financial services. These technological advances may diminish the importance of depository institutions and other financial intermediaries in the transfer of funds between parties.

Our risk management systems may fall short of their intended objectives.

We seek to monitor and control our risk exposure through a risk and control framework encompassing a variety of separate but complementary financial, credit, operational, compliance and legal reporting systems, internal controls, management review processes and other mechanisms. Our risk management process seeks to balance our ability to profit from investing or lending positions with our exposure to potential losses. While we employ a broad and diversified set of risk monitoring and risk mitigation techniques, those techniques and the judgments that accompany their application cannot anticipate every economic and financial outcome or the specifics and timing of such outcomes. Thus, we may, in the course of our activities, incur losses.

We may not be able to successfully adapt to evolving industry standards and market pressures.

Our success depends, in part, on the ability to adapt products and services to evolving industry standards. There is increasing pressure to provide products and services at lower prices. This can reduce net interest income and noninterest income from fee-based products and services. In addition, the widespread adoption of new technologies could require us to make substantial capital expenditures to modify or adapt existing products and services or develop new products and services. We may not be successful in introducing new products and services in response to industry trends or developments in technology, or those new products may not achieve market acceptance. As a result, we could lose business, be forced to price products and services on less advantageous terms to retain or attract clients, or be subject to cost increases. As a result, our business, financial condition, or results of operations may be adversely affected.

Our inability to integrate potential future acquisitions successfully could impede us from realizing all of the benefits of the acquisitions, which could weaken our operations.

If we are unable to successfully integrate potential future acquisitions, we could be impeded from realizing all of the benefits of those acquisitions and could weaken our business operations. The integration process may disrupt our business and, if implemented ineffectively, may preclude realization of the full benefits expected by us and could harm our results of operations. In addition, the overall integration of the combining companies may result in unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities and competitive responses, and may cause our stock price to decline. The difficulties of integrating an acquisition include, among others:

° unanticipated issues in integration of information, communications and other systems;

° unanticipated incompatibility of logistics, marketing and administration methods;

° maintaining employee morale and retaining key employees;

° integrating the business cultures of both companies;

° preserving important strategic client relationships;

° coordinating geographically diverse organizations; and

° consolidating corporate and administrative infrastructures and eliminating duplicative operations.

Finally, even if the operations of an acquisition are integrated successfully, we may not realize the full benefits of the acquisition, including the synergies, cost savings or growth opportunities we expect. These benefits may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame as well.

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.

Our 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 trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute 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, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. Even routine funding transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the financial instrument exposure due us. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

The timing and effect of Federal Reserve Board policy normalization remains uncertain.

In response to the turmoil in the financial services sector and the severe recession in the broader economy that began in 2008, the Federal Reserve Board eased short-term interest rates and implemented a series of emergency programs to furnish liquidity to the financial markets and credit to various participants in those markets, as well as programs of quantitative easing through direct open market purchases of certain Treasury and other securities. In December, 2013, the Federal Reserve Board began a phased reduction in the amount of such securities purchases, and ceased such purchases by the end of October, 2014. In September, 2014, the Federal Reserve Board announced principles it would follow to implement monetary policy normalization, that is, to raise the Federal funds rate and other short-term interest rates to more normal levels and to reduce the Federal Reserve’s securities holdings, so as to promote its statutory mandate of maximum employment and price stability. There can be no assurance as to the actual impact of those policies on the financial markets, the broader economy, or on our business, financial condition, results of operations, access to credit or the trading price of our common stock.

The effect of financial services legislation and regulations remains uncertain.

In response to the financial crisis, on July 21, 2010, President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Act, the most comprehensive reform of the regulation of the financial services industry since the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Among many other things, the Dodd-Frank Act provides for increased supervision of financial institutions by regulatory agencies, more stringent capital requirements for financial institutions, major changes to deposit insurance assessments by the FDIC, prohibitions on proprietary trading and sponsorship or investment in hedge funds and private equity funds by insured depository institutions, holding companies, and their affiliates, heightened regulation of hedging and derivatives activities, a greater focus on consumer protection issues, in part through the formation of a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) having powers formerly split among different regulatory agencies, extensive changes to the regulation of residential mortgage lending, imposition of limits on interchange transaction and network fees for electronic debit transactions and repeal of the prohibition on payment of interest on demand deposits. Many of the Dodd-Frank Act’s provisions have delayed effective dates, while other provisions require implementing regulations of various federal agencies, some of which have not yet been adopted in final form. There can be no assurance that the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations will not limit our ability to pursue business opportunities, impose additional costs on us, impact our revenues or the value of our assets, or otherwise adversely affect our business.

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

The risk of nonpayment of loans is inherent in all lending activities, and nonpayment, when it occurs, may have a materially adverse effect on our earnings and overall financial condition as well as the value of our common stock. Our focus on commercial lending may result in a larger concentration of loans to small businesses. As a result, we may assume different or greater lending risks than other banks. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio and provide an allowance for losses based on several factors. If our assumptions are wrong, our allowance may not be sufficient to cover our losses, which would have an adverse effect on our operating results. The actual amounts of future provisions for loan losses cannot be determined at this time and may exceed the amounts of past provisions. Additions to our allowance decrease our net income.

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, including our executive officers and our other senior managers. The unanticipated loss of our executive officers, or any of our other senior managers, could have an adverse effect on our growth and performance.

In addition, we continue to depend on our key commercial loan officers. Several of our commercial loan officers are responsible, or share responsibility, for generating and managing a significant portion of our commercial loan portfolio. Our success can be attributed in large part to the relationships these officers as well as members of our management team have developed and are able to maintain with our customers as we continue to implement our community banking philosophy. The loss of any of these commercial loan officers could adversely affect our loan portfolio and performance, and our ability to generate new loans. Many of our key employees have signed agreements with us agreeing not to compete with us in one or more of our markets for specified time periods if they leave employment with us. However, we may not be able to effectively enforce such agreements.

Some of the other financial institutions in our markets also require their key employees to sign agreements that preclude or limit their ability to leave their employment and compete with them or solicit their customers. These agreements make it more difficult for us to hire loan officers with experience in our markets who can immediately solicit their former or new customers on our behalf.

Future sales of our common stock or other securities may dilute the value of our common stock.

In many situations, our Board of Directors has the authority, without any vote of our shareholders, to issue shares of our authorized but unissued preferred or common stock, including shares authorized and unissued under our Stock Incentive Plan of 2006. In the future, we may issue additional securities, through public or private offerings, in order to raise additional capital. Any such issuance would dilute the percentage of ownership interest of existing shareholders and may dilute the per share book value of the common stock. In addition, option holders under our stock-based incentive plans may exercise their options at a time when we would otherwise be able to obtain additional equity capital on more favorable terms.

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, the federal deposit insurance fund, and the stability of the U.S. financial system, not our creditors or shareholders. Existing state and federal banking laws subject us to substantial limitations with respect to the making of loans, the purchase of securities, the payment of dividends and many other aspects of our business. Some of these laws may benefit us, others may increase our costs of doing business, or otherwise adversely affect us and create competitive advantages for others. Regulations affecting banks and financial services companies undergo continuous change, and we cannot predict the ultimate effect of these changes, which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability or financial condition. Federal economic and monetary policy may also affect our ability to attract deposits, make loans and achieve satisfactory interest spreads.

Our single-family real estate lending business faces significant change.

The Dodd-Frank Act significantly changed the regulation of single-family residential mortgage lending in the United States. Among other things, the law transferred rule-making and enforcement powers from a number of federal agencies to the CFPB, imposed new risk retention and recordkeeping requirements on lenders (such as our bank) that sell single-family residential mortgage loans in the secondary market, required revision of disclosure documents mandated by various federal laws, limited loan originator compensation and expanded recordkeeping and reporting requirements under other federal statutes. Regulations implementing the Dodd-Frank Act adopted in 2013 by the CFPB (i) require lenders to make a reasonable good faith determination of a prospective residential mortgage borrower’s ability to repay based on specific underwriting criteria and define the characteristics of “qualified mortgages” that presumptively satisfy the ability to pay requirement, (ii) impose new requirements on mortgage servicing that address many issues, including periodic billing statements, error resolution, force-placed insurance, payment crediting and payoff, early intervention with delinquent borrowers, and enhanced loss mitigation procedures, (iii) specify new limitations on loan originator compensation, (iv) further restrict certain high-cost mortgage loans, (v) expand mandated loan escrow accounts for certain loans, (vi) revise existing appraisal requirements under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and require provision of a free copy of all appraisals to applicants for first lien loans, and (vii) combine in a single, new form required loan disclosures under the Truth-in-Lending Act (“TILA”) and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”). Apart from use of the TILA/RESPA combined disclosure form (which becomes effective August 1, 2015), the effective dates of these changes are in 2014. These and other changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act will require substantial modifications to the entire mortgage lending and servicing industry. Their impact may involve changes to our operations and increased compliance costs in making single-family residential mortgage loans.

Minimum capital requirements are scheduled to increase.

The provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act relating to capital to be maintained by financial institutions approach convergence with the standards (generally known as Basel III) adopted in December, 2010 by the Group of Governors and Heads of Supervision, the oversight body of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. Among other things, those standards contain a narrower definition of elements qualifying for inclusion as Tier 1 capital and higher minimum risk-based capital levels than those specified in previous U.S. law and regulations. In July, 2013, the U.S. federal bank regulatory agencies adopted regulations to implement the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and Basel III for U.S. financial institutions. The new regulations became applicable to us and our bank effective January 1, 2015.

The new regulations implement (i) revised definitions of regulatory capital elements, (ii) a new common equity Tier 1 (“CET 1”) minimum capital ratio requirement, (iii) an increase in the existing minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement, (iv) new limits on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if an institution does not hold a specified amount of CET 1 (called a capital conservation buffer) in addition to the amount required to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements, (v) new risk-weightings for certain categories of assets, and (vi) other requirements applicable to banking organizations which have total consolidated assets of $250 billion or more, total consolidated on-balance sheet foreign exposure of $10 billion or more, elect to use the advanced measurement approach for calculating risk-weighted assets, or are subsidiaries of banking organizations that use the advanced measurement approach (“Advanced Approaches Entities”).

Among other things, the new regulations generally require banking organizations to recognize in regulatory capital most components of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), including accumulated unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities. This requirement, which was not imposed under previous risk-based capital regulations, may be avoided by banking organizations, such as us and our bank, that are not Advanced Approaches Entities, by making a one-time, irrevocable election on the first quarterly regulatory report following the date on which the regulations become effective as to them. We intend to make the one-time, irrevocable election regarding the treatment of AOCI by March 31, 2015.

In addition, the new regulations (unlike the original proposal), permit companies such as us, which had total assets of less than $15 billion on December 31, 2009, and had issued trust preferred securities on or prior to May 19, 2010, to continue to include such securities in Tier 1 capital.

On January 1, 2015, for banking organizations such as us and our bank that are not Advanced Approaches Entities, the new regulations mandate a minimum ratio of CET 1 to standardized total risk-weighted assets (“RWA”) of 4.5%, an increased ratio of Tier 1 capital to RWA of 6.0% (compared to the current requirement of 4.0%), a total capital ratio (that is, the sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to RWA) of 8.0%, and a minimum leverage ratio (that is, Tier 1 capital to adjusted average total consolidated assets) of 4.0%. The calculation of these amounts will be affected by the new definitions of certain capital elements. The capital conservation buffer comprised solely of CET 1 will be phased-in commencing January 1, 2016, beginning at 0.625% of RWA and rising to 2.5% of RWA on January 1, 2019. Failure by a banking organization to maintain the aggregate required minimum capital ratios and capital conservation buffer will impair its ability to make certain distributions (including dividends and stock repurchases) and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers.

These increased minimum capital requirements may adversely affect our ability (and that of our bank) to pay cash dividends, reduce our profitability, or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In the event of a need for additional capital to meet these requirements, there can be no assurance of our ability to raise funding in the equity and capital markets. Factors that we cannot control, such as the disruption of financial markets or negative views of the financial services industry generally, could impair our ability to raise qualifying equity capital. In addition, our ability to raise qualifying equity capital could be impaired if investors develop a negative perception of our financial prospects. If we were unable to raise qualifying equity capital, it might be necessary for us to sell assets in order to maintain required capital ratios. We may be unable to sell some of our assets, or we may have to sell assets at a discount from market value, either of which could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flow and financial condition.

We may need to raise additional capital in the future, and such capital may not be available when needed or at all.

We may need or want to raise additional capital in the future to provide us with sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business needs, particularly if our asset quality or earnings were to deteriorate significantly. Our ability to raise additional capital will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control, and our financial performance. Economic conditions and any loss of confidence in financial institutions generally may increase our cost of funding and limit access to certain customary sources of capital.

There can be no assurance that capital will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Any occurrence that may limit our access to the capital markets, such as a decline in the confidence of equity or debt purchasers, or counterparties participating in the capital markets, may adversely affect our capital costs and our ability to raise capital and, potentially, our liquidity. Also, if we need to raise capital in the future, we may have to do so when many other financial institutions are also seeking to raise capital and would have to compete with those institutions for investors. An inability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms when needed could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and 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 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 create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements than we do. There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers.

Our Articles of Incorporation and By-laws and the laws of the State of Michigan contain provisions that may discourage or prevent a takeover of our company and reduce any takeover premium.

Our Articles of Incorporation and By-laws, and the corporate laws of the State 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 and our shareholders’ best interest. These provisions, however, 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 market 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 interest.

The Michigan Business Corporation Act contains provisions intended to protect shareholders and prohibit or discourage various types of hostile takeover activities. In addition to these provisions and the provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and By-laws, federal law requires the Federal Reserve Board’s approval prior to acquiring “control” of a bank holding company. All of these provisions may delay or prevent a change in control without action by our shareholders and could adversely affect the price of our common stock.

There is a limited trading market for our common stock.

The price of our common stock has been, and will likely continue to be, subject to fluctuations based on, among other things, economic and market conditions for bank holding companies and the stock market in general, as well as changes in investor perceptions of our company. The issuance of new shares of our common stock also may affect the market for our common stock.

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “MBWM.” The development and maintenance of an active public trading market depends upon the existence of willing buyers and sellers, the presence of which is beyond our control. While we are a publicly-traded company, the volume of trading activity in our stock is still relatively limited. Even if a more active market develops, there can be no assurance that such a market will continue, or that our shareholders will be able to sell their shares at or above the offering price.

Our business is subject to operational risks.

We, like most financial institutions, are exposed to many types of operational risks, including the risk of fraud by employees or outsiders, unauthorized transactions by employees or operational errors. Operational errors may include clerical or record keeping errors or those resulting from faulty or disabled computer or telecommunications systems. Given our volume of transactions, certain errors may be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and successfully corrected. Our necessary dependence upon automated systems to record and process our transaction volume may further increase the risk that technical system flaws or employee tampering or manipulation of those systems will result in losses that are difficult to detect.

We may also be subject to disruptions of our operating systems arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond our control, including, for example, computer viruses or electrical or telecommunications outages, which may give rise to losses in service to customers and to loss or liability to us. We are further exposed to the risk that our external vendors may be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations to us, or will be subject to the same risk of fraud or operational errors by their respective employees as are we, and to the risk that our or our vendors’ business continuity and data security systems prove not to be adequate. We also face the risk that the design of our controls and procedures proves inadequate or is circumvented, causing delays in detection or errors in information. Although we maintain a system of controls designed to keep operational risks at appropriate levels, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer losses from operational risks in the future that may be material in amount.

We face the risk of cyber-attack to our computer systems.

Our computer systems, software and networks have been and will continue to be vulnerable to unauthorized access, loss or destruction of data (including confidential client information), account takeovers, unavailability of service, computer viruses or other malicious code, cyber-attacks and other events. These threats may derive from human error, fraud or malice on the part of employees or third parties, or may result from accidental technological failure. If one or more of these events occurs, it could result in the disclosure of confidential client information, damage to our reputation with our clients and the market, additional costs to us (such as repairing systems or adding new personnel or protection technologies), regulatory penalties and financial losses, to both us and our clients and customers. Such events could also cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations (such as the lack of availability of our online banking system), as well as the operations of our clients, customers or other third parties. Although we maintain safeguards to protect against these risks, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer losses in the future that may be material in amount.

Damage to our reputation could materially harm our business.

Our relationship with many of our clients is predicated upon our reputation as a fiduciary and a service provider that adheres to the highest standards of ethics, service quality and regulatory compliance. Adverse publicity, regulatory actions, litigation, operational failures, the failure to meet client expectations and other issues with respect to one or more of our businesses could materially and adversely affect our reputation, our ability to attract and retain clients or our sources of funding for the same or other businesses. Preserving and enhancing our reputation also depends on maintaining systems and procedures that address known risks and regulatory requirements, as well as our ability to identify and mitigate additional risks that arise due to changes in our businesses and the marketplaces in which we operate, the regulatory environment and client expectations. If any of these developments has a material effect on our reputation, our business will suffer.     

We have received no written comments regarding our periodic or current reports from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission that were issued 180 days or more before the end of our 2014 fiscal year and that remain unresolved.

Our headquarters is located in our bank’s main office facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our bank operates 53 banking offices throughout Western and Central Michigan, most of which are full-service facilities. We have larger banking facilities in Alma, Holland, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Mt. Pleasant and West Branch. The remaining banking offices generally range in size from 1,200 to 3,200 square feet, based on the location and number of employees located at the facility. All but six of the banking offices are owned by our bank, with the remaining facilities rented under various operating lease agreements. In several instances, the banking offices contain more usable space than what is needed for current banking operations. This excess space, totaling approximately 23,500 square feet, is generally leased to unrelated businesses. In addition, certain functions operate out of our standalone facility located in Alma.

