Annual Statements Open main menu

MERCANTILE BANK CORP - Quarter Report: 2015 March (Form 10-Q)

mbwm20150331_10q.htm Table Of Contents

 

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015

 

[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from             to           .

 

Commission File No. 000-26719

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Michigan

38-3360865

(State or other jurisdiction of 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

incorporation or organization)

 

 

310 Leonard Street, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(616) 406-3000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ___  

Accelerated filer X

Non-accelerated filer       

Smaller reporting company __ 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes

 

 

No

X

 

 

At May 7, 2015, there were 16,892,381 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

INDEX

 


 

PART I.

Financial Information

Page No.

       
 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 
       
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

1
       
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014

2
       
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014

3
       
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited) - Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014

4
       
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014

6
       
 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

8

       
 

Item 2.

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

62
       
 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

78

       
 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

81

       

PART II.

Other Information

 
       
 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

82

       
 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

82

       
 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

82

       
 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

82

       
 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

82

       
 

Item 5.

Other Information

82

       
 

Item 6.

Exhibits

83

       
 

Signatures

 

84

 

  

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

PART I --- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 


 

   

March 31,

   

December 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

ASSETS

               

Cash and due from banks

  $ 42,644,000     $ 43,754,000  

Interest-bearing deposits

    95,781,000       117,777,000  

Federal funds sold

    10,365,000       11,207,000  

Total cash and cash equivalents

    148,790,000       172,738,000  
                 

Securities available for sale

    413,693,000       432,912,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

    13,699,000       13,699,000  
                 

Loans

    2,120,760,000       2,089,277,000  

Allowance for loan losses

    (21,050,000     (20,041,000

Loans, net

    2,099,710,000       2,069,236,000  
                 

Premises and equipment, net

    48,367,000       48,812,000  

Bank owned life insurance

    58,148,000       57,861,000  

Goodwill

    49,473,000       49,473,000  

Core deposit intangible

    14,829,000       15,624,000  

Other assets

    30,475,000       33,024,000  
                 

Total assets

  $ 2,877,184,000     $ 2,893,379,000  
                 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

               

Deposits

               

Noninterest-bearing

  $ 568,843,000     $ 558,738,000  

Interest-bearing

    1,710,681,000       1,718,177,000  

Total deposits

    2,279,524,000       2,276,915,000  
                 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

    148,219,000       167,569,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    48,011,000       54,022,000  

Subordinated debentures

    54,642,000       54,472,000  

Accrued interest and other liabilities

    14,000,000       12,263,000  

Total liabilities

    2,544,396,000       2,565,241,000  
                 

Shareholders' equity

               

Preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued

    0       0  

Common stock, no par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 16,899,382 shares outstanding at March 31, 2015 and 16,976,839 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014

    316,537,000       317,904,000  

Retained earnings

    14,487,000       10,218,000  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    1,764,000       16,000  

Total shareholders’ equity

    332,788,000       328,138,000  
                 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 2,877,184,000     $ 2,893,379,000  

  


 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

  

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 


 

   

Three Months

   

Three Months

 
   

Ended

   

Ended

 
   

March 31,

   

March 31,

 
    2015     2014  

Interest income

               

Loans, including fees

  $ 25,311,000     $ 12,099,000  

Securities, taxable

    1,686,000       1,234,000  

Securities, tax-exempt

    537,000       183,000  

Other interest-bearing assets

    55,000       72,000  

Total interest income

    27,589,000       13,588,000  
                 

Interest expense

               

Deposits

    1,899,000       2,035,000  

Short-term borrowings

    38,000       22,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    152,000       150,000  

Subordinated debentures and other borrowings

    651,000       317,000  

Total interest expense

    2,740,000       2,524,000  
                 

Net interest income

    24,849,000       11,064,000  
                 

Provision for loan losses

    (400,000 )     (1,900,000 )
                 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

    25,249,000       12,964,000  
                 

Noninterest income

               

Service charges on deposit and sweep accounts

    770,000       365,000  

Earnings on bank owned life insurance

    287,000       290,000  

Mortgage banking activities

    688,000       63,000  

Other income

    1,949,000       788,000  

Total noninterest income

    3,694,000       1,506,000  
                 

Noninterest expense

               

Salaries and benefits

    10,084,000       5,230,000  

Occupancy

    1,573,000       712,000  

Furniture and equipment depreciation, rent and maintenance

    624,000       247,000  

Data processing costs

    1,770,000       936,000  

FDIC insurance costs

    477,000       177,000  

Other expense

    4,713,000       1,905,000  

Total noninterest expenses

    19,241,000       9,207,000  
                 

Income before federal income tax expense

    9,702,000       5,263,000  
                 

Federal income tax expense

    3,056,000       1,683,000  
                 

Net income

  $ 6,646,000     $ 3,580,000  
                 

Basic earnings per share

  $ 0.39       0.41  

Diluted earnings per share

  $ 0.39       0.41  

Cash dividends per share

  $ 0.14       0.12  

Average basic shares outstanding

    16,937,630       8,738,836  

Average diluted shares outstanding

    16,978,591       8,741,121  

 


 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

 


 

   

Three Months

   

Three Months

 
   

Ended

   

Ended

 
   

March 31,

   

March 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 
                 

Net income

  $ 6,646,000     $ 3,580,000  
                 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

               

Unrealized holding gains on securities available for sale

    2,873,000       2,604,000  

Fair value of interest rate swap

    (197,000 )     14,000  
      2,676,000       2,618,000  

Tax effect of unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available for sale

    (997,000 )     (906,000 )

Tax effect of fair value of interest rate swap

    69,000       (5,000 )
      (928,000 )     (911,000 )
                 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax effect

    1,748,000       1,707,000  
                 

Comprehensive income

  $ 8,394,000     $ 5,287,000  

 


 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 


 

                           

Accumulated

         
                   

Retained

   

Other

   

Total

 

($ in thousands)

 

Preferred

   

Common

   

Earnings

   

Comprehensive

   

Shareholders’

 
   

Stock

   

Stock

   

(Deficit)

   

Income (Loss)

   

Equity

 
                                         

Balances, January 1, 2015

  $ 0     $ 317,904     $ 10,218     $ 16     $ 328,138  
                                         

Employee stock purchase plan (543 shares)

            10                       10  
                                         

Dividend reinvestment plan (7,172 shares)

            140                       140  
                                         

Stock option exercises (13,500 shares)

            132                       132  
                                         

Stock grants to directors for retainer fees (5,994 shares)

            123                       123  
                                         

Stock-based compensation expense

            212                       212  
                                         

Share repurchase program (103,981 shares)

            (1,984 )                     (1,984 )
                                         

Cash dividends ($0.14 per common share)

                    (2,377 )             (2,377 )
                                         

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2015

                    6,646               6,646  
                                         

Change in net unrealized holding gain on securities available for sale, net of tax effect

                            1,876       1,876  
                                         

Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax effect

                            (128 )     (128 )
                                         

Balances, March 31, 2015

  $ 0     $ 316,537     $ 14,487     $ 1,764     $ 332,788  

 


 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 


 

                           

Accumulated

         
                   

Retained

   

Other

   

Total

 

($ in thousands)

 

Preferred

   

Common

   

Earnings

   

Comprehensive

   

Shareholders’

 
   

Stock

   

Stock

   

(Deficit)

   

Income (Loss)

   

Equity

 
                                         

Balances, January 1, 2014

  $ 0     $ 162,999     $ (4,101 )   $ (5,573 )   $ 153,325  
                                         

Stock-based compensation expense

            118                       118  
                                         

Cash dividends ($0.12 per common share)

            (1,041 )                     (1,041 )
                                         

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2014

                    3,580               3,580  
                                         

Change in net unrealized holding gain on securities available for sale, net of tax effect

                            1,698       1,698  
                                         

Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax effect

                            9       9  
                                         

Balances, March 31, 2014

  $ 0     $ 162,076     $ (521 )   $ (3,866 )   $ 157,689  

 


 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 


 

   

Three Months

   

Three Months

 
   

Ended

   

Ended

 
   

March 31, 2015

   

March 31, 2014

 

Cash flows from operating activities

               

Net income

  $ 6,646,000     $ 3,580,000  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities

               

Depreciation and amortization

    2,833,000       512,000  

Accretion of acquired loans

    (1,416,000 )     0  

Provision for loan losses

    (400,000 )     (1,900,000 )

Stock-based compensation expense

    212,000       118,000  

Stock grants to directors for retainer fee

    123,000       0  

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale

    23,970,000       4,450,000  

Origination of mortgage loans held for sale

    (25,123,000 )     (4,979,000 )

Net gain from sales of mortgage loans held for sale

    (703,000 )     (52,000 )

Net gain from sales and valuation write-down of foreclosed assets

    (1,000 )     (276,000 )

Net gain from sales of fixed assets

    (20,000 )     0  

Net gain from sales of available for sale securities

    (5,000 )     0  

Earnings on bank owned life insurance

    (287,000 )     (290,000 )

Net change in:

               

Accrued interest receivable

    (713,000 )     (212,000 )

Other assets

    1,150,000       611,000  

Accrued interest and other liabilities

    1,540,000       (1,001,000 )

Net cash from operating activities

    7,806,000       561,000  
                 

Cash flows from investing activities

               

Loan originations and payments, net

    (27,224,000 )     (12,939,000 )

Purchases of securities available for sale

    (1,800,000 )     (11,672,000 )

Proceeds from maturities, calls and repayments of securities available for sale

    22,371,000       4,407,000  

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale

    665,000       0  

Proceeds from sales of foreclosed assets

    754,000       777,000  

Purchases of premises and equipment

    (288,000 )     (311,000 )

Net cash for investing activities

    (5,522,000 )     (19,738,000 )
                 

Cash flows from financing activities

               

Net decrease in time deposits

    (40,457,000 )     (14,142,000 )

Net increase in all other deposits

    43,654,000       3,482,000  

Net decrease in securities sold under agreements to repurchase

    (19,350,000 )     (6,140,000 )

Maturities of Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    (6,000,000 )     0  

Proceeds from stock option exercises

    132,000       0  

Employee stock purchase plan

    10,000       0  

Dividend reinvestment plan

    140,000       0  

Repurchase of common stock shares

    (1,984,000 )     0  

Payment of cash dividends to common shareholders

    (2,377,000 )     (1,041,000 )

Net cash for financing activities

    (26,232,000 )     (17,841,000 )
                 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    (23,948,000 )     (37,018,000 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    172,738,000       146,965,000  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 148,790,000     $ 109,947,000  

 


 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 


 

   

Three Months

   

Three Months

 
   

Ended

   

Ended

 
   

March 31, 2015

   

March 31, 2014

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information

               

Cash paid during the period for:

               

Interest

  $ 2,903,000     $ 3,134,000  

Federal income tax

    950,000       0  

Noncash financing and investing activities:

               

Transfers from loans to foreclosed assets

    422,000       0  

 


 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

1.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation: The unaudited financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2015 include the consolidated results of operations of Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. These subsidiaries include Mercantile Bank of Michigan (“our bank”) and our bank’s two subsidiaries, Mercantile Bank Real Estate Co., LLC (“our real estate company”) and Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. (“our insurance center”). These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K and do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for a complete presentation of our financial condition and results of operations. In the opinion of management, the information reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are necessary in order to make the financial statements not misleading and for a fair presentation of the results of operations for such periods. The results for the period ended March 31, 2015 should not be considered as indicative of results for a full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

We have five separate business trusts that were formed to issue trust preferred securities. Subordinated debentures were issued to the trusts in return for the proceeds raised from the issuance of the trust preferred securities. The trusts are not consolidated, but instead we report the subordinated debentures issued to the trusts as a liability.

 

Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares and participating securities outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under our stock-based compensation plans and are determined using the treasury stock method. Our unvested restricted shares, which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends whether paid or accrued (i.e., participating securities), are included in the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. In the event of a net loss, our unvested restricted shares are excluded from the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per share.

 

Approximately 101,000 unvested restricted shares were included in determining both basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015. In addition, stock options for approximately 121,000 shares of common stock were included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Stock options for approximately 118,000 shares of common stock were antidilutive and not included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

 

Approximately 63,000 unvested restricted shares were included in determining both basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014. In addition, stock options for approximately 6,000 shares of common stock were included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Stock options for approximately 55,000 shares of common stock were antidilutive and not included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

 


 

(Continued)

8.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


  

1.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Securities: Debt securities classified as held to maturity are carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities are classified as available for sale when they might be sold prior to maturity. Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are classified as available for sale. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Federal Home Loan Bank stock is carried at cost.

 

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premiums and accretion of discounts. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized or accreted on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.

 

Declines in the fair value of debt securities below their amortized cost that are other than temporary (“OTTI”) are reflected in earnings or other comprehensive income, as appropriate. For those debt securities whose fair value is less than their amortized cost, we consider our intent to sell the security, whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery and whether we expect to recover the entire amortized cost of the security based on our assessment of the issuer’s financial condition. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, we consider whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, and whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement, and 2) OTTI related to other factors, such as liquidity conditions in the market or changes in market interest rates, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost.

 

Loans: Loans that we have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs and an allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments.

 

Interest income on commercial loans and mortgage loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection. Consumer and credit card loans are typically charged off no later than when they are 120 days past due. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal and interest is considered doubtful.

 

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

 


 

(Continued) 

9.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


  

1.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Loans Held for Sale: Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we determined that the fair value of our mortgage loans held for sale approximated the recorded cost of $3.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Loans held for sale are reported as part of our total loans on the balance sheet.

 

Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold with servicing rights retained. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold, which is reduced by the cost allocated to the servicing right. We generally lock in the sale price to the purchaser of the loan at the same time we make a rate commitment to the borrower. These mortgage banking activities are not designated as hedges and are carried at fair value. The net gain or loss on mortgage banking derivatives is included in the gain on sale of loans. Mortgage loans serviced for others totaled approximately $589 million as of March 31, 2015.

 

Mortgage Banking Activities: Mortgage loan servicing rights are recognized as assets based on the allocated value of retained servicing rights on mortgage loans sold. Mortgage loan 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 revenues. Impairment is evaluated based on the fair value of the rights using groupings of the underlying mortgage loans as to interest rates. Any impairment of a grouping is reported as a valuation allowance.

 

Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for serving mortgage loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned. Amortization of mortgage loan servicing rights is netted against mortgage loan servicing income and recorded in mortgage banking activities in the income statement.

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings: A loan is accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring if we, for economic or legal reasons, grant a concession to a borrower considered to be experiencing financial difficulties that we would not otherwise consider. A troubled debt restructuring may involve the receipt of assets from the debtor in partial or full satisfaction of the loan, or a modification of terms such as a reduction of the stated interest rate or balance of the loan, a reduction of accrued interest, an extension of the maturity date or renewal of the loan at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for a new loan with similar risk, or some combination of these concessions. Troubled debt restructurings can be in either accrual or nonaccrual status. Nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings are included in nonperforming loans. Accruing troubled debt restructurings are generally excluded from nonperforming loans as it is considered probable that all contractual principal and interest due under the restructured terms will be collected.

 


 

(Continued) 

10.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


  

1.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

In accordance with current accounting guidance, loans modified as troubled debt restructurings are, by definition, considered to be impaired loans. Impairment for these loans is measured on a loan-by-loan basis similar to other impaired loans as described above under “Allowance for Loan Losses.” Certain loans modified as troubled debt restructurings may have been previously measured for impairment under a general allowance methodology (i.e., pooling), thus at the time the loan is modified as a troubled debt restructuring the allowance will be impacted by the difference between the results of these two measurement methodologies. Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default are factored into the determination of the allowance in the same manner as other defaulted loans.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses (“allowance”) is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectability of a loan is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. We estimate the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in our judgment, should be charged-off.

 

A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. We determine the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of delay, the reasons for delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.

 


  

(Continued) 

11.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

1.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Derivatives: Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the use of the derivatives and whether the derivatives qualify for hedge accounting. Used as part of our asset and liability management to help manage interest rate risk, our derivatives have generally consisted of interest rate swap agreements that qualified for hedge accounting. In February 2012, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that qualifies for hedge accounting. The current outstanding interest rate swap is discussed in more detail in Note 10. We do not use derivatives for trading purposes.

 

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated, for accounting purposes, as a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be received on various loans and are effective are reported in other comprehensive income. They are later reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings and are included in the line item in which the hedged cash flows are recorded. If hedge accounting does not apply, changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized immediately in current earnings as interest income or expense.

 

If designated as a hedge, we formally document the relationship between derivatives as hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. This documentation includes linking cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. If designated as a hedge, we also formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items. Ineffective hedge gains and losses are recognized immediately in current earnings as noninterest income or expense. We discontinue hedge accounting when we determine the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended.

 

Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangible: Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment is recognized in the period identified. A more frequent assessment is performed if conditions in the market place or changes in the company’s organizational structure occur. We use a discounted income approach and a market valuation model, which compares the inherent value of our company to valuations of recent transactions in the market place to determine if our goodwill has been impaired.

 

The core deposit intangible that arose from the Firstbank Corporation acquisition was initially measured at fair value and is being amortized into noninterest expense over a ten-year period using the sum-of-the-years-digits methodology.

 


 

(Continued) 

12.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


  

1.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Adoption of New Accounting Standards: In January of 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. This ASU clarifies that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. The ASU also requires additional related interim and annual disclosures. The guidance in this ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU establishes a comprehensive revenue recognition standard for virtually all industries under U.S. GAAP, including those that previously followed industry-specific guidance such as the real estate, construction and software industries. The revenue standard’s core principle is built on the contract between a vendor and a customer for the provision of goods and services. It attempts to depict the exchange of rights and obligations between the parties in the pattern of revenue recognition based on the consideration to which the vendor is entitled. To accomplish this objective, the standard requires five basic steps: i) identify the contract with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with three transition methods available – full retrospective, retrospective and cumulative effect approach. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures. This ASU requires two accounting changes. First, repurchase-to-maturity transactions will be accounted for as secured borrowing transactions on the balance sheet, rather than sales. Second, for repurchase financing arrangements, the ASU requires separate accounting for a transfer of a financial asset executed contemporaneously with (or in contemplation of) a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, which also will generally result in secured borrowing accounting for the repurchase agreement. The ASU also introduces new disclosures to increase transparency about the types of collateral pledged for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings. The ASU also requires a transferor to disclose information about transactions accounted for as a sale in which the transferor retains substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial assets through an agreement with the transferee. The accounting changes and disclosure for certain transactions accounted for as a sale are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. The disclosure for transactions accounted for as secured borrowings is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. Adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 


 

(Continued) 
13.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


  

1.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-14, Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure. This ASU requires that certain government-guaranteed mortgage loans, including those guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, be derecognized and that a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if certain conditions are met. Upon foreclosure on the loans that meet these criteria, a separate receivable should be recorded based on the amount of the loan balance expected to be recovered from the guarantor. The amendments are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

 

2.

BUSINESS COMBINATION

 

We completed the merger of 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 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 its common stock. The merger provided an expanded geographic footprint for the Company and increased the size of the balance sheet.

 

The Firstbank transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at estimated fair value on the Merger Date. Preliminary goodwill of $49.5 million was calculated as the purchase premium after adjusting for the fair value of net assets acquired and represents the value expected from the synergies created from combining the two banking organizations as well as the economies of scale expected from combining the operations of the two companies. None of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes as the merger is accounted for as a tax-free exchange.

 

The following table provides the unaudited pro forma information for the results of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2014 as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2014. These adjustments reflect the impact of certain purchase accounting fair value measurements, primarily comprised of Firstbank’s loan and deposit portfolios. We expect to achieve further operating cost savings and other business synergies as a result of the merger which are not reflected in the pro forma amounts. These unaudited pro forma results are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to represent or be indicative of the actual results of operations of the combined banking organization that would have been achieved had the merger occurred at the beginning of each period presented, nor are they intended to represent or be indicative of future results of operations.

 

Net interest income

  $ 23,883,000  

Noninterest expense

    20,018,000  

Net income

    6,395,000  

Net income per diluted share

    0.38  

 


 

(Continued) 
14.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

2.

BUSINESS COMBINATION (Continued)

 

In most instances, determining the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities required us to estimate cash flows expected to result from those assets and liabilities and to discount those cash flows at appropriate rates of interest. The most significant of those determinations relates to the valuation of acquired loans. For such loans, the excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is recognized as interest income over the remaining lives of the loans. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition reflects the impact of estimated credit losses and other factors, such as prepayments. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance for business combinations, there was no carry-over of Firstbank’s previously established allowance for loan losses.

 

The acquired loans were divided into loans with evidence of credit quality deterioration, which are accounted for under ASC 310-30 (“acquired impaired”), and loans that do not meet this criteria, which are accounted for under ASC 310-20 (“acquired non-impaired”). In addition, the loans are further categorized into different loan pools based primarily on the type and purpose of the loan.

 

We also assumed obligations under junior subordinated debentures with an aggregate balance of $36.1 million and an aggregate fair value of $21.1 million as of the Merger Date, payable to four unconsolidated trusts (Firstbank Capital Trust I, Firstbank Capital Trust II, Firstbank Capital Trust III, and Firstbank Capital Trust IV) that have issued trust preferred securities. The junior subordinated debentures are the sole assets of each trust. Interest rates on all trust preferred securities issued by the trusts are tied to the 90 Day Libor rate with spreads ranging from 127 basis points to 199 basis points, and reset quarterly. The trust preferred securities have maturity dates ranging from October, 2034 to July, 2037, and are callable by us in whole or in part quarterly. The junior subordinated debentures are unsecured obligations of Mercantile, who has guaranteed that interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures made to the trust will be distributed by the trust to the holders of the trust preferred securities. The trust preferred securities currently fully qualify as Tier 1 Capital, and under current risk-based capital guidelines, will remain fully qualified as Tier 1 Capital until maturity unless called by us at an earlier date.

 


  

(Continued) 
15.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

SECURITIES

 

The amortized cost and fair value of available for sale securities and the related pre-tax gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:

 

         

Gross

    Gross          
   

Amortized

   

Unrealized

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

 
   

Cost

   

Gains

   

Losses

   

Value

 

March 31, 2015

                               

U.S. Government agency debt obligations

  $ 179,076,000     $ 2,201,000     $ (1,363,000 )   $ 179,914,000  

Mortgage-backed securities

    86,295,000       1,253,000       (266,000 )     87,282,000  

Municipal general obligation bonds

    133,009,000       1,501,000       (248,000 )     134,262,000  

Municipal revenue bonds

    10,173,000       116,000       (2,000 )     10,287,000  

Other investments

    1,932,000       16,000       0       1,948,000  
                                 
    $ 410,485,000     $ 5,087,000     $ (1,879,000 )   $ 413,693,000  
                                 

December 31, 2014

                               

U.S. Government agency debt obligations

  $ 194,894,000     $ 1,612,000     $ (3,038,000 )   $ 193,468,000  

Mortgage-backed securities

    92,656,000       1,123,000       (218,000 )     93,561,000  

Municipal general obligation bonds

    132,347,000       1,042,000       (307,000 )     133,082,000  

Municipal revenue bonds

    10,769,000       117,000       (13,000 )     10,873,000  

Other investments

    1,925,000       3,000       0       1,928,000  
                                 
    $ 432,591,000     $ 3,897,000     $ (3,576,000 )   $ 432,912,000  

  

Securities with unrealized losses at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows:

 

   

Less than 12 Months

   

12 Months or More

    Total  
   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

 
   

Value

   

Loss

   

Value

   

Loss

   

Value

   

Loss

 

March 31, 2015

                                               

U.S. Government agency debt obligations

  $ 19,508,000     $ 32,000     $ 69,136,000     $ 1,331,000     $ 88,644,000     $ 1,363,000  

Mortgage-backed securities

    26,839,000       266,000       0       0       26,839,000       266,000  

Municipal general obligation bonds

    14,427,000       248,000       0       0       14,427,000       248,000  

Municipal revenue bonds

    1,885,000       2,000       0       0       1,885,000       2,000  

Other investments

    0       0       0       0       0       0  
                                                 
    $ 62,659,000     $ 548,000     $ 69,136,000     $ 1,331,000     $ 131,795,000     $ 1,879,000  

 


  

(Continued) 
16.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


  

3.

SECURITIES (Continued)

 

   

Less than 12 Months

   

12 Months or More

   

Total

 
   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

 
   

Value

   

Loss

   

Value

   

Loss

   

Value

   

Loss

 

December 31, 2014

                                               

U.S. Government agency debt obligations

  $ 81,891,000     $ 202,000     $ 74,120,000     $ 2,836,000     $ 156,011,000     $ 3,038,000  

Mortgage-backed securities

    49,940,000       218,000       0       0       49,940,000       218,000  

Municipal general obligation bonds

    54,104,000       307,000       0       0       54,104,000       307,000  

Municipal revenue bonds

    4,644,000       13,000       0       0       4,644,000       13,000  

Other investments

    0       0       0       0       0       0  
                                                 
    $ 190,579,000     $ 740,000     $ 74,120,000     $ 2,836,000     $ 264,699,000     $ 3,576,000  

 

We evaluate securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis. Consideration is given to the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability we have to retain our investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. For those debt securities whose fair value is less than their amortized cost basis, we also consider our intent to sell the security, whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery and if we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, we may consider whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred and the results of reviews of the issuer’s financial condition.

 

At March 31, 2015, 147 debt securities with fair values totaling $131.8 million have unrealized losses aggregating $1.9 million. After we considered whether the securities were issued by the federal government or its agencies and whether downgrades by bond rating agencies had occurred, we determined that unrealized losses were due to changing interest rate environments. As we do not intend to sell our debt securities before recovery of their cost basis and we believe it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell our debt securities before recovery of the cost basis, no unrealized losses are deemed to be other-than-temporary.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities at March 31, 2015, by maturity, are shown in the following table. The contractual maturity is utilized for U.S. Government agency debt obligations and municipal bonds. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed securities, are shown separately. Weighted average yields are also reflected, with yields for municipal securities shown at their tax equivalent yield.

 


 

(Continued) 
17.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

SECURITIES (Continued)

 

   

Weighted

                 
   

Average

   

Amortized

   

Fair

 
   

Yield

   

Cost

   

Value

 
                         

Due in 2015

    0.71 %   $ 23,762,000     $ 23,781,000  

Due in 2016 through 2020

    1.44       145,330,000       145,610,000  

Due in 2021 through 2025

    3.49       67,554,000       68,163,000  

Due in 2026 and beyond

    3.58       85,612,000       86,909,000  

Mortgage‑backed securities

    1.78       86,295,000       87,282,000  

Other investments

    2.50       1,932,000       1,948,000  
                         
      2.19 %   $ 410,485,000     $ 413,693,000  

 

Securities issued by the State of Michigan and all its political subdivisions had a combined amortized cost of $113.7 million and $113.1 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, with estimated market values of $115.0 million and $113.9 million, respectively. Securities issued by all other states and their political subdivisions had a combined amortized cost of $29.5 million and $30.0 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, with estimated market values of $29.5 million and $30.0 million, respectively. Total securities of any other specific issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies and the State of Michigan and all its political subdivisions, did not exceed 10% of shareholders’ equity.

 

The carrying value of U.S. Government agency debt obligations and mortgage-backed securities that are pledged to secure repurchase agreements was $148.2 million and $167.6 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Investments in Federal Home Loan Bank stock are restricted and may only be resold or redeemed by the issuer.

 

 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

Loans originated for investment are stated at their principal amount outstanding adjusted for partial charge-offs, the allowance, and net deferred loan fees and costs. Interest income on loans is accrued over the term of the loans primarily using the simple interest method based on the principal balance outstanding. Interest is not accrued on loans where collectability is uncertain. Accrued interest is presented separately in the consolidated balance sheet. Loan origination fees and certain direct costs incurred to extend credit are deferred and amortized over the term of the loan or loan commitment period as an adjustment to the related loan yield.

 

Acquired loans are those purchased in the Firstbank merger (See Note 2 – Business Combination for further information). These loans were recorded at estimated fair value at the Merger Date with no carryover of the related allowance. The acquired loans were segregated between those considered to be performing (“acquired non-impaired loans”) and those with evidence of credit deterioration (“acquired impaired loans”). Acquired loans are considered impaired if there is evidence of credit deterioration and if it is probable, at acquisition, all contractually required payments will not be collected. Acquired loans restructured after acquisition are not considered or reported as troubled debt restructurings if the loans evidenced credit deterioration as of the Merger Date and are accounted for in pools.

 


 

(Continued) 
18.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

The fair value estimates for acquired loans are based on expected prepayments and the amount and timing of discounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows. Credit discounts representing the principal losses expected over the life of the loan are also a component of the initial fair value. In determining the Merger Date fair value of acquired impaired loans, and in subsequent accounting, we have generally aggregated acquired commercial and consumer loans into pools of loans with common risk characteristics.

 

The difference between the fair value of an acquired non-impaired loan and contractual amounts due at the Merger Date is accreted into income over the estimated life of the loan. Contractually required payments represent the total undiscounted amount of all uncollected principal and interest payments. Acquired non-impaired loans are placed on nonaccrual status and reported as nonperforming or past due using the same criteria applied to the originated loan portfolio.

 

The excess of an acquired impaired loan’s undiscounted contractually required payments over the amount of its undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected is referred to as the non-accretable difference. The non-accretable difference, which is neither accreted into income nor recorded on the consolidated balance sheet, reflects estimated future credit losses and uncollectible contractual interest expected to be incurred over the life of the acquired impaired loan. The excess cash flows expected to be collected over the carrying amount of the acquired loan is referred to as the accretable yield. This amount is accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the acquired loans or pools using the level yield method. The accretable yield is affected by changes in interest rate indices for variable rate loans, changes in prepayment speed assumptions and changes in expected principal and interest payments over the estimated lives of the acquired impaired loans.

 

We evaluate quarterly the remaining contractual required payments receivable and estimate cash flows expected to be collected over the lives of the impaired loans. Contractually required payments receivable may increase or decrease for a variety of reasons, for example, when the contractual terms of the loan agreement are modified, when interest rates on variable rate loans change, or when principal and/or interest payments are received. Cash flows expected to be collected on acquired impaired loans are estimated by incorporating several key assumptions similar to the initial estimate of fair value. These key assumptions include probability of default, loss given default, and the amount of actual prepayments after the Merger Date. Prepayments affect the estimated lives of loans and could change the amount of interest income, and possibly principal, expected to be collected. In re-forecasting future estimated cash flows, credit loss expectations are adjusted as necessary. The adjustments are based, in part, on actual loss severities recognized for each loan type, as well as changes in the probability of default. For periods in which estimated cash flows are not re-forecasted, the prior reporting period’s estimated cash flows are adjusted to reflect the actual cash received and credit events that transpired during the current reporting period.

 

Increases in expected cash flows of acquired impaired loans subsequent to the Merger Date are recognized prospectively through adjustments of the yield on the loans or pools over their remaining lives, while decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairment through a provision for loan losses and an increase in the allowance.

 


 

(Continued) 
19.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Our total loans at March 31, 2015 were $2.12 billion compared to $2.09 billion at December 31, 2014, an increase of $31.5 million, or 1.5%. The components of our loan portfolio disaggregated by class of loan within the loan portfolio segments at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the percentage change in loans from the end of 2014 to the end of the first quarter of 2015, are as follows:

 

                                   

Percent

 
   

March 31, 2015

   

December 31, 2014

   

Increase

 
   

Balance

   

%

   

Balance

   

%

   

(Decrease)

 

Originated loans

                                       

Commercial:

                                       

Commercial and industrial

  $ 434,211,000       32.6 %   $ 384,570,000       30.8 %     12.9 %

Vacant land, land development, and residential construction

    35,948,000       2.7       29,826,000       2.4       20.5  

Real estate – owner occupied

    302,379,000       22.8       291,758,000       23.4       3.6  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    423,381,000       31.9       410,977,000       33.0       3.0  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    34,922,000       2.6       36,058,000       2.9       (3.2 )

Total commercial

    1,230,841,000       92.6       1,153,189,000       92.5       6.7  
                                         

Retail:

                                       

Home equity and other

    53,707,000       4.1       50,059,000       4.0       7.3  

1-4 family mortgages

    44,165,000       3.3       42,868,000       3.5       3.0  

Total retail

    97,872,000       7.4       92,927,000       7.5       5.3  
                                         

Total originated loans

  $ 1,328,713,000       100.0 %   $ 1,246,116,000       100.0 %     6.6 %

 


 

(Continued) 
20.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

                                   

Percent

 
   

March 31, 2015

   

December 31, 2014

   

Increase

 

 

 

Balance

   

%

   

Balance

   

%

   

(Decrease)

 
Acquired loans                                        

Commercial:

                                       

Commercial and industrial

  $ 153,464,000       19.4 %   $ 166,037,000       19.7       (7.6 )%

Vacant land, land development, and residential construction

    20,102,000       2.5       22,148,000       2.6       (9.2 )

Real estate – owner occupied

    129,616,000       16.4       138,630,000       16.4       (6.5 )

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    142,771,000       18.0       148,597,000       17.6       (3.9 )

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    82,555,000       10.4       86,702,000       10.3       (4.8 )

Total commercial

    528,508,000       66.7       562,114,000       66.6       (6.0 )

Retail:

                                       

Home equity and other

    99,279,000       12.5       109,219,000       13.0       (9.1 )

1-4 family mortgages

    164,260,000       20.8       171,828,000       20.4       (4.4 )

Total retail

    263,539,000       33.3       281,047,000       33.4       (6.2 )
                                         

Total acquired loans

  $ 792,047,000       100.0 %   $ 843,161,000       100.0 %     (6.1 )%

 

 

   

March 31, 2015

   

December 31, 2014

   

Percent

Increase

 
   

Balance

   

%

   

Balance

   

%

   

(Decrease)

 

Total loans

                                       

Commercial:

                                       

Commercial and industrial

  $ 587,675,000       27.7 %   $ 550,607,000       26.4 %     6.7 %

Vacant land, land development, and residential construction

    56,050,000       2.7       51,974,000       2.5       7.8  

Real estate – owner occupied

    431,995,000       20.4       430,388,000       20.5       0.4  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    566,152,000       26.7       559,574,000       26.8       1.2  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    117,477,000       5.5       122,760,000       5.9       (4.3 )

Total commercial

    1,759,349,000       83.0       1,715,303,000       82.1       2.6  
                                         
Retail:                                        

Home equity and other

    152,986,000       7.2       159,278,000       7.6       (4.0 )

1-4 family mortgages

    208,425,000       9.8       214,696,000       10.3       (2.9 )

Total retail

    361,411,000       17.0       373,974,000       17.9       (3.4 )
                                         

Total loans

  $ 2,120,760,000       100.0 %   $ 2,089,277,000       100.0 %     1.5 %

 


  

(Continued)  
21.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

The total outstanding balance and carrying value of acquired impaired loans was $31.3 million and $17.6 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2015. Changes in the accretable yield for acquired impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

  $ 4,998,000  

Additions

    0  

Accretion income

    (646,000 )

Net reclassification from nonaccretable to accretable

    941,000  

Reductions (1)

    (52,000 )
         

Ending balance

  $ 5,241,000  

 

 

(1)

Reductions primarily reflect the result of exit events, including loan payoffs and charge-offs.

 

 

Nonperforming originated loans as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

   

March 31,

   

December 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 
                 

Loans past due 90 days or more still accruing interest

  $ 0     $ 0  

Nonaccrual loans

    23,077,000       26,048,000  
                 

Total nonperforming originated loans

  $ 23,077,000     $ 26,048,000  

 

 

Nonperforming acquired loans as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

   

March 31,

   

December 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 
                 

Loans past due 90 days or more still accruing interest

  $ 0     $ 26,000  

Nonaccrual loans

    3,190,000       3,358,000  
                 

Total nonperforming acquired loans

  $ 3,190,000     $ 3,384,000  

 


 

(Continued) 
22.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

The recorded principal balance of nonperforming loans was as follows:

 

   

March 31,

   

December 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Commercial:

               

Commercial and industrial

  $ 5,636,000     $ 6,478,000  

Vacant land, land development, and residential construction

    197,000       209,000  

Real estate – owner occupied

    17,467,000       18,062,000  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    360,000       378,000  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    87,000       106,000  

Total commercial

    23,747,000       25,233,000  
                 

Retail:

               

Home equity and other

    762,000       800,000  

1-4 family mortgages

    1,758,000       3,399,000  

Total retail

    2,520,000       4,199,000  
                 

Total nonperforming loans

  $ 26,267,000     $ 29,432,000  

 

Acquired impaired loans are not reported as nonperforming loans based on acquired impaired loan accounting. Acquired non-impaired loans are placed on nonaccrual status and reported as nonperforming or past due using the same criteria applied to the originated loan portfolio.

 


 
(Continued) 
23.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

An age analysis of past due loans is as follows as of March 31, 2015:

 

                   

Greater

                           

Recorded

Balance

 
   

30 – 59

   

60 – 89

   

Than 89

                           

> 89

 
   

Days

   

Days

   

Days

   

Total

           

Total

   

Days and

 
   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Current

   

Loans

   

Accruing

 

Originated loans

                                                       

Commercial:

                                                       

Commercial and industrial

  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 434,211,000     $ 434,211,000     $ 0  

Vacant land, land development, and residential construction

    0       0       0       0       35,948,000       35,948,000       0  

Real estate – owner occupied

    0       0       106,000       106,000       302,273,000       302,379,000       0  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    0       0       113,000       113,000       423,268,000       423,381,000       0  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    0       0       0       0       34,922,000       34,922,000       0  

Total commercial

    0       0       219,000       219,000       1,230,622,000       1,230,841,000       0  
                                                         

Retail:

                                                       

Home equity and other

    133,000       300,000       0       433,000       53,274,000       53,707,000       0  

1-4 family mortgages

    0       84,000       321,000       405,000       43,760,000       44,165,000       0  

Total retail

    133,000       384,000       321,000       838,000       97,034,000       97,872,000       0  
                                                         

Total past due loans

  $ 133,000     $ 384,000     $ 540,000     $ 1,057,000     $ 1,327,656,000     $ 1,328,713,000     $ 0  

        


 

(Continued) 
24.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

           

                    Greater                            

Recorded
Balance

 
   

30 – 59

   

60 – 89

   

Than 89

                            > 89  
   

Days

   

Days

   

Days

   

Total

            Total     Days and  
   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Current

   

Loans

    Accruing  

Acquired loans

                                                       

Commercial:

                                                       

Commercial and industrial

  $ 285,000     $ 0     $ 711,000     $ 996,000     $ 152,468,000     $ 153,464,000     $ 0  

Vacant land, land development, and residential construction

    26,000       0       0       26,000       20,076,000       20,102,000       0  

Real estate – owner occupied

    1,371,000       0       1,041,000       2,412,000       127,204,000       129,616,000       0  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    0       0       296,000       296,000       142,475,000       142,771,000       0  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    0       69,000       93,000       162,000       82,393,000       82,555,000       0  

Total commercial

    1,682,000       69,000       2,141,000       3,892,000       524,616,000       528,508,000       0  
                                                         

Retail:

                                                       

Home equity and other

    245,000       90,000       362,000       697,000       98,582,000       99,279,000       0  

1-4 family mortgages

    1,204,000       54,000       1,021,000       2,279,000       161,981,000       164,260,000       0  

Total retail

    1,449,000       144,000       1,383,000       2,976,000       260,563,000       263,539,000       0  
                                                         

Total past due loans

  $ 3,131,000     $ 213,000     $ 3,524,000     $ 6,868,000     $ 785,179,000     $ 792,047,000     $ 0  

 


 

(Continued)  
25.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

An age analysis of past due loans is as follows as of December 31, 2014:

     

                    Greater                            

Recorded

Balance

 
   

30 – 59

   

60 – 89

   

Than 89

                            > 89  
   

Days

   

Days

   

Days

   

Total

            Total     Days and  
   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Current

   

Loans

    Accruing  

Originated loans

                                                       

Commercial:

                                                       

Commercial and industrial

  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 384,570,000     $ 384,570,000     $ 0  

Vacant land, land development, and residential construction

    0       0       0       0       29,826,000       29,826,000       0  

Real estate – owner occupied

    0       0       120,000       120,000       291,638,000       291,758,000       0  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    0       0       116,000       116,000       410,861,000       410,977,000       0  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    0       0       0       0       36,058,000       36,058,000       0  

Total commercial

    0       0       236,000       236,000       1,152,953,000       1,153,189,000       0  
                                                         

Retail:

                                                       

Home equity and other

    38,000       3,000       0       41,000       50,018,000       50,059,000       0  

1-4 family mortgages

    0       0       366,000       366,000       42,502,000       42,868,000       0  

Total retail

    38,000       3,000       366,000       407,000       92,520,000       92,927,000       0  
                                                         

Total past due loans

  $ 38,000     $ 3,000     $ 602,000     $ 643,000     $ 1,245,473,000     $ 1,246,116,000     $ 0  

 


 

(Continued)  
26.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

                Greater                            

Recorded

Balance

 
   

30 – 59

   

60 – 89

   

Than 89

                           

 > 89

 
   

Days

   

Days

   

Days

   

Total

            Total     Days and  
   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Past Due

   

Current

   

Loans

    Accruing  

Acquired Loans

                                                       

Commercial:

                                                       

Commercial and industrial

  $ 29,000     $ 32,000     $ 76,000     $ 137,000     $ 165,900,000     $ 166,037,000     $ 0  

Vacant land, land development, and residential construction

    0       38,000       0       38,000       22,110,000       22,148,000       0  

Real estate – owner occupied

    51,000       425,000       1,625,000       2,101,000       136,529,000       138,630,000       0  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    68,000       598,000       395,000       1,061,000       147,536,000       148,597,000       0  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    37,000       0       105,000       142,000       86,560,000       86,702,000       0  

Total commercial

    185,000       1,093,000       2,201,000       3,479,000       558,635,000       562,114,000       0  
                                                         

Retail:

                                                       

Home equity and other

    445,000       419,000       155,000       1,019,000       108,200,000       109,219,000       26,000  

1-4 family mortgages

    1,087,000       408,000       750,000       2,245,000       169,583,000       171,828,000       0  

Total retail

    1,532,000       827,000       905,000       3,264,000       277,783,000       281,047,000       26,000  
                                                         

Total past due loans

  $ 1,717,000     $ 1,920,000     $ 3,106,000     $ 6,743,000     $ 836,418,000     $ 843,161,000     $ 26,000  

 


 

(Continued)  
27.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Impaired originated loans as of March 31, 2015, and average originated impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015, were as follows:

 

                            First Quarter  
   

Unpaid

                    Average  
   

Contractual

   

Recorded

            Recorded  
   

Principal

   

Principal

    Related    

Principal

 
   

Balance

   

Balance

    Allowance    

Balance

 

With no related allowance recorded:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Commercial and industrial

  $ 1,955,000     $ 1,936,000             $ 1,550,000  

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

    535,000       197,000               203,000  

Real estate – owner occupied

    3,629,000       2,000,000               1,950,000  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    198,000       114,000               662,000  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    368,000       309,000               313,000  
Total commercial     6,685,000       4,556,000               4,678,000  
                                 

Retail:

                               

Home equity and other

    207,000       190,000               191,000  

1-4 family mortgages

    1,135,000       534,000               547,000  

Total retail

    1,342,000       724,000               738,000  
                                 

Total with no related allowance recorded

  $ 8,027,000     $ 5,280,000             $ 5,416,000  

 



(Continued)  
28.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

  

                            First Quarter  
   

Unpaid

                    Average  
   

Contractual

   

Recorded

            Recorded  
   

Principal

   

Principal

   

Related

    Principal  
   

Balance

   

Balance

   

Allowance

    Balance  

With an allowance recorded:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Commercial and industrial

  $ 5,296,000     $ 5,165,000     $ 2,776,000     $ 5,196,000  

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

    2,000,000       2,000,000       232,000       2,000,000  

Real estate – owner occupied

    15,729,000       15,518,000       2,179,000       15,596,000  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    15,682,000       15,682,000       4,394,000       15,816,000  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    1,336,000       1,336,000       577,000       1,354,000  

Total commercial

    40,043,000       39,701,000       10,158,000       39,962,000  
                                 

Retail:

                               

Home equity and other

    200,000       167,000       131,000       125,000  

1-4 family mortgages

    346,000       302,000       77,000       1,151,000  

Total retail

    546,000       469,000       208,000       1,276,000  
                                 

Total with an allowance recorded

  $ 40,589,000     $ 40,170,000     $ 10,366,000     $ 41,238,000  
                                 

Total impaired loans:

                               

Commercial

  $ 46,728,000     $ 44,257,000     $ 10,158,000     $ 44,640,000  

Retail

    1,888,000       1,193,000       208,000       2,014,000  

Total impaired loans

  $ 48,616,000     $ 45,450,000     $ 10,366,000     $ 46,654,000  

 


 

(Continued)  
29.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


  

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Impaired acquired loans as of March 31, 2015, and average impaired acquired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015, were as follows:

 

                            First Quarter  
   

Unpaid

                    Average  
   

Contractual

   

Recorded

            Recorded  
   

Principal

   

Principal

    Related    

Principal

 
   

Balance

   

Balance

    Allowance    

Balance

 

With no related allowance recorded:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Commercial and industrial

  $ 1,006,000     $ 956,000             $ 1,267,000  

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

    0       0               0  

Real estate – owner occupied

    233,000       206,000               160,000  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    349,000       308,000               317,000  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    959,000       941,000               714,000  
Total commercial     2,547,000       2,411,000               2,458,000  
                                 

Retail:

                               

Home equity and other

    525,000       368,000               504,000  

1-4 family mortgages

    1,173,000       923,000               894,000  

Total retail

    1,698,000       1,291,000               1,398,000  
                                 

Total with no related allowance recorded

  $ 4,245,000     $ 3,702,000             $ 3,856,000  

 


 

(Continued)  
30.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

  

                            First Quarter  
   

Unpaid

                    Average  
   

Contractual

   

Recorded

            Recorded  
   

Principal

   

Principal

   

Related

    Principal  
   

Balance

   

Balance

   

Allowance

    Balance  

With an allowance recorded:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Commercial and industrial

  $ 115,000     $ 115,000     $ 13,000     $ 57,000  

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

    0       0       0       0  

Real estate – owner occupied

    1,471,000       1,426,000       562,000       1,464,000  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    0       0       0       0  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    28,000       28,000       0       14,000  

Total commercial

    1,614,000       1,569,000       575,000       1,535,000  
                                 

Retail:

                               

Home equity and other

    0       0       0       0  

1-4 family mortgages

    343,000       283,000       13,000       142,000  

Total retail

    343,000       283,000       13,000       142,000  
                                 

Total with an allowance recorded

  $ 1,957,000     $ 1,852,000     $ 588,000     $ 1,677,000  
                                 

Total impaired loans:

                               

Commercial

  $ 4,161,000     $ 3,980,000     $ 575,000     $ 3,993,000  

Retail

    2,041,000       1,574,000       13,000       1,540,000  

Total impaired loans

  $ 6,202,000     $ 5,554,000     $ 588,000     $ 5,533,000  
 

  

(Continued)  
31.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Impaired originated loans as of December 31, 2014, and average impaired originated loans for the three months ended March 31, 2014, were as follows:

 

                            Year-To-Date  
   

Unpaid

                    Average  
   

Contractual

   

Recorded

            Recorded  
   

Principal

   

Principal

    Related    

Principal

 
   

Balance

   

Balance

    Allowance    

Balance

 

With no related allowance recorded:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Commercial and industrial

  $ 1,170,000     $ 1,164,000             $ 358,000  

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

    540,000       209,000               353,000  

Real estate – owner occupied

    3,609,000       1,901,000               735,000  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    1,210,000       1,210,000               1,247,000  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    375,000       317,000               1,000  
Total commercial     6,904,000       4,801,000               2,694,000  
                                 

Retail:

                               

Home equity and other

    207,000       191,000               555,000  

1-4 family mortgages

    1,144,000       560,000               629,000  

Total retail

    1,351,000       751,000               1,184,000  
                                 

Total with no related allowance recorded

  $ 8,255,000     $ 5,552,000             $ 3,878,000  

 


 

(Continued)  
32.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

  

                            Year-To-Date  
   

Unpaid

                    Average  
   

Contractual

   

Recorded

            Recorded  
   

Principal

   

Principal

   

Related

    Principal  
   

Balance

   

Balance

   

Allowance

    Balance  

With an allowance recorded:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Commercial and industrial

  $ 5,299,000     $ 5,226,000     $ 1,578,000     $ 1,197,000  

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

    2,000,000       2,000,000       151,000       4,023,000  

Real estate – owner occupied

    15,745,000       15,674,000       2,200,000       1,500,000  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    16,033,000       15,949,000       4,779,000       20,262,000  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    1,371,000       1,371,000       666,000       1,886,000  

Total commercial

    40,448,000       40,220,000       9,374,000       28,868,000  
                                 

Retail:

                               

Home equity and other

    115,000       84,000       84,000       190,000  

1-4 family mortgages

    2,194,000       2,000,000       694,000       2,196,000  

Total retail

    2,309,000       2,084,000       778,000       2,386,000  
                                 

Total with an allowance recorded

  $ 42,757,000     $ 42,304,000     $ 10,152,000     $ 31,254,000  
                                 

Total impaired loans:

                               

Commercial

  $ 47,352,000     $ 45,021,000     $ 9,374,000     $ 31,562,000  

Retail

    3,660,000       2,835,000       778,000       3,570,000  

Total impaired loans

  $ 51,012,000     $ 47,856,000     $ 10,152,000     $ 35,132,000  

 


 

(Continued)  
33.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Impaired acquired loans as of December 31, 2014, and average impaired acquired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2014, were as follows:

 

                            Year-To-Date  
   

Unpaid

                    Average  
   

Contractual

   

Recorded

            Recorded  
   

Principal

   

Principal

    Related    

Principal

 
   

Balance

   

Balance

    Allowance    

Balance

 

With no related allowance recorded:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Commercial and industrial

  $ 1,586,000     $ 1,579,000             $ NA  

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

    0       0            

NA

 

Real estate – owner occupied

    113,000       113,000            

NA

 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    326,000       326,000            

NA

 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    487,000       487,000            

NA

 
Total commercial     2,512,000       2,505,000             NA  
                                 

Retail:

                               

Home equity and other

    641,000       639,000            

NA

 

1-4 family mortgages

    866,000       866,000            

NA

 

Total retail

    1,507,000       1,505,000            

NA

 
                                 

Total with no related allowance recorded

  $ 4,019,000     $ 4,010,000             $ NA  

 


 

(Continued)  
34.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

   

                            Year-To-Date  
   

Unpaid

                    Average  
   

Contractual

   

Recorded

            Recorded  
   

Principal

   

Principal

   

Related

    Principal  
   

Balance

   

Balance

   

Allowance

    Balance  

With an allowance recorded:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Commercial and industrial

  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ NA  

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

    0       0       0    

NA

 

Real estate – owner occupied

    1,516,000       1,502,000       605,000    

NA

 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    0       0       0    

NA

 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    0       0       0    

NA

 

Total commercial

    1,516,000       1,502,000       605,000    

NA

 
                                 

Retail:

                               

Home equity and other

    0       0       0    

NA

 

1-4 family mortgages

    0       0       0    

NA

 

Total retail

    0       0       0    

NA

 
                                 

Total with an allowance recorded

  $ 1,516,000     $ 1,502,000     $ 605,000     NA  
                                 

Total impaired loans:

                               

Commercial

  $ 4,028,000     $ 4,007,000     $ 605,000     NA  

Retail

    1,507,000       1,505,000       0    

NA

 

Total impaired loans

  $ 5,535,000     $ 5,512,000     $ 605,000     NA  

 

Impaired loans for which no allocation of the allowance for loan losses has been made generally reflect situations whereby the loans have been charged-down to estimated collateral value. Interest income recognized on accruing troubled debt restructurings totaled $0.4 million and $0.5 million during the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively. No interest income was recognized on nonaccrual loans during either the first quarter of 2015 or 2014.

 


 

(Continued)  
35.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Credit Quality Indicators. We utilize a comprehensive grading system for our commercial loans. 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 and, if appropriate, re-graded at various intervals thereafter. The risk assessment for retail loans is primarily based on the type of collateral and payment activity.

 

Credit quality indicators were as follows as of March 31, 2015:

 

Originated loans

 

Commercial credit exposure – credit risk profiled by internal credit risk grades:

 

           

Commercial

Vacant Land,

                    Commercial  
           

Land

   

Commercial

    Commercial    

Real Estate -

 
   

Commercial

   

Development,

   

Real Estate -

   

Real Estate -

    Multi-Family  
   

and

   

and Residential

   

Owner

   

Non-Owner

    and Residential  
   

Industrial

   

Construction

   

Occupied

   

Occupied

    Rental  
                                         

Internal credit risk grade groupings:

                                       

Grades 1 – 4

  $ 317,742,000     $ 17,255,000     $ 203,094,000     $ 295,402,000     $ 12,632,000  

Grades 5 – 7

    108,649,000       16,430,000       81,245,000       117,222,000       20,947,000  

Grades 8 – 9

    7,820,000       2,263,000       18,040,000       10,757,000       1,343,000  

Total commercial

  $ 434,211,000     $ 35,948,000     $ 302,379,000     $ 423,381,000     $ 34,922,000  

 

Retail credit exposure – credit risk profiled by collateral type:

  

   

Retail

   

Retail

 
   

Home Equity

    1-4 Family  
   

and Other

    Mortgages  
                 

Total retail

  $ 53,707,000     $ 44,165,000  

 


 

(Continued)  
36.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Acquired loans

 

Commercial credit exposure – credit risk profiled by internal credit risk grades:

 

           

Commercial

Vacant Land,

                    Commercial  
           

Land

   

Commercial

    Commercial     Real Estate -  
   

Commercial

   

Development,

   

Real Estate -

   

Real Estate -

    Multi-Family  
   

and

   

and Residential

   

Owner

   

Non-Owner

    and Residential  
   

Industrial

   

Construction

   

Occupied

   

Occupied

    Rental  
                                         

Internal credit risk grade groupings:

                                       

Grades 1 – 4

  $ 67,795,000     $ 5,635,000     $ 39,732,000     $ 67,500,000     $ 35,725,000  

Grades 5 – 7

    82,344,000       12,844,000       82,819,000       71,656,000       45,230,000  

Grades 8 – 9

    3,325,000       1,623,000       7,065,000       3,615,000       1,600,000  

Total commercial

  $ 153,464,000     $ 20,102,000     $ 129,616,000     $ 142,771,000     $ 82,555,000  

 

 

Retail credit exposure – credit risk profiled by collateral type:

 

   

Retail

   

Retail

 
   

Home Equity

    1-4 Family  
   

and Other

    Mortgages  
                 

Total retail

  $ 99,279,000     $ 164,260,000  

 


 

(Continued)  
37.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Credit quality indicators were as follows as of December 31, 2014:

 

Originated loans

 

Commercial credit exposure – credit risk profiled by internal credit risk grades:

 

           

Commercial

Vacant Land,

                    Commercial  
           

Land

   

Commercial

    Commercial     Real Estate -  
   

Commercial

   

Development,

   

Real Estate -

   

Real Estate -

    Multi-Family  
   

and

   

and Residential

   

Owner

   

Non-Owner

    and Residential  
   

Industrial

   

Construction

   

Occupied

   

Occupied

    Rental  
                                         

Internal credit risk grade groupings:

                                       

Grades 1 – 4

  $ 266,631,000     $ 11,242,000     $ 190,656,000     $ 285,035,000     $ 12,394,000  

Grades 5 – 7

    109,639,000       16,375,000       83,123,000       113,982,000       22,282,000  

Grades 8 – 9

    8,300,000       2,209,000       17,979,000       11,960,000       1,382,000  

Total commercial

  $ 384,570,000     $ 29,826,000     $ 291,758,000     $ 410,977,000     $ 36,058,000  

 

 

Retail credit exposure – credit risk profiled by collateral type:

 

   

Retail

   

Retail

 
   

Home Equity

    1-4 Family  
   

and Other

    Mortgages  
                 

Total retail

  $ 50,059,000     $ 42,868,000  

  


 

(Continued)  
38.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Acquired loans

 

Commercial credit exposure – credit risk profiled by internal credit risk grades:

 

           

Commercial

Vacant Land,

                    Commercial  
           

Land

   

Commercial

    Commercial     Real Estate -  
   

Commercial

   

Development,

   

Real Estate -

   

Real Estate -

    Multi-Family  
   

and

   

and Residential

   

Owner

   

Non-Owner

    and Residential  
   

Industrial

   

Construction

   

Occupied

   

Occupied

    Rental  
                                         

Internal credit risk grade groupings:

                                       

Grades 1 – 4

  $ 72,411,000     $ 5,875,000     $ 39,496,000     $ 65,886,000     $ 35,858,000  

Grades 5 – 7

    90,320,000       14,472,000       92,212,000       78,103,000       49,781,000  

Grades 8 – 9

    3,306,000       1,801,000       6,922,000       4,608,000       1,063,000  

Total commercial

  $ 166,037,000     $ 22,148,000     $ 138,630,000     $ 148,597,000     $ 86,702,000  

 

 

Retail credit exposure – credit risk profiled by collateral type:

  

   

Retail

   

Retail

 
   

Home Equity

    1-4 Family  
   

and Other

    Mortgages  
                 

Total retail

  $ 109,219,000     $ 171,828,000  

 


 

(Continued)  
39.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

All commercial loans are graded using the following criteria:

 

 

Grade 1.

Excellent credit rating that contain very little, if any, risk of loss.

 

 

Grade 2.

Strong sources of repayment and have low repayment risk.

 

Grade 3.

Good sources of repayment and have limited repayment risk.

 

Grade 4.

Adequate sources of repayment and acceptable repayment risk; however, characteristics are present that render the credit more vulnerable to a negative event.

 

Grade 5.

Marginally acceptable sources of repayment and exhibit defined weaknesses and negative characteristics.

 

Grade 6.

Well defined weaknesses which may include negative current cash flow, high leverage, or operating losses. Generally, if the credit does not stabilize or if further deterioration is observed in the near term, the loan will likely be downgraded and placed on the Watch List (i.e., list of lending relationships that receive increased scrutiny and review by the Board of Directors and senior management).

 

Grade 7.

Defined weaknesses or negative trends that merit close monitoring through Watch List status.

 

Grade 8.

Inadequately protected by current sound net worth, paying capacity of the obligor, or pledged collateral, resulting in a distinct possibility of loss requiring close monitoring through Watch List status.

 

Grade 9.

Vital weaknesses exist where collection of principal is highly questionable.

 

Grade 10.

Considered uncollectable and of such little value that continuance as an asset is not warranted.

 

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 employ 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.

 


 

(Continued)  
40.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investments in originated loans as of and during the three months ended March 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

   

Commercial

   

Retail

                 
   

Loans

   

Loans

   

Unallocated

    Total  
                                 

Allowance for loan losses:

                               

Beginning balance

  $ 17,736,000     $ 1,487,000     $ 76,000     $ 19,299,000  

Provision for loan losses

    (499,000 )     79,000       (37,000 )     (457,000 )

Charge-offs

    (78,000 )     (363,000 )     0       (441,000 )

Recoveries

    1,818,000       32,000       0       1,850,000  

Ending balance

  $ 18,977,000     $ 1,235,000     $ 39,000     $ 20,251,000  
                                 

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 10,158,000     $ 208,000     $ 0     $ 10,366,000  
                                 

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 8,819,000     $ 1,027,000     $ 39,000     $ 9,885,000  
                                 
                                 

Total loans:

                               

Ending balance

  $ 1,230,841,000     $ 97,872,000             1,328,713,000   
                                 

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 44,257,000     $ 1,193,000             45,450,000  
                                 

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 1,186,584,000     $ 96,679,000             1,283,263,000  

 

 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses for acquired loans during the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

   

Commercial

   

Retail

                 
   

Loans

   

Loans

   

Unallocated

    Total  
                                 

Allowance for loan losses:

                               

Beginning balance

  $ 681,000     $ 61,000     $ 0     $ 742,000  

Provision for loan losses

    (60,000 )     117,000       0       57,000  

Charge-offs

    0       (7,000 )     0       (7,000 )

Recoveries

    1,000       6,000       0       7,000  

Ending balance

  $ 622,000     $ 177,000     $ 0     $ 799,000  

 

In accordance with acquisition accounting rules, acquired loans were recorded at fair value at the Merger Date and the prior allowance was eliminated.

 


 

(Continued)  
41.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investments in originated loans as of and during the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

   

Commercial

   

Retail

                 
   

Loans

   

Loans

   

Unallocated

    Total  
                                 

Allowance for loan losses:

                               

Beginning balance

  $ 20,455,000     $ 2,358,000     $ 8,000     $ 22,821,000  

Provision for loan losses

    (1,454,000 )     (434,000 )     (12,000 )     (1,900,000 )

Charge-offs

    (586,000 )     (2,000 )     0       (588,000 )

Recoveries

    586,000       35,000       0       621,000  

Ending balance

  $ 19,001,000     $ 1,957,000     $ (4,000 )   $ 20,954,000  
                                 

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 9,508,000     $ 971,000     $ 0     $ 10,479,000  
                                 

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 9,493,000     $ 986,000     $ (4,000 )   $ 10,475,000  
                                 
                                 

Total loans:

                               

Ending balance

  $ 1,004,218,000     $ 62,578,000             $ 1,066,796,000  
                                 

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 29,883,000     $ 3,512,000             $ 33,395,000  
                                 

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment

  $ 974,335,000     $ 59,066,000             $ 1,033,401,000  

 


 

(Continued)  
42.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

           

Pre-

    Post-  
            Modification     Modification  
            Recorded     Recorded  
   

Number of

   

Principal

    Principal  
   

Contracts

   

Balance

    Balance  

Originated loans

                       

Commercial:

                       

Commercial and industrial

    6     $ 568,000     $ 593,000  

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

    0       0       0  

Real estate – owner occupied

    0       0       0  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    0       0       0  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    0       0       0  

Total originated commercial

    6       568,000       593,000  
                         

Retail:

                       

Home equity and other

    0       0       0  

1-4 family mortgages

    0       0       0  

Total originated retail

    0       0       0  
                         

Total originated loans

    6     $ 568,000     $ 593,000  
                         

Acquired loans

                       

Commercial:

                       

Commercial and industrial

    1     $ 79,000     $ 79,000  

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

    0       0       0  

Real estate – owner occupied

    2       50,000       50,000  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    0       0       0  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    0       0       0  

Total acquired commercial

    3       129,000       129,000  
                         

Retail:

                       

Home equity and other

    0       0       0  

1-4 family mortgages

    0       0       0  

Total acquired retail

    0       0       0  
                         

Total acquired loans

    3     $ 129,000     $ 129,000  

 


 

(Continued)  
43.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

           

Pre-

    Post-  
            Modification     Modification  
            Recorded     Recorded  
   

Number of

   

Principal

    Principal  
   

Contracts

   

Balance

    Balance  

Originated loans

                       

Commercial:

                       

Commercial and industrial

    1     $ 14,000     $ 14,000  

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

    0       0       0  

Real estate – owner occupied

    0       0       0  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    2       354,000       323,000  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    0       0       0  

Total originated commercial

    3       368,000       337,000  
                         

Retail:

                       

Home equity and other

    0       0       0  

1-4 family mortgages

    0       0       0  

Total originated retail

    0       0       0  
                         

Total originated loans

    3     $ 368,000     $ 337,000  

 

The following originated loans, modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months, became over 30 days past due within the three months ended March 31, 2015 (amounts as of period end):

 

            Recorded  
   

Number of

    Principal  
   

Contracts

    Balance  

Commercial:

               

Commercial and industrial

    0     $ 0  

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

    0       0  

Real estate – owner occupied

    0       0  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    0       0  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    0       0  

Total commercial

    0       0  
                 

Retail:

               

Home equity and other

    0       0  

1-4 family mortgages

    0       0  

Total retail

    0       0  
                 

Total

    0     $ 0  

 


 

(Continued)  
44.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

The following acquired loans, modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months, became over 30 days past due within the three months ended March 31, 2015 (amounts as of period end):

 

            Recorded  
   

Number of

    Principal  
   

Contracts

    Balance  

Commercial:

               

Commercial and industrial

    0     $ 0  

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

    0       0  

Real estate – owner occupied

    1       1,339,000  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    0       0  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    0       0  

Total commercial

    1       1,339,000  
                 

Retail:

               

Home equity and other

    0       0  

1-4 family mortgages

    0       0  

Total retail

    0       0  
                 

Total

    1     $ 1,339,000  

 

The following originated loans, modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months, became over 30 days past due within the three months ended March 31, 2014 (amounts as of period end):

 

            Recorded  
   

Number of

    Principal  
   

Contracts

    Balance  

Commercial:

               

Commercial and industrial

    0     $ 0  

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

    0       0  

Real estate – owner occupied

    0       0  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    0       0  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    0       0  

Total commercial

    0       0  
                 

Retail:

               

Home equity and other

    0       0  

1-4 family mortgages

    0       0  

Total retail

    0       0  
                 

Total

    0     $ 0  
 

 

(Continued)  
45.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Activity for originated loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

           

Commercial

Vacant Land,

                    Commercial  
           

Land

   

Commercial

    Commercial     Real Estate -  
   

Commercial

   

Development,

   

Real Estate -

   

Real Estate -

    Multi-Family  
   

and

   

and Residential

   

Owner

   

Non-Owner

    and Residential  
   

Industrial

   

Construction

   

Occupied

   

Occupied

    Rental  
                                         

Commercial Loan Portfolio:

                                       

Beginning Balance

  $ 7,026,000     $ 2,680,000     $ 17,160,000     $ 17,439,000     $ 505,000  

Charge-Offs

    0       0       0       0       0  

Payments

    (1,155,000 )     (26,000 )     (194,000 )     (1,376,000 )     (7,000 )

Transfers to ORE

    0       0       0       0       0  

Net Additions/Deletions

    685,000       0       0       0       0  

Ending Balance

  $ 6,556,000     $ 2,654,000     $ 16,966,000     $ 16,063,000     $ 498,000  

 

  

   

Retail

   

Retail

 
   

Home Equity

    1-4 Family  
   

and Other

    Mortgages  

Retail Loan Portfolio:

               

Beginning Balance

  $ 0     $ 1,967,000  

Charge-Offs

    0       (125,000 )

Payments

    0       (1,540,000 )

Transfers to ORE

    0       0  

Net Additions/Deletions

    0       0  

Ending Balance

  $ 0     $ 302,000  

 


 

(Continued)  
46.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Activity for acquired loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

           

Commercial

Vacant Land,

                    Commercial  
           

Land

   

Commercial

    Commercial     Real Estate -  
   

Commercial

   

Development,

   

Real Estate -

   

Real Estate -

    Multi-Family  
   

and

   

and Residential

   

Owner

   

Non-Owner

    and Residential  
   

Industrial

   

Construction

   

Occupied

   

Occupied

    Rental  
                                         

Commercial Loan Portfolio:

                                       

Beginning Balance

  $ 1,439,000     $ 0     $ 1,569,000     $ 64,000     $ 381,000  

Charge-Offs

    0       0       0       0       0  

Payments

    0       0       (179,000 )     (2,000 )     (48,000 )

Transfers to ORE

    0       0       0       0       0  

Net Additions/Deletions

    80,000       0       102,000       0       0  

Ending Balance

  $ 1,519,000     $ 0     $ 1,492,000     $ 62,000     $ 333,000  

 

 

   

Retail

   

Retail

 
   

Home Equity

    1-4 Family  
   

and Other

    Mortgages  

Retail Loan Portfolio:

               

Beginning Balance

  $ 26,000     $ 178,000  

Charge-Offs

    0       0  

Payments

    (26,000 )     (1,000 )

Transfers to ORE

    0       0  

Net Additions/Deletions

    0       0  

Ending Balance

  $ 0     $ 177,000  

 


 

(Continued)  
47.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

Activity for originated loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:

 

           

Commercial

Vacant Land,

                    Commercial  
           

Land

   

Commercial

    Commercial     Real Estate -  
   

Commercial

   

Development,

   

Real Estate -

   

Real Estate -

    Multi-Family  
   

and

   

and Residential

   

Owner

   

Non-Owner

    and Residential  
   

Industrial

   

Construction

   

Occupied

   

Occupied

    Rental  
                                         

Commercial Loan Portfolio:

                                       

Beginning Balance

  $ 1,656,000     $ 4,501,000     $ 1,816,000     $ 22,311,000     $ 2,620,000  

Charge-Offs

    0       0       (11,000 )     0       (420,000 )

Payments

    (266,000 )     (3,149,000 )     (49,000 )     (1,001,000 )     (1,468,000 )

Transfers to ORE

    0       0       0       0       0  

Net Additions/Deletions

    14,000       2,898,000       0       319,000       0  

Ending Balance

  $ 1,404,000     $ 4,250,000     $ 1,756,000     $ 21,629,000     $ 732,000  

 

 

   

Retail

   

Retail

 
   

Home Equity

    1-4 Family  
   

and Other

    Mortgages  

Retail Loan Portfolio:

               

Beginning Balance

  $ 0     $ 2,191,000  

Charge-Offs

    0       0  

Payments

    0       (69,000 )

Transfers to ORE

    0       0  

Net Additions/Deletions

    0       0  

Ending Balance

  $ 0     $ 2,122,000  

 


 

(Continued)  
48.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

4.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

 

The allowance related to originated loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings was as follows: 

 

   

March 31,

   

December 31,

 
   

2015

    2014  
                 

Commercial:

               

Commercial and industrial

  $ 13,000     $ 16,000  

Vacant land, land development, and residential construction

    232,000       151,000  

Real estate – owner occupied

    168,000       182,000  

Real estate – non-owner occupied

    4,394,000       4,778,000  

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

    577,000       666,000  

Total commercial

    5,384,000       5,793,000  
                 

Retail:

               

Home equity and other

    0       0  

1-4 family mortgages

    0       0  

Total retail

    0       0  
                 

Total related allowance

  $ 5,384,000     $ 5,793,000  

 

 

In general, our policy dictates that a renewal or modification of an 8- or 9-rated commercial loan meets the criteria of a troubled debt restructuring, although we review and consider all renewed and modified loans as part of our troubled debt restructuring assessment procedures. Loan relationships rated 8 contain significant financial weaknesses, resulting in a distinct possibility of loss, while relationships rated 9 reflect vital financial weaknesses, resulting in a highly questionable ability on our part to collect principal; we believe borrowers warranting such ratings would have difficulty obtaining financing from other market participants. Thus, due to the lack of comparable market rates for loans with similar risk characteristics, we believe 8- or 9-rated loans renewed or modified were done so at below market rates. Loans that are identified as troubled debt restructurings are considered impaired and are individually evaluated for impairment when assessing these credits in our allowance for loan losses calculation.

 


 

(Continued)  
49.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

5.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Premises and equipment are comprised of the following:

 

   

March 31,

   

December 31,

 
   

2015

    2014  
                 

Land and improvements

  $ 16,599,000     $ 16,579,000  

Buildings

    38,914,000       38,761,000  

Furniture and equipment

    16,757,000       16,622,000  
      72,270,000       71,962,000  

Less: accumulated depreciation

    23,903,000       23,150,000  
                 

Premises and equipment, net

  $ 48,367,000     $ 48,812,000  

 

Depreciation expense totaled $0.8 million during the first quarter of 2015, compared to $0.3 million during the first quarter of 2014.

 

 

6.

DEPOSITS

 

Our total deposits at March 31, 2015 totaled $2.28 billion, an increase of $2.6 million, or 0.1%, from December 31, 2014. The components of our outstanding balances at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and percentage change in deposits from the end of 2014 to the end of the first quarter of 2015, are as follows:

     

                                    Percent  
   

March 31, 2015

   

December 31, 2014

    Increase  
   

Balance

   

%

    Balance     %     (Decrease)  

Noninterest-bearing checking

  $ 568,843,000       25.0 %   $ 558,738,000       24.5 %     1.8 %
Interest-bearing checking     417,098,000       18.3       413,382,000       18.2       0.9  

Money market

    250,421,000       11.0       235,587,000       10.3       6.3  
Savings     345,459,000       15.2       330,459,000       14.5       4.5  

Time, under $100,000

    175,433,000       7.7       181,026,000       8.0       (3.1 )
Time, $100,000 and over     368,887,000       16.1       382,120,000       16.8       (3.5 )
      2,126,141,000       93.3       2,101,312,000       92.3       1.2  

Out-of-area time, under $100,000

    1,828,000       0.1       2,422,000       0.1       (24.5 )

Out-of-area time, $100,000 and over

    151,555,000       6.6       173,181,000       7.6       (12.5 )
      153,383,000       6.7       175,603,000       7.7       (12.7 )
                                         

Total deposits

  $ 2,279,524,000       100.0 %   $ 2,276,915,000       100.0 %     0.1 %

 


 

(Continued)  
50.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

7.

SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”) are offered principally to certain large deposit customers. Information relating to our repurchase agreements follows:

 

   

Three Months

Ended

   

Twelve Months

Ended

 
   

March 31, 2015

    December 31, 2014  
                 

Outstanding balance at end of period

  $ 148,219,000     $ 167,569,000  

Average interest rate at end of period

    0.11 %     0.11 %
                 

Average daily balance during the period

  $ 143,524,000     $ 105,474,000  

Average interest rate during the period

    0.11 %     0.12 %
                 

Maximum daily balance during the period

  $ 168,211,000     $ 178,042,000  

 

Repurchase agreements generally have original maturities of less than one year. Repurchase agreements are treated as financings and the obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as liabilities. Securities involved with the agreements are recorded as assets of our bank and are held in safekeeping by a correspondent bank. Repurchase agreements are secured by securities with an aggregate market value equal to the aggregate outstanding balance.

 

 

8.

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF INDIANAPOLIS ADVANCES

 

Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) advances totaled $48.0 million at March 31, 2015, and mature at varying dates from December 2016 through September 2017, with fixed rates of interest from 1.22% to 1.51% and averaging 1.33%. FHLBI advances totaled $54.0 million at December 31, 2014, and were expected to mature at varying dates ranging from January 2015 through September 2017, with fixed rates of interest from 0.62% to 1.51% and averaging 1.26%.

 

Each advance is payable at its maturity date and is subject to a prepayment fee if paid prior to the maturity date. The advances are collateralized by residential mortgage loans, first mortgage liens on multi-family residential property loans, first mortgage liens on commercial real estate property loans, and substantially all other assets of our bank, under a blanket lien arrangement. Our borrowing line of credit as of March 31, 2015 totaled about $474 million, with availability based on collateral approximating $426 million.

 

Maturities of currently outstanding FHLBI advances are as follows:

 

2015   $ 0  

2016

    3,000,000  

2017

    45,000,000  

2018

    0  

2019

    0  

 


 

(Continued)  
51.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

9.

COMMITMENTS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

 

Our bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Loan commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by our bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

 

These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized, if any, in the balance sheet. Our bank’s maximum exposure to loan loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. Our bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Collateral, such as accounts receivable, securities, inventory, and property and equipment, is generally obtained based on our credit assessment of the borrower. If required, estimated loss exposure resulting from these instruments is expensed and is generally recorded as a liability. There was no reserve or liability balance for these instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

A summary of the contractual amounts of our financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 follows:

 

   

March 31,

   

December 31,

 
   

2015

    2014  
                 

Commercial unused lines of credit

  $ 518,801,000     $ 554,856,000  

Unused lines of credit secured by 1 – 4 family residential properties

    62,029,000       60,983,000  

Credit card unused lines of credit

    12,085,000       11,649,000  

Other consumer unused lines of credit

    7,681,000       8,673,000  

Commitments to make loans

    131,561,000       110,126,000  

Standby letters of credit

    31,033,000       35,461,000  
    $ 763,190,000     $ 781,748,000  

 


 

(Continued)  
52.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

9.

COMMITMENTS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK (Continued)

 

Certain of our commercial loan customers have entered into interest rate swap agreements directly with our correspondent banks. To assist our commercial loan customers in these transactions, and to encourage our correspondent banks to enter into the interest rate swap transactions with minimal credit underwriting analyses on their part, we have entered into risk participation agreements with the correspondent banks whereby we agree to make payments to the correspondent banks owed by our commercial loan customers under the interest rate swap agreement in the event that our commercial loan customers do not make the payments. We are not a party to the interest rate swap agreements under these arrangements. As of March 31, 2015, the total notional amount of the underlying interest rate swap agreements was $15.2 million, with a net fair value from our commercial loan customers’ perspective of negative $2.7 million. These risk participation agreements are considered financial guarantees in accordance with applicable accounting guidance and are therefore recorded as liabilities at fair value, generally equal to the fees collected at the time of their execution. These liabilities are accreted into income during the term of the interest rate swap agreements, generally ranging from four to fifteen years.

 

 

10.

HEDGING ACTIVITIES

 

Our interest rate risk policy includes guidelines for measuring and monitoring interest rate risk. Within these guidelines, parameters have been established for maximum fluctuations in net interest income. Possible fluctuations are measured and monitored using net interest income simulation. Our policy provides for the use of certain derivative instruments and hedging activities to aid in managing interest rate risk to within the policy parameters. To help mitigate the negative impact to our net interest income in an increasing interest rate environment resulting from our cost of funds likely increasing at a higher rate than the yield on our assets, we may periodically enter into derivative financial instruments.

 

In February 2012, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a correspondent bank to hedge the floating rate on our subordinated debentures, which became effective in January 2013 and matures in January 2018. Our $32.0 million of subordinated debentures have a rate equal to the 90-Day Libor Rate plus a fixed spread of 218 basis points, and are subject to repricing quarterly. The interest rate swap agreement provides for us to pay our correspondent bank a fixed rate, while our correspondent bank will pay us the 90-Day Libor Rate on a $32.0 million notional amount. The quarterly re-set dates for the floating rate on the interest rate swap agreement are the same as the re-set dates for the floating rate on the subordinated debentures. The interest rate swap agreement does qualify for hedge accounting; therefore, monthly fluctuations in the present value of the interest rate swap agreement, net of tax effect, are recorded to other comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of the interest rate swap agreement was recorded as a liability in the amount of $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

 


 

(Continued)  
53.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

11.

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The carrying amounts, estimated fair values and level within the fair value hierarchy of financial instruments were as follows as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

 

   

Level in

   

March 31, 2015

    December 31, 2014  
   

Fair Value

   

Carrying

   

Fair

   

Carrying

    Fair  
   

Hierarchy

   

Values

   

Values

   

Values

    Values  
                                         

Financial assets:

                                       

Cash

 

Level 1

    $ 13,298     $ 13,298     $ 13,261     $ 13,261  

Cash equivalents

 

Level 2

      135,492       135,492       159,477       159,477  

Securities available for sale

  (1)       413,693       413,693       432,912       432,912  

FHLBI stock

  (2)       13,699       13,699       13,699       13,699  

Loans, net

 

Level 3

      2,096,281       2,099,094       2,067,662       2,062,566  

Loans held for sale

 

Level 2

      3,429       3,429       1,574       1,574  

Bank owned life insurance

 

Level 2

      58,148       58,148       57,861       57,861  

Accrued interest receivable

 

Level 2

      8,748       8,748       8,033       8,033  
                                         

Financial liabilities:

                                       

Deposits

 

Level 2

      2,279,524       2,253,068       2,276,915       2,254,749  

Repurchase agreements

 

Level 2

      148,219       148,219       167,569       167,569  

FHLBI advances

 

Level 2

      48,011       48,651       54,022       54,720  

Subordinated debentures

 

Level 2

      54,642       54,655       54,472       54,508  

Accrued interest payable

 

Level 2

      1,778       1,778       1,942       1,942  

Interest rate swap

  (1)       450       450       253       253  

 

(1)

See Note 12 for a description of the fair value hierarchy as well as a disclosure of levels for classes of financial assets and liabilities.

 

(2)

It is not practical to determine the fair value of FHLBI stock due to transferability restrictions.

 

Carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest receivable and payable, bank owned life insurance, noninterest checking deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and variable rate loans and deposits that reprice frequently and fully. Security fair values are based on market prices or dealer quotes, and if no such information is available, on the rate and term of the security and information about the issuer. For fixed rate loans and deposits and for variable rate loans and deposits with infrequent repricing or repricing limits, fair value is based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life and credit risk. Fair value of subordinated debentures and FHLBI advances is based on current rates for similar financing. Fair value of the interest rate swap is determined primarily utilizing market-consensus forecasted yield curves. Fair value of off-balance sheet items is estimated to be nominal.

   


 

(Continued)  
54.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

12.

FAIR VALUES

 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price of the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability is not adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.

 

We are required to use valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). Valuation techniques should be consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. In that regard, we utilize a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that we have the ability to access as of the measurement date.

 

Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

 

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect our own conclusions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

 


 

(Continued)  
55.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

12.

FAIR VALUES (Continued)

 

The following is a description of our valuation methodologies used to measure and disclose the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis:

 

Securities available for sale. Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based on quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models. Level 2 securities include U.S. Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies, municipal general obligation and revenue bonds and mutual funds. Level 3 securities include bonds issued by certain relatively small municipalities located within our markets that have very limited marketability due to their size and lack of ratings from a recognized rating service. We carry these bonds at historical cost, which we believe approximates fair value, unless our periodic financial analysis or other information becomes known which necessitates a valuation allowance. There was no such valuation allowance as of March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014. We have no Level 1 securities available for sale.

 

Derivatives. The interest rate swap is measured at fair value on a recurring basis. We measure fair value utilizing models that use primarily market observable inputs, such as forecasted yield curves, and accordingly, the interest rate swap agreement is classified as Level 2.

 

Mortgage loans held for sale. Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors, and are measured on a nonrecurring basis. Fair value is based on independent quoted market prices, where applicable, or the prices for other mortgage whole loans with similar characteristics. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we determined that the fair value of our mortgage loans held for sale approximated the recorded cost of $3.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

 

Loans. We do not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, we record nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral dependent loans to reflect partial write-downs or specific reserves that are based on the observable market price or current estimated value of the collateral. These loans are reported in the nonrecurring table below at initial recognition of impairment and on an ongoing basis until recovery or charge-off.

 

Foreclosed Assets. At time of foreclosure or repossession, foreclosed and repossessed assets are adjusted to fair value less costs to sell upon transfer of the loans to foreclosed and repossessed assets, establishing a new cost basis. We subsequently adjust estimated fair value of foreclosed assets on a nonrecurring basis to reflect write-downs based on revised fair value estimates.

 


 

(Continued)  
56.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

 

 

12.

FAIR VALUES (Continued)

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

           

Quoted

                 
           

Prices in

                 
           

Active

   

Significant

         
           

Markets for

   

Other

   

Significant

 
           

Identical

   

Observable

   

Unobservable

 
           

Assets

   

Inputs

   

Inputs

 
   

Total

   

(Level 1)

   

(Level 2)

   

(Level 3)

 

Available for sale securities

                               

U.S. Government agency debt obligations

  $ 179,914,000     $ 0     $ 179,914,000     $ 0  

Mortgage-backed securities

    87,282,000       0       87,282,000       0  

Municipal general obligation bonds

    134,262,000       0       124,071,000       10,191,000  

Municipal revenue bonds

    10,287,000       0       10,287,000       0  

Other investments

    1,948,000       0       1,948,000       0  

Interest rate swap

    (450,000 )     0       (450,000 )     0  

Total

  $ 413,243,000     $ 0     $ 403,052,000     $ 10,191,000  

 

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the first three months of 2015.

 

 

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

           

Quoted

                 
           

Prices in

                 
           

Active

   

Significant

         
           

Markets for

   

Other

   

Significant

 
           

Identical

   

Observable

   

Unobservable

 
           

Assets

   

Inputs

   

Inputs

 
   

Total

   

(Level 1)

   

(Level 2)

   

(Level 3)

 

Available for sale securities

                               

U.S. Government agency debt obligations

  $ 193,468,000     $ 0     $ 193,468,000     $ 0  

Mortgage-backed securities

    93,561,000       0       93,561,000       0  

Municipal general obligation bonds

    133,082,000       0       122,801,000       10,281,000  

Municipal revenue bonds

    10,873,000       0       10,873,000       0  

Other investments

    1,928,000       0       1,928,000       0  

Interest rate swap

    (253,000 )     0       (253,000 )     0  

Total

  $ 432,659,000     $ 0     $ 422,378,000     $ 10,281,000  

 

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during 2014.

 


  

(Continued)  
57.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

12.

FAIR VALUES (Continued)

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

 

           

Quoted

                 
           

Prices in

                 
           

Active

   

Significant

         
           

Markets for

   

Other

   

Significant

 
           

Identical

   

Observable

   

Unobservable

 
           

Assets

   

Inputs

   

Inputs

 
   

Total

   

(Level 1)

   

(Level 2)

   

(Level 3)

 
                                 

Impaired loans (1)

  $ 36,958,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 36,958,000  

Foreclosed assets (1)

    1,664,000       0       0       1,664,000  

Total

  $ 38,622,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 38,622,000  

 

 

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

           

Quoted

                 
           

Prices in

                 
           

Active

   

Significant

         
           

Markets for

   

Other

   

Significant

 
           

Identical

   

Observable

   

Unobservable

 
           

Assets

   

Inputs

   

Inputs

 
   

Total

   

(Level 1)

   

(Level 2)

   

(Level 3)

 
                                 

Impaired loans (1)

  $ 17,097,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 17,097,000  

Foreclosed assets (1)

    1,995,000       0       0       1,995,000  

Total

  $ 19,092,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 19,092,000  

 

(1) Represents carrying value and related write-downs for which adjustments are based on the estimated value of the property or other assets.

 

 

13.

REGULATORY MATTERS

 

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

 


 

(Continued)  
58.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

13.

REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

 

The prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications, including well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If an institution is not well capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. Subject to limited exceptions, no institution may make a capital distribution if, after making the distribution, it would be undercapitalized. If an institution is undercapitalized, it is subject to close monitoring by its principal federal regulator, its asset growth and expansion are restricted, and plans for capital restoration are required. In addition, further specific types of restrictions may be imposed on the institution at the discretion of the federal regulator. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, our bank was in the well capitalized category under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since March 31, 2015 that we believe have changed our bank’s categorization.

 

Our actual capital levels (dollars in thousands) and the minimum levels required to be categorized as adequately and well capitalized were:

 

                                   

Minimum Required

 
                                   

to be Well

 
                   

Minimum Required

   

Capitalized Under

 
                   

for Capital

   

Prompt Corrective

 
   

Actual

   

Adequacy Purposes

   

Action Regulations

 
   

Amount

   

Ratio

   

Amount

   

Ratio

   

Amount

   

Ratio

 

March 31, 2015

                                               

Total capital (to risk weighted assets)

                                               

Consolidated

  $ 347,997       14.1 %   $ 197,872       8.0 %  

$

NA    

NA

 

Bank

    347,674       14.1       197,988       8.0       247,485       10.0 %

Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)

                                               

Consolidated

    326,947       13.2       148,404       6.0    

NA

   

NA

 

Bank

    326,624       13.2       148,491       6.0       197,988       8.0  

Common equity tier 1 (to risk weighted assets)

                                               

Consolidated

    276,416       11.2       111,395       4.5    

NA

   

NA

 

Bank

    326,624       13.2       111,369       4.5       160,865       6.5  

Tier 1 capital (to average assets)

                                               

Consolidated

    326,947       11.6       112,656       4.0    

NA

   

NA

 

Bank

    326,624       11.6       112,725       4.0       140,906       5.0  

 


 

(Continued)  
59.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)


 

13.

REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

 

                                   

Minimum Required

 
                                   

to be Well

 
                   

Minimum Required

   

Capitalized Under

 
                   

for Capital

   

Prompt Corrective

 
   

Actual

   

Adequacy Purposes

   

Action Regulations

 
   

Amount

   

Ratio

   

Amount

   

Ratio

   

Amount

   

Ratio

 

December 31, 2014

                                               

Total capital (to risk weighted assets)

                                               

Consolidated

  $ 334,793       14.4 %   $ 185,553       8.0 %   $ NA    

NA

 

Bank

    332,749       14.4       185,309       8.0       231,636       10.0 %

Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)

                                               

Consolidated

    314,752       13.6       92,777       4.0    

NA

   

NA

 

Bank

    312,708       13.5       92,655       4.0       138,982       6.0  

Tier 1 capital (to average assets)

                                               

Consolidated

    314,752       11.2       112,949       4.0    

NA

   

NA

 

Bank

    312,708       11.1       112,856       4.0       141,070       5.0  

 

Our consolidated capital levels as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 include $52.6 million and $52.4 million, respectively, of trust preferred securities subject to certain limitations. Under applicable Federal Reserve guidelines, the trust preferred securities constitute a restricted core capital element. The guidelines provide that the aggregate amount of restricted core elements that may be included in our Tier 1 capital must not exceed 25% of the sum of all core capital elements, including restricted core capital elements, net of goodwill less any associated deferred tax liability. Our ability to include the trust preferred securities in Tier 1 capital in accordance with the guidelines is not affected by the provision of the Dodd-Frank Act generally restricting such treatment, because (i) the trust preferred securities were issued before May 19, 2010, and (ii) our total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2009 were less than $15.0 billion. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, all $52.6 million and $52.4 million, respectively, of the trust preferred securities were included in our consolidated Tier 1 capital.

 

Our regulatory capital calculations and the minimum requirements to be categorized as well capitalized and adequately capitalized under the prompt corrective action regulations were impacted by BASEL III, which became effective January 1, 2015 and are included in the March 31, 2015 table above. The net impact on our regulatory capital ratios and our overall capital position was not material.

 

Our and 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 15, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.14 per share that was paid on March 25, 2015 to shareholders of record as of March 13, 2015. On April 16, 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 June 24, 2015 to shareholders of record as of June 12, 2015.

 


 

(Continued)  
60.

Table Of Contents
 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

13.

REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

 

In addition, 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. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we purchased approximately 104,000 shares of common stock at an average price of $19.09, totaling about $2.0 million, under the stock repurchase program.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

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

 

Forward Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy, and 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; changes in banking regulation or actions by bank regulators; changes in tax laws; changes in prices, levies, and assessments; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of our merger with Firstbank Corporation; the ability of the combined company to compete in the highly competitive banking and financial services industry; the impact of technological advances; governmental and regulatory policy changes; the 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 risk factors described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 or in this report. These are representative of the Future Factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a forward-looking statement.

 

Introduction

The following discussion compares the financial condition of Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Mercantile Bank of Michigan (“our bank”) and our bank’s two subsidiaries, Mercantile Bank Real Estate Co., LLC (“our real estate company”) and Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. (“our insurance company”), at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the interim consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in this report. Unless the text clearly suggests otherwise, references in this report to “us,” “we,” “our” or “the company” include Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries referred to above.

 

Critical Accounting Policies 

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are complex and require us to apply significant judgment to various accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. We must use assumptions and estimates to apply these principles where actual measurements are not possible or practical. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited financial statements included in this report. For a discussion of our significant accounting policies, see Note 1 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included on pages F-45 through F-51 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (Commission file number 000-26719). Our allowance for loan losses policy and accounting for income taxes are highly dependent upon subjective or complex judgments, assumptions and estimates. Changes in such estimates may have a significant impact on the financial statements, and actual results may differ from those estimates. We have reviewed the application of these policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

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 originated 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.

 

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 interest and principal 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 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 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 tax 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.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Accounting guidance requires that we 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 which may impact future operating results. Significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. During 2011, we returned to pre-tax profitability for four consecutive quarters. Additionally, we experienced lower provision expense, continued declines in nonperforming assets and problem asset administration costs, a higher net interest margin, a further strengthening of our regulatory capital ratios and additional reductions in wholesale funding. This positive evidence allowed us to conclude that, as of December 31, 2011, it was more likely than not that we returned to sustainable profitability in amounts sufficient to allow for realization of our deferred tax assets in future years. Consequently, we reversed the valuation allowance that we had previously determined necessary to carry against our entire net deferred tax asset starting on December 31, 2009.

 

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 rate, prepayment risks, yield and availability of alternative investments, liquidity needs or other factors. Securities classified as available for sale are reported at their fair value. 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, management considers: (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) the Company’s 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 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 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 prepayment speeds, the remaining life of the mortgage pool, delinquency rates, our cost to service loans, and other factors to determine the cash flow that we will receive from serving each grouping of 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 loans. Impairment is evaluated quarterly based on the fair value of the servicing rights, using groupings of the underlying loans classified by interest rates. Any impairment of a grouping is reported as a valuation allowance.

 

Goodwill: Generally accepted accounting 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 future 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 value of its balance sheet is recorded as goodwill.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment is recognized in the period identified. A more frequent assessment is performed if conditions in the market place or changes in the company’s organizational structure occur. We use a discounted income approach and a market valuation model, which compares the inherent value of our company to valuations of recent transactions in the market place to determine if our goodwill has been impaired.

 

Financial Overview

We reported net income of $6.6 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2015, compared to $3.6 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, during the first quarter of 2014. Although we recorded a negative provision expense in both the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, the negative provision expense during the first quarter of 2015 equated to $0.02 per diluted share compared to the $0.14 per diluted share during the first quarter of 2014.

 

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 nine consecutive quarters and in twelve out of the last thirteen quarters. We recorded a negative provision expense of $0.4 million during the first quarter of 2015. Gross loan charge-offs totaled $0.5 million during the first quarter of 2015, while recoveries of prior period loan charge-offs totaled $1.9 million, resulting in a net recovery of $1.4 million. We have recorded a net loan recovery during eight 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.

 

New term loan originations totaled approximately $100 million during the first quarter of 2015. 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. Net loan growth for the first quarter totaled $31.5 million, reflecting the impact of scheduled monthly payments as well as expected and unexpected commercial loan payoffs. The new loan pipeline remains strong, and at March 31, 2015, we had over $140 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, with commercial and industrial loans equaling 28%, commercial real estate non-owner occupied loans comprising 27%, commercial real estate owner occupied loans comprising 20% and residential mortgage and consumer loans aggregating 17% of total loans at March 31, 2015. As a percent of total commercial loans, commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate owner occupied loans equaled 58% at March 31, 2015.

 

Our funding structure is also well diversified. As of March 31, 2015, noninterest-bearing checking accounts comprised 23% of total funds, interest-bearing checking and sweep accounts combined for 23%, savings deposits and money market accounts aggregated to 24% and local time deposits accounted for 22%. Wholesale funds, comprised of brokered deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, represented 8.1% of total funds.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Financial Condition

Our total assets decreased $16.2 million during the first three months of 2015, and totaled $2.88 billion as of March 31, 2015. Total loans increased $31.5 million, while securities available for sale declined $19.2 million and cash and cash equivalents decreased $23.9 million. Total deposits increased $2.6 million, while securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“sweep accounts”) were down $19.4 million during the first three months of 2015. For the remainder of 2015 and into 2016, we expect further loan growth to continue to be primarily funded by cash flow from our securities portfolio and other interest-bearing assets, with total deposits remaining relatively stable.

 

Commercial loans increased $44.0 million during the first three months of 2015, and at March 31, 2015 totaled $1.76 billion, or 83.0% of the loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2014, the commercial loan portfolio comprised 82.1% of total loans. The increase in commercial loans during the first three months of 2015 primarily reflects new commercial term loans to existing and new borrowers. Commercial and industrial loans were up $37.1 million, non-owner occupied commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans increased $6.6 million, owner occupied CRE loans increased $1.6 million, multi-family and residential rental loans declined $5.3 million and vacant land, land development and residential construction loans were up $4.1 million. As a percent of total commercial loans, commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate owner occupied loans equaled 58.0% as of March 31, 2015, compared to 57.2% at December 31, 2014.

 

We significantly enhanced our commercial loan sales efforts over the past several years. We are very pleased with the approximately $765 million in new commercial term loan fundings since the beginning of 2012, including about $100 million during the first three months of 2015. As of March 31, 2015, availability on existing construction and development loans totaled over $140 million, with most of those funds expected to be drawn over the next twelve months. In addition, our current pipeline reports indicate continued strong commercial loan funding opportunities in future periods, including approximately $131 million in new lending commitments, a majority of which we expect to be accepted and funded over the next 12 to 18 months. Our commercial lenders also report substantial additional opportunities they are currently discussing with existing and potentially new borrowers.

 

We continue to experience commercial loan principal paydowns and payoffs. While a portion of the principal paydowns and payoffs received have been welcomed, such as on stressed loan relationships, we have also experienced instances where well-performing relationships have been refinanced at other financial institutions or non-bank entities, and other situations where the borrower has sold the underlying asset. In many of those instances where the loans were 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 businesses and/or replace equipment primarily due to economic- and tax-related uncertainties. Usage of existing commercial lines of credit has remained relatively steady.

 

One-to-four family mortgage loans and other consumer loans both declined $6.3 million during the first three months of 2015, and at March 31, 2015, totaled a combined $361 million, or 17.0% of total loans. One-to-four family mortgage loans and other consumer loans combined equated to 17.9% of total loans as of December 31, 2014.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

The following table summarizes our loan portfolio at March 31, 2015:

 

   

3/31/15

   

12/31/14

   

9/30/14

   

6/30/14

   

3/31/14

 

Commercial:

                                       

Commercial & Industrial

  $ 587,675,000     $ 550,607,000     $ 541,805,000     $ 538,791,000     $ 289,009,000  

Land Development & Construction

    56,050,000       51,974,000       52,218,000       55,948,000       37,190,000  

Owner Occupied Commercial RE

    431,995,000       430,388,000       412,470,000       411,116,000       264,299,000  

Non-Owner Occupied Commercial RE

    566,152,000       559,574,000       584,422,000       588,752,000       378,034,000  

Multi-Family & Residential Rental

    117,477,000       122,760,000       95,649,000       93,939,000       35,686,000  

Total Commercial

    1,759,349,000       1,715,303,000       1,686,564,000       1,688,546,000       1,004,218,000  
                                         

Retail:

                                       

1-4 Family Mortgages

    208,425,000       214,696,000       217,751,000       215,908,000       30,800,000  

Home Equity & Other Consumer Loans

    152,986,000       159,278,000       163,950,000       169,028,000       31,778,000  
      361,411,000       373,974,000       381,701,000       384,936,000       62,578,000  
                                         

Total

  $ 2,120,760,000     $ 2,089,277,000     $ 2,068,265,000     $ 2,073,482,000     $ 1,066,796,000  

 

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 an internal 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 $27.9 million (1.0% of total assets) as of March 31, 2015, compared to $31.4 million (1.1% of total assets) as of December 31, 2014. One commercial loan relationship, which was placed on nonaccrual during the fourth quarter of 2014, accounted for approximately 76% of total nonperforming assets as of March 31, 2015. Substantial progress toward full resolution of this relationship was made during the first quarter of 2015, and we expect additional progress during the second quarter.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

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

 

NONPERFORMING LOANS

 

   

3/31/15

   

12/31/14

   

9/30/14

   

6/30/14

   

3/31/14

 

Residential Real Estate:

                                       

Land Development

  $ 54,000     $ 84,000     $ 107,000     $ 36,000     $ 38,000  

Construction

    0       0       0       0       0  

Owner Occupied / Rental

    2,578,000       4,229,000       4,350,000       3,898,000       4,026,000  
      2,632,000       4,313,000       4,457,000       3,934,000       4,064,000  
                                         

Commercial Real Estate:

                                       

Land Development

    197,000       209,000       222,000       235,000       361,000  

Construction

    0       0       0       0       0  

Owner Occupied

    17,495,000       18,089,000       733,000       1,176,000       784,000  

Non-Owner Occupied

    360,000       378,000       330,000       129,000       335,000  
      18,052,000       18,676,000       1,285,000       1,540,000       1,480,000  
                                         

Non-Real Estate:

                                       

Commercial Assets

    5,565,000       6,401,000       296,000       267,000       798,000  

Consumer Assets

    18,000       42,000       33,000       0       0  
      5,583,000       6,443,000       329,000       267,000       798,000  
                                         

Total

  $ 26,267,000     $ 29,432,000     $ 6,071,000     $ 5,741,000     $ 6,342,000  

 

 

OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED & REPOSSESSED ASSETS

 

   

3/31/15

   

12/31/14

   

9/30/14

   

6/30/14

   

3/31/14

 

Residential Real Estate:

                                       

Land Development

  $ 329,000     $ 329,000     $ 329,000     $ 427,000     $ 427,000  

Construction

    0       0       0       22,000       22,000  

Owner Occupied / Rental

    646,000       722,000       902,000       968,000       186,000  
      975,000       1,051,000       1,231,000       1,417,000       635,000  
                                         

Commercial Real Estate:

                                       

Land Development

    0       0       0       92,000       92,000  

Construction

    0       0       0       0       0  

Owner Occupied

    139,000       247,000       173,000       300,000       75,000  

Non-Owner Occupied

    550,000       697,000       1,255,000       1,069,000       1,548,000  
      689,000       944,000       1,428,000       1,461,000       1,715,000  
                                         

Non-Real Estate:

                                       

Commercial Assets

    0       0       0       0       0  

Consumer Assets

    0       0       0       0       0  
      0       0       0       0       0  
                                         

Total

  $ 1,664,000     $ 1,995,000     $ 2,659,000     $ 2,878,000     $ 2,350,000  

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

The following tables provide a reconciliation of nonperforming assets:

 

NONPERFORMING LOANS RECONCILIATION

 

   

1st Qtr

   

4th Qtr

   

3rd Qtr

   

2nd Qtr

   

1st Qtr

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2014

   

2014

   

2014

 
                                         

Beginning balance

  $ 29,432,000     $ 6,071,000     $ 5,741,000     $ 6,342,000     $ 6,718,000  

Additions, net of transfers to ORE

    414,000       24,513,000       1,194,000       (11,000 )     174,000  

Returns to performing status

    (5,000 )     (779,000 )     0       0       0  

Principal payments

    (3,203,000 )     (228,000 )     (864,000 )     (523,000 )     (449,000 )

Loan charge-offs

    (371,000 )     (145,000 )     0       (67,000 )     (101,000 )
                                         

Total

  $ 26,267,000     $ 29,432,000     $ 6,071,000     $ 5,741,000     $ 6,342,000  

 

 

OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED & REPOSSESSED ASSETS RECONCILIATION

 

   

1st Qtr

   

4th Qtr

   

3rd Qtr

   

2nd Qtr

   

1st Qtr

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2014

   

2014

   

2014

 
                                         

Beginning balance

  $ 1,995,000     $ 2,659,000     $ 2,878,000     $ 2,350,000     $ 2,851,000  

Additions

    277,000       380,000       851,000       1,362,000       0  

Sale proceeds

    (538,000 )     (982,000 )     (910,000 )     (790,000 )     (501,000 )

Valuation write-downs

    (70,000 )     (62,000 )     (160,000 )     (44,000 )     0  
                                         

Total

  $ 1,664,000     $ 1,995,000     $ 2,659,000     $ 2,878,000     $ 2,350,000  

 

During the first quarter of 2015, loan charge-offs totaled $0.5 million while recoveries of prior period charge-offs aggregated to $1.9 million, resulting in a net recovery $1.4 million. We have recorded a net loan recovery during eight 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.

 

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 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.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

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; loan concentrations; and other external factors such as 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 needed adjustments 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 analysis takes into account various time periods, with most weight placed on a sixteen-quarter time frame as of March 31, 2015. We believe the sixteen-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 consensus of economic conditions in the near future. Over the past few years, leading up to and including December 31, 2014, we had placed most weight on a twelve-quarter look back period.

 

Although the migration analysis provides a 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 $20.3 million as of March 31, 2015, or 1.5% of total originated loans outstanding, compared to $19.3 million, or 1.5% of total originated loans outstanding at December 31, 2014. We also had an allowance for acquired loans as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, equaling $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The allowance equaled 80.1% of nonperforming loans as of March 31, 2015, compared to 68.1% as of December 31, 2014. The increase in this ratio during the first quarter reflects a combined increase in the balance of the allowance and a decline in total nonperforming loans.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

As of March 31, 2015, the allowance for originated loans was comprised of $9.9 million in general reserves relating to non-impaired loans, $5.0 million in specific reserve allocations relating to nonaccrual loans, and $5.4 million in specific reserves on other loans, primarily accruing loans designated as troubled debt restructurings. Troubled debt restructurings totaled $46.6 million at March 31, 2015, consisting of $23.3 million that are on nonaccrual status and $23.3 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. The aforementioned large nonaccrual commercial loan relationship is categorized as a nonperforming troubled debt restructuring. Impaired loans with an aggregate carrying value of $0.9 million as of March 31, 2015 had been subject to previous partial charge-offs aggregating $2.2 million. Those partial charge-offs were recorded as follows: $0.1 million during 2014, $0.4 million in 2013, $1.0 million in 2012, $0.5 million in 2011 and $0.2 million in 2010. As of March 31, 2015, there were no specific reserves allocated to impaired loans that had been subject to a previous partial charge-off.

 

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

 

   

3/31/15

   

12/31/14

   

9/30/14

   

6/30/14

   

3/31/14

 
                                         

Performing

  $ 23,350,000     $ 24,001,000     $ 47,385,000     $ 24,900,000     $ 27,093,000  

Nonperforming

    23,272,000       26,433,000       3,371,000       4,232,000       4,800,000  
                                         

Total

  $ 46,622,000     $ 50,434,000     $ 50,756,000     $ 29,132,000     $ 31,893,000  

 

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

 

Securities available for sale decreased $19.2 million during the first three months of 2015, totaling $414 million as of March 31, 2015. Purchases during the first three months of 2015, generally consisting of municipal bonds, totaled $1.8 million. Proceeds from matured and called U.S. Government agency bonds and municipal bonds during the first three months of 2015 totaled $15.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively, with another $6.1 million from principal paydowns on mortgage-backed securities. In addition, proceeds from the sales of municipal bonds totaled $0.7 million. At March 31, 2015, the portfolio was primarily comprised of U.S. Government agency bonds (43%), municipal bonds (35%) and U.S. Government agency issued or guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (21%). All of our securities are currently designated as available for sale, and are therefore stated at fair value. The fair value of securities designated as available for sale at March 31, 2015 totaled $414 million, including a net unrealized gain of $3.2 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. We expect future purchases during the remainder of 2015 to be generally limited to the occasional acquisition of municipal bonds, as a majority of the cash flow from maturities and calls on U.S. Government agency and municipal bonds and from paydowns on mortgage-backed securities is expected to be used to fund anticipated loan growth.

 

FHLB of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) stock totaled $13.7 million as of March 31, 2015, unchanged from the balance at December 31, 2014. Our investment in FHLBI stock is necessary to engage in their advance and other financing programs. We have regularly received quarterly cash dividends, and we expect a cash dividend will continue to be paid in future quarterly periods.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Market values on our U.S. Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and municipal bonds are generally determined on a monthly basis with the assistance of a third party vendor. Evaluated pricing models that vary by type of security and incorporate available market data are utilized. Standard inputs include issuer and type of security, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes and issuer spreads. The market value of certain non-rated securities issued by relatively small municipalities generally located within our markets is estimated at carrying value. We believe our valuation methodology provides for a reasonable estimation of market value, and that it is consistent with the requirements of accounting guidelines.

 

Federal funds sold, consisting of excess funds sold overnight to a correspondent bank, along with investments in interest-bearing deposits at correspondent and other banks, are used to manage daily liquidity needs and interest rate sensitivity. During the first three months of 2015, the average balance of these funds equaled $87.6 million, or 3.3% of average earning assets. We expect the level of these funds to average approximately 1% to 2% of average earning assets in future quarters, as we use approximately one half of the average amount during the first quarter of 2015 to fund anticipated loan growth.

 

Net premises and equipment equaled $48.4 million at March 31, 2015, a decrease of $0.5 million during the first three months of 2015. Purchases during the first quarter of 2015 totaled $0.3 million, while depreciation expense aggregated to $0.8 million. Foreclosed and repossessed assets equaled $1.7 million as of March 31, 2015, compared to $2.0 million as of December 31, 2014. Sale proceeds during the first quarter of 2015 totaled $0.5 million, while transfers in from the loan portfolio totaled $0.3 million. Valuation write-downs totaled $0.1 million. While we expect further transfers from loans to foreclosed and repossessed assets in future periods reflecting our collection efforts on some impaired lending relationships, we believe the overall strong quality of our loan portfolio will limit any overall increase in, and average balance of, this particular nonperforming asset category.

 

Total deposits increased $2.6 million during the first three months of 2015, totaling $2.28 billion at March 31, 2015. Out-of-area deposits decreased $22.2 million during the first three months of 2015, and as a percent of total deposits, equaled 6.7% as of March 31, 2015, compared to 7.7% as of December 31, 2014.

 

Noninterest-bearing checking accounts increased $10.1 million during the first three months of 2015, generally due to deposit account openings as part of recently established commercial lending relationships. Interest-bearing checking accounts increased $3.7 million, money market deposit accounts grew $14.8 million and savings deposits increased $15.0 million during the first three months of 2015. Local time deposits declined $18.8 million, a majority of which were transferred to non-time deposits at maturity. This is a continuation of a trend over the past several years due to the very low interest rate environment, and we expect this trend to continue at least until short term interest rates start to increase.

 

Sweep accounts decreased $19.4 million during the first three months of 2015, totaling $148 million as of March 31, 2015. The decrease was expected, as we generally see a decline during the first quarter as businesses use funds to make tax and bonus payments. Our sweep account program entails transferring collected funds from certain business noninterest-bearing checking accounts and savings deposits into over-night interest-bearing repurchase agreements. Such sweep accounts are not deposit accounts and are not afforded federal deposit insurance, and are accounted for as secured borrowings.

 

FHLBI advances decreased $6.0 million during the first three months of 2015, reflecting $6.0 million in maturities. As of March 31, 2015, FHLBI advances totaled $48.0 million. The FHLBI advances are generally collateralized by a blanket lien on our residential mortgage loan portfolio. Our borrowing line of credit as of March 31, 2015 totaled about $474 million, with availability approximating $426 million.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


  

Liquidity

Liquidity is measured by our ability to raise funds through deposits, borrowed funds, and capital, or cash flow from the repayment of loans and securities. These funds are used to fund loans, meet deposit withdrawals, maintain reserve requirements and operate our company. Liquidity is primarily achieved through local and out-of-area deposits and liquid assets such as securities available for sale, matured and called securities, federal funds sold and interest-bearing balances. Asset and liability management is the process of managing our balance sheet to achieve a mix of earning assets and liabilities that maximizes profitability, while providing adequate liquidity.

 

To assist in providing needed funds, we have regularly obtained monies from wholesale funding sources. Wholesale funds, primarily comprised of deposits from customers outside of our market areas and advances from the FHLBI, totaled $201 million, or 8.1% of combined deposits and borrowed funds, as of March 31, 2015, compared to $230 million, or 9.2% of combined deposits and borrowed funds, as of December 31, 2014.

 

Sweep accounts decreased $19.4 million during the first three months of 2015, totaling $148 million as of March 31, 2015. The decrease was expected, as we generally see a decline during the first quarter as businesses use funds to make tax and bonus payments. Our sweep account program entails transferring collected funds from certain business noninterest-bearing checking accounts and savings deposits into over-night interest-bearing repurchase agreements. Such sweep accounts are not deposit accounts and are not afforded federal deposit insurance, and are accounted for as secured borrowings. Information regarding our repurchase agreements as of March 31, 2015 and during the first three months of 2015 is as follows:

 

Outstanding balance at March 31, 2015

  $ 148,219,000  

Weighted average interest rate at March 31, 2015

    0.11 %

Maximum daily balance three months ended March 31, 2015

  $ 168,211,000  

Average daily balance for three months ended March 31, 2015

  $ 143,524,000  

Weighted average interest rate for three months ended March 31, 2015

    0.11 %

 

As a member of FHLBI, we have access to FHLBI advance borrowing programs. FHLBI advances decreased $6.0 million during the first three months of 2015. As of March 31, 2015, FHLBI advances totaled $48.0 million. Based on available collateral at March 31, 2015, we could borrow an additional $426 million.

 

We also have the ability to borrow up to $63.0 million on a daily basis through correspondent banks using established unsecured federal funds purchased lines of credit. We did not access these lines of credit during first three months of 2015; in fact, we have not accessed the lines of credit since January of 2010. In contrast, federal funds sold averaged $11.0 million and interest-bearing deposit balances with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago averaged $72.6 million during the first three months of 2015. We also have a line of credit through the Discount Window of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Using certain municipal bonds as collateral, we could have borrowed up to $11.5 million as of March 31, 2015. We did not utilize this line of credit during the first three months of 2015 or at any time during the previous six fiscal years, and do not plan to access this line of credit in future periods.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

The following table reflects, as of March 31, 2015, significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by payment date, excluding accrued interest:

 

   

One Year

   

One to

   

Three to

   

Over

         
   

or Less

   

Three Years

   

Five Years

   

Five Years

   

Total

 
                                         

Deposits without a stated maturity

  $ 1,581,821,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 1,581,821,000  

Certificates of deposit

    360,509,000       240,498,000       96,696,000       0       697,703,000  

Short-term borrowings

    148,219,000       0       0       0       148,219,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    0       48,011,000       0       0       48,011,000  

Subordinated debentures

    0       0       0       54,642,000       54,642,000  

Other borrowed money

    3,493,000       0       0       0       3,493,000  

Property leases

    379,000       773,000       439,000       116,000       1,707,000  

 

In addition to normal loan funding and deposit flow, we must maintain liquidity to meet the demands of certain unfunded loan commitments and standby letters of credit. As of March 31, 2015, we had a total of $732 million in unfunded loan commitments and $31.0 million in unfunded standby letters of credit. Of the total unfunded loan commitments, $600 million were commitments available as lines of credit to be drawn at any time as customers’ cash needs vary, and $132 million were for loan commitments generally expected to close and become funded within the next twelve months. We regularly monitor fluctuations in loan balances and commitment levels, and include such data in our overall liquidity management.

 

We monitor our liquidity position and funding strategies on an ongoing basis, but recognize that unexpected events, changes in economic or market conditions, a reduction in earnings performance, declining capital levels or situations beyond our control could cause liquidity challenges. While we believe it is unlikely that a funding crisis of any significant degree is likely to materialize, we have developed a comprehensive contingency funding plan that provides a framework for meeting liquidity disruptions.

 

Capital Resources

Shareholders’ equity was $333 million at March 31, 2015, compared to $328 million at December 31, 2014. The $4.7 million increase during the first three months of 2015 primarily reflects the combined positive impact of net income totaling $6.6 million and the negative impact of cash dividends on common shares totaling $2.4 million and our share repurchase program aggregating $2.0 million. Also positively impacting shareholders’ equity during the first three months of 2015 was an increase in the net unrealized gain on securities available for sale of $1.9 million.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

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 the financial statements. The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation approved final rules, commonly referred to as “BASEL III,” implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s capital guidelines for U.S. banks. Under the final rules, which became effective January 1, 2015, minimum requirements have increased for both the quantity and quality of capital held by us and our bank. The final rules include a new common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets minimum ratio of 4.5%, raise the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4.0% to 6.0%, require a minimum ratio of Total Capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0% and require a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0%. A new capital conservation buffer, comprised of common equity Tier 1 capital, is also established above the regulatory minimum capital requirements. This capital conservation buffer will be phased-in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increase each subsequent year by an additional 0.625% until reaching its final level of 2.5% on January 1, 2019. Strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments were also implemented under the final rules. The final rules also revise the definition and calculation of Tier 1 capital, Total Capital and risk-weighted assets.

 

As of March 31, 2015, our bank’s total risk-based capital ratio was 14.1%, with our bank’s total regulatory capital equaling $348 million, or approximately $100 million in excess of the 10.0% minimum which is among the requirements to be categorized as “well capitalized.” Our and our bank’s capital ratios as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are disclosed in Note 13 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Results of Operations

We recorded net income of $6.6 million for the first quarter of 2015 ($0.39 per basic and diluted share), compared to net income of $3.6 million ($0.41 per basic and diluted share) recorded during the first quarter of 2014. The results for the first quarter of 2015 were impacted by the merger with Firstbank, which was consummated on June 1, 2014. Our projected annual cost savings as disclosed at the time the merger was announced were $5.5 million, or approximately $1.4 million quarterly. We realized the full amount of this target in the first quarter of 2015. A negative provision expense of $0.4 million ($0.02 per share) was recorded during the first quarter of 2015, compared to a negative provision expense of $1.9 million ($0.14 per diluted share) during the year-ago quarter.

 

The improved earnings performance in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the prior-year first quarter primarily resulted from increased net interest income, which more than offset increased overhead costs. The increased net interest income primarily resulted from the higher level of average earning assets associated with the completion of the merger; an increased net interest margin, mainly resulting from a decreased cost of funds, also contributed to the higher level of net interest income. The decreased cost of funds in large part reflects the absorption of Firstbank’s lower-costing deposit base. The increased noninterest expense was mainly attributable to higher costs necessary to operate the combined company.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Interest income during the first quarter of 2015 was $27.6 million, an increase of $14.0 million, or 103.0%, from the $13.6 million earned during the first quarter of 2014. The increase in interest income in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the respective 2014 period is primarily attributable to an increase in earning assets. Average earning assets equaled $2.65 billion during the first quarter of 2015, up $1.33 billion, or 100.4%, from the level of $1.32 billion during the first quarter of 2014. Average earning assets include Firstbank’s assets from the date of acquisition. An increase in the yield on average earning assets from 4.20% in the first quarter of 2014 to 4.25% in the current-year first quarter also contributed to the higher level of interest income. The higher yield on average earning assets primarily resulted from an increased yield on average loans and a change in earning asset mix. The higher yield on average loans was mainly due to increased yields on commercial and residential mortgage loans and a change in loan mix. Accretion of acquired loans totaled $1.4 million during the first quarter of 2015. Lower-yielding average interest-bearing deposits and average federal funds sold combined equaled 3.3% of total average earning assets in the first quarter of 2015, down from 8.7% during the first quarter of 2014. The yield on average securities declined from 4.08% in the first quarter of 2014 to 2.17% in the current-year first quarter, primarily reflecting the ongoing low interest rate environment.

 

Interest expense during the first quarter of 2015 was $2.7 million, an increase of $0.2 million, or 8.6%, from the $2.5 million expensed during the first quarter of 2014. The increase in interest expense in the 2015 period compared to the respective 2014 period is attributable to an increase in the volume of average interest-bearing liabilities. Average interest-bearing liabilities include Firstbank’s liabilities from the date of acquisition. The impact of the higher volume of average interest-bearing liabilities on interest expense was substantially offset by a decrease in the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The absorption of Firstbank’s lower-costing interest-bearing liability base positively impacted the cost of funds in the 2015 period.

 

Net interest income during the first quarter of 2015 was $24.9 million, an increase of $13.8 million, or 124.6%, from the $11.1 million earned during the first quarter of 2014. The increase in net interest income in the 2015 period compared to the respective 2014 period was primarily due to an increase in earning assets; an increase in the net interest margin from 3.42% during the first quarter of 2014 to 3.83% during the first quarter of 2015 also contributed to the higher level of net interest income. The higher net interest margin in the 2015 period primarily reflects the reduction in the cost of funds, which decreased from 0.78% in the first quarter of 2014 to 0.42% in the current-year first quarter in large part due to the absorption of Firstbank’s lower-costing interest-bearing liability base.

 

The following table sets forth certain information relating to our consolidated average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014. Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average daily balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the period presented. Tax-exempt securities interest income and yield have been computed on a tax equivalent basis using a marginal tax rate of 35%. Securities interest income was increased by $165,000 and $84,000 in the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively, for this adjustment.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

   

Quarters ended March 31,

 
   

2 0 1 5

   

2 0 1 4

 
   

Average

           

Average

   

Average

           

Average

 
   

Balance

   

Interest

   

Rate

   

Balance

   

Interest

   

Rate

 
    (dollars in thousands)  

ASSETS

                                               

Loans

  $ 2,119,464     $ 25,311       4.84 %   $ 1,059,595     $ 12,099       4.63 %

Investment securities

    440,380       2,388       2.17       147,164       1,501       4.08  

Other interest-bearing assets

    87,620       55       0.25       114,553       72       0.25  

Total interest - earning assets

    2,647,464       27,754       4.25       1,321,312       13,672       4.20  
                                                 

Allowance for loan losses

    (20,481 )                     (22,558 )                

Other assets

    247,933                       121,758                  
                                                 

Total assets

  $ 2,874,916                     $ 1,420,512                  
                                                 
                                                 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                                               

Interest-bearing deposits

  $ 1,723,684     $ 1,899       0.45 %   $ 890,698     $ 2,035       0.93 %

Short-term borrowings

    143,524       38       0.11       76,412       22       0.12  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    49,750       152       1.22       45,000       150       1.34  

Other borrowings

    58,145       651       4.48       34,631       317       3.66  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    1,975,103       2,740       0.56       1,046,741       2,524       0.98  
                                                 

Noninterest-bearing deposits

    557,603                       214,037                  

Other liabilities

    11,530                       4,661                  

Shareholders’ equity

    330,680                       155,073                  
                                                 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 2,874,916                     $ 1,420,512                  
                                                 

Net interest income

          $ 25,014                     $ 11,148          
                                                 

Net interest rate spread

                    3.69 %                     3.22 %

Net interest spread on average assets

                    3.53 %                     3.18 %

Net interest margin on earning assets

                    3.83 %                     3.42 %

 

A negative loan loss provision expense of $0.4 million was recorded during the first quarter of 2015, compared to a negative provision expense of $1.9 million during the first quarter of 2014. The negative provision expense reflects recoveries of previously charged-off loans, reversals of specific reserves, a reduced level of loan-rating downgrades, and ongoing loan-rating upgrades as the quality of the loan portfolio continued to improve. Continued progress in the stabilization of economic and real estate market conditions and resulting collateral valuations also positively impacted provision expense.

 

Net loan recoveries of $1.4 million were recorded during the first quarter of 2015, compared to net loan recoveries of less than $0.1 million during the prior-year first quarter. The allowance for originated loans, as a percentage of total originated loans, was 1.5% as of March 31, 2015, compared to 2.0% as of March 31, 2014. Our allowance for acquired loans totaled $0.8 million as of March 31, 2015.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Noninterest income during the first quarter of 2015 was $3.7 million, an increase of $2.2 million, or 145.3%, from the $1.5 million earned during the prior-year first quarter. Substantially all categories of fee income were higher in the current-year first quarter compared to the respective 2014 period as a result of the merger. A similar level of mortgage banking income was recorded in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the fourth quarter of 2014, while increased debit and credit card fees and income from payroll services mitigated decreased service charges on deposit accounts. During the first quarter of 2015, additional interchange income on credit and debit cards in the amount of $0.2 million was recorded, reflecting a one-time change in the timing of receipt of such income.

 

Noninterest expense during the first quarter of 2015 was $19.2 million, an increase of $10.0 million, or 109.0%, from the $9.2 million expensed during the first quarter of 2014. The increase in noninterest expense in the first quarter of 2015 primarily resulted from higher salary and benefit expenses. Salary and benefit expenses totaled $10.1 million during the first quarter of 2015, an increase of $4.9 million, or 92.8%, from the $5.2 million expensed during the prior-year first quarter. The increase in salary and benefit expenses was mainly due to the increase in employees associated with the completion of the merger with Firstbank. As of March 31, 2015, full-time equivalent employees numbered 642, up from 244 as of March 31, 2014. Increases in other categories of noninterest expense necessary to operate the combined company also contributed to the higher level of overhead costs. Core deposit intangible amortization expense totaling $0.8 million was recorded during the first three months of 2015.

 

During the first quarter of 2015, we recorded income before federal income tax of $9.7 million and a federal income tax expense of $3.1 million. During the first quarter of 2014, we recorded income before federal income tax of $5.3 million and a federal income tax expense of $1.7 million. The increase in federal income tax expense in the first quarter of 2015 resulted from the higher level of income before federal income tax, which more than offset a slight decrease in our effective tax rate from 32.0% in the first quarter of 2014 to 31.5% in the first quarter of 2015.

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Our primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk and, to a lesser extent, liquidity risk. All of our transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars with no specific foreign exchange exposure. We have only limited agricultural-related loan assets and therefore have no significant exposure to changes in commodity prices. Any impact that changes in foreign exchange rates and commodity prices would have on interest rates is assumed to be insignificant. Interest rate risk is the exposure of our financial condition to adverse movements in interest rates. We derive our income primarily from the excess of interest collected on our interest-earning assets over the interest paid on our interest-bearing liabilities. The rates of interest we earn on our assets and owe on our liabilities generally are established contractually for a period of time. Since market interest rates change over time, we are exposed to lower profitability if we cannot adapt to interest rate changes. Accepting interest rate risk can be an important source of profitability and shareholder value; however, excessive levels of interest rate risk could pose a significant threat to our earnings and capital base. Accordingly, effective risk management that maintains interest rate risk at prudent levels is essential to our safety and soundness.

 

Evaluating the exposure to changes in interest rates includes assessing both the adequacy of the process used to control interest rate risk and the quantitative level of exposure. Our interest rate risk management process seeks to ensure that appropriate policies, procedures, management information systems and internal control procedures are in place to maintain interest rate risk at prudent levels with consistency and continuity. In evaluating the quantitative level of interest rate risk, we assess the existing and potential future effects of changes in interest rates on our financial condition, including capital adequacy, earnings, liquidity and asset quality.

We use two interest rate risk measurement techniques. The first, which is commonly referred to as GAP analysis, measures the difference between the dollar amounts of interest sensitive assets and liabilities that will be refinanced or repriced during a given time period. A significant repricing gap could result in a negative impact to our net interest margin during periods of changing market interest rates.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

The following table depicts our GAP position as of March 31, 2015:

 

   

Within

   

Three to

   

One to

   

After

         
   

Three

   

Twelve

   

Five

   

Five

         
   

Months

   

Months

   

Years

   

Years

   

Total

 

Assets:

                                       

Commercial loans (1)

  $ 390,295,000     $ 207,148,000     $ 956,015,000     $ 165,143,000     $ 1,718,601,000  

Residential real estate loans

    38,261,000       15,583,000       136,731,000       153,643,000       344,218,000  

Consumer loans

    2,538,000       1,524,000       41,742,000       12,137,000       57,941,000  

Securities (2)

    36,584,000       16,922,000       216,442,000       157,444,000       427,392,000  

Interest-bearing assets

    106,146,000       0       0       0       106,146,000  

Allowance for loan losses

    0       0       0       0       (21,050,000 )

Other assets

    0       0       0       0       243,936,000  

Total assets

    573,824,000       241,177,000       1,350,930,000       488,367,000     $ 2,877,184,000  
                                         

Liabilities:

                                       

Interest-bearing checking

    417,098,000       0       0       0       417,098,000  

Savings deposits

    345,459,000       0       0       0       345,459,000  

Money market accounts

    250,421,000       0       0       0       250,421,000  

Time deposits under $100,000

    26,609,000       71,709,000       78,943,000       0       177,261,000  

Time deposits $100,000 & over

    73,147,000       189,044,000       258,251,000       0       520,442,000  

Short-term borrowings

    148,219,000       0       0       0       148,219,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    0       0       48,011,000       0       48,011,000  

Other borrowed money

    58,135,000       0       0       0       58,135,000  

Noninterest-bearing checking

    0       0       0       0       568,843,000  

Other liabilities

    0       0       0       0       10,507,000  

Total liabilities

    1,319,088,000       260,753,000       385,205,000       0       2,544,396,000  

Shareholders' equity

    0       0       0       0       332,788,000  

Total liabilities & shareholders' equity

    1,319,088,000       260,753,000       385,205,000       0     $ 2,877,184,000  
                                         

Net asset (liability) GAP

  $ (745,264,000 )   $ (19,576,000 )   $ 965,725,000     $ 488,367,000          
                                         

Cumulative GAP

  $ (745,264,000 )   $ (764,840,000 )   $ 200,885,000     $ 689,252,000          
                                         

Percent of cumulative GAP to total assets

    (25.9% )     (26.6% )     7.0 %     24.0 %        

 

(1)

Floating rate loans that are currently at interest rate floors are treated as fixed rate loans and are reflected using maturity date and not repricing frequency.

(2)

Mortgage-backed securities are categorized by average life calculations based upon prepayment trends as of March 31, 2015.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

The second interest rate risk measurement we use is commonly referred to as net interest income simulation analysis. We believe that this methodology provides a more accurate measurement of interest rate risk than the GAP analysis, and therefore, it serves as our primary interest rate risk measurement technique. The simulation model assesses the direction and magnitude of variations in net interest income resulting from potential changes in market interest rates.

 

Key assumptions in the model include prepayment speeds on various loan and investment assets; cash flows and maturities of interest sensitive assets and liabilities; and changes in market conditions impacting loan and deposit volume and pricing. These assumptions are inherently uncertain, subject to fluctuation and revision in a dynamic environment; therefore, the model cannot precisely estimate net interest income or exactly predict the impact of higher or lower interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes and changes in market conditions and our strategies, among other factors.

 

We conducted multiple simulations as of March 31, 2015, in which it was assumed that changes in market interest rates occurred ranging from up 400 basis points to down 400 basis points in equal quarterly instalments over the next twelve months. The following table reflects the suggested impact on net interest income over the next twelve months in comparison to estimated net interest income based on our balance sheet structure, including the balances and interest rates associated with our specific loans, securities, deposits and borrowed funds, as of March 31, 2015. The resulting estimates are well within our policy parameters established to manage and monitor interest rate risk.

 

   

Dollar Change

   

Percent Change

 
   

In Net

   

In Net

 

Interest Rate Scenario

 

Interest Income

   

Interest Income

 
                 

Interest rates down 400 basis points

  $ (7,055,000 )     (7.6% )

Interest rates down 300 basis points

    (6,200,000 )     (6.7 )

Interest rates down 200 basis points

    (5,140,000 )     (5.6 )

Interest rates down 100 basis points

    (3,280,000 )     (3.5 )

No change in interest rates

    555,000       0.6  

Interest rates up 100 basis points

    1,735,000       1.9  

Interest rates up 200 basis points

    2,670,000       2.9  

Interest rates up 300 basis points

    3,505,000       3.8  

Interest rates up 400 basis points

    4,005,000       4.3  

 

The resulting estimates have been significantly impacted by the current interest rate and economic environments, as adjustments have been made to critical model inputs with regards to traditional interest rate relationships. This is especially important as it relates to floating rate commercial loans, which comprise a sizable portion of our balance sheet.

 

In addition to changes in interest rates, the level of future net interest income is also dependent on a number of other variables, including: the growth, composition and absolute levels of loans, deposits, and other earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; level of nonperforming assets; economic and competitive conditions; potential changes in lending, investing, and deposit gathering strategies; client preferences; and other factors.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

As of March 31, 2015, 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 March 31, 2015.

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

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

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those previously disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and incorporated therein by reference.

 

 

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

We made no unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2015.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

As previously reported, on January 30, 2015, our Board of Directors 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. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we repurchased shares of common stock as follows:

 

Period

 

(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased

   

(b) Average Price Paid Per Share

   

(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

   

(d) Maximum Number of Shares or Approximate Dollar Value that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

 

January 1 - 31

    4,000     $ 19.09       4,000     $ 19,923,600  

February 1 - 28

    89,031       19.08       89,031       18,224,900  

March 1 - 31

    10,950       19.09       10,950       18,016,000  

Total

    103,981     $ 19.09       103,981     $ 18,015,900  

 

The purchased shares were retired effective on the acquisition date.

 

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

Not applicable.

 

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

 

 

Item 5. Other Information.

Not applicable.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION

   

2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger dated August 14, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 15, 2013

   

2.2

First Amendment to Merger Agreement dated February 20, 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 21, 2014

   

3.1

Our Articles of Incorporation are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009

   

3.2

Our Amended and Restated Bylaws dated as of January 16, 2003 are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Commission File No. 333-103376) that became effective on February 21, 2003

   

31

Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications

   

32.1

Section 1350 Chief Executive Officer Certification

   

32.2

Section 1350 Chief Financial Officer Certification

   

101

The following financial information from Mercantile’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 


 

 
83. 

Table Of Contents
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on May 7, 2015.

 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael H. Price

 

 

Michael H. Price

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Charles E. Christmas

 

 

Charles E. Christmas

 

  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  
  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)  

 


 

 
84. 

Table Of Contents
 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

Exhibit No.

EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION

   

2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger dated August 14, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 15, 2013

   

2.2

First Amendment to Merger Agreement dated February 20, 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 21, 2014

   

3.1

Our Articles of Incorporation are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009

   

3.2

Our Amended and Restated Bylaws dated as of January 16, 2003 are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Commission File No. 333-103376) that became effective on February 21, 2003

   

31

Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications

   

32.1

Section 1350 Chief Executive Officer Certification

   

32.2

Section 1350 Chief Financial Officer Certification

   

101

The following financial information from Mercantile’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements