MERCANTILE BANK CORP - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)

  PART I

The Company

Mercantile Bank Corporation is a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “Bank Holding Company Act”). Unless the text clearly suggests otherwise, references to “us,” “we,” “our,” or “the company” include Mercantile Bank Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. As a bank holding company, we are subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”). We were organized on July 15, 1997, under the laws of the State of Michigan, primarily for the purpose of holding all of the stock of Mercantile Bank (“our bank”), and of such other subsidiaries as we may acquire or establish. Our bank commenced business on December 15, 1997. During the third quarter of 2013, we filed an election to become a financial holding company, which election became effective April 14, 2014. Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. (“our insurance company”), a subsidiary of our bank, commenced operations during 2002 to offer insurance products. Our expenses have generally been paid using cash dividends from our bank. Our principal source of future operating funds is expected to be dividends from our bank.

Our Bank

Our bank is a state banking company that operates under the laws of the State of Michigan, pursuant to a charter issued by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Our bank’s deposits are insured to the maximum extent permitted by law by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Our bank, through its 44 office locations, provides commercial banking services primarily to small- to medium-sized businesses and retail banking services. Our bank’s main office is located in Grand Rapids, and our operations are centered around the West and Central portions of Michigan. We also have a banking office located in the metropolitan Detroit, Michigan area and opened residential mortgage loan production offices in Midland, Michigan and in the Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan area during 2020 and Petoskey, Michigan during 2021.

Our bank makes secured and unsecured commercial, construction, mortgage and consumer loans, and accepts checking, savings and time deposits. Our bank owns 22 automated teller machines ("ATM") and 19 video banking machines at a majority of our office locations that participate in the ACCEL/EXCHANGE and PLUS regional network systems, as well as other ATM networks throughout the country. Our bank also enables customers to conduct certain loan and deposit transactions by personal computer and through mobile applications. Courier service is provided to certain commercial customers, and safe deposit facilities are available at a vast majority of our office locations. Our bank does not have trust powers.

Our Insurance Company

Our insurance company acquired an existing shelf insurance agency effective April 15, 2002. An Agency and Institution Agreement was entered into among our insurance company, our bank and Hub International for the purpose of providing programs of mass marketed personal lines of insurance. Insurance product offerings include private passenger automobile, homeowners, personal inland marine, boat owners, recreational vehicle, dwelling fire, umbrella policies, small business and life insurance products, all of which are provided by and written through companies that have appointed Hub International as their agent. To date, we have not provided the insurance products noted above and currently have no plans to do so.

Our Trusts

We have five business trusts that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Mercantile Bank Corporation. Each of the trusts was formed to issue preferred securities that were sold in private sales, as well as selling common securities to Mercantile Bank Corporation. The proceeds from the preferred and common securities sales were used by the trusts to purchase floating rate notes issued by Mercantile Bank Corporation. The rates of interest, interest payment dates, call features and maturity dates of each floating rate note are identical to its respective preferred securities. The net proceeds from the issuance of the floating rate notes were used for a variety of purposes, including contributions to our bank as capital to provide support for asset growth and the funding of stock repurchase programs and certain acquisitions. The only significant assets of our trusts are the floating rate notes, and the only significant liabilities of our trusts are the preferred securities. The floating rate notes are categorized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as subordinated debentures, and the interest expense is recorded on our Consolidated Statements of Income under interest expense on other borrowings.

Effect of Government Monetary Policies

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

Regulation and Supervision

Banks and bank holding companies, among other financial institutions, are regulated under federal and state law. These include, among others, minimum capital requirements, state usury laws, state laws relating to fiduciaries, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (“EGRRCPA”), the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, the FACT Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Sarbanes Oxley Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, electronic funds transfer laws, redlining laws, predatory lending laws, antitrust laws, environmental laws, money laundering laws and privacy laws. Our growth and earnings performance may be impacted by the statutes administered by, and the regulations and policies of, various governmental regulatory authorities. Those regulatory authorities include, but are not limited to, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. The effect of such statutes, regulations and policies, and any changes thereto, can be significant and cannot necessarily be predicted.

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

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

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

Our bank is subject to restrictions imposed by federal and state laws and regulations. Among other things, these restrictions apply to any extension of credit to us or to our other subsidiaries, to securities borrowing or lending, derivatives, and repurchase transactions with us or our other subsidiaries, to investments in stock or other securities that we issue, to the taking of such stock or securities as collateral for loans to any borrower, and to acquisitions of assets or services from, and sales of certain types of assets to, us or our other subsidiaries. Michigan banking laws place restrictions on various aspects of banking, including branching, payment of dividends, loan interest rates and capital and surplus requirements. Federal law restricts our ability to borrow from our bank by limiting the aggregate amount we may borrow and by requiring that all loans to us be secured in designated amounts by specified forms of collateral.

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

The scope of regulations and supervision of various aspects of our business have expanded as a result of the adoption in July, 2010 of the Dodd-Frank Act, and may continue to expand as the result of implementing regulations being adopted by federal regulators. However, on May 24, 2018, EGRRCPA amended certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act to tailor them to the specific circumstances of various categories of financial institutions and transactions.

Competition

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

Human Capital

As of December 31, 2021, we employed 585 full-time and 71 part-time persons. Our human capital is the most valuable asset we have and we believe embracing human diversity makes us a better financial institution. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and our achievements as well. We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status and other characteristics that make our employees unique.

Talent Acquisition. We hire people who are able to connect, listen and deliver the best solutions to our customers and communicate with integrity every time. We are devoted to attracting and retaining the best talent in the markets we serve and have implemented HireReach’s evidence-based selection process with all branch new hires. The system utilizes a standardized, consistent process and relevant quantitative data to facilitate a multidimensional assessment of job candidates to create better matches between workers and jobs, decrease time-to-hire, reduce first-year turnover, increase workforce diversity and boost productivity. We believe in leading through example in our communities and are proud to be part of a cohort of 15 local companies that have adopted this evidence-based hiring process to help increase diversity in the workforce.

Employee Safety and Health. The prioritization of our people is reflected in the robust employee benefits and compensation packages offered to our staff, including health and wellness insurance plans and incentives, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, dedicated internship programs for young professionals in finance and business, employee stock ownership plan participation, as well as clothing, home office and fitness equipment interest-free loans. Approximately 91% of our eligible employees participate in our benefit plans and employees pay about 21% less than local benchmarks for family health savings account plans. We offer our team paid-off time for vacations, holidays, sick time and bereavement, along with pay-it-forward initiatives and paid volunteer time. In addition, with obstacles in maintaining balance between work responsibilities and personal time, we have enabled staff to pursue a safe and healthy work-life balance by increasing paid time off benefits for our employees.

Diversity and Inclusion. We believe in respecting, recognizing and valuing the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“DEI”) as a natural part of our culture. Our exceptional team members are committed to maintaining an environment of personal growth and development. Our employees subscribe to a common goal: To make this financial institution the best it can possibly be. Diversity is an asset in the pursuit of this goal. Employees with dissimilar backgrounds, perspectives, opinions and lifestyles help us understand the motivations and desires of the communities we serve. We believe that each member of our workforce should be accorded the utmost respect and should be given equal opportunity and encouragement to achieve their full potential. Cooperation and teamwork are valued as much as individual growth and contribution. All employees are required to attend and complete foundational DEI training, and regular expanded learning opportunities are provided. Throughout 2021, monthly live webinars were offered to our staff as well as recorded video access to a wide variety of DEI topics along with resources such as books, group discussions and supervisor support materials.

In further support of our inclusion efforts, we have a Diversity Council comprised of members representing diverse perspectives across departments and viewpoints. The Diversity Council is designed to bring together ideas and experiences from various backgrounds to help develop respect and an appreciation for differences among employees.

Climate Change

We define sustainability as the leveraging of combined abilities to ensure our ongoing impact on people, the environment and our success is always focused on upholding long-lasting, positive results. From an efficient branch footprint to utilizing the latest technology, we are continuously focused on seeking new and better ways to be more productive with our time and energy while remaining good stewards of the resources with which we are entrusted. In each of our facilities, we follow LEED green certification guidelines wherever possible, evaluating all facilities for opportunities to incorporate energy efficient updates and space planning for new construction, renovations or expansion projects. All of our new construction includes low-flow devices as well as LED lighting to enhance our efficiency of utility usage. Over the course of the past three years, we have reduced our utility expense by almost $0.2 million, with water usage reduced by 10%, natural gas by 12% and electricity by 23%. We are actively seeking engagements for renewable energy sources. All renovation and expansion projects involve the donation of former office furniture to non-profit organizations.

We continue to promote the reduction of mail and paper usage through customer eStatement adoption. The eStatement adoption rate continues to grow, and we were nearing 60% adoption at year-end 2021. Our online accounts payable system has also enabled us to significantly reduce paper and printing, and saves time. Every effort is made to recycle all paper, and we continue to offer community paper shredding events. Additionally, we have implemented recycling stations at all of our office locations to divert cardboard, plastic and metal items from landfills. Water bottle refill stations also aid to reduce plastic bottle usage.

Our Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Committee supports our ongoing commitment to environmental, health and safety, corporate social responsibility, corporate governance, sustainability and other public policy matters relevant to our organization. The ESG Committee is a cross-functional management committee that assists executive management in: 1) setting general strategies relating to ESG matters; 2) developing, implementing and monitoring initiatives and policies based on those strategies; 3) recommending communications with employees, investors and shareholders with respect to ESG matters; and 4) monitoring and assessing developments relating to, and improving our understanding of, ESG matters. The ESG committee meets formally at least quarterly, and during 2021 developed various policies that were subsequently approved by the Board of Directors, including: Environmental Policy; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy; Human Rights Policy; and the Supplier Diversity Program Policy. These polices are available on our website, along with an application for diverse suppliers. Also during 2021, we installed two electric vehicle chargers and launched a “green” vehicle loan product to support customer purchases of electric, hybrid or fuel-efficient vehicles.

Lending Policy

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

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

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

The Board of Directors has delegated significant lending authority to officers of our bank. The Board of Directors believes this empowerment, supported by our strong credit culture and the significant experience of our commercial lending staff, enables us to be responsive to our customers. The loan policy specifies lending authority for our lending officers with amounts based on the experience level and ability of each lender. Our loan officers and loan managers are generally able to approve loans ranging from $0.25 million and $2.5 million. We have established higher approval limits for our bank’s Chief Lending Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer ranging from $4.0 million up to $10.0 million. These lending authorities, however, are typically used only in rare circumstances where timing is of the essence. Loan requests exceeding $5.0 million require approval by the Officers Loan Committee, and loan requests exceeding $15.0 million, up to the legal lending limit of approximately $97.7 million, require approval by our bank’s Board of Directors. We generally apply an in-house lending limit that is significantly less than our bank’s legal lending limit.

Lending Activity

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

Working capital loans are often structured as a line of credit and are reviewed periodically in connection with the borrower’s year-end financial reporting. These loans are generally secured by substantially all of the assets of the borrower and typically have had a floating interest rate tied to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate or 30-Day Libor Rate. Loans for machinery and equipment purposes typically have a maturity of three to five years and are fully amortizing, while commercial real estate loans are usually written with a five-year maturity and amortize over a 10- to 20-year period. Commercial loans typically have had an interest rate that is fixed to maturity or is tied to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate or 30-Day Libor Rate. Effective January 1, 2022, we replaced the 30-Day Libor Rate with the CBM Term SOFR Rate for all new floating rate commercial loan commitments. It is expected that currently outstanding commercial loans tied to the 30-Day Libor Rate will convert to an equivalent fallback SOFR Rate on or about June 30, 2023.

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

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

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

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

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

Consumer Loans. We originate various types of consumer loans, including new and used automobile and boat loans, credit cards and overdraft protection lines of credit for our checking account customers. Consumer loans generally have shorter terms and higher interest rates and usually involve more credit risk than single-family residential real estate loans because of the type and nature of the collateral.

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

Loan Portfolio Quality

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

Our independent loan review program is primarily responsible for the administration of the grading system and ensuring adherence to established lending policies and procedures. The loan review program is an integral part of maintaining our strong asset quality culture. The loan review function works closely with senior management, although it functionally reports to the Board of Directors. Using a risk-based approach to selecting credits for review, our loan review program covered approximately 58% of total commercial loans outstanding during 2021. In addition, a random sampling of retail loans is reviewed each quarter. Our watch list credits are reviewed monthly by our Board of Directors and our Watch List Committee, the latter of which is comprised of senior level officers from the administration, lending and loan review functions.

Loans are placed in a nonaccrual status when, in our opinion, uncertainty exists as to the ultimate collection of all principal and interest. As of December 31, 2021, loans placed in nonaccrual status totaled $2.3 million, or 0.1% of total loans, compared to $3.4 million, or 0.1% of total loans, at December 31, 2020. Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest totaled $0.2 million at year-end 2021. We had no such loans outstanding as of December 31, 2020.

Additional detail and information relative to the loan portfolio is incorporated by reference to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“Management’s Discussion and Analysis”) and Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Financial institutions were not required to comply with the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) methodology requirements from the enactment date of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) until the earlier of the end of the President’s declaration of a National Emergency or December 31, 2020. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, that was enacted in December 2020, provided for a further extension of the required CECL adoption date to January 1, 2022. An economic forecast is a key component of the CECL methodology. As we continued to experience an unprecedented economic environment whereby a sizable portion of the economy had been significantly impacted by government-imposed activity limitations and similar reactions by businesses and individuals, substantial government stimulus was provided to businesses, individuals and state and local governments and financial institutions offered businesses and individuals payment relief options, economic forecasts were regularly revised with no economic forecast consensus. Given the high degree of uncertainty surrounding economic forecasting, we elected to postpone the adoption of CECL until January 1, 2022, and continued to use our incurred loan loss reserve model as permitted through December 31, 2021.

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

Investments

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

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

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

Additional detail and information relative to the securities portfolio is incorporated by reference to Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.

Available Information

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

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

Risks Related to Our Business

The Coronavirus Pandemic has impacted our business, financial condition and results of operations and will continue to have an impact, the scope and duration of which is highly uncertain and dependent on factors that are outside of our control.

The ongoing pandemic associated with the spread of Covid-19 has caused significant disruptions throughout the State of Michigan and across the United States and global economies and financial markets. The Coronavirus Pandemic has impacted our business, financial condition and results of operations and will continue to do so. For example, we derive a large percentage of our net income from net interest income, which is derived from the yield on interest-earning assets offset by our cost of funds. Our net interest income has been negatively impacted primarily due to reduced interest rates on variable-rate commercial loans resulting from the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) significantly decreasing the targeted federal funds rate by 225 basis points during the second half of 2019 and the first quarter of 2020.

Our results may also be negatively impacted by a deterioration in the quality of our loan portfolio due to the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on our loan customers. While we actively monitor the credit quality of our loan portfolio and make adjustments to our allowance for loan losses accordingly, the Coronavirus Pandemic has created significant disruptions in the United States economy, making it difficult to predict its impact with a high degree of certainty. While we believe we have appropriately assessed and presented our loan portfolio and allowance for loan losses to date in accordance with applicable accounting standards, we cannot be certain of that, nor can we be certain that we will adequately account for the future negative impacts of the Coronavirus Pandemic. This could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations by increasing the amount of allowance for loan loss provisions reflected in our operating expenses, decreasing our interest income as borrowers become unable to repay their loans and increasing our operating expenses due to collection costs.

We are exposed to several additional risks associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic, including the risk that our operating effectiveness will decrease as we adapt to new policies requiring that our employees work from home; that we may temporarily lose the services of key members of our management team; that the economic downturn will negatively impact demand for loans across our loan portfolio; that the collateral securing our loans will decline in value; that reduced consumer spending will prolong the negative economic impacts of the Coronavirus Pandemic; that our portfolio of securities available for sale will decrease in value; and that we may face litigation due to our handling of the challenges associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic, including our participation in the Paycheck Protection Program.

While we believe that we have navigated the difficult environment associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic with success thus far, there remains a high level of uncertainty due to the potential spread of new variants and surges in cases, and this could expose our business, financial condition and results of operations to risks that could have a negative impact on your investment.

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

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

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

Approximately 61% of our total commercial loans, or about 53% of our total loans, relate to commercial real estate. Stressed economic conditions may reduce the value of commercial real estate and strain the financial condition of our commercial real estate borrowers, especially in the land development and non-owner occupied commercial real estate segments of our loan portfolio. Those difficulties could adversely affect us and could produce losses and other adverse effects on our business.

Market volatility may adversely affect us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition to pursuing organic growth, we may also pursue strategic acquisition opportunities that we believe will fit our core philosophy and culture, enhance our profitability and provide appropriate risk-adjusted returns. These acquisition opportunities could be material to our business and involve a number of risks, including the following:

° intense competition from other banking organizations and other acquirers for potential merger candidates drives market pricing;

° time and expense associated with identifying and evaluating potential acquisitions and negotiating potential transactions may divert human and capital resources without producing the desired returns;

° estimates and judgments used to evaluate credit, operations, management and market risks with respect to the target institution or assets are inherently complex and may be inaccurate;

° potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of targets; and

° regulatory timeframes for review of applications may limit the number and frequency of transactions we may be able to consummate.

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

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

° unanticipated incompatibility of logistics, marketing and administrative methods;

° maintaining employee morale and retaining key employees;

° integrating the business cultures of both companies;

° preserving important strategic client relationships;

° coordinating geographically diverse organizations; and

° consolidating corporate and administrative infrastructures and eliminating duplicative operations.

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

Our inability to overcome these risks could have an adverse effect on our ability to implement our business strategy, which, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.

Our ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial industry. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. Even routine funding transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the financial instrument exposure due us. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

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

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

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

We are and will continue to be dependent upon the services of our management team, including our executive officers and our other senior managers. The unanticipated loss of our executive officers, or any of our other senior managers, could have an adverse effect on our growth and performance.

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

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

Direct and indirect effects of climate change may adversely affect us.

Climate change presents immediate and long-term risks to us and to our customers and communities, with risks expected to increase over time. Climate change refers to risk of life and property damage occurring due to naturally occurring events induced by human behavior and is divided into physical risk and indirect risk. Physical risk refers to results of severe weather, such as floods, hurricanes, rising sea levels, fires and water availability. Indirect risk refers to how changes in regulation, conscious consumer choices, competition for sustainable products, and reduced demand for goods or services that produce significant green-house gas emissions may have on the results and operations of a company. Physical effects of climate change to our offices, branches or personnel could have an immediate adverse effect on our operations and financial condition, whereas indirect consequences may result in increased expenditures to comply with climate-related regulations.

Similarly, physical effects could have a severe impact on the business and operations of our customers and vendors. Furthermore, consumer choices and shareholder demands could require our customers to invest more in cleaner energy manufacturing and procurement and to compete with innovative new products that generate lower emissions, which may or may not be successful. If our customers are not able to keep up with evolving climate change effects, it could ultimately have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Lastly, like other financial institutions, we also run a reputational risk of financing businesses that are responsible for significant green-house gas emissions or are related to carbon-based energy sources. While our risk management framework monitors various types of risks and applies risk mitigation techniques including for environmental risks, and while we have been conscious of our own carbon footprint and have established an ESG Committee, introduction of new climate-related legislation and related compliance costs as well as the unpredictable effects of climate change on us or our customers could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations, even if temporary in nature.

The adoption of the Secured Overnight Funding Rate may adversely affect interest income or expense, and may be more volatile than other benchmark or market interest rates.

On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which oversees Libor, formally announced that it could not assure the continued existence of Libor in its current form beyond the end of 2021, and that an orderly transition process to one or more alternative benchmarks should begin. In June 2017, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (“ARRC”), a steering committee comprised of large U.S. financial institutions organized by the Federal Reserve, announced that it had selected a modified version of the unpublished Broad Treasuries Financing Rate as the preferred alternative reference rate for U.S. dollar obligations. That rate, now referred to as the Secured Overnight Funding Rate (“SOFR”), is determined based upon actual transactions in certain portions of the bi-lateral and tri-party overnight repurchase agreement markets for certain U.S. Treasury obligations. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York (“FRBNY”) began publication of the SOFR in April 2018.

During 2019 and 2020, among other things, the ARRC published a white paper on ways in which market participants could use SOFR in cash markets, conducted surveys of market participants, engaged with cognizant U.S. government agencies and private sector groups regarding tax, securities, and derivatives issues presented by the transition from Libor, published sample transition provisions for a variety of types of loan and note agreements, and investigated methods by which a forward-looking term SOFR index could be established. To facilitate the development of a generally-recognized forward-looking SOFR index, on March 2, 2020 the FRBNY began publication of 30-, 90-, and 180-day SOFR Averages, as well as a SOFR Index, on each business day. The FRBNY has stated that it will consider the potential benefits of introducing calendar month-based rates and/or adding further tenors as additional reference rates.

In November 2020, the ICE Benchmark Administration announced a consultation regarding the cessation of the publication of Libor. The consultation proposed a December 31, 2021 cessation for all tenors of various foreign currencies and for the one week and two-month U.S. dollar Libor, and a June 30, 2023 cessation for the remaining overnight, one-month, three-month, six-month and twelve-month U.S. dollar Libor tenors. This represented an 18-month extension of Libor publication for the most frequently used tenors of U.S. dollar Libor from the cessation date originally proposed in 2017. The consultation period closed on January 25, 2021. The ICE Benchmark Administration concluded the consultation on its intent to cease publication of one week and two-month U.S. dollar Libor on December 31, 2021 and to extend the publication of all remaining U.S. dollar Libor tenors until June 30, 2023 for legacy contracts.

Effective January 1, 2022, we replaced the 30-Day Libor Rate with the CBM Term SOFR Rate for all new floating rate commercial loan commitments. It is expected that currently outstanding commercial loans tied to the 30-Day Libor Rate will convert to an equivalent fallback SOFR Rate on or about June 30, 2023.

The FRBNY, that originally started publishing SOFR, states that it obtains information from DTCC Solutions LLC, an affiliate of DTCC. FRBNY currently publishes SOFR daily on its website at https://apps.newyorkfed.org/markets/autorates/sofr. FRBNY states on its publication page for SOFR that use of SOFR is subject to important disclaimers, limitations and indemnification obligations, including that FRBNY may alter the methods of calculations, publication schedule, rate revision practices or availability of SOFR at any time without notice. The foregoing Internet website is an inactive textual reference only, meaning that the information contained on the website is not part of this filing or incorporated by reference herein.

Since the initial publication of SOFR, daily changes in the rate have, on occasion, been more volatile than daily changes in comparable benchmark or market interest rates, and SOFR over time may bear little or no relation to the historical actual or historical indicative data. In addition, the return on and value of SOFR-linked instruments may fluctuate more than floating rate securities that are linked to less volatile interest rates.

Changes in SOFR could adversely affect the amount of interest that accrues on SOFR-linked instruments.

Because SOFR is published by the FRBNY based on data received from other sources, we have no control over its determination, calculation or publication. There can be no assurance that SOFR will not be discontinued or fundamentally altered in a manner that is materially adverse to the interests of investors in SOFR-linked instruments. If the manner in which SOFR is calculated is changed, that change may result in a change in the amount of interest that accrues on the SOFR-linked instruments. In addition, the interest rate on SOFR-linked instruments may for any day not be adjusted for any modification or amendments to SOFR for that day that the FRBNY may publish if the interest rate for that day has already been determined prior to such determination. There is no assurance that changes in SOFR could not have a material adverse effect on the yield on, value of, and market for SOFR-linked instruments.

Further, SOFR is a relatively new interest rate, and the FRBNY or any successor, as administrator of SOFR, may make methodological or other changes that could change the value of SOFR, including changes related to the methodology by which SOFR is calculated, eligibility criteria applicable to the transactions used to calculate SOFR or timing related to the publication of SOFR. If the manner in which SOFR is calculated is changed, the change may result in a reduction of the amount of interest payable on loans we have made to customers. The administrator of SOFR may withdraw, modify, suspend or discontinue the calculation or dissemination of SOFR in its sole discretion and without notice, and has no obligation to consider the interests of investors in calculating, withdrawing, modifying, amending, suspending or discontinuing SOFR.

Our accounting policies and methods are the basis for how we prepare our consolidated financial statements, and they require management to make estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain.

Accounting policies and processes are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. We must exercise judgment in selecting and applying many of these accounting policies and processes so they comply with U.S. GAAP. In some cases, we must select the accounting policy or method to apply from two or more alternatives, any of which may be reasonable under the circumstances, yet may result in our reporting materially different results than would have been reported under a different alternative.

We have identified certain accounting policies as being critical because they require us to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are uncertain. Materially different amounts could be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions or estimates. We have established detailed policies and control procedures that are intended to ensure these critical accounting estimates and judgments are well controlled and applied consistently. In addition, the policies and procedures are intended to ensure that the process for changing methodologies occurs in an appropriate manner. Because of the uncertainty surrounding management’s judgments and the estimates pertaining to these matters, we cannot guarantee that we will not be required to adjust accounting policies or restate prior period financial statements. For additional information, see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” beginning on page F-3 of this Annual Report and “Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” beginning on page F-42 of this Annual Report.

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

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

Damage to our reputation could materially harm our business.

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

Our business is subject to operational risks.

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

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

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

In the ordinary course of business, we collect and store sensitive data, including proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of our customers and employees in systems and on networks. The secure processing, maintenance and use of this information is critical to our operations. To date, we have not experienced a significant compromise, significant data loss or any material financial losses related to cybersecurity attacks, but our systems and those of our customers and third-party service providers are under constant threat, and it is possible that we could experience a significant event in the future. Cybersecurity threats include unauthorized access, loss or destruction of data (including confidential client information), account takeovers, unavailability of service, computer viruses or other malicious code, cyber-attacks and other events. Remote working of employees during the Coronavirus Pandemic introduces additional potential cybersecurity risks due to the use of home networks, video conferencing and other remote work technologies over which we do not have as much control as our internal systems. Cyber threats may derive from human error, fraud or malice on the part of employees or third parties, or may result from accidental technological failure. If one or more of these events occurs, it could result in the disclosure of confidential client information, damage to our reputation with our clients and the market, additional costs to us (such as repairing systems or adding new personnel or protection technologies), regulatory penalties and financial losses, to both us and our clients and customers. Such events could also cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations (such as the lack of availability of our online banking system), as well as the operations of our clients, customers or other third parties. Risks and exposures related to cybersecurity attacks are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future due to the rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats, as well as due to the expanding use of internet banking, mobile banking and other technology-based products and services by us and our customers. Although we maintain safeguards to protect against these risks, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer losses in the future that may be material in amount.

In March 2015, federal regulators issued two related statements regarding cybersecurity. One statement indicates that financial institutions should design multiple layers of security controls to establish lines of defense and to ensure that their risk management processes also address the risk posed by compromised customer credentials, including security measures to reliably authenticate customers accessing internet-based services of the financial institution. The other statement indicates that a financial institution’s management is expected to maintain sufficient business continuity planning processes to ensure the rapid recovery, resumption and maintenance of the institution’s operations after a cyber-attack involving destructive malware. A financial institution is also expected to develop appropriate processes to enable recovery of data and business operations and address rebuilding network capabilities and restoring data if the institution or its critical service providers fall victim to this type of cyber-attack. In August 2019, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a statement recommending that banking organizations use a standardized approach to assess and improve cybersecurity preparedness. The agencies noted that the use of standardized tools, such as the FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool, makes firms better able to track their progress over time, and to share information and best practices with other financial institutions, a behavior which the bank regulatory agencies encourage. In April 2020, the federal banking agencies issued a statement highlighting the risks presented by banking organizations’ use of cloud computing services in their business. The statement noted specific risks unique to the cloud computing environment, and the importance of ongoing controls of virtual infrastructure, care in the use of containers for data, and the sensitivity of use of managed security services, among other things. Although guidance of this nature does not have the full force and effect of law, it sets out supervisory priorities and expectations regarding safe and sound operation. Failure to observe such guidance may result in supervisory identification of unsafe or unsound practices or other deficiencies in risk management or other areas that do not constitute violations of law or regulation.

Regulatory Risks

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

In light of the evolving risks to economic activity posed by the Coronavirus Pandemic, the FOMC took five separate actions in March, 2020 impacting the federal funds rate. Taken together, those actions reduced the federal funds target range to 0.00% to 0.25%, directed expanded purchases of U.S. Treasury securities and agency mortgage-backed securities and large scale overnight and term repurchase operations, committed the FOMC to use its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy, and provided U.S. dollar swap lines and repurchase facilities to certain foreign central banks and international organizations.

On August 27, 2020, the FOMC announced revisions to its Statement on Longer-Run Goals and Monetary Policy Strategy (“Statement”). Under the revised Statement, the FOMC emphasized that its statutory mandate of maximum employment is a broad-based and inclusive goal, and that its policy decisions would be informed by its assessment of the shortfall from maximum employment. Regarding price stability, the Statement provides that the FOMC seeks to achieve inflation that averages 2% over time. Accordingly, when inflation has been persistently below 2%, the FOMC will likely aim to achieve inflation moderately above 2% for some time. The revised Statement has been reflected in subsequent actions by the FOMC.

At the conclusion of its meeting on January 26, 2022, the FOMC issued the following statement:

Indicators of economic activity and employment have continued to strengthen. The sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic have improved in recent months but are being affected by the recent sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. Job gains have been solid in recent months, and the unemployment rate has declined substantially. Supply and demand imbalances related to the pandemic and the reopening of the economy have continued to contribute to elevated levels of inflation. Overall financial conditions remain accommodative, in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy and the flow of credit to U.S. households and businesses.

The path of the economy continues to depend on the course of the virus. Progress on vaccinations and an easing of supply constraints are expected to support continued gains in economic activity and employment as well as a reduction in inflation. Risks to the economic outlook remain, including from new variants of the virus.

The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. In support of these goals, the Committee decided to keep the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 0.25 percent. With inflation above 2 percent and a strong labor market, the Committee expects it will soon be appropriate to raise the target range for the federal funds rate. The Committee decided to continue to reduce the monthly pace of its net asset purchases, bringing them to an end in early March. Beginning in February, the Committee will increase its holdings of Treasury securities by at least $20 billion per month and of agency mortgage-backed securities by at least $10 billion per month. The Federal Reserve’s ongoing purchases and holdings of securities will continue to foster smooth market functioning and accommodative financial conditions, thereby supporting the flow of credit to households and businesses.

In assessing the appropriate stance of monetary policy, the Committee will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook. The Committee would be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could impede the attainment of the Committee’s goals. The Committee’s assessments will take into account a wide range of information, including readings on public health, labor market conditions, inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and financial and international developments.

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

The banking industry is heavily regulated under both federal and state law. These regulations are primarily intended to protect customers, the federal deposit insurance fund, and the stability of the U.S. financial system, not our creditors or shareholders. Existing state and federal banking laws subject us to substantial limitations with respect to the making of loans, the purchase of securities, the payment of dividends and many other aspects of our business. Some of these laws may benefit us, others may increase our costs of doing business, or otherwise adversely affect us and create competitive advantages for others. Regulations affecting banks and financial services companies undergo continuous change, which may be accelerated by changes in the federal administration, and we cannot predict the ultimate effect of these changes, which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability or financial condition. Federal economic and monetary policy may also affect our ability to attract deposits, make loans and achieve satisfactory interest spreads. The implementation, amendment or repeal of federal financial services laws or regulations may limit our business opportunities, impose additional costs on us, impact our revenues or the value of our assets, or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Minimum capital requirements may adversely affect our ability (and that of our bank) to pay cash dividends, reduce our profitability, or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to federal banking capital regulations. These regulations, among other things, establish minimum requirements to qualify as a “well-capitalized” institution. If our bank were to fail to maintain its status of “well-capitalized” under the applicable regulatory capital regulations, we may be subjected to a consent agreement requiring us to bring our bank back to a “well-capitalized” status. Such an agreement may impose restrictions on our activities. If we were to fail to enter into such an agreement, or fail to comply with the terms of such agreement, the Federal Reserve may impose more severe restrictions on our activities, including requiring us to cease and desist activities permitted under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. The current regulatory environment is fluid, with requirements frequently being introduced or amended. It is possible that increases in regulatory capital requirements and changes in how regulatory capital is calculated could cause us to increase our capital levels by issuing additional securities that qualify as regulatory capital, thus potentially diluting our existing shareholders, or by taking other actions, such as selling assets, in order to maintain required capital ratios. We may be unable to sell some of our assets, or we may have to sell assets at a discount from market value, either of which could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flow and financial condition.

Risks Related to Our Stock

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

We have issued both trust preferred securities and subordinated notes. In the event of our liquidation, the holders of our debt securities would receive a distribution of our available assets before distributions are made to holders of our common stock. In many situations, our Board of Directors has the authority, without any vote of our shareholders, to issue shares of our authorized but unissued preferred or common stock, including shares authorized and unissued under our equity incentive plans. In the future, we may issue additional debt or equity securities, through public or private offerings, in order to raise additional capital. Any such issuance of equity securities would dilute the percentage of ownership interest of existing shareholders and may dilute the per share book value of the common stock. In addition, option holders under our stock-based incentive plans may exercise their options at a time when we would otherwise be able to obtain additional equity capital on more favorable terms.

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

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

There can be no assurance that capital will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Any occurrence that may limit our access to the capital markets, such as a decrease in our credit rating or a decline in the confidence of equity or debt purchasers, or counterparties participating in the capital markets, may adversely affect our capital costs and our ability to raise capital and, potentially, our liquidity. Also, if we need to raise capital in the future, we may have to do so when many other financial institutions are also seeking to raise capital and would have to compete with those institutions for investors. An inability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms when needed could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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

Our Articles of Incorporation and By-laws, and the corporate laws of the State of Michigan, include provisions which are designed to provide our Board of Directors with time to consider whether a hostile takeover offer is in our and our shareholders’ best interest. These provisions, however, could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control. The provisions also could diminish the opportunities for a holder of our common stock to participate in tender offers, including tender offers at a price above the then-current market price for our common stock. These provisions could also prevent transactions in which our shareholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then-current market prices, and may limit the ability of our shareholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interest.

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

There is a limited trading market for our common stock.

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

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

The value of securities in our investment securities portfolio may be negatively affected by disruptions in securities markets.

Prices and volumes of transactions in the nation’s securities markets can be affected suddenly by economic crises, or by other national or international crises, such as national disasters, acts of war or terrorism, changes in commodities markets, or instability in foreign governments. Disruptions in securities markets may detrimentally affect the value of securities that we hold in our investment portfolio, such as through reduced valuations due to the perception of heightened credit and liquidity risks. There can be no assurance that declines in market value associated with these disruptions will not result in other-than-temporary impairments of these assets, which would lead to accounting charges that could have a material adverse effect on our net income and capital levels.

We have received no written comments regarding our periodic or current reports from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission that were issued 180 days or more before the end of our 2021 fiscal year and that remain unresolved.

Our headquarters is located in our bank’s main office facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our bank operates 44 banking offices primarily concentrated throughout Western and Central Michigan, most of which are full-service facilities. We also have a banking office in Troy, Michigan, and residential mortgage loan production offices in Petoskey, Michigan and the Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan area. We have larger banking facilities in Kalamazoo, Lansing, Mt. Pleasant and West Branch. The remaining banking offices generally range in size from 1,200 to 3,200 square feet, based on the location and number of employees located at the facility. All of our banking offices are owned by our bank except for ten that are rented under various operating lease agreements. In several instances, the banking offices contain more usable space than what is needed for current banking operations. This excess space, totaling approximately 23,500 square feet, is generally leased to unrelated businesses. In addition, certain functions operate out of our standalone facility located in Alma.

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

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

Not applicable.

PART II

Market Information and Holders

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “MBWM.” At March 1, 2022, there were approximately 1,400 record holders of our common stock. In addition, we estimate that there were approximately 7,000 beneficial owners of our common stock who own their shares through brokers or banks.

Dividend Policy

The following table shows the high and low sales prices for our common stock as reported by the Nasdaq Global Select Market for the periods indicated and the quarterly cash dividends paid by us during those periods.

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

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

On January 14, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.29 per share that was paid on March 17, 2021 to shareholders of record as of March 5, 2021. On April 15, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.29 per share that was paid on June 16, 2021 to shareholders of record as of June 4, 2021. On July 15, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.30 per share that was paid on September 15, 2021 to shareholders of record as of September 3, 2021. On October 14, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.30 per share that was paid on December 15, 2021 to shareholders of record as of December 3, 2021.

On January 16, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.28 per share that was paid on March 18, 2020 to shareholders of record as of March 6, 2020. On April 16, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.28 per share that was paid on June 17, 2020 to shareholders of record as of June 5, 2020. On July 16, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.28 per share that was paid on September 16, 2020 to shareholders of record as of September 4, 2020. On October 15, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.28 per share that was paid on December 16, 2020 to shareholders of record as of December 4, 2020.

On January 13, 2022, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.31 per share that will be paid on March 16, 2022 to shareholders of record as of March 4, 2022.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

In May 2021, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a 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. This program replaces a similar $20.0 million program that had been announced in May 2019 that was nearing exhaustion.

During 2021, we repurchased approximately 683,000 shares for $21.4 million, or a weighted average all-in cost per share of $31.29. The stock buybacks were funded from cash dividends paid to us from our bank. Additional repurchases may be made in future periods under the authorized plan or a new plan, which would also likely be funded from cash dividends paid to us from our bank. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased under the program will be determined by management in its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including the market price of our stock, general market and economic conditions, our capital position, financial performance and alternative uses of capital, and applicable legal requirements. The program may be discontinued at any time. As of December 31, 2021, availability under the current plan equaled $6.8 million.

Repurchases made during the fourth quarter of 2021 are detailed in the table below.

Shareholder Return Performance Graph

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock (based on the last reported sales price of the respective year) with the cumulative total return of the Nasdaq Composite Index and the SNL Bank Nasdaq Index from December 31, 2016 through December 31, 2021. The following is based on an investment of $100 on December 31, 2016 in our common stock, the Nasdaq Composite Index and the SNL Bank Nasdaq Index, with dividends reinvested where applicable.

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

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

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

None

As of December 31, 2021, an evaluation was performed under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2021.

There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2021, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. This evaluation was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on our evaluation under the COSO framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2021. Refer to page F-33 for management’s report.

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

None

PART III

The information presented under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Corporate Governance – Code of Ethics” in the definitive Proxy Statement of Mercantile Bank Corporation for our May 26, 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Proxy Statement”), a copy of which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission before April 30, 2022, is incorporated here by reference.

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

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

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes information, as of December 31, 2021, relating to compensation plans under which equity securities are authorized for issuance.

(1) These securities are available under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2020. Incentive awards may include, but are not limited to, stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and stock awards.

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

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

PART IV

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

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets --- December 31, 2021 and 2020

Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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

Not applicable

(b)     Exhibits:

The Exhibit Index immediately preceding the Signatures Page hereto is incorporated by reference under this item.

(c)     Financial Statements Not Included In Annual Report

Not applicable

None

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

December 31, 2021 and 2020

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

December 31, 2021 and 2020

CONTENTS

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

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The following discussion and other portions of this Annual Report contain forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy, and about our company. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “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, adverse changes in interest rates and interest rate relationships; increasing rates of inflation and slower growth rates; significant declines in the value of commercial real estate; market volatility; demand for products and services; the degree of competition by traditional and non-traditional financial service companies; changes in banking regulation or actions by bank regulators; changes in prices, levies, and assessments; the impact of technological advances; potential cyber-attacks, information security breaches and other criminal activities on our computer systems; litigation liabilities; governmental and regulatory policy changes; the outcomes of existing or future contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; changes in local real estate values; damage to our reputation resulting from adverse publicity, regulatory actions, litigation, operational failures, and the failure to meet client expectations and other facts; adoption of SOFR and changes in the method of determining SOFR; direct and indirect climate change matters; changes in the national and local economies, including the ongoing disruption to financial market and other economic activity caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic; and other factors described in Item 1A of this Annual Report. These are representative of the Future Factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a forward-looking statement.

Discussions of 2019 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2020 and 2019 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

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

Allowance For Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses (“allowance”) is maintained at a level we believe is adequate to absorb probable incurred losses identified and inherent in the loan portfolio. Our evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is an estimate based on past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, guidance from bank regulatory agencies, and assessments of the impact of current and anticipated economic conditions on the loan portfolio. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in our judgment, should be charged-off. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectability of a loan is likely. The balance of the allowance represents our best estimate, but significant downturns in circumstances relating to loan quality or economic conditions could result in a requirement for an increased allowance in the future. Likewise, an upturn in loan quality or improved economic conditions may result in a decline in the required allowance in the future. In either instance, unanticipated changes could have a significant impact on the allowance and operating results. Loans made under the Paycheck Protection Program are fully guaranteed by the Small Business Administration; therefore, such loans do not have an associated allowance.

We complete a migration analysis quarterly to assist us in determining appropriate reserve allocation factors for non-impaired loans. Our migration takes into account various time periods; however, at year-end 2021, we placed most weight on the period starting January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2021. We believe this period represents an appropriate range of economic conditions, and that it provides for an appropriate basis in determining reserve allocation factors given current economic conditions and the general market consensus of economic conditions in the near future. Although the migration analysis provides an accurate historical accounting of our net loan losses, it is not able to fully account for environmental factors that will also very likely impact the collectability of our 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 loan portfolio.

We established a Covid-19 reserve allocation factor to address the Coronavirus Pandemic and its potential impact on the collectability of the loan portfolio during the second quarter of 2020. The creation of this factor reflected our belief that the traditional nine environmental factors did not sufficiently capture and address the unique circumstances, challenges and uncertainties associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic, which included unprecedented federal government stimulus and interventions, statewide mandatory closures of nonessential businesses and periodic changes to such and our ability to provide payment deferral programs to commercial and retail borrowers without the interjection of troubled debt restructuring accounting rules. We review a myriad of items when assessing this new environmental factor, including virus infection rates, economic outlooks, employment data, business closures, foreclosures, payment deferments and government-sponsored stimulus programs. The Covid-19 reserve factor resulted in a $5.3 million increase to the allowance during 2020, which increased to $6.5 million as of December 31, 2021 given the significant core commercial loan and residential mortgage loan growth during the year.

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

Financial institutions were not required to comply with the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) methodology requirements from the enactment date of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) until the earlier of the end of the President’s declaration of a National Emergency or December 31, 2020. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, that was enacted in December 2020, provided for a further extension of the required CECL adoption date to January 1, 2022. An economic forecast is a key component of the CECL methodology. As we continued to experience an unprecedented economic environment whereby a sizable portion of the economy had been significantly impacted by government-imposed activity limitations and similar reactions by businesses and individuals, substantial government stimulus was provided to businesses, individuals and state and local governments and financial institutions offered businesses and individuals payment relief options, economic forecasts were regularly revised with no economic forecast consensus. Given the high degree of uncertainty surrounding economic forecasting, we elected to postpone the adoption of CECL until January 1, 2022, and continued to use our incurred loan loss reserve model as permitted through December 31, 2021.

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

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

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

Mortgage Servicing Rights: Mortgage servicing rights are recognized as assets based on the allocated fair value of retained servicing rights on loans sold. Servicing rights are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value and are expensed in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing income. We utilize a discounted cash flow model to determine the value of our servicing rights. The valuation model utilizes mortgage loan prepayment speeds, the remaining life of the mortgage loan pool, delinquency rates, our cost to service loans and other factors to determine the cash flow that we will receive from servicing 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: 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 should events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the goodwill may not be recoverable. We may elect to perform a qualitative assessment for the annual impairment test. If the qualitative assessment indicates it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect not to perform a qualitative assessment, then we would be required to perform a quantitative test for goodwill impairment. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, goodwill is impaired and is written down to its estimated fair value.

We performed a qualitative assessment as of October 1, 2021 for which we evaluated the macro and microeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, financial performance, and our underlying stock performance. We concluded it was more likely than not our fair value was greater than its carrying amount at the end of the period; therefore, no further testing was required. Due to stressed economic and market conditions throughout 2020, we assessed goodwill for impairment as of March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020, September 30, 2020, and October 1, 2020. No impairments were recorded in 2021 or 2020.

INTRODUCTION

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

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

There remains a significant amount of stress and uncertainty across national and global economies due to the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (“Covid-19”) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (the “Coronavirus Pandemic”). This uncertainty is heightened as certain geographic areas continue to experience surges in Covid-19 cases and governments at all levels continue to react to changes in circumstances, including supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.

The Coronavirus Pandemic is a highly unusual, unprecedented and evolving public health and economic crisis and may have a material negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations. We continue to occupy an asset-sensitive position, whereby interest rate environments characterized by numerous and/or high magnitude interest rate reductions have had a negative impact on our net interest income and net income. Additionally, the consequences of the unprecedented economic impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic may produce declining asset quality, reflected by a higher level of loan delinquencies and loan charge-offs, as well as downgrades of commercial lending relationships, which may necessitate additional provisions for our allowance and reduced net income.

The following section summarizes the primary measures that directly impact us and our customers.

The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) reflected a substantial expansion of the Small Business Administration’s 100% guaranteed 7(a) loan program. The CARES Act authorized up to $350 billion in loans to businesses with fewer than 500 employees, including non-profit organizations, tribal business concerns, self-employed and individual contractors. The PPP provided 100% guaranteed loans to cover specific operating costs. PPP loans are eligible to be forgiven based upon certain criteria. In general, the amount of the loan that is forgivable is the sum of the payroll costs, interest payments on mortgages, rent and utilities incurred or paid by the business during a prescribed period beginning on the loan origination date. Any remaining balance after forgiveness is maintained at the 100% guarantee for the duration of the loan. The interest rate on the loan is fixed at 1.00%, with the financial institution receiving a loan origination fee from the Small Business Administration. The loan origination fees, net of the direct origination costs, are accreted into interest income on loans using the level yield methodology. The program ended on August 8, 2020. We originated approximately 2,200 loans aggregating $554 million. As of December 31, 2021, we recorded forgiveness transactions on all but ten loans aggregating $1.3 million. Net loan origination fees of $3.7 million were recorded during 2021.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 authorized an additional $284 billion in Second Draw PPP loans (“Second Draw”). The program ended on May 31, 2021. Under the Second Draw, we originated approximately 1,200 loans aggregating $208 million. As of December 31, 2021, we recorded forgiveness transactions on about 1,000 loans aggregating $169 million. Net loan origination fees of $7.1 million were recorded during 2021.

The Internal Revenue Service has made three rounds of Individual Economic Impact Payments via direct deposit or mailed checks. In general, and subject to adjusted gross income limitations, qualifying individuals have received payments of $1,200 in April 2020, $600 in January 2021 and $1,400 in March 2021.

From March 1, 2020 through 60 days after the end of the National Emergency (or December 31, 2020 if earlier), a financial institution may elect to suspend GAAP principles and regulatory determinations with respect to loan modifications related to Covid-19 that would otherwise be categorized as troubled debt restructurings. Banking agencies must defer to the financial institution’s election. We elected to suspend GAAP principles and regulatory determinations as permitted. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 extended the suspension date to January 1, 2022.

Financial institutions are not required to comply with the CECL methodology requirements from the enactment date of the CARES Act until the earlier of the end of the National Emergency or December 31, 2020. We elected to postpone CECL adoption as permitted. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 extended the adoption deferral date to January 1, 2022.

In early April 2020, in response to the early stages of the Coronavirus Pandemic and its pervasive impact across the economy and financial markets, we developed internal programs of loan payment deferments for commercial and retail borrowers. For commercial borrowers, we offered 90-day (three payments) interest only amendments as well as 90-day (three payments) principal and interest payment deferments. Under the latter program, borrowers were extended a 12-month single payment note at 0% interest in an amount equal to three payments, with loan proceeds used to make the scheduled payments. The single payment notes received a loan grade equal to the loan grade of each respective borrowing relationship. Certain of our commercial loan borrowers subsequently requested and received an additional 90-day (three payments) interest only amendment or 90-day (three payments) principal and interest payment deferment. Under the latter program, the amount equal to the three payments was added to the original deferment note which had nine months remaining to maturity; however, the original 0% interest rate was modified to equal the rate associated with each borrower’s traditional lending relationship with us for the remainder of the term. At the peak of activity in mid-2020, nearly 750 borrowers with loan balances aggregating $719 million participated in the commercial loan deferment program. As of December 31, 2021, we had no loans in the commercial loan deferment program.

For retail borrowers, we offered 90-day (three payments) principal and interest payment deferments, with deferred amounts added to the end of the loan. As of September 30, 2020, we had processed 260 principal and interest payment deferments with loan balances totaling $23.8 million. As of December 31, 2021, only eight borrowers with loan balances aggregating $0.4 million remained in the retail loan payment deferment program.

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

We recorded net income of $59.0 million, or $3.69 per basic and diluted share, for 2021, compared to net income of $44.1 million, or $2.71 per basic and diluted share, for 2020. Costs and a charitable contribution related to the formation and initial funding of The Mercantile Bank Foundation decreased net income during 2021 by $3.2 million, or $0.20 per diluted share. Excluding these costs, diluted earnings per share increased $1.18, or over 43%, during 2021 compared to 2020.

Commercial loans increased $156 million during 2021, reflecting the combined net growth of core commercial loans and net activity under the PPP. Core commercial loans increased $481 million, or almost 20% during 2021, while PPP loans declined $325 million, comprised of $209 million in Second Draw PPP loans extended and $534 million in forgiveness transactions. As a percentage of total core commercial loans, commercial and industrial loans and owner occupied commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans combined equaled 57.1% at December 31, 2021, compared to 53.9% at year-end 2020. The new commercial loan pipeline remains strong, and at December 31, 2021, we had $182 million in unfunded loan commitments on commercial construction and development loans that are in the construction phase.

The overall quality of our loan portfolio remains strong, with nonperforming loans equaling 0.07% of total loans as of December 31, 2021. Accruing loans past due 30 to 89 days remain very low, and we had no foreclosed properties at year-end 2021. Gross loan charge-offs totaled $1.0 million during 2021, while recoveries of prior period loan charge-offs totaled $2.7 million, providing for net loan recoveries of $1.7 million, or 0.05% for the year.

We recorded a negative loan loss provision expense of $4.3 million during 2021, compared to a provision expense of $14.1 million during 2020. The negative provision expense recorded during 2021 primarily reflects reduced allowance allocations associated with the economic and business conditions environmental factor, depicting improvement in both current and forecasted economic conditions, and the recording of net loan recoveries, which combined more than offset required allowance allocations necessitated by the strong net core commercial loan growth. The economic and business conditions environmental factor was upgraded during both the second and fourth quarters of 2021, resulting in an aggregate allowance reduction of $7.3 million related to these factors. The relatively large provision expense recorded during 2020 primarily reflected the onset of stressed conditions related to the Coronavirus Pandemic, including two separate downgrades of the economic and business conditions environmental factor, the introduction of the Covid-19 pandemic environmental factor to address the unique challenges and uncertainties associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic, and certain commercial loan downgrades.

Interest-earning balances, primarily consisting of funds deposited at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, are used to manage daily liquidity needs and interest rate risk sensitivity. During 2021, the average balance of these funds equaled $671 million, or 14.9% of average earning assets, compared to $357 million, or 9.2% of average earning assets, during 2020. Typically, we maintain our interest-earning balances at approximately $75 million, or about 2% of average earning assets. The elevated levels during 2021 and 2020 primarily reflect increased local deposits stemming from federal government stimulus programs and reduced business and consumer investing and spending. The excess level of interest-earning balances had a negative impact of approximately 40 basis points on our 2021 net interest margin.

Total deposits increased $672 million during 2021, and are up $1.4 billion since year-end 2019, equating to growth rates of almost 20% and over 51%, respectively. Growth in noninterest-bearing checking accounts comprised about 38% of the growth in 2021, and approximately 54% of the growth since year-end 2019.

Net interest income increased $1.8 million during 2021 compared to 2020. Both interest income and interest expense were impacted during 2021 by the Federal Open Market Committee’s (“FOMC”) federal funds rate cuts totaling 150 basis points in March 2020 and a historically low interest rate environment since that time; however, growth in earning assets, especially core commercial loans, and income associated with the PPP, has provided for the increase in net interest income. Interest income declined $4.8 million during 2021 compared to 2020, while interest expense was down $6.6 million during the same time periods.

Noninterest income was $56.2 million during 2021, compared to $45.2 million during 2020. The improved level mainly resulted from ongoing strength in our mortgage banking function and fee income generated from a commercial lending interest rate swap program that was introduced in late 2020. In addition, a gain of $1.1 million was recognized from the sale of a branch during 2021.

Noninterest expense was $111 million during 2021, compared to $98.5 million during 2020. Growth in salary expense, in large part reflecting merit and market adjustments, totaled $2.4 million in 2021. Expense associated with our bonus and stock-based compensation programs increased $2.8 million in 2021, primarily reflecting the strong 2021 operating performance. Health insurance costs were up $1.1 million in 2021, generally reflecting the Coronavirus Pandemic environment.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Our total assets increased $820 million during 2021, and totaled $5.26 billion as of December 31, 2021. Total loans increased $260 million, interest-earning deposits were up $353 million and securities available for sale increased $205 million. Total deposits increased $672 million, securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“sweep accounts”) were up $79.1 million, and net proceeds from the issuance of subordinated notes totaled $73.6 million. In large part, increased local deposits exceeded growth in the loan and securities portfolios, with the excess funds maintained with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Earning Assets

Average earning assets equaled 93.9% of average total assets during 2021, compared to 93.5% during 2020. The loan portfolio continued to comprise a majority of earning assets, followed by interest-earning deposits and securities. Average total loans equaled 73.7% of average earning assets during 2021, compared to 81.9% in 2020, while average interest-earning deposits and average securities comprised 14.9% and 11.4% of average earning assets during 2021 and 9.2% and 8.9% during 2020, respectively.

Our loan portfolio has historically been primarily comprised of commercial loans. Commercial loans increased $156 million during 2021, and at December 31, 2021 totaled $2.95 billion, or 85.4% of our loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2020, the commercial loan portfolio comprised 87.5% of total loans. The increase in commercial loans reflects the combined net growth of core commercial loans and net activity under the PPP. Core commercial loans increased $481 million, or almost 20% during 2021, while PPP loans declined $325 million, comprised of $209 million in Second Draw PPP loans extended and $534 million in forgiveness transactions. Core commercial and industrial loans increased $317 million, non-owner occupied CRE loans grew $110 million, owner occupied CRE loans were up $35.8 million and multi-family and residential rental loans increased $30.5 million, while vacant land, land development and residential construction loans declined $11.8 million. As a percentage of total core commercial loans, commercial and industrial loans and owner occupied CRE loans combined equaled 57.1% at December 31, 2021, compared to 53.9% at year-end 2020. We believe our commercial loan portfolio remains well diversified.

As of December 31, 2021, availability on commercial construction and development loans that are in the construction phase totaled $182 million, with most of the funds expected to be drawn over the next 12 to 18 months. Our current pipeline reports indicate continued strong commercial loan funding opportunities in future periods, including $212 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 additional opportunities they are currently discussing with existing borrowers and potential new customers. We remain committed to prudent underwriting standards that provide for an appropriate yield and risk relationship, as well as concentration limits we have established within our commercial loan portfolio. Usage of existing commercial lines of credit was relatively stable during 2021 at approximately 40%, compared to our historical average of about 50% prior to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Residential mortgage loans increased $105 million during 2021, totaling $443 million, or 12.8% of total loans, at December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2020, the residential mortgage portfolio comprised 10.6% of total loans. Activity within the residential mortgage loan function remained very active throughout 2021, primarily reflecting refinance transactions spurred by low residential mortgage loan rates, strength in home purchase activity, and the continuing success of strategic initiatives that have been implemented over the past several years to gain market share and increase production. We originated $952 million in residential mortgage loans during 2021, compared to $864 million in 2020, an increase of over 10%. The production composition during 2021 was split almost evenly between refinance and purchase transactions, compared to 2020 when approximately 66% of production was comprised of refinance transactions. Residential mortgage loans originated for sale, generally consisting of longer-term fixed rate residential mortgage loans, totaled $644 million during 2021, or about 68% of the total residential mortgage loans originated, compared to approximately 78% in 2020. Residential mortgage loans originated not sold are generally comprised of adjustable rate residential mortgage loans. We remain pleased with the results of our strategic initiatives associated with the growth of our residential mortgage banking operation over the past few years, and remain optimistic that origination volumes will continue to be solid in future periods.

Other consumer-related loans declined $1.1 million during 2021, and at December 31, 2021 totaled $60.5 million, or 1.8% of total loans. As of December 31, 2020, the other consumer-related loan portfolio comprised 1.9% of total loans. We expect this loan portfolio segment to decline in dollar amount and as a percent of total loans in future periods as scheduled principal payments exceed origination volumes.

The following table summarizes our loan portfolio:

(*) For December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, includes $40.1 million and $365 million in loans originated under the Paycheck Protection Program, respectively.

The following table presents total loans outstanding as of December 31, 2021, according to scheduled repayments of principal on fixed rate loans and repricing frequency on variable rate loans. Floating rate commercial loans that are currently at interest rate floors, representing approximately 50% of total commercial loans at year-end 2021, are treated as fixed rate loans and are reflected using maturity date and not repricing frequency.

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

Nonperforming assets, comprised of nonaccrual loans, loans past due 90 days or more and accruing interest and foreclosed properties, totaled $2.5 million (0.1% of total assets) as of December 31, 2021, compared to $4.1 million (0.1% of total assets) as of December 31, 2020. The volume of nonperforming assets has remained under 0.3% of total assets since year-end 2015, and under 0.1% over the past three years. Given the low level of nonperforming loans and accruing loans 30 to 89 days delinquent, combined with a relatively steady level of watch list credits and what we believe are strong credit administration practices, we are pleased with the overall quality of the loan portfolio.

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

The following tables provide a reconciliation of nonperforming assets:

Gross loan charge-offs totaled $1.0 million during 2021, while recoveries of prior period loan charge-offs totaled $2.7 million, providing for net loan recoveries of $1.7 million, or 0.05% of average total loans. We continue our collection efforts on charged-off loans, and expect to record recoveries in future periods; however, given the nature of these efforts, it is not practical to forecast the dollar amount and timing of the recoveries.

The following table summarizes changes in the allowance for the past five years. For the years 2019, 2018, and 2017, presented loan and allowance data are reflective of only originated loans and the allowance for originated loans. We terminated the application of purchase accounting associated with our merger with Firstbank effective January 1, 2020.

(*) For the December 31, 2020 column, the balance of allowance for loans at beginning of year includes the December 31, 2019 balance of the allowance for acquired loans.

The following table illustrates the breakdown of the allowance for loans balance by loan type (dollars in thousands) and of the total loan portfolio (in percentages). For the years 2019, 2018, and 2017, presented loan and allowance data are reflective of only originated loans and the allowance for originated loans. We terminated the application of purchase accounting associated with our merger with Firstbank effective January 1, 2020.

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

The increasing trend of the ratio of our allowance to nonperforming loans over the past several years generally reflects the combined impact of an increased allowance balance and reduction in nonperforming loans.

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

Financial institutions were not required to comply with the CECL methodology requirements from the enactment date of the CARES Act until the earlier of the end of the President’s declaration of a National Emergency or December 31, 2020. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, that was enacted in December 2020, provided for a further extension of the required CECL adoption date to January 1, 2022. An economic forecast is a key component of the CECL methodology. As we continued to experience an unprecedented economic environment whereby a sizable portion of the economy had been significantly impacted by government-imposed activity limitations and similar reactions by businesses and individuals, substantial government stimulus was provided to businesses, individuals and state and local governments and financial institutions offered businesses and individuals payment relief options, economic forecasts were regularly revised with no economic forecast consensus. Given the high degree of uncertainty surrounding economic forecasting, we elected to postpone the adoption of CECL until January 1, 2022, and continued to use our incurred loan loss reserve model as permitted through December 31, 2021.

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 amount. For non-impaired commercial loans, reserve allocation factors are based on the loan ratings as determined by our standardized grade paradigms and by loan purpose. Our commercial loan portfolio is segregated into five classes: 1) commercial and industrial loans; 2) vacant land, land development and residential construction loans; 3) owner occupied real estate loans; 4) non-owner occupied real estate loans; and 5) multi-family and residential rental property loans. The reserve allocation factors are primarily based on the historical trends of net loan charge-offs through a migration analysis whereby net loan losses are tracked via assigned grades over various time periods, with adjustments made for environmental factors reflecting the current status of, or recent changes in, items such as: lending policies and procedures; economic conditions; nature and volume of the loan portfolio; experience, ability and depth of management and lending staff; volume and severity of past due, nonaccrual and adversely classified loans; effectiveness of the loan review program; value of underlying collateral; lending concentrations; and other external factors, including competition and regulatory environment.

We established a Covid-19 reserve allocation factor to address the Coronavirus Pandemic and its potential impact on the collectability of the loan portfolio during the second quarter of 2020. The creation of this factor reflected our belief that the traditional nine environmental factors did not sufficiently capture and address the unique circumstances, challenges and uncertainties associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic, which included unprecedented federal government stimulus and interventions, statewide mandatory closures of nonessential businesses and periodic changes to such and our ability to provide payment deferral programs to commercial and retail borrowers without the interjection of troubled debt restructuring accounting rules. We review a myriad of items when assessing this new environmental factor, including virus infection rates, economic outlooks, employment data, business closures, foreclosures, payment deferments and government-sponsored stimulus programs. The Covid-19 reserve factor resulted in a $5.3 million increase to the allowance during 2020, which increased to $6.5 million as of December 31, 2021 given the significant core commercial loan and residential mortgage loan growth during the year.

We recorded a negative loan loss provision expense of $4.3 million during 2021, compared to a provision expense of $14.1 million during 2020. The negative provision expense recorded during 2021 primarily reflects reduced allowance allocations associated with the economic and business conditions environmental factor, depicting improvement in both current and forecasted economic conditions, and the recording of net loan recoveries, which combined more than offset required allowance allocations necessitated by the strong net core commercial loan growth. The economic and business conditions environmental factor was upgraded during both the second and fourth quarters of 2021, resulting in an aggregate allowance reduction of $7.3 million. The relatively large provision expense recorded during 2020 primarily reflected the onset of stressed conditions related to the Coronavirus Pandemic, including two separate downgrades of the economic and business conditions environmental factor, the introduction of the Covid-19 pandemic environmental factor to address the unique challenges and uncertainties associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic, and certain commercial loan downgrades.

Adjustments for specific lending relationships, particularly impaired loans, are made on a case-by-case basis. Non-impaired retail loan reserve allocations are determined in a similar fashion as those for non-impaired commercial loans, except that retail loans are segmented by type of credit and not a grading system. We regularly review the Allowance Analysis and make adjustments periodically based upon identifiable trends and experience.

A migration analysis is completed quarterly to assist us in determining appropriate reserve allocation factors for non-impaired loans. Our migration takes into account various time periods; however, at year-end 2021 we placed most weight on the period starting January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2021. We believe this period represents an appropriate range of economic conditions, and that it provides for an appropriate basis in determining reserve allocation factors given current economic conditions and the general market consensus of economic conditions in the near future. We continue to actively monitor our loan portfolio and assess reserve allocation factors in light of the Coronavirus Pandemic and its impact on the U.S. economic environment and our borrowers in particular.

Although the migration analysis provides an accurate historical accounting of our net loan losses, it is not able to fully account for environmental factors that will also very likely impact the collectability of our 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 loan portfolio.

The primary risk elements with respect to commercial loans are the financial condition of the borrower, the sufficiency of collateral, and the 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 creditors’ rights in order to preserve our collateral position.

The allowance for loans equaled $35.4 million as of December 31, 2021, or 1.0% of total loans outstanding. The allowance for loans equaled 1.2% of total loans at year-end 2020. As of December 31, 2021, the allowance for loans was comprised of $34.9 million in general reserves relating to non-impaired loans and $0.5 million in specific allocations on other loans, primarily accruing loans designated as troubled debt restructurings.

Although we believe the allowance is adequate to absorb losses as they arise, there can be no assurance that we will not sustain losses in any given period that could be substantial in relation to, or greater than, the size of the allowance. Troubled debt restructurings totaled $17.5 million at December 31, 2021, consisting of $0.8 million that are on nonaccrual status and $16.7 million that are on accrual status. The latter, while considered and accounted for as impaired loans in accordance with accounting guidelines, is not included in our nonperforming loan totals. Impaired loans with an aggregate carrying value of $0.5 million as of December 31, 2021 had been subject to previous partial charge-offs aggregating $0.5 million over the past eleven years. As of December 31, 2021, 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 loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings:

Securities available for sale increased $205 million during 2021, totaling $593 million as of December 31, 2021. The securities portfolio equaled 11.4% of average earning assets during 2021, compared to 8.9% during 2020. Purchases of U.S. Government agency bonds totaled $218 million during 2021, in part reflecting the reinvestment of proceeds from called U.S. Government agency bonds that totaled $61.9 million. Purchases of U.S. Government agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities totaled $28.8 million during 2021, consisting of investments in Community Reinvestment Act-qualified securities, in part reflecting the reinvestment of $10.5 million from principal paydowns on U.S. Government agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities. Purchases of municipal bonds totaled $51.8 million during 2021; proceeds from matured and called municipal bonds totaled $8.0 million. No bonds were sold during 2021. At December 31, 2021, the securities portfolio was comprised of U.S. Government agency bonds (66%), municipal bonds (27%) and U.S. Government agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (7%). All of our securities are currently designated as available for sale, and therefore are stated at fair value. The fair value of securities designated as available for sale at December 31, 2021 totaled $593 million, including a net unrealized loss of $4.7 million. We maintain the securities portfolio at levels to provide adequate pledging and secondary liquidity for our daily operations. In addition, the securities portfolio serves a primary interest rate risk management function.

The following table reflects the composition of the securities portfolio:

Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) stock totaled $18.0 million as of December 31, 2021, unchanged from the balance at December 31, 2020. 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.

Market values on our U.S. Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and municipal bonds are 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. Reference is made to Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

The following table shows by class of maturities as of December 31, 2021, the amounts and weighted average yields (on a fully taxable-equivalent basis) of investment securities:

Interest-earning deposit balances, primarily consisting of funds deposited with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, are used to manage daily liquidity needs and interest rate risk sensitivity. The average balance of these funds equaled $671 million, or 14.9% of average earning assets, during 2021, compared to $357 million, or 9.2% of average earning assets, during 2020, and a more typical $115 million, or 3.5% of average earning assets, during 2019. The elevated level during 2021 and 2020 primarily reflects increased local deposits stemming from federal government stimulus programs and reduced business and consumer investing and spending. Although we expect the level of interest-earning deposit balances to gradually decline during 2022, the level will likely remain elevated throughout the year and into 2023.

Non-Earning Assets

Cash and due from bank balances averaged 1.4% of total assets during 2021, similar to the average levels during 2020, and no significant changes are expected in future periods. Net premises and equipment declined $1.7 million during 2021, equaling $57.3 million as of December 31, 2021, or 1.1% of total assets. Increases were recorded during 2021 from remodeling and new lease activities, while declines of a similar total were recorded from the sales of a branch facility (along with the associated loans and deposits) and former branch offices, along with depreciation expense.

We had no foreclosed or repossessed assets at December 31, 2021, compared to $0.7 million at December 31, 2020. Although we expect periodic transfers from loans to foreclosed and repossessed assets in future periods reflecting our collection efforts on certain impaired lending relationships, we believe the strong quality of our loan portfolio will limit any overall increase in, and average balance of, this nonperforming asset category.

Source of Funds

Total deposits increased $672 million during 2021, totaling $4.08 billion as of December 31, 2021. Local deposits increased $695 million, while out-of-area deposits decreased $23.0 million. As a percent of total deposits, out-of-area deposits declined from 1.4% at December 31, 2020 to 0.6% as of year-end 2021. FHLBI advances decreased $20.0 million during 2021, totaling $374 million as of December 31, 2021.

Noninterest-bearing checking accounts and interest-bearing checking accounts increased $245 million and $65.8 million, respectively, during 2021, in large part reflecting federal government stimulus programs, especially the PPP, as well as lower business investing and spending. Money market deposit accounts grew $428 million during 2021, of which $314 million was during the last two quarters. A portion of the growth reflects federal government stimulus programs and lower business and consumer investing and spending; however, we believe a large portion of the growth during the third and fourth quarters, consisting of large additional deposits by several existing account holders, are temporary and will be withdrawn over the next three months to six months. Savings deposits increased $56.3 million, primarily reflecting the impact of federal government stimulus programs and lower consumer investing and spending. Local time deposits decreased $100 million during 2021, in large part reflecting the maturity and withdrawal of funds from certain municipal customers and time deposits that were opened as part of a special time deposit campaign we ran in early 2019. The $23.0 million reduction in out-of-area time deposits during 2021 reflects maturities that were not replaced as the funds were no longer needed.

Total local deposits have increased $1.50 billion since December 31, 2019. Noninterest-bearing checking accounts have grown $753 million during this time period, while interest-bearing checking accounts and money market deposit accounts are up $206 million and $531 million, respectively. The increases in these transactional deposit products largely reflect federal government stimulus programs, especially the PPP, as well as lower business investing and spending. Deposit growth associated with new commercial lending relationships has also been notable. Savings deposits are up $125 million over the past two years, primarily reflecting the impact of federal government stimulus programs and lower consumer investing and spending.

Sweep accounts increased $79.1 million during 2021, totaling $197 million as of December 31, 2021. The aggregate balance of this funding type can be subject to relatively large daily fluctuations given the nature of the customers utilizing this product and the sizable balances that many of the customers maintain. The average balance of sweep accounts equaled $159 million during 2021, with a high balance of $209 million and a low balance of $113 million. Our sweep account program entails transferring collected funds from certain business noninterest-bearing checking accounts to overnight interest-bearing repurchase agreements. Such repurchase agreements are not deposit accounts and are not afforded federal deposit insurance. All of our repurchase agreements are accounted for as secured borrowings.

FHLBI advances declined $20.0 million during 2021, reflecting maturities that were not replaced as the funds were no longer needed. FHLBI advances aggregated $374 million as of December 31, 2021. FHLBI advances are primarily used to assist in funding loan demand, as well as playing an integral role in our interest rate risk management program. FHLBI advances are collateralized by residential mortgage loans, first mortgage liens on multi-family residential property loans, first mortgage liens on certain commercial real estate property loans, and substantially all other assets of our bank under a blanket lien arrangement. Our borrowing line of credit at year-end 2021 totaled $889 million, with remaining availability based on collateral of $509 million.

On December 15, 2021, we entered into Subordinated Note Purchase Agreements with certain institutional accredited investors pursuant to which we issued and sold $75.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 3.25% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes (“Notes”). The Notes have a stated maturity of January 30, 2032, are redeemable by us at our option, in whole or in part, on or after January 30, 2027 on any interest payment date at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed. The Notes are not subject to redemption at the option of the holder. The Notes will bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.25% per year until January 29, 2027. Commencing on January 30, 2027 and through the stated maturity date of January 30, 2032, the interest rate will reset quarterly at a variable rate equal to the then-current Three-Month Term SOFR plus 212 basis points. On December 15, 2021, we injected $70.0 million of the issuance proceeds to our bank as an increase to equity capital.

On January 14, 2022, we issued an additional $15.0 million of its Notes to certain institutional accredited investors, reflecting an expansion of the $75.0 million issuance completed on December 15, 2021. The additional $15.0 million issuance was completed on the same terms as the prior offering and under the existing indenture. On January 14, 2022, we injected $15.0 million of the issuance proceeds to our bank as an increase to equity capital.

Shareholders’ equity increased $15.0 million during 2021, totaling $457 million as of December 31, 2021. Positively impacting shareholders’ equity was net income of $59.0 million, while negatively affecting shareholders’ equity were cash dividends on our common stock totaling $18.5 million and share repurchases aggregating $21.4 million. Activity relating to the issuance and sale of common stock through various stock-based compensation programs and our dividend reinvestment plan positively impacted shareholders’ equity by a total of $5.1 million. Negatively impacting shareholders’ equity during 2021 was a $9.2 million after-tax decline in the market value of available for sale securities.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 and 2020

Summary

We recorded net income of $59.0 million, or $3.69 per basic and diluted share, for 2021, compared to net income of $44.1 million, or $2.71 per basic and diluted share, for 2020. Costs and a charitable contribution related to the formation and initial funding of The Mercantile Bank Foundation decreased net income during 2021 by approximately $3.2 million, or $0.20 per diluted share. Excluding the impacts of these transactions, diluted earnings per share increased $1.18, or 43.5%, during 2021 compared to 2020.

The higher level of net income during 2021 compared to 2020 resulted from a lower provision for loan losses and increased noninterest income and net interest income, which more than offset higher noninterest expense. A negative loan loss provision expense was recorded during 2021, primarily reflecting reduced allocations associated with the economic and business conditions environmental factor and the recording of net loan recoveries during the year. Growth in noninterest income during 2021 mainly reflected an increased level of fee income generated from an interest rate swap program that was introduced during the fourth quarter of 2020. Increases in all other key fee income categories also contributed to the higher level of noninterest income. The increase in net interest income during 2021 resulted from the positive impact of earning asset growth, which more than offset the negative impact of a lower net interest margin. Noninterest expense increased in 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to higher compensation costs and the previously mentioned formation expenses and initial funding contribution associated with The Mercantile Bank Foundation.

The following table shows some of the key performance and equity ratios for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:

Net Interest Income

Net interest income, the difference between revenue generated from earning assets and the interest cost of funding those assets, is our primary source of earnings. Interest income (adjusted for tax-exempt income) and interest expense totaled $144 million and $19.4 million during 2021, respectively, providing for net interest income of $124 million. During 2020, interest income and interest expense equaled $149 million and $26.1 million, respectively, providing for net interest income of $122 million. In comparing 2021 with 2020, interest income decreased 3.2%, interest expense was down 25.5%, and net interest income increased 1.5%. The level of net interest income is primarily a function of asset size, as the weighted average interest rate received on earning assets is greater than the weighted average interest cost of funding sources; however, factors such as types and levels of assets and liabilities, the interest rate environment, interest rate risk, asset quality, liquidity, and customer behavior also impact net interest income as well as the net interest margin.

The $1.8 million increase in net interest income in 2021 compared to 2020 resulted from a higher level of average earning assets, which more than offset a decreased net interest margin. During 2021, the net interest margin equaled 2.76%, down from 3.17% during 2020 due to a lower yield on average earning assets, which more than offset a reduction in the cost of funds. During 2021, earning assets averaged $4.51 billion, representing an increase of $643 million, or 16.6%, from the $3.87 billion average during 2020. Average interest-earning deposits increased $315 million, average securities were up $170 million, and average loans increased $158 million. The decreased yield on average earning assets mainly resulted from a change in earning asset mix, reflecting an increase in low-yielding interest-earning deposits. A significant volume of excess on-balance sheet liquidity, which initially surfaced in the second quarter of 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 environment and persisted during the remainder of 2020 and full year 2021, negatively impacted the yield on average earning assets by 46 basis points and 27 basis points during 2021 and 2020, respectively, and the net interest margin by 39 basis points and 22 basis points during the respective periods. The excess funds, consisting primarily of low-yielding deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, are mainly a product of continuing local deposit growth and PPP loan forgiveness activities. Lower yields on commercial loans and securities also contributed to the decreased yield on average earning assets. The reduced yield on commercial loans primarily resulted from lower interest rates on variable-rate commercial loans resulting from the FOMC significantly decreasing the targeted federal funds rate by 150 basis points in March of 2020, along with the origination of new loans and renewal of maturing loans in the lower interest rate environment. The decreased yield on securities mainly depicted a lower level of accelerated discount accretion on called U.S. Government agency bonds and reduced yields on newly purchased agency bonds, reflecting the declining interest rate environment. The cost of funds declined from 0.67% during 2020 to 0.43% during 2021, primarily due to a change in funding mix, consisting of an increase in lower-costing non-time deposits as a percentage of total funding sources, and decreased rates paid on local time deposits, reflecting the declining interest rate environment.

The following table depicts the average balance, interest earned and paid, and weighted average rate of our assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity during 2021, 2020 and 2019. The subsequent table also depicts the dollar amount of change in interest income and interest expense of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, respectively, segregated between change due to volume and change due to rate. Tax-exempt securities interest income and yield for 2021, 2020 and 2019 have been computed on a tax equivalent basis using a marginal tax rate of 21.0%. Securities interest income was increased by $0.2 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019 for this non-GAAP, but industry standard, adjustment. These adjustments equated to one basis point increases in our net interest margin during all three years.