We consider our properties and equipment to be well maintained, in good operating condition and capable of accommodating current growth forecasts. However, we may choose to add additional branch locations to expand our presence in current markets and/or in new markets or, alternatively, to consolidate, close or relocate branches if we believe it would be beneficial to our overall performance.

From time to time, we may be involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to our business. In the opinion of management, we are not a party to any legal proceedings that are material to our financial condition, either individually or in the aggregate.

Not applicable.

PART II

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “MBWM.” At March 6, 2015, there were 1,663 record holders of our common stock. In addition, we estimate that there were approximately 7,000 beneficial owners of our common stock who own their shares through brokers or banks. The following table shows the high and low sales prices for our common stock as reported by the Nasdaq Global Select Market for the periods indicated and the quarterly and special cash dividends paid by us during those periods.

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends that the Board of Directors may declare from time to time. We may only pay dividends out of funds that are legally available for that purpose. We are a financial holding company and substantially all of our assets are held by our bank and its subsidiaries. Our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders depends primarily on our bank’s ability to pay dividends to us. Dividend payments and extensions of credit to us from our bank are subject to legal and regulatory limitations, generally based on capital levels and current and retained earnings, imposed by law and regulatory agencies with authority over our bank. The ability of our bank to pay dividends is also subject to its profitability, financial condition, capital expenditures and other cash flow requirements. In addition, under the terms of our subordinated debentures, we would be precluded from paying dividends on our common stock if an event of default has occurred and is continuing under the subordinated debentures, or if we exercised our right to defer payments of interest on the subordinated debentures, until the deferral ended.

We and our bank are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. Failure to meet the various capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that could have a direct material effect on our financial statements. Our bank’s ability to pay cash and stock dividends is subject to limitations under various laws and regulations and to prudent and sound banking practices.

On January 16, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.12 per share that was paid on March 10, 2014 to shareholders of record as of February 10, 2014. On May 9, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.12 per share that was paid on June 25, 2014 to shareholders of record as of June 13, 2014. On July 17, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.12 per share that was paid on September 24, 2014 to shareholders of record as of September 12, 2014. On October 16, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.12 per share that was paid on December 24, 2014 to shareholders of record as of December 12, 2014. In addition, on May 9, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $2.00 per share that was paid on May 29, 2014 to shareholders of record as of May 22, 2014. The special cash dividend, in contemplation of the plan of merger with Firstbank, was paid to Mercantile shareholders prior to the effective date of the merger with Firstbank and before the issuance of Mercantile shares in exchange for Firstbank shares.

On January 10, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.10 per share that was paid on March 8, 2013 to shareholders of record as of February 8, 2013. On April 11, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.11 per share that was paid on June 10, 2013 to shareholders of record as of May 10, 2013. On July 11, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.12 per share that was paid on September 10, 2013 to shareholders of record as of August 9, 2013. On October 10, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.12 per share that was paid on December 10, 2013 to shareholders of record as of November 8, 2013.

On January 15, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.14 per share that will be paid on March 25, 2015 to shareholders of record as of March 13, 2015.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

There were no issuer purchases of equity securities during the fourth quarter of 2014. However, on January 30, 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a new program to repurchase up to $20.0 million of our common stock from time to time in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or by other means in accordance with applicable regulations. We expect to fund a majority of such repurchases from cash dividends paid to us from our bank.

Shareholder Return Performance Graph

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock (based on the last reported sales price of the respective year) with the cumulative total return of the Nasdaq Composite Index and the SNL Bank Nasdaq Index from December 31, 2009 through December 31, 2014. The following is based on an investment of $100 on December 31, 2009 in our common stock, the Nasdaq Composite Index and the SNL Bank Nasdaq Index, with dividends reinvested where applicable.

The Selected Financial Data in this Annual Report is incorporated here by reference.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in this Annual Report is incorporated here by reference.

The information under the heading “Market Risk Analysis” included in this Annual Report is incorporated here by reference.

The Consolidated Financial Statements, the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm included in this Annual Report are incorporated here by reference.

None

As of December 31, 2014, an evaluation was performed under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2014.

There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2014, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. This evaluation was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on our evaluation under the COSO framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014. Refer to page F-36 for management’s report.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting which is included in this Annual Report.

None

PART III

The information presented under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Corporate Governance – Code of Ethics” in the definitive Proxy Statement of Mercantile for our May 28, 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Proxy Statement”), a copy of which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission before April 30, 2015, is incorporated here by reference.

We have a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The members of the Audit Committee consist of David M. Cassard, Jeff A. Gardner, Edward B. Grant, and Calvin D. Murdock. The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Cassard, Grant, and Murdock, members of the Audit Committee, are qualified as audit committee financial experts, as that term is defined in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Messrs. Cassard, Gardner, Grant, and Murdock are independent, as independence for audit committee members is defined in the Nasdaq listing standards and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The information presented under the captions “Executive Compensation,” “Corporate Governance – Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated here by reference.

The information presented under the caption “Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated here by reference.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes information, as of December 31, 2014, relating to compensation plans under which equity securities are authorized for issuance.

(1) These plans are Mercantile’s 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan and the Stock Incentive Plan of 2006. Also, in conjunction with the merger with Firstbank, we issued Mercantile stock options in replacement of all outstanding stock option grants that had been issued to Firstbank employees under the Firstbank Corporation Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 1997 and the Firstbank Corporation Stock Compensation Plan.

(2) These securities are available under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2006. Incentive awards may include, but are not limited to, stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and stock awards. No further issuances will be made under the Firstbank Corporation Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 1997 or the Firstbank Corporation Stock Compensation Plan.

The information presented under the captions “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Corporate Governance – Director Independence” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated here by reference.

The information presented under the caption “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated here by reference.

PART IV

(a) (1)     Financial Statements. The following financial statements and reports of the independent registered public accounting firm of Mercantile Bank Corporation and its subsidiaries are filed as part of this report:

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm dated March 10, 2015 – BDO USA, LLP

Consolidated Balance Sheets --- December 31, 2014 and 2013

Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The Consolidated Financial Statements, the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm listed above are incorporated by reference in Item 8 of this report.

Not applicable

(b)     Exhibits:

* Management contract or compensatory plan.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

December 31, 2014 and 2013

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

December 31, 2014 and 2013

CONTENTS

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The following discussion and other portions of this Annual Report contain forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy, and about our company. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “is likely,” “plans,” “projects,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“Future 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. We undertake no obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events (whether anticipated or unanticipated), or otherwise.

Future Factors include, among others, changes in interest rates and interest rate relationships; demand for products and services; the degree of competition by traditional and non-traditional competitors; future impacts of the Firstbank merger; changes in banking regulation or actions by bank regulators; changes in tax laws; changes in prices, levies, and assessments; impact of technological advances; governmental and regulatory policy changes; outcomes of contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; changes in local real estate values; changes in the national and local economies; and other risk factors described in Item 1A of this Annual Report. These are representative of the Future Factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a forward-looking statement.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“Management’s Discussion and Analysis”) is based on Mercantile Bank Corporation’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, and actual results could differ from those estimates. We have reviewed the analyses with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

Allowance For Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses (“allowance”) is maintained at a level we believe is adequate to absorb probable incurred losses identified and inherent in the loan portfolio. Our evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is an estimate based on past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, guidance from bank regulatory agencies, and assessments of the impact of current and anticipated economic conditions on the loan portfolio. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in our judgment, should be charged-off. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectability of a loan is likely. The balance of the allowance represents our best estimate, but significant downturns in circumstances relating to loan quality or economic conditions could result in a requirement for an increased allowance in the future. Likewise, an upturn in loan quality or improved economic conditions may result in a decline in the required allowance in the future. In either instance, unanticipated changes could have a significant impact on the allowance and operating results.

We complete a migration analysis each quarter to assist us in determining appropriate reserve allocation factors for non-impaired commercial loans. Our migration takes into account various time periods, with most weight placed on the twelve-quarter time frame. We believe the twelve-quarter period represents an appropriate range of economic conditions, and that it provides for an appropriate basis in determining reserve allocation factors given current economic conditions and the general market consensus of economic conditions in the near future.

Although the migration analysis provides an accurate historical accounting of our net loan losses, it is not able to fully account for environmental factors that will also very likely impact the collectability of our commercial loans as of any quarter-end date. Therefore, we incorporate the environmental factors as adjustments to the historical data. Environmental factors include both internal and external items. We believe the most significant internal environmental factor is our credit culture and the relative aggressiveness in assigning and revising commercial loan risk ratings, with the most significant external environmental factor being the assessment of the current economic environment and the resulting implications on our commercial loan portfolio.

The allowance is increased through a provision charged to operating expense. Uncollectable loans are charged-off through the allowance. Recoveries of loans previously charged-off are added to the allowance. A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that contractual principal and interest payments will not be collected either for the amounts or by the dates as scheduled in the loan agreement. Impairment is evaluated in aggregate for smaller-balance loans of similar nature such as residential mortgage, consumer and credit card loans, and on an individual loan basis for other loans. 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 if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. The timing of obtaining outside appraisals varies, generally depending on the nature and complexity of the property being evaluated, general breadth of activity within the marketplace and the age of the most recent appraisal. For collateral dependent impaired loans, in most cases we obtain and use the “as is” value as indicated in the appraisal report, adjusting for any expected selling costs. In certain circumstances, we may internally update outside appraisals based on recent information impacting a particular or similar property, or due to identifiable trends (e.g., recent sales of similar properties) within our markets. The expected future cash flows exclude potential cash flows from certain guarantors. To the extent these guarantors are able to provide repayments, a recovery would be recorded upon receipt. Loans are evaluated for impairment when payments are delayed, typically 30 days or more, or when serious deficiencies are identified within the credit relationship. Our policy for recognizing income on impaired loans is to accrue interest unless a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. We put loans into nonaccrual status when the full collection of principal and interest is not expected.

Income Tax Accounting: Current income tax assets and liabilities are established for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year. In the preparation of income tax returns, tax positions are taken based on interpretation of federal and state income tax laws for which the outcome may be uncertain. We periodically review and evaluate the status of our tax positions and make adjustments as necessary. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are also established for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. A deferred income tax asset or liability is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences that can be carried forward (used) in future years. The valuation of our net deferred income tax asset is considered critical as it requires us to make estimates based on provisions of the enacted tax laws. The assessment of the realizability of the net deferred income tax asset involves the use of estimates, assumptions, interpretations and judgments concerning accounting pronouncements, federal and state tax codes and the extent of future taxable income. There can be no assurance that future events, such as court decisions, positions of federal and state taxing authorities, and the extent of future taxable income will not differ from our current assessment, the impact of which could be significant to the consolidated results of operations and reported earnings.

Accounting guidance requires us to assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against our deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. In making such judgments, we consider both positive and negative evidence and analyze changes in near-term market conditions as well as other factors that may impact future operating results. Significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.

Securities and Other Financial Instruments: Securities available for sale consist of bonds and notes which might be sold prior to maturity due to changes in interest rates, prepayment risks, yield and availability of alternative investments, liquidity needs and other factors. Securities classified as available for sale are reported at their fair value. Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are other than temporary are reflected as realized losses. In estimating other than temporary losses, we consider: (1) the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than carrying value; (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer; and (3) our ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Fair values for securities available for sale are generally obtained from outside sources and applied to individual securities within the portfolio. The difference between the amortized cost and the current fair value of securities is recorded as a valuation adjustment and reported in other comprehensive income.

Mortgage Servicing Rights: Mortgage servicing rights are recognized as assets based on the allocated fair value of retained servicing rights on mortgage loans sold. Servicing rights are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value and are expensed in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing income. We utilize a discounted cash flow model to determine the value of our servicing rights. The valuation model utilizes mortgage loan prepayment speeds, the remaining life of the mortgage loan pool, delinquency rates, our cost to service the mortgage loans and other factors to determine the cash flow that we will receive from servicing each grouping of mortgage loans. These cash flows are then discounted based on current interest rate assumptions to arrive at the fair value of the right to service those mortgage loans. Impairment is evaluated quarterly based on the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights, using groupings of the underlying mortgage loans classified by interest rates. Any impairment of a grouping is reported as a valuation allowance.

Goodwill: Generally accepted principles require us to determine the fair value of all of the assets and liabilities of an acquired entity, and record their fair value on the date of acquisition. We employ a variety of means in determination of the fair value, including the use of discounted cash flow analysis, market comparisons and projected revenue streams. For certain items that we believe we have the appropriate expertise to determine the fair value, we may choose to use our own calculation of the value. In other cases, where the value is not easily determined, we consult with outside parties to determine the fair value of the asset or liability. Once valuations have been adjusted, the net difference between the price paid for the acquired company and the fair value of its balance sheet is recorded as goodwill.

Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment is recognized in the period identified. A more frequent assessment is performed should events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the goodwill may not be recoverable. We may elect to perform a qualitative assessment for the annual impairment test. If the qualitative assessment indicates it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect not to perform a qualitative assessment, then we would be required to perform a quantitative test for goodwill impairment. The quantitative test is a two-step process consisting of comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit to an estimate of its fair value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, goodwill is impaired and is written down to its estimated fair value. In 2014, we elected to perform a qualitative assessment for our annual impairment test and concluded our fair value was greater than its carrying amount; therefore, no further testing was required.

INTRODUCTION

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report. This discussion provides information about the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiary, Mercantile Bank of Michigan (“our bank”), and of Mercantile Bank Real Estate Co., L.L.C. (“our real estate company”) and Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. (“our insurance company”), subsidiaries of our bank. Unless the text clearly suggests otherwise, references to “us,” “we,” “our,” or “the company” include Mercantile Bank Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries referred to above.

On December 12, 2013, our shareholders and the shareholders of Firstbank Corporation (“Firstbank”) overwhelmingly voted to approve an Agreement and Plan of Merger providing for the merger of Mercantile and Firstbank. The merger was consummated effective June 1, 2014. For additional information, see “Item 1 - Business – Firstbank Corporation Merger” and Note 2- Business Combination in this Annual Report.

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

We reported net income of $17.3 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, for 2014, compared to $17.0 million, or $1.95 per diluted share, for 2013. Our 2014 earnings results were significantly impacted by the Firstbank merger. In addition to our results reflecting seven months of operations as a combined organization, we recorded relatively large merger-related costs during the year. Merger-related costs totaled $5.4 million during 2014, equating to $3.8 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, on an after-tax basis. Merger-related costs totaled $1.2 million during 2013, equating to $1.1 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, on an after-tax basis. We do not expect to record any further significant costs related to the Firstbank merger in future periods. Our projected annual cost savings as disclosed at the time the merger was announced were $5.5 million, or approximately $1.4 million quarterly. Our fourth quarter 2014 results included realizing a vast majority of this target. We expect to realize the full amount of this target in the first quarter of 2015 and subsequent quarters.

The overall quality of our loan portfolio remains strong, which when combined with recoveries of prior loan charge-offs and the eliminations of and reductions in specific reserves, have produced a positive impact on our allowance calculations and allowed us to make no or negative provisions in eight consecutive quarters and in eleven of the last twelve quarters. In addition, we have recorded a net loan recovery during seven out of the last twelve quarters. We continue our collection efforts on charged-off loans, and expect to record recoveries in future periods; however, given the nature of these efforts, it is not practical to forecast the dollar amount and timing of the recoveries. The level of problem asset administration costs has declined substantially over the past several years, reflecting our improved asset quality.

New term loan originations totaled approximately $258 million during 2014. We also experienced net increases in commercial lines of credit, in large part reflecting lines that are part of new commercial lending relationships established during recent quarterly periods. The new loan pipeline remains strong, and at year-end 2014 we had over $150 million in unfunded loan commitments on commercial construction and development loans that are in the construction phase. We believe our loan portfolio is well diversified post-merger, with commercial real estate non-owner occupied loans comprising 27%, commercial and industrial loans equaling 26%, commercial real estate owner occupied loans comprising 21% and residential mortgage and consumer loans aggregating 18% of total loans as of December 31, 2014. As a percent of total commercial loans, commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate owner occupied loans combined equaled 57% at year-end 2014.

The merger with Firstbank also had a significant impact on our funding structure, resulting in a well diversified funding mix and an approximate 20 basis point reduction in our cost of funds as a percent of average earning assets. As of December 31, 2014, noninterest-bearing checking accounts comprised 22% of total funds, interest-bearing checking and sweep accounts combined for 23%, savings deposits and money market deposit accounts aggregated to 23% and local time deposits accounted for 23%. Wholesale funds, comprised of brokered deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, represented 9% of total funds.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Primarily reflecting the merger with Firstbank, our total assets increased $1.47 billion during 2014, and totaled $2.89 billion as of December 31, 2014. Total loans increased $1.04 billion, securities available for sale were up $302 million and cash and cash equivalents increased $25.8 million. Total deposits increased $1.16 billion and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“sweep accounts”) were up $98.3 million during 2014.

Earning Assets

Average earning assets equaled 92.0% of average total assets during 2014, compared to 92.3% during 2013. The loan portfolio continued to comprise a majority of earning assets, followed by securities, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits. Average total loans equaled 79.1% of average earning assets in 2014, while average securities, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits equaled a combined 20.9%. We expect the percentage of average assets comprised of average earning assets to remain relatively unchanged in future periods in comparison to 2014 levels; however, we also expect the loan component of earning assets to increase over the next couple of years as a sizable portion of our anticipated net loan growth is funded from monies from our excess interest-bearing deposit balances and from maturities and calls of U.S. Agency and municipal bonds and paydowns on mortgage-backed securities.

Our loan portfolio has historically been primarily comprised of commercial loans, although less so now following the merger with Firstbank. Commercial loans increased $729 million during 2014, and at December 31, 2014 totaled $1.72 billion, or 82.1% of the loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2013, the commercial loan portfolio comprised 93.7% of total loans. Commercial and industrial loans were up $264 million, non-owner occupied commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans increased $196 million, owner occupied CRE loans increased $169 million, multi-family and residential rental loans increased $85.1 million and vacant land, land development and residential construction loans were up $15.2 million. As a percent of total commercial loans, commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate owner occupied loans combined equaled 57.2% as of December 31, 2014.

We have significantly enhanced our commercial loan calling efforts over the past few years. We are very pleased with the approximately $664 million in new commercial term loan fundings over the past three years, and our current commercial loan pipeline reports indicate continued strong commercial loan funding opportunities in future periods. Also, as of December 31, 2014, availability on existing construction and development loans totaled over $150 million, with most of those commitments expected to be drawn during 2015. Further, we have made additional lending commitments totaling about $110 million, a majority of which we expect to be accepted and funded over the next 12 to 18 months. Our commercial loan officers also report substantial additional opportunities they are currently discussing with existing borrowers and potential new customers.

We continue to experience commercial loan principal paydowns and payoffs. While a portion of the principal paydowns and payoffs received thus far have been welcomed, such as on stressed lending relationships, we have also experienced significant instances where well-performing relationships have been refinanced at other financial institutions and other situations where the borrower has sold the underlying asset, paying off the loan. In many of those cases where the loans have been refinanced elsewhere, we believed the terms and conditions of the new lending arrangements were too aggressive, generally reflecting the very competitive banking environment in our markets. We remain committed to prudent underwriting standards that provide for an appropriate yield and risk relationship. In addition, we continue to receive accelerated principal paydowns from certain borrowers who have elevated deposit balances generally resulting from profitable operations and an apparent unwillingness to expand their business and /or replace equipment due to economic- and tax-related uncertainties. Usage of existing commercial lines of credit has remained relatively steady.

Reflecting the merger with Firstbank, one-to-four family mortgage loans increased $183 million and other consumer-related loans were up $124 million during 2014, and at December 31, 2014 totaled a combined $374 million, or 17.9% of the loan portfolio. One-to-four family mortgage loans and other consumer-related loans equated to 6.3% of total loans as of December 31, 2013.

The following table summarizes our loan portfolio:

The following table presents total loans outstanding as of December 31, 2014, according to scheduled repayments of principal on fixed rate loans and repricing frequency on variable rate loans. Floating rate loans that are currently at interest rate floors, comprising a majority of our floating rate commercial loans, are treated as fixed rate loans and are reflected using maturity date and not repricing frequency.

Our credit policies establish guidelines to manage credit risk and asset quality. These guidelines include loan review and early identification of problem loans to provide effective loan portfolio administration. The credit policies and procedures are meant to minimize the risk and uncertainties inherent in lending. In following these policies and procedures, we must rely on estimates, appraisals and evaluations of loans and the possibility that changes in these could occur quickly because of changing economic conditions. Identified problem loans, which exhibit characteristics (financial or otherwise) that could cause the loans to become nonperforming or require restructuring in the future, are included on the internal loan watch list. Senior management and the Board of Directors review this list regularly. Market value estimates of collateral on impaired loans, as well as on foreclosed and repossessed assets, are reviewed periodically; however, we have a process in place to monitor whether value estimates at each quarter-end are reflective of current market conditions. Our credit policies establish criteria for obtaining appraisals and determining internal value estimates. We may also adjust outside and internal valuations based on identifiable trends within our markets, such as recent sales of similar properties or assets, listing prices and offers received. In addition, we may discount certain appraised and internal value estimates to address distressed market conditions.

Nonperforming assets, comprised of nonaccrual loans, loans past due 90 days or more and accruing interest and foreclosed properties, totaled $31.4 million (1.1% of total assets) as of December 31, 2014, compared to $9.6 million (0.7% of total assets) at December 31, 2013. The volume of nonperforming assets has generally been on a declining trend since the peak of $118 million on March 31, 2010. Reductions in nonperforming assets over the past couple of years primarily reflect principal payments on nonaccrual loans and sales proceeds on foreclosed properties. After placing less than $2.0 million of loans into nonaccrual status during 2013, that level increased to $25.9 million during 2014; however, over 85% of that figure is related to one commercial loan relationship that was placed into nonaccrual status in late 2014. We are working closely with the owners to address the identified financial and operating weaknesses. Notwithstanding this one relatively large loan relationship, we are pleased with the overall quality of the loan portfolio.

The following tables provide a breakdown of nonperforming assets by property type:

The following tables provide a reconciliation of nonperforming assets:

The level of net loan charge-offs continued to improve during 2014, primarily reflecting a decline in nonperforming loans, an improvement in the overall quality of the loan portfolio and significant recoveries of prior period charge-offs. During 2014, we recorded loan charge-offs totaling $1.5 million and recoveries of prior period loan charge-offs aggregating $1.7 million, thereby providing for a net loan recovery of $0.2 million.

The following table summarizes changes in the allowance for originated loan losses for the past five years:

The following table illustrates the breakdown of the allowance balance by loan type (dollars in thousands) and of the total originated loan portfolio (in percentages):

The following table depicts the ratio of our allowance to nonperforming loans:

The ratio of our allowance to nonperforming loans had been on an increasing trend during the period of 2010 through 2013, generally reflecting total nonperforming loans declining at a faster rate than the balance of the allowance, as well as certain higher-balance commercial loan relationships being categorized as troubled debt restructurings resulting in higher specific reserve allocations. The decline during 2014 primarily reflects the aforementioned one commercial loan relationship that was placed into nonaccrual status during the fourth quarter of 2014.

In each accounting period, we adjust the allowance to the amount we believe is necessary to maintain the allowance at an adequate level. Through the loan review and credit departments, we establish specific portions of the allowance based on specifically identifiable problem loans. The evaluation of the allowance is further based on, but not limited to, consideration of the internally prepared Allowance Analysis, loan loss migration analysis, composition of the loan portfolio, third party analysis of the loan administration processes and portfolio, and general economic conditions.

The Allowance Analysis applies reserve allocation factors to non-impaired outstanding loan balances, the result of which is combined with specific reserves to calculate an overall allowance dollar amount. For non-impaired commercial loans, reserve allocation factors are based on the loan ratings as determined by our standardized grade paradigms and by loan purpose. Our commercial loan portfolio is segregated into five classes: 1) commercial and industrial loans; 2) vacant land, land development and residential construction loans; 3) owner occupied real estate loans; 4) non-owner occupied real estate loans; and 5) multi-family and residential rental property loans. The reserve allocation factors are primarily based on the historical trends of net loan charge-offs through a migration analysis whereby net loan losses are tracked via assigned grades over various time periods, with adjustments made for environmental factors reflecting the current status of, or recent changes in, items such as: lending policies and procedures; economic conditions; nature and volume of the loan portfolio; experience, ability and depth of management and lending staff; volume and severity of past due, nonaccrual and adversely classified loans; effectiveness of the loan review program; value of underlying collateral; lending concentrations; and other external factors, including competition and regulatory environment. Adjustments for specific lending relationships, particularly impaired loans, are made on a case-by-case basis. Non-impaired retail loan reserve allocations are determined in a similar fashion as those for non-impaired commercial loans, except that retail loans are segmented by type of credit and not a grading system. We regularly review the Allowance Analysis and make adjustments periodically based upon identifiable trends and experience.

A migration analysis is completed quarterly to assist us in determining appropriate reserve allocation factors for non-impaired commercial loans. Our migration takes into account various time periods, with most weight placed on the twelve-quarter time frame. We believe the twelve-quarter period represents an appropriate range of economic conditions, and that it provides for an appropriate basis in determining reserve allocation factors given current economic conditions and the general market consensus of economic conditions in the near future.

Although the migration analysis provides an accurate historical accounting of our net loan losses, it is not able to fully account for environmental factors that will also very likely impact the collectability of our commercial loans as of any quarter-end date. Therefore, we incorporate the environmental factors as adjustments to the historical data. Environmental factors include both internal and external items. We believe the most significant internal environmental factor is our credit culture and the relative aggressiveness in assigning and revising commercial loan risk ratings, with the most significant external environmental factor being the assessment of the current economic environment and the resulting implications on our commercial loan portfolio.

The primary risk elements with respect to commercial loans are the financial condition of the borrower, the sufficiency of collateral, and timeliness of scheduled payments. We have a policy of requesting and reviewing periodic financial statements from commercial loan customers, and we have a disciplined and formalized review of the existence of collateral and its value. The primary risk element with respect to each residential real estate loan and consumer loan is the timeliness of scheduled payments. We have a reporting system that monitors past due loans and have adopted policies to pursue creditor’s rights in order to preserve our collateral position.

The allowance for originated loans equaled $19.3 million as of December 31, 2014, or 1.5% of total originated loans outstanding, compared to 2.2% as of December 31, 2013. We also had an allowance for acquired loans as of December 31, 2014, totaling $0.7 million. A large portion of the recent decline in the level of the allowance for originated loans reflects the elimination and reduction of specific reserves due to successful collection efforts, while the remainder of the decline is primarily associated with commercial loan upgrades and reductions in most reserve allocation factors on non-impaired commercial loans resulting from the impact of lower net loan charge-offs in recent periods on our migration calculations. The total allowance equaled 68.1% of nonperforming loans as of December 31, 2014, compared to 339.7% as of December 31, 2013. Although this particular measurement had been increasing during the past several years primarily due to total nonperforming loans declining at a faster rate than the balance of the allowance and certain accruing higher-balance commercial loan relationships having been categorized as troubled debt restructurings resulting in higher specific reserve allocations, the aforementioned relatively larger credit relationship that was put into nonaccrual status in late 2014 had a substantial impact on this measurement. This particular credit relationship is collateralized by real estate and equipment.

As of December 31, 2014, the allowance for originated loans was comprised of $9.1 million in general reserves relating to non-impaired loans, $4.4 million in specific reserve allocations relating to nonaccrual loans, and $5.8 million in specific allocations on other loans, primarily accruing loans designated as troubled debt restructurings. Troubled debt restructurings totaled $50.4 million at December 31, 2014, consisting of $26.4 million that are on nonaccrual status and $24.0 million that are on accrual status. The latter, while considered and accounted for as impaired loans in accordance with accounting guidelines, is not included in our nonperforming loan totals. Impaired loans with an aggregate carrying value of $1.3 million as of December 31, 2014 had been subject to previous partial charge-offs aggregating $2.3 million. Those partial charge-offs were recorded as follows: $0.2 million in 2014, $0.3 million in 2013, $1.0 million in 2012, $0.6 million in 2011 and $0.2 million in 2010. As of December 31, 2014, specific reserves allocated to impaired loans that had been subject to a previous partial charge-off totaled less than $0.1 million.

The following table provides a breakdown of our loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings:

Although we believe the allowance is adequate to absorb losses as they arise, there can be no assurance that we will not sustain losses in any given period that could be substantial in relation to, or greater than, the size of the allowance.

In large part reflecting the merger with Firstbank, securities increased $302 million during 2014, totaling $433 million as of December 31, 2014. The securities portfolio equaled 15.5% of average earning assets during 2014. Purchases during 2014, generally consisting of U.S. Government agency and municipal bonds, totaled $19.9 million. Proceeds from matured and called U.S. Government agency and municipal bonds during 2014 totaled $40.0 million and $18.0 million, respectively, with another $17.7 million from principal paydowns on mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2014, the securities portfolio was primarily comprised of U.S. Government agency bonds (45%), municipal bonds (33%) and U.S. Government agency issued or guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (22%). All of our securities are currently designated as available for sale, and therefore are stated at fair value. The fair value of securities designated as available for sale at December 31, 2014 totaled $433 million, including a net unrealized gain of $0.3 million. We maintain the securities portfolio at levels to provide adequate pledging and secondary liquidity for our daily operations. In addition, the securities portfolio serves a primary interest rate risk management function.

The following table reflects the composition of the securities portfolio: