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MERCANTILE BANK CORP - Quarter Report: 2022 June (Form 10-Q)

mbwm20220630_10q.htm
 

Table of Contents

 

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2022

 

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

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from         to        .

 

Commission File No. 000-26719

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Michigan

38-3360865

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

310 Leonard Street, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(616) 406-3000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  ☒     No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes ☒      No ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☐    

Accelerated filer ☒   

Non-accelerated filer ☐

Smaller reporting company ☐

Emerging growth company ☐

 

 

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

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock

MBWM

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Yes ☐     No ☐

 

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

Yes ☐     No ☒

 

At July 29, 2022, there were 15,861,082 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

INDEX

 


 

PART I.

Financial Information

Page No.

 

 

 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) – June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021

1

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021

2

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021

3

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited) – Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021

4

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) – Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021

8

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

10

 

 

 

 

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

55

 

   

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

76

 

 

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

78

 

 

 

PART II.

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

79

 

 

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

79

 

 

 

 

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

79

 

 

 

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

79

 

 

 

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

79

 

 

 

 

Item 5. Other Information

79

 

 

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

80

 

 

 

 

Signatures

81

 

 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

PART I --- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 


 

  

June 30,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 

ASSETS

        

Cash and due from banks

 $89,167,000  $59,405,000 

Interest-earning deposits

  389,938,000   915,755,000 

Total cash and cash equivalents

  479,105,000   975,160,000 
         

Securities available for sale

  603,638,000   592,743,000 

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

  17,721,000   18,002,000 

Mortgage loans held for sale

  12,964,000   16,117,000 
         

Loans

  3,723,800,000   3,453,459,000 

Allowance for credit losses

  (35,974,000

)

  (35,363,000

)

Loans, net

  3,687,826,000   3,418,096,000 
         

Premises and equipment, net

  51,402,000   57,298,000 

Bank owned life insurance

  75,664,000   75,242,000 

Goodwill

  49,473,000   49,473,000 

Core deposit intangible, net

  900,000   1,351,000 

Other assets

  79,862,000   54,267,000 

Total assets

 $5,058,555,000  $5,257,749,000 
         

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

        

Deposits

        

Noninterest-bearing

 $1,740,432,000  $1,677,952,000 

Interest-bearing

  2,133,461,000   2,405,241,000 

Total deposits

  3,873,893,000   4,083,193,000 
         

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

  203,339,000   197,463,000 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

  362,263,000   374,000,000 

Subordinated debentures

  48,585,000   48,244,000 

Subordinated notes

  88,457,000   73,646,000 

Accrued interest and other liabilities

  53,035,000   24,644,000 

Total liabilities

  4,629,572,000   4,801,190,000 
         

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 8)

          
         

Shareholders' equity

        

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

  0   0 

Common stock, no par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 15,861,055 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2022 and 15,839,944 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021

  288,199,000   285,752,000 

Retained earnings

  188,452,000   174,536,000 

Accumulated other comprehensive gain/(loss)

  (47,668,000

)

  (3,729,000

)

Total shareholders’ equity

  428,983,000   456,559,000 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 $5,058,555,000  $5,257,749,000 

 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 


 

   

Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2022

   

Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2021

   

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2022

   

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2021

 
                                 

Interest income

                               

Loans, including fees

  $ 36,003,000     $ 33,789,000     $ 69,254,000     $ 66,774,000  

Securities, taxable

    1,898,000       1,204,000       3,563,000       2,239,000  

Securities, tax-exempt

    631,000       598,000       1,231,000       1,195,000  

Other interest-earning assets

    1,018,000       183,000       1,384,000       351,000  

Total interest income

    39,550,000       35,774,000       75,432,000       70,559,000  
                                 

Interest expense

                               

Deposits

    1,873,000       2,346,000       3,698,000       5,063,000  

Short-term borrowings

    49,000       40,000       99,000       76,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    1,911,000       2,050,000       3,774,000       4,077,000  

Subordinated debt and other borrowings

    1,391,000       467,000       2,650,000       939,000  

Total interest expense

    5,224,000       4,903,000       10,221,000       10,155,000  
                                 

Net interest income

    34,326,000       30,871,000       65,211,000       60,404,000  
                                 

Provision for credit losses

    500,000       (3,100,000

)

    600,000       (2,800,000

)

                                 

Net interest income after provision for credit losses

    33,826,000       33,971,000       64,611,000       63,204,000  
                                 

Noninterest income

                               

Service charges on deposit and sweep accounts

    1,495,000       1,209,000       2,910,000       2,363,000  

Mortgage banking income

    1,947,000       7,695,000       5,228,000       16,495,000  

Credit and debit card income

    2,134,000       1,920,000       4,015,000       3,598,000  

Interest rate swap fees

    430,000       1,495,000       1,781,000       2,148,000  

Payroll services income

    464,000       405,000       1,102,000       962,000  

Earnings on bank owned life insurance

    785,000       297,000       1,072,000       574,000  

Gain on sale of branch

    0       1,058,000       0       1,058,000  

Other income

    486,000       477,000       910,000       821,000  

Total noninterest income

    7,741,000       14,556,000       17,018,000       28,019,000  
                                 

Noninterest expense

                               

Salaries and benefits

    15,676,000       16,194,000       31,186,000       31,279,000  

Occupancy

    2,084,000       1,977,000       4,168,000       3,991,000  

Furniture and equipment depreciation, rent and maintenance

    935,000       902,000       1,869,000       1,791,000  

Data processing costs

    3,091,000       2,775,000       6,064,000       5,392,000  

Charitable foundation contribution

    500,000       0       506,000       0  

Other expense

    4,656,000       4,344,000       8,891,000       8,856,000  

Total noninterest expenses

    26,942,000       26,192,000       52,684,000       51,309,000  
                                 

Income before federal income tax expense

    14,625,000       22,335,000       28,945,000       39,914,000  
                                 

Federal income tax expense

    2,888,000       4,244,000       5,716,000       7,583,000  
                                 

Net income

  $ 11,737,000     $ 18,091,000     $ 23,229,000     $ 32,331,000  
                                 

Basic earnings per share

  $ 0.74     $ 1.12     $ 1.47     $ 2.00  

Diluted earnings per share

  $ 0.74     $ 1.12     $ 1.47     $ 2.00  

Cash dividends per share

  $ 0.31     $ 0.29     $ 0.62     $ 0.58  
                                 

Average basic shares outstanding

    15,848,681       16,116,070       15,844,763       16,199,096  

Average diluted shares outstanding

    15,848,681       16,116,666       15,844,763       16,199,620  

 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

 


 

   

Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2022

   

Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2021

   

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2022

   

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2021

 
                                 
                                 

Net income

  $ 11,737,000     $ 18,091,000     $ 23,229,000     $ 32,331,000  
                                 

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

                               

Unrealized holding gains/(losses) on securities available for sale

    (19,969,000

)

    4,130,000       (55,619,000

)

    (5,038,000

)

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

    4,193,000       (867,000

)

    11,680,000       1,058,000  

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax

    (15,776,000

)

    3,263,000       (43,939,000

)

    (3,980,000

)

                                 

Comprehensive income/(loss)

  $ (4,039,000

)

  $ 21,354,000     $ (20,710,000

)

  $ 28,351,000  

 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 


 

The following table depicts the change in shareholders’ equity for the three months ended June 30, 2022:

 

($ in thousands except per share amounts)

 

Preferred

Stock

  

Common

Stock

  

Retained

Earnings

  

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

  

Total

Shareholders’

Equity

 
                     

Balances, March 31, 2022

 $0  $286,831  $181,532  $(31,892

)

 $436,471 
                     

Employee stock purchase plan (336 shares)

      11           11 
                     

Dividend reinvestment plan (6,835 shares)

      213           213 
                     

Stock grants to directors for retainer fees (10,837 shares)

      347           347 
                     

Stock-based compensation expense

      797           797 
                     

Cash dividends ($0.31 per common share)

          (4,817

)

      (4,817

)

                     

Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2022

          11,737       11,737 
                     

Change in net unrealized holding gain/(loss) on securities available for sale, net of tax effect

              (15,776

)

  (15,776

)

                     

Balances, June 30, 2022

 $0  $288,199  $188,452  $(47,668

)

 $428,983 

 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 


 

The following table depicts the change in shareholders’ equity for the six months ended June 30, 2022:

 

($ in thousands except per share amounts)

 

Preferred

Stock

  

Common

Stock

  

Retained

Earnings

  

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

  

Total

Shareholders’

Equity

 
                     

Balances, January 1, 2022

 $0  $285,752  $174,536  $(3,729

)

 $456,559 
                     

Adoption of ASU 2016-13

          316       316 
                     

Employee stock purchase plan (617 shares)

      21           21 
                     

Dividend reinvestment plan (12,670 shares)

      435           435 
                     

Stock grants to directors for retainer fees (10,837 shares)

      347           347 
                     

Stock option exercises (1,355 shares)

      36           36 
                     

Stock-based compensation expense

      1,608           1,608 
                     

Cash dividends ($0.62 per common share)

          (9,629

)

      (9,629

)

                     

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2022

          23,229       23,229 
                     

Change in net unrealized holding gain/(loss) on securities available for sale, net of tax effect

              (43,939

)

  (43,939

)

                     

Balances, June 30, 2022

 $0  $288,199  $188,452  $(47,668

)

 $428,983 

 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 


 

The following table depicts the change in shareholders’ equity for the three months ended June 30, 2021:

 

($ in thousands except per share amounts)

 

Preferred

Stock

  

Common

Stock

  

Retained

Earnings

  

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

  

Total

Shareholders’

Equity

 
                     

Balances, March 31, 2021

 $0  $299,358  $143,642  $(1,757) $441,243 
                     

Employee stock purchase plan (371 shares)

      11           11 
                     

Dividend reinvestment plan (6,263 shares)

      198           198 
                     

Stock grants to directors for retainer fees (10,489 shares)

      344           344 
                     

Stock-based compensation expense

      634           634 
                     

Share repurchase program (228,649 shares)

      (7,313

)

          (7,313

)

                     

Cash dividends ($0.29 per common share)

          (4,583

)

      (4,583

)

                     

Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2021

          18,091       18,091 
                     

Change in net unrealized holding gain/(loss) on securities available for sale, net of tax effect

              3,263   3,263 
                     

Balances, June 30, 2021

 $0  $293,232  $157,150  $1,506  $451,888 

 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 


 

The following table depicts the change in shareholders’ equity for the six months ended June 30, 2021:

 

($ in thousands except per share amounts)

 

Preferred

Stock

  

Common

Stock

  

Retained

Earnings

  

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

  

Total

Shareholders’

Equity

 
                     

Balances, January 1, 2021

 $0  $302,029  $134,039  $5,486  $441,554 
                     

Employee stock purchase plan (702 shares)

      22           22 
                     

Dividend reinvestment plan (12,910 shares)

      411           411 
                     

Stock grants to directors for retainer fees (10,489 shares)

      344           344 
                     

Stock-based compensation expense

      1,277           1,277 
                     

Share repurchase program (346,910 shares)

      (10,851

)

          (10,851

)

                     

Cash dividends ($0.58 per common share)

          (9,220

)

      (9,220

)

                     

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2021

          32,331       32,331 
                     

Change in net unrealized holding gain/(loss) on securities available for sale, net of tax effect

              (3,980

)

  (3,980

)

                     

Balances, June 30, 2021

 $0  $293,232  $157,150  $1,506  $451,888 

 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 


 

   

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2022

   

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2021

 
                 

Cash flows from operating activities

               

Net income

  $ 23,229,000     $ 32,331,000  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities

               

Depreciation and amortization

    6,692,000       6,755,000  

Accretion of acquired loans

    0       (68,000

)

Provision for credit losses

    600,000       (2,800,000

)

Stock-based compensation expense

    1,608,000       1,277,000  

Stock grants to directors for retainer fee

    347,000       344,000  

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale

    135,521,000       352,740,000  

Origination of mortgage loans held for sale

    (127,413,000

)

    (340,680,000

)

Net gain from sales of mortgage loans held for sale

    (4,955,000

)

    (16,892,000

)

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

    (20,000

)

    (81,000

)

Net loss from sales and valuation write-downs of former bank premises

    0       245,000  

Net loss from sales and write-downs of fixed assets

    391,000       246,000  

Earnings on bank owned life insurance

    (1,072,000

)

    (574,000

)

Gain on sale of branch

    0       (1,058,000

)

Net change in:

               

Accrued interest receivable

    (1,573,000

)

    1,188,000  

Other assets

    (11,749,000

)

    (9,099,000

)

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

    28,391,000       (1,695,000

)

Net cash from operating activities

    49,997,000       22,179,000  
                 

Cash flows from investing activities

               

Loan originations and payments, net

    (269,930,000

)

    (64,298,000

)

Purchases of securities available for sale

    (78,640,000

)

    (168,906,000

)

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

    11,641,000       44,525,000  

Proceeds from sales of foreclosed assets

    20,000       158,000  

Proceeds from sales of former bank premises

    0       5,000  

Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank stock redemption

    281,000       0  

Proceeds from bank owned life insurance death benefits claim

    628,000       0  

Net cash transferred in branch sale

    0       (2,679,000

)

Net purchases of premises and equipment and lease activity

    (399,000

)

    (3,555,000

)

Net cash for investing activities

    (336,399,000

)

    (194,750,000

)

 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 


 

   

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2022

   

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2021

 
                 

Cash flows from financing activities

               

Net decrease in time deposits

   

(77,992,000

)

   

(92,581,000

)

Net (decrease) increase in all other deposits

   

(131,308,000

   

366,943,000

 

Net increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase

   

5,876,000

     

51,372,000

 

Maturities of Federal Home Loan Bank advances

   

(40,000,000

   

0

 

Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances

   

28,263,000

     

0

 

Net proceeds from subordinated notes issuance

   

14,645,000

     

0

 

Proceeds from stock option exercises, net of cashless exercises

   

36,000

     

0

 

Employee stock purchase plan

   

21,000

     

22,000

 

Dividend reinvestment plan

   

435,000

     

411,000

 

Repurchases of common stock shares

   

0

     

(10,851,000

)

Payment of cash dividends to common shareholders

   

(9,629,000

)

   

(9,220,000

)

Net cash (for) from financing activities

   

(209,653,000

   

306,096,000

 
                 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   

(496,055,000

   

133,525,000

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   

975,160,000

     

626,006,000

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

479,105,000

   

$

759,531,000

 
                 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information

               

Cash paid during the period for:

               

Interest

 

$

8,780,000

   

$

10,583,000

 

Federal income tax

   

5,200,000

     

12,150,000

 

Noncash financing and investing activities:

               

Transfers from premises and equipment to other assets

   

2,847,000

     

0

 

Transfers from loans to foreclosed assets

   

0

     

30,000

 

 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

 

1.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation: The unaudited financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2022 include the consolidated results of operations of Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. These subsidiaries include Mercantile Bank (“our bank”) and our bank’s subsidiary, Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K and do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for a complete presentation of our financial condition and results of operations. In the opinion of management, the information reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are necessary in order to make the financial statements not misleading and for a fair presentation of the results of operations for such periods. The results for the period ended June 30, 2022 should not be considered as indicative of results for a full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

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

 

Coronavirus Pandemic: There remains a significant amount of stress and uncertainty across national and global economies due to the 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 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 reduce net income.

 

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

 

 

Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) reflects a substantial expansion of the Small Business Administration’s 100% guaranteed 7(a) loan program. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“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 provides 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 paid by 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 $553 million. As of June 30, 2022, we recorded forgiveness transactions on all but twelve loans aggregating $0.7 million. Net loan origination fees of less than $0.1 million were recorded during the first six months of 2022.


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

1.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

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 $209 million. As of June 30, 2022, we recorded forgiveness transactions on all but nine loans aggregating $2.2 million. Net loan origination fees of $0.9 million were recorded during the first six months of 2022 under the Second Draw.

 

 

Individual Economic Impact Payments

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.

 

 

Troubled Debt Restructuring Relief

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.

 

 

Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) Methodology Delay 

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 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. We adopted the CECL methodology effective January 1, 2022.

 

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

 

Approximately 325,000 unvested restricted shares were included in determining both basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022. In addition, stock options for approximately 1,000 shares of common stock were included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022. Stock options for approximately 6,000 shares of common stock were antidilutive and not included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022.

 

Approximately 262,000 unvested restricted shares were included in determining both basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. In addition, stock options for approximately 3,000 shares of common stock were included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. Stock options for approximately 7,000 shares of common stock were antidilutive and not included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.

 


(Continued) 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

1.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Securities: Debt securities classified as held to maturity are carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities are classified as available for sale when they might be sold prior to maturity. As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, all of our debt securities were designated as available for sale. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Federal Home Loan Bank stock is carried at cost.

 

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

 

For available for sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, we first assess whether we intend to sell, or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income with the establishment of an allowance. For debt securities available for sale that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, we evaluate whether any decline in fair value is due to credit loss factors. In making this assessment, we consider any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security is compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectibility of an available for sale security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. At June 30, 2022, there was no allowance for credit losses related to the available for sale debt securities portfolio. Accrued interest receivable on available for sale debt securities totaled $2.2 million at June 30, 2022 and was excluded from the estimate of credit losses as any accrued interest that is not expected to be collected is reversed against interest income.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

1.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Loans Held for Sale: Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings. As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we determined that the fair value of our mortgage loans held for sale was $13.3 million and $16.7 million, respectively.

 

Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold with servicing rights retained. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold, which is reduced by the cost allocated to the servicing right. We generally lock in the sale price to the purchaser of the mortgage loan at the same time we make an interest rate commitment to the borrower. These mortgage banking activities are not designated as hedges and are carried at fair value. The net gain or loss on mortgage banking derivatives, which is generally nominal in dollar amount, is included in the gain on sale of loans and recorded as part of mortgage banking income. Mortgage loans serviced for others totaled approximately $1.37 billion and $1.34 billion as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

 

Allowance for Credit Losses (Allowance): In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU (as subsequently amended by ASU 2018-19) significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard will replace the current “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model. The new model, referred to as the CECL model, applies to financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost, and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. The standard also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the allowance. In addition, entities will need to disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination. This ASU was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019.

 

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.

 

We adopted CECL effective January 1, 2022 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2022 are presented under CECL while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with the incurred loss accounting standards. The transition adjustment of the CECL adoption included a decrease in the allowance of $0.4 million, which included a $0.3 million increase to the retained earnings account to reflect the cumulative effect of adopting CECL on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, with the $0.1 million tax impact portion being recorded as part of the deferred tax asset in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

Accrued interest receivable for loans is included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. We elected not to measure an allowance for accrued interest receivable and instead elected to reverse interest income on loans that are placed on nonaccrual status, which is generally when the loan becomes 90 days past due, or earlier if we believe the collection of interest is doubtful. We believe this policy results in the timely reversal of uncollectible interest.

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

1.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

The allowance is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged-off against the allowance when we believe the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed.

 

The allowance is measured on a collective pool basis when similar risk characteristics exist. Loans with similar risk characteristics are grouped into homogenous segments, or pools, for analysis. Commercial loans are divided among five segments based primarily on collateral type, risk characteristics, and primary and secondary sources of repayment. These segments are then further stratified based on the commercial loan grade that is assigned using our standard loan grading paradigm. Retail loans are divided into one of two groups based on if the loan is secured by residential real estate or not.

 

Our loan portfolio segments as of June 30, 2022 were as follows:

 

o

Commercial Loans

 

Commercial and Industrial

 

Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate

 

Non-Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate

 

Multi-Family and Residential Rental

 

Vacant Land, Land Development and Residential Construction

 

o

Retail Loans

 

1-4 Family Mortgages

 

Other Consumer Loans

 

The “remaining life methodology” is utilized for substantially all loan pools. This non-discounted cash flow approach projects an estimated future amortized cost basis based on current loan balance and repayment terms. Our historical loss rate is then applied to future loan balances at the instrument level based on remaining contractual life adjusted for amortization, prepayment and default to develop a baseline lifetime loss. The baseline lifetime loss is adjusted for changes in macroeconomic conditions over the reasonable and supportable forecast and reversion periods via a series of macroeconomic forecast inputs, such as gross domestic product, unemployment rates, interest rates, credit spreads, stock market volatility and property price indices, to quantify the impact of current and forecasted economic conditions on expected loan performance.

 

We use migration to determine historical loss rates for commercial loans given the comprehensive loan grading process employed by the bank for over two decades, while an open pool approach is best suited for retail loans given the smaller dollar size of the segments. A baseline loss rate is produced at each reporting date for each loan portfolio segment using bank-specific loan charge-off and recovery data over a defined historical look-back period. The look-back period represents the number of data periods that will be used to calculate a baseline loss rate for each loan portfolio segment. We determined that the look-back period commencing on January 1, 2011 through the current reporting date was reasonable and appropriate.

 

Reasonable and supportable economic forecasts have to be incorporated in determining expected credit losses. The forecast period represents the time frame from the current period end through the point in time that we can reasonably forecast and support entity and environmental factors that are expected to impact the performance of our loan portfolio. Ideally, the economic forecast period would encompass the contractual terms of all loans; however, the ability to produce a forecast that is considered reasonable and supportable becomes more difficult or may not be possible in later periods. Subsequent to the end of the forecast period, we revert to historical loan data based on an ongoing evaluation of each economic forecast in relation to then current economic conditions as well as any developing loan loss activity and resulting historical data. As of June 30, 2022, we used a one-year reasonable and supportable economic forecast period, with a six-month straight-line reversion period.

 


(Continued) 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

1.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

We are not required to develop and use our own economic forecast model, and elected to utilize economic forecasts from a third-party provider that analyzes and develops forecasts of the economy for the entire United States at least quarterly. The economic forecast used for our June 30, 2022 allowance calculation was not materially different from the forecast used for our March 31, 2022 allowance calculation. Our methodology does provide for a potential qualitative factor that can be used in the event of local or regional conditions that depart from the conditions and forecasts for the entire country.

 

During each reporting period, we also consider the need to adjust historical loss information to reflect the extent to which we expect current conditions and reasonable and supportable economic forecasts to differ from the conditions that existed for the period over which the historical loss information was determined. These qualitative adjustments may increase or decrease our estimate of expected future credit losses.

 

Traditional qualitative factors include:

 

 

o

Changes in lending policies and procedures

 

o

Changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio and in the terms of loans

 

o

Changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staff

 

o

Changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, nonaccrual loans and adversely classified loans

 

o

Changes in the quality of the loan review program

 

o

Changes in the value of underlying collateral dependent loans

 

o

Existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and any changes in such

 

o

Effect of other factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses

 

The estimation of future credit losses should reflect consideration of all significant factors that affect the collectibility of the loan portfolio at each evaluation date. While our methodology considers both the historical loss rates as well as the traditional qualitative factors, there may be instances or situations where additional qualitative factors need to be considered.

 

As of June 30, 2022, we employed two additional qualitative factors:

 

o

The Coronavirus Pandemic Factor was established effective June 30, 2020 to address the unique circumstances, challenges and uncertainties associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic.

 

o

The Historical Loss Information Factor was established effective January 1, 2022 to address the low level of loan losses during the look-back period.

 

Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual terms of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term generally excludes potential extensions, renewals and modifications.

 

We are also required to consider expected credit losses associated with loan commitments over the contractual period in which we are exposed to credit risk on the underlying commitments unless the obligation is unconditionally cancellable by us. Any allowance for off-balance sheet credit exposures is reported as an other liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and is increased or decreased via the provision for credit losses account on our Consolidated Statement of Income. The calculation includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and forecasted credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over their estimated lives. The allowance is calculated using the same aggregate reserve rates calculated for the funded portion of loans at the portfolio level applied to the amount of commitments expected to be funded.

 

The credit loss provisions recorded during the second quarter and first six months of 2022 mainly reflected allocations necessitated by commercial loan and residential mortgage loan growth, increased specific reserves for certain problem commercial loan relationships, and a higher reserve for residential mortgage loans stemming from slower principal prepayment rates and the associated extended average life of the portfolio.


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

1.    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

The required reserve allocations resulting from these factors were largely offset by the positive impact of a change in the Covid-19 environmental factor, the recording of net loan recoveries, and ongoing strong loan quality metrics during the periods. Improvement in overall Covid-19 conditions, including increased vaccination rates, the availability of booster shots, and the lifting of many economic growth-restraining restrictions, reduced the credit reserve amount related to the Covid-19 environmental factor.

 

Mortgage Banking Activities: Mortgage loan servicing rights are recognized as assets based on the allocated value of retained servicing rights on mortgage loans sold. Mortgage loan servicing rights are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value and are expensed in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues. Impairment is evaluated based on the fair value of the rights using groupings of the underlying mortgage loans as to interest rates. Any impairment of a grouping is reported as a valuation allowance.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The federal banking agencies issued an “Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus” on March 22, 2020, which was subsequently revised on April 7, 2020. This guidance encourages financial institutions to work prudently with borrowers that are or may be unable to meet their contractual obligations because of the effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Pursuant to the guidance, the federal banking agencies concluded, in consultation with FASB staff, that short-term modifications (e.g. six months) made on a good faith basis to borrowers who were current prior to any relief are not troubled debt restructurings. This guidance complements Section 4013 of the CARES Act, which specified that Coronavirus-related modifications made on loans that were current as of December 31, 2019 and that occur between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of 60 days after the date of termination of the National Emergency declared by President Trump on March 13, 2020 (the “National Emergency”) or December 31, 2020, as applicable, are not troubled debt restructurings. As part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act that was enacted in late 2020, this guidance was extended to January 1, 2022.

 


(Continued) 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

1.    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Derivatives: Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the use of the derivatives and whether the derivatives qualify for hedge accounting. Used as part of our asset and liability management to help manage interest rate risk, our derivatives have generally consisted of interest rate swap agreements that qualified for hedge accounting. We do not use derivatives for trading purposes.

 

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

 

If designated as a hedge, we formally document the relationship between derivatives as hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. This documentation includes linking cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. If designated as a hedge, we also formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items. Ineffective hedge gains and losses are recognized immediately in current earnings as noninterest income or expense.

 

We discontinue hedge accounting when we determine the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended. We had no derivative instruments designated as hedges as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

 

Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangible: Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment is recognized in the period identified. A more frequent assessment is performed 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.

 

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

 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers: We record revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606,Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“Topic 606”). Under Topic 606, we must identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy a performance obligation. Significant revenue has not been recognized in the current reporting period that results from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods.

 

Our primary sources of revenue are derived from interest and dividends earned on loans, securities and other financial instruments that are not within the scope of Topic 606. We have evaluated the nature of our contracts with customers and determined that further disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers into more granular categories beyond what is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income was not necessary.

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

 

 

 

1.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

We generally satisfy our performance obligations on contracts with customers as services are rendered, and the transaction prices are typically fixed and charged either on a periodic basis (generally monthly) or based on activity. Because performance obligations are satisfied as services are rendered and the transaction prices are fixed, there is little judgment involved in applying Topic 606 that significantly affects the determination of the amount and timing of revenue from contracts with customers.

 

The following table depicts our sources of noninterest income that are scoped within Topic 606:

 

  

Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2022

  

Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2021

  

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2022

  

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2021

 
                 

Service charges on deposit and sweep accounts

 $1,495,000  $1,209,000  $2,910,000  $2,363,000 

Credit and debit card fees

  2,134,000   1,920,000   4,015,000   3,598,000 

Payroll processing

  464,000   405,000   1,102,000   962,000 

Customer service fees

  202,000   186,000   444,000   409,000 

 

Service Charges on Deposit and Sweep Accounts: We earn fees from deposit and sweep customers for account maintenance, transaction-based and overdraft services. Account maintenance fees, which relate primarily to monthly maintenance, are earned over the course of the month reflecting the period over which we satisfy the performance obligation. Transaction-based fees, which include services such as stop payment and returned item charges, are recognized at the time the transaction is executed as that is the point in time we fulfill the customer request. Service charges on deposit and sweep accounts are withdrawn from the customer account balance.

 

Credit and Debit Card Fees: We earn interchange income on our cardholder debit and credit card usage. Interchange income is primarily comprised of fees whenever our debit and credit cards are processed through card payment networks such as Visa. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provided to the cardholder.

 

Payroll Processing Fees: We earn fees from providing payroll processing services for our commercial clients. Fees are assessed for processing weekly or bi-weekly payroll files, reports and documents, as well as year-end tax-related files, reports and documents. Fees are recognized and collected as payroll processing services are completed for each payroll run and year-end processing activities.

 

Customer Service Fees: We earn fees by providing a variety of other services to our customers, such as wire transfers, check ordering, sales of cashier checks and money orders, and rentals of safe deposit boxes. Generally, fees are recognized and collected daily, concurrently with the point in time we fulfill the customer request. Safe deposit box rentals are on annual contracts, with fees generally earned at the time of the contract signing or renewal.

 

Newly Issued Not Yet Effective Standards: ASU No. 2022-02 Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. This ASU eliminates the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) by creditors in Subtopic 310-40, Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, while adding disclosures for certain loan restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. This guidance requires an entity to determine whether the modification results in a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. Additionally, the ASU requires disclosures of current period gross charge-offs by year of origination for financing receivables. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. We do not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on our financial results. The required disclosures for gross charge-offs on our financial statements will be added upon adoption of this new standard.

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

 

2.

SECURITIES

 

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

 

  

Amortized

Cost

  

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

  

Fair

Value

 

June 30, 2022

                

U.S. Government agency debt obligations

 $453,512,000  $0  $(46,177,000

)

 $407,335,000 

Mortgage-backed securities

  40,676,000   56,000   (4,368,000

)

  36,364,000 

Municipal general obligation bonds

  145,002,000   190,000   (7,519,000

)

  137,673,000 

Municipal revenue bonds

  24,287,000   18,000   (2,539,000

)

  21,766,000 

Other investments

  500,000   0   0   500,000 
                 
  $663,977,000  $264,000  $(60,603,000

)

 $603,638,000 
                 

December 31, 2021

                

U.S. Government agency debt obligations

 $398,874,000  $266,000  $(8,769,000

)

 $390,371,000 

Mortgage-backed securities

  41,906,000   549,000   (652,000

)

  41,803,000 

Municipal general obligation bonds

  133,894,000   4,092,000   (392,000

)

  137,594,000 

Municipal revenue bonds

  22,289,000   331,000   (145,000

)

  22,475,000 

Other investments

  500,000   0   0   500,000 
                 
  $597,463,000  $5,238,000  $(9,958,000

)

 $592,743,000 

 

Securities with unrealized losses at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows:

 

  

Less than 12 Months

  

12 Months or More

  

Total

 
  

Fair

Value

  

Unrealized

Loss

  

Fair

Value

  

Unrealized

Loss

  

Fair

Value

  

Unrealized

Loss

 

June 30, 2022

                        

U.S. Government agency debt obligations

 $176,893,000  $17,028,000  $230,442,000  $29,149,000  $407,335,000  $46,177,000 

Mortgage-backed securities

  23,935,000   2,259,000   11,372,000   2,109,000   35,307,000   4,368,000 

Municipal general obligation bonds

  90,305,000   5,551,000   16,284,000   1,968,000   106,589,000   7,519,000 

Municipal revenue bonds

  12,823,000   1,454,000   7,088,000   1,085,000   19,911,000   2,539,000 
                         
  $303,956,000  $26,292,000  $265,186,000  $34,311,000  $569,142,000  $60,603,000 

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

2.

SECURITIES (Continued)

 

  

Less than 12 Months

  

12 Months or More

  

Total

 
  

Fair

Value

  

Unrealized

Loss

  

Fair

Value

  

Unrealized

Loss

  

Fair

Value

  

Unrealized

Loss

 

December 31, 2021

                        

U.S. Government agency debt obligations

 $274,287,000  $5,274,000  $110,053,000  $3,495,000  $384,340,000  $8,769,000 

Mortgage-backed securities

  23,184,000   652,000   24,000   0   23,208,000   652,000 

Municipal general obligation bonds

  40,748,000   392,000   0   0   40,748,000   392,000 

Municipal revenue bonds

  12,843,000   137,000   414,000   8,000   13,257,000   145,000 
                         
  $351,062,000  $6,455,000  $110,491,000  $3,503,000  $461,553,000  $9,958,000 

 

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

 

At June 30, 2022, 651 debt securities with estimated fair values totaling $569 million had unrealized losses aggregating $60.6 million. At December 31, 2021, 333 debt securities with estimated fair values totaling $462 million had unrealized losses aggregating $10.0 million. After we considered whether the securities were issued by the federal government or its agencies and whether downgrades by bond rating agencies had occurred, we determined that the unrealized losses were due to changing interest rate environments. As we do not intend to sell our debt securities before recovery of their cost basis and we believe it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell our debt securities before recovery of the cost basis, no unrealized losses are deemed to be other-than-temporary.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities at June 30, 2022, by maturity, are shown in the following table. The contractual maturity is utilized for U.S. Government agency debt obligations and municipal bonds. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed securities, are shown separately. Weighted average yields are also reflected, with yields for municipal securities shown at their tax equivalent yield.

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

2.

SECURITIES (Continued)

 

  

Weighted

Average

Yield

  

Amortized

Cost

  

Fair

Value

 
             

Due in 2022

  1.35% $3,750,000  $3,738,000 

Due in 2023 through 2027

  1.14   266,931,000   250,890,000 

Due in 2028 through 2032

  1.84   311,780,000   277,595,000 

Due in 2033 and beyond

  2.33   40,340,000   34,551,000 

Mortgage-backed securities

  2.04   40,676,000   36,364,000 

Other investments

  3.88   500,000   500,000 
             

Total available for sale securities

  1.60% $663,977,000  $603,638,000 

 

Securities issued by the State of Michigan and all its political subdivisions had combined amortized costs of $169 million and $155 million at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, with estimated market values of $159 million and $158 million, respectively. Securities issued by all other states and their political subdivisions had combined amortized costs of $0.3 million and $1.7 million and estimated market values of $0.2 million and $1.7 million at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Total securities of any other specific issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies and the State of Michigan and all its political subdivisions, did not exceed 10% of shareholders’ equity.

 

The carrying value of U.S. Government agency debt obligations and mortgage-backed securities that are pledged to secure repurchase agreements was $203 million and $197 million at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Investments in Federal Home Loan Bank stock are restricted and may only be resold or redeemed by the issuer.

 

 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

 

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

 


(Continued) 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

Our total loans at June 30, 2022 were $3.72 billion compared to $3.45 billion at December 31, 2021, an increase of $270 million, or 7.8%. The components of our loan portfolio disaggregated by class of loan within the loan portfolio segments at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, and the percentage change in loans from the end of 2021 to the end of the second quarter of 2022, are as follows:

 

                  

Percent

 
  

June 30, 2022

  

December 31, 2021

  

Increase

 
  

Balance

  

%

  

Balance

  

%

  

(Decrease)

 
                     

Commercial:

                    

Commercial and industrial (1)

 $1,187,650,000   31.9

%

 $1,137,419,000   32.9

%

  4.4

%

Vacant land, land development, and residential construction

  57,808,000   1.6   43,239,000   1.3   33.7 

Real estate – owner occupied

  598,593,000   16.1   565,758,000   16.4   5.8 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  1,003,118,000   26.9   1,027,415,000   29.7   (2.4

)

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  224,591,000   6.0   176,593,000   5.1   27.2 

Total commercial

  3,071,760,000   82.5   2,950,424,000   85.4   4.1 
                     

Retail:

                    

1-4 family mortgages

  623,599,000   16.7   442,547,000   12.8   40.9 

Other consumer loans (2)

  28,441,000   0.8   60,488,000   1.8   (53.0

)

Total retail

  652,040,000   17.5   503,035,000   14.6   29.6 
                     

Total loans

 $3,723,800,000   100.0

%

 $3,453,459,000   100.0

%

  7.8

%

 

 

(1)

For June 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, includes $2.9 million and $40.1 million in loans originated under the Paycheck Protection Program, respectively.

 

 

(2)

In conjunction with the adoption of the CECL methodology effective January 1, 2022, home equity lines of credit were reclassified to 1-4 family mortgage loans from other consumer loans. Home equity lines of credit totaled $33.3 million and $29.5 million as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

 

Nonperforming loans as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

  

June 30,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 
         

Loans past due 90 days or more still accruing interest

 $0  $155,000 

Nonaccrual loans

  1,787,000   2,313,000 
         

Total nonperforming loans

 $1,787,000  $2,468,000 

 


(Continued) 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

The recorded principal balance of nonperforming loans was as follows:

 

  

June 30,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 

Commercial:

        

Commercial and industrial

 $248,000  $663,000 

Vacant land, land development, and residential construction

  0   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  0   0 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  0   0 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  0   0 

Total commercial

  248,000   663,000 
         

Retail:

        

1-4 family mortgages

  1,538,000   1,686,000 

Other consumer loans

  1,000   119,000 

Total retail

  1,539,000   1,805,000 
         

Total nonperforming loans

 $1,787,000  $2,468,000 

 

An age analysis of past due loans is as follows as of June 30, 2022:

 

  

30 – 59

Days

Past Due

  

60 – 89

Days

Past Due

  

Greater

Than 89

Days

Past Due

  

Total

Past Due

  

Current

  

Total

Loans

  

Recorded

Balance
> 89

Days and

Accruing

 
                             

Commercial:

                            

Commercial and industrial

 $0  $0  $0  $0  $1,187,650,000  $1,187,650,000  $0 

Vacant land, land development, and residential construction

  0   0   0   0   57,808,000   57,808,000   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  0   0   0   0   598,593,000   598,593,000   0 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  0   0   0   0   1,003,118,000   1,003,118,000   0 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  0   0   0   0   224,591,000   224,591,000   0 

Total commercial

  0   0   0   0   3,071,760,000   3,071,760,000   0 
                             

Retail:

                            

1-4 family mortgages

  102,000   107,000   207,000   416,000   623,183,000   623,599,000   0 

Other consumer loans

  3,000   0   0   3,000   28,438,000   28,441,000   0 

Total retail

  105,000   107,000   207,000   419,000   651,621,000   652,040,000   0 
                             

Total past due loans

 $105,000  $107,000  $207,000  $419,000  $3,723,381,000  $3,723,800,000  $0 

 

 


(Continued) 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

An age analysis of past due loans is as follows as of December 31, 2021:

 

  

30 – 59

Days

Past Due

  

60 – 89

Days

Past Due

  

Greater

Than 89

Days

Past Due

  

Total

Past Due

  

Current

  

Total

Loans

  

Recorded

Balance
> 89

Days and

Accruing

 
                             

Commercial:

                            

Commercial and industrial

 $14,000  $0  $193,000  $207,000  $1,137,212,000  $1,137,419,000  $155,000 

Vacant land, land development, and residential construction

  13,000   0   0   13,000   43,226,000   43,239,000   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  0   0   0   0   565,758,000   565,758,000   0 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  0   0   0   0   1,027,415,000   1,027,415,000   0 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  0   0   0   0   176,593,000   176,593,000   0 

Total commercial

  27,000   0   193,000   220,000   2,950,204,000   2,950,424,000   155,000 
                             

Retail:

                            

Home equity and other

  132,000   2,000   20,000   154,000   60,334,000   60,488,000   0 

1-4 family mortgages

  1,265,000   241,000   82,000   1,588,000   440,959,000   442,547,000   0 

Total retail

  1,397,000   243,000   102,000   1,742,000   501,293,000   503,035,000   0 
                             

Total past due loans

 $1,424,000  $243,000  $295,000  $1,962,000  $3,451,497,000  $3,453,459,000  $155,000 

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

Nonaccrual loans as of June 30, 2022 were as follows:

 

  

Recorded

     
  

Principal

  

Related

 
  

Balance

  

Allowance

 

With no allowance recorded:

        

Commercial:

        

Commercial and industrial

 $248,000  $0 

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

  0   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  0   0 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  0   0 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  0   0 

Total commercial

  248,000   0 
         

Retail:

        

1-4 family mortgages

  1,000   0 

Other consumer loans

  1,454,000   0 

Total retail

  1,455,000   0 
         

Total with no allowance recorded

 $1,703,000  $0 
         

With an allowance recorded:

        

Commercial:

        

Commercial and industrial

 $0  $0 

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

  0   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  0   0 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  0   0 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  0   0 

Total commercial

  0   0 
         

Retail:

        

1-4 family mortgages

  84,000   48,000 

Other consumer loans

  0   0 

Total retail

  84,000   48,000 
         

Total with an allowance recorded

 $84,000  $48,000 
         

Total nonaccrual loans:

        

Commercial

 $248,000  $0 

Retail

  1,539,000   48,000 

Total nonaccrual loans

 $1,787,000  $48,000 

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

Collateral dependent loans are loans for which the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Identified problem loans, which exhibit characteristics (financial or otherwise) that could cause the loans to become nonperforming or require restructuring in the future, are included on an internal watch list. Senior management and the Board of Directors review this list regularly. Market value estimates of collateral on nonaccrual loans, as well as on foreclosed and repossessed assets, are reviewed periodically. We also 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. Under CECL for collateral dependent loans in instances where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, we adopted the practical expedient to measure the allowance based on the fair value of collateral. The allowance is calculated on an individual loan basis based on the shortfall between the fair value of the loan’s collateral and the recorded principal balance. If the fair value of the collateral exceeds the recorded principal balance, no allowance is required.

 

Nonaccrual commercial loans totaled $0.3 million as of June 30, 2022, while nonaccrual retail loans aggregated $1.5 million, a vast majority of which were collateralized by residential property. Nonaccrual loans aggregating $1.8 million had related specific reserve allocations of less than $0.1 million as of June 30, 2022. No interest income was recognized on nonaccrual loans during the second quarter and first six months of 2022. Lost interest income on nonaccrual loans totaled less than $0.1 million and $0.1 million during the second quarter and first six months of 2022, respectively.

 

Impaired loans as of December 31, 2021, and average impaired loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, were as follows:

 

  

Unpaid

Contractual

Principal

Balance

  

Recorded

Principal

Balance

 

Related

Allowance

 

Second
Quarter

Average

Recorded

Principal

Balance

  

Year-To-
Date

Average

Recorded

Principal

Balance

 
                  

With no related allowance recorded

                 

Commercial:

                 

Commercial and industrial

 $2,893,000  $2,818,000   $3,129,000  $4,167,000 

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

  0   0    0   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  9,674,000   9,674,000    13,114,000   13,607,000 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  0   0    156,000   218,000 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  91,000   91,000    0   0 

Total commercial

  12,658,000   12,583,000    16,399,000   17,992,000 

Retail:

                 

Home equity and other

  1,173,000   1,107,000    1,088,000   1,054,000 

1-4 family mortgages

  3,166,000   2,025,000    2,376,000   2,442,000 

Total retail

  4,339,000   3,132,000    3,464,000   3,496,000 
                  

Total with no related allowance recorded

 $16,997,000  $15,715,000   $19,863,000  $21,488,000 

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

  

Unpaid

Contractual

Principal

Balance

  

Recorded

Principal

Balance

  

Related

Allowance

  

Second
Quarter

Average

Recorded

Principal

Balance

  

Year-To-
Date

Average

Recorded

Principal

Balance

 

With an allowance recorded

                    

Commercial:

                    

Commercial and industrial

 $2,192,000  $2,192,000  $266,000  $1,661,000  $1,222,000 

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

  0   0   0   0   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  761,000   761,000   84,000   872,000   826,000 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  146,000   146,000   4,000   156,000   158,000 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  0   0   0   0   0 

Total commercial

  3,099,000   3,099,000   354,000   2,689,000   2,206,000 

Retail:

                    

Home equity and other

  160,000   140,000   123,000   242,000   256,000 

1-4 family mortgages

  412,000   412,000   69,000   581,000   620,000 

Total retail

  572,000   552,000   192,000   823,000   876,000 
                     

Total with an allowance recorded

 $3,671,000  $3,651,000  $546,000  $3,512,000  $3,082,000 
                     

Total impaired loans:

                    

Commercial

 $15,757,000  $15,682,000  $354,000  $19,088,000  $20,198,000 

Retail

  4,911,000   3,684,000   192,000   4,287,000   4,372,000 

Total impaired loans

 $20,668,000  $19,366,000  $546,000  $23,375,000  $24,570,000 

 

Impaired commercial loans for which no allocation of the allowance has been made in large part consist of performing troubled debt restructurings where the estimated collateral fair value exceeds the recorded principal balance, while impaired retail loans with no allowance allocation generally reflect situations whereby the recorded principal balance has been charged-down to estimated collateral fair value. Interest income recognized on accruing troubled debt restructurings totaled $0.4 million and $0.8 million during the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively. No interest income was recognized on nonaccrual loans during the second quarter and first six months of 2021. Lost interest income on nonaccrual loans totaled less than $0.1 million and $0.1 million during the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively.

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

Credit Quality Indicators. We utilize a comprehensive grading system for our commercial loans. All commercial loans are graded on a ten grade rating system. The rating system utilizes standardized grade paradigms that analyze several critical factors such as cash flow, operating performance, financial condition, collateral, industry condition and management. All commercial loans are graded at inception and reviewed and, if appropriate, re-graded at various intervals thereafter. The risk assessment for retail loans is primarily based on the type of collateral.

 

Credit quality indicators were as follows as of June 30, 2022:

 

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

 

  

Commercial

and

Industrial

  

Commercial

Vacant Land,

Land
Development,

and Residential

Construction

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Owner

Occupied

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Non-Owner

Occupied

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Multi-Family
and
Residential

Rental

 
                     

Internal credit risk grade groupings:

                    

Grades 1 – 4 (1)

 $726,012,000  $40,317,000  $363,381,000  $508,666,000  $136,632,000 

Grades 5 – 7

  454,518,000   17,379,000   234,999,000   481,799,000   87,816,000 

Grades 8 – 9

  7,120,000   112,000   213,000   12,653,000   143,000 

Total commercial

 $1,187,650,000  $57,808,000  $598,593,000  $1,003,118,000  $224,591,000 

 

Retail credit exposure – credit risk profiled by collateral type:

 

  

Other

Consumer

Loans

  

Retail

1-4 Family

Mortgages

 
         

Performing

 $28,440,000  $622,061,000 

Nonperforming

  1,000   1,538,000 

Total retail

 $28,441,000  $623,599,000 

 

 

(1)

Included in Commercial and Industrial Loans Grades 1 – 4 are $2.9 million of loans originated under the Paycheck Protection Program.

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

Credit quality indicators were as follows as of December 31, 2021:

 

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

 

  

Commercial

and

Industrial

  

Commercial

Vacant Land,

Land
Development,

and
Residential

Construction

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Owner

Occupied

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Non-Owner

Occupied

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Multi-Family

and

Residential

Rental

 
                     

Internal credit risk grade groupings:

                    

Grades 1 – 4 (1)

 $729,224,000  $28,390,000  $346,082,000  $503,482,000  $119,473,000 

Grades 5 – 7

  398,378,000   14,730,000   208,060,000   511,280,000   56,968,000 

Grades 8 – 9

  9,817,000   119,000   11,616,000   12,653,000   152,000 

Total commercial

 $1,137,419,000  $43,239,000  $565,758,000  $1,027,415,000  $176,593,000 

 

Retail credit exposure – credit risk profiled by collateral type:

 

  

Retail

Home Equity

and Other

  

Retail

1-4 Family

Mortgages

 
         

Performing

 $60,369,000  $440,861,000 

Nonperforming

  119,000   1,686,000 

Total retail

 $60,488,000  $442,547,000 

 

 

(1)

Included in Commercial and Industrial Loans Grades 1 – 4 are $40.1 million of loans originated under the Paycheck Protection Program.

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

All commercial loans are graded using the following criteria:

 

 

Grade 1.

“Exceptional”  Loans with this rating contain very little, if any, risk.

 

 

Grade 2.

“Outstanding”  Loans with this rating have excellent and stable sources of repayment and conform to bank policy and regulatory requirements.

 

 

Grade 3.

“Very Good”  Loans with this rating have strong sources of repayment and conform to bank policy and regulatory requirements. These are loans for which repayment risks are acceptable.

 

 

Grade 4.

“Good”  Loans with this rating have solid sources of repayment and conform to bank policy and regulatory requirements. These are loans for which repayment risks are modest.

 

 

Grade 5.

“Acceptable”  Loans with this rating exhibit acceptable sources of repayment and conform with most bank policies and all regulatory requirements. These are loans for which repayment risks are satisfactory.

 

 

Grade 6.

“Monitor”  Loans with this rating are considered to have emerging weaknesses which may include negative current cash flow, high leverage, or operating losses. Generally, if further deterioration is observed, these credits will be downgraded to the criticized asset report.

 

 

Grade 7.

“Special Mention”  Loans with this rating have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan at some future date.

 

 

Grade 8.

“Substandard”  Loans with this rating are inadequately protected by current sound net worth, paying capacity of the obligor, or of the pledged collateral, if any. A Substandard loan normally has one or more well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize the repayment of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility of loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 

 

Grade 9.

“Doubtful”  Loans with this rating exhibit all the weaknesses inherent in the Substandard classification and where collection or liquidation in full is highly questionable and improbable.

 

 

Grade 10.

“Loss”  Loans with this rating are considered uncollectable, and of such little value that continuance as an active asset is not warranted.

 

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

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

The following table reflects loan balances as of June 30, 2022 based on year of origination (dollars in thousands):

 

  

2022

  

2021

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

  

Prior

  

Term Total

  

Revolving
Loans

  

Grand
Total

 

Commercial:

                                    

Commercial and Industrial:

                                    

Grades 1 – 4

 $73,547  $183,393  $54,533  $13,863  $3,792  $10,932  $340,060  $385,952  $726,012 

Grades 5 – 7

  122,198   68,241   62,274   9,459   2,074   600   264,846   189,672   454,518 

Grades 8 – 9

  3,849   249   0   0   55   47   4,200   2,920   7,120 

Total

 $199,594  $251,883  $116,807  $23,322  $5,921  $11,579  $609,106  $578,544  $1,187,650 
                                     

Vacant Land, Land Development and Residential Construction:

                                    

Grades 1 – 4

 $17,011  $19,004  $3,660  $0  $0  $354  $40,029  $288  $40,317 

Grades 5 – 7

  5,248   10,652   572   55   0   794   17,321   58   17,379 

Grades 8 – 9

  0   0   0   0   16   96   112   0   112 

Total

 $22,259  $29,656  $4,232  $55  $16  $1,244  $57,462  $346  $57,808 
                                     

Real Estate – Owner Occupied:

                                    

Grades 1 – 4

 $81,554  $175,628  $63,568  $20,865  $10,866  $10,900  $363,381  $0  $363,381 

Grades 5 – 7

  88,415   64,394   40,122   11,405   23,771   6,892   234,999   0   234,999 

Grades 8 – 9

  0   0   47   0   166   0   213   0   213 

Total

 $169,969  $240,022  $103,737  $32,270  $34,803  $17,792  $598,593  $0  $598,593 
                                     

Real Estate – Non-Owner Occupied:

                                    

Grades 1 – 4

 $64,529  $193,494  $144,040  $78,997  $10,428  $17,178  $508,666  $0  $508,666 

Grades 5 – 7

  83,053   178,420   133,404   23,436   15,620   47,866   481,799   0   481,799 

Grades 8 – 9

  6,849   5,804   0   0   0   0   12,653   0   12,653 

Total

 $154,431  $377,718  $277,444  $102,433  $26,048  $65,044  $1,003,118  $0  $1,003,118 
                                     

Real Estate – Multi-Family and Residential Rental:

                                    

Grades 1 – 4

 $26,872  $58,323  $37,867  $5,768  $3,121  $4,681  $136,632  $0  $136,632 

Grades 5 – 7

  38,618   26,763   13,928   3,486   3,591   1,430   87,816   0   87,816 

Grades 8 – 9

  88   0   0   0   0   55   143   0   143 

Total

 $65,578  $85,086  $51,795  $9,254  $6,712  $6,166  $224,591  $0  $224,591 

Total Commercial

 $611,831  $984,365  $554,015  $167,334  $73,500  $101,825  $2,492,870  $578,890  $3,071,760 
                                     

Retail:

                                    

1-4 Family Mortgages

 $174,239  $240,232  $97,334  $13,962  $15,543  $49,346  $590,656  $32,943  $623,599 

Other Consumer Loans

  2,905   3,822   1,599   1,447   624   702   11,099   17,342   28,441 

Total Retail

 $177,144  $244,054  $98,933  $15,409  $16,167  $50,048  $601,755  $50,285  $652,040 
                                     

Grand Total

 $788,975  $1,228,419  $652,948  $182,743  $89,667  $151,873  $3,094,625  $629,175  $3,723,800 

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

Activity in the allowance for credit losses during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2022 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

  

Commercial
and industrial

  

Commercial vacant land, land development and residential construction

  

Commercial real estate owner occupied

  

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

  

Commercial real estate

multi-family and residential rental

  

1-4 family
mortgages

  

Other
consumer
loans

  

Unallocated

  

Total

 

Allowance for credit losses:

                                    

Balance at 3-31-22

 $8,413  $455  $5,803  $10,322  $1,276  $8,562  $191  $131  $35,153 

Provision for credit losses

  150   (10)  (251)  (708)  (8)  1,464   (28)  (109)  500 

Charge-offs

  0   0   0   0   0   0   (15)  0   (15)

Recoveries

  45   1   26   0   6   241   17   0   336 

Ending balance

 $8,608  $446  $5,578  $9,614  $1,274  $10,267  $165  $22  $35,974 
                                     

Balance at 12-31-21

 $10,782  $420  $6,045  $13,301  $1,695  $2,449  $626  $45  $35,363 

Adoption of ASU 2016-13

  (1,571)  (43)  (560)  (2,534)  (621)  5,395   (411)  (55)  (400)

Provision for credit losses

  (592)  96   35   (1,153)  186   2,057   (61)  32   600 

Charge-offs

  (171)  (29)  0   0   0   (2)  (18)  0   (220)

Recoveries

  160   2   58   0   14   368   29   0   631 

Ending balance

 $8,608  $446  $5,578  $9,614  $1,274  $10,267  $165  $22  $35,974 

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2021 and the recorded investments in loans as of December 31, 2021 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

  

Commercial and industrial

  

Commercial vacant
land, land
development and
residential
construction

  

Commercial real estate owner occupied

  

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

  

Commercial real
estate

multi-family and
residential rental

  

Home
equity and
other

  

14 family
mortgages

  

Unallocated

  

Total

 

Allowance for loan losses:

                                    

Balance at 3-31-21

 $10,111  $720  $8,304  $13,751  $1,825  $841  $2,953  $190  $38,695 

Provision for loan losses

  (764)  (243)  (696)  (966)  (38)  (125)  (263)  (5)  (3,100)

Charge-offs

  (54)  0   (12)  0   0   (2)  0   0   (68)

Recoveries

  47   2   105   0   0   28   204   0   386 

Ending balance

 $9,340  $479  $7,701  $12,785  $1,787  $742  $2,894  $185  $35,913 
                                     

Balance at 12-31-20

 $9,424  $679  $8,246  $13,611  $1,819  $889  $3,240  $59  $37,967 

Provision for loan losses

  (181)  (203)  (877)  (826)  (32)  (207)  (600)  126   (2,800)

Charge-offs

  (54)  (15)  (12)  0   0   (6)  (34)  0   (121)

Recoveries

  151   18   344   0   0   66   288   0   867 

Ending balance

 $9,340  $479  $7,701  $12,785  $1,787  $742  $2,894  $185  $35,913 
                                     

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

 $355  $0  $117  $5  $0  $207  $103  $0  $787 
                                     

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment

 $8,985  $479  $7,584  $12,780  $1,787  $535  $2,791  $185  $35,126 
                                     

Total loans (*):

                                    

Ending balance

 $1,097,309  $43,239  $565,758  $1,027,415  $176,593  $60,488  $442,547      $3,413,349 
                                     

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

 $5,010  $0  $10,435  $146  $91  $1,247  $2,437      $19,366 
                                     

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment

 $1,092,299  $43,239  $555,323  $1,027,269  $176,502  $59,241  $440,110      $3,393,983 

 

 

(*)

Excludes $40.1 million in loans originated under the Paycheck Protection Program.


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended June 30, 2022 were as follows:

 

  

Number of

Contracts

  

Pre-

Modification

Recorded

Principal

Balance

  

Post-

Modification

Recorded

Principal

Balance

 
             

Commercial:

            

Commercial and industrial

  2  $6,573,000  $6,573,000 

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

  0   0   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  0   0   0 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  0   0   0 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  0   0   0 

Total commercial

  2   6,573,000   6,573,000 
             

Retail:

            

1-4 family mortgages

  1   84,000   84,000 

Other consumer loans

  0   0   0 

Total retail

  1   84,000   84,000 
             

Total loans

  3  $6,657,000  $6,657,000 

 

Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the six months ended June 30, 2022 were as follows:

 

  

Number of

Contracts

  

Pre-

Modification

Recorded

Principal

Balance

  

Post-

Modification

Recorded

Principal

Balance

 
             

Commercial:

            

Commercial and industrial

  2  $6,573,000  $6,573,000 

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

  0   0   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  0   0   0 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  0   0   0 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  0   0   0 

Total commercial

  2   6,573,000   6,573,000 
             

Retail:

            

1-4 family mortgages

  3   212,000   212,000 

Other consumer loans

  0   0   0 

Total retail

  3   212,000   212,000 
             

Total loans

  5  $6,785,000  $6,785,000 

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended June 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

  

Number of

Contracts

  

Pre-

Modification

Recorded

Principal

Balance

  

Post-

Modification

Recorded

Principal

Balance

 
             

Commercial:

            

Commercial and industrial

  8  $2,831,000  $2,831,000 

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

  0   0   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  1   692,000   692,000 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  0   0   0 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  0   0   0 

Total commercial

  9   3,523,000   3,523,000 
             

Retail:

            

Home equity and other

  3   414,000   412,000 

1-4 family mortgages

  1   10,000   10,000 

Total retail

  4   424,000   422,000 
             

Total loans

  13  $3,947,000  $3,945,000 

 

Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the six months ended June 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

  

Number of

Contracts

  

Pre-

Modification

Recorded

Principal

Balance

  

Post-

Modification

Recorded

Principal

Balance

 
             

Commercial:

            

Commercial and industrial

  9  $2,854,000  $2,853,000 

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

  0   0   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  1   692,000   692,000 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  0   0   0 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  0   0   0 

Total commercial

  10   3,546,000   3,545,000 
             

Retail:

            

Home equity and other

  4   485,000   482,000 

1-4 family mortgages

  2   46,000   46,000 

Total retail

  6   531,000   528,000 
             

Total loans

  16  $4,077,000  $4,073,000 

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

The following loans, modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months, became over 30 days past due within the three months ended June 30, 2022 (amounts as of period end):

 

  

Number of

Contracts

  

Recorded

Principal

Balance

 

Commercial:

        

Commercial and industrial

  0  $0 

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

  0   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  0   0 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  0   0 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  0   0 

Total commercial

  0   0 
         

Retail:

        

Home equity and other

  0   0 

1-4 family mortgages

  0   0 

Total retail

  0   0 
         

Total

  0  $0 

 

The following loans, modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months, became over 30 days past due within the six months ended June 30, 2022 (amounts as of period end):

 

  

Number of

Contracts

  

Recorded

Principal

Balance

 

Commercial:

        

Commercial and industrial

  0  $0 

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

  0   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  0   0 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  0   0 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  0   0 

Total commercial

  0   0 
         

Retail:

        

Home equity and other

  0   0 

1-4 family mortgages

  0   0 

Total retail

  0   0 
         

Total

  0  $0 

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

The following loans, modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months, became over 30 days past due within the three months ended June 30, 2021 (amounts as of period end):

 

  

Number of

Contracts

  

Recorded

Principal

Balance

 

Commercial:

        

Commercial and industrial

  0  $0 

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

  0   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  1   431,000 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  0   0 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  0   0 

Total commercial

  1   431,000 
         

Retail:

        

Home equity and other

  0   0 

1-4 family mortgages

  0   0 

Total retail

  0   0 
         

Total

  1  $431,000 

 

The following loans, modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months, became over 30 days past due within the six months ended June 30, 2021 (amounts as of period end):

 

  

Number of

Contracts

  

Recorded

Principal

Balance

 

Commercial:

        

Commercial and industrial

  2  $522,000 

Vacant land, land development and residential construction

  0   0 

Real estate – owner occupied

  1   431,000 

Real estate – non-owner occupied

  0   0 

Real estate – multi-family and residential rental

  0   0 

Total commercial

  3   953,000 
         

Retail:

        

Home equity and other

  0   0 

1-4 family mortgages

  0   0 

Total retail

  0   0 
         

Total

  3  $953,000 

 


(Continued) 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

Activity for loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended June 30, 2022 is as follows:

 

  

Commercial

and

Industrial

  

Commercial

Vacant Land,

Land
Development,

and
Residential

Construction

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Owner

Occupied

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Non-Owner

Occupied

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Multi-Family
and
Residential

Rental

 
                     

Commercial Loan Portfolio:

                    

Beginning Balance

 $2,829,000  $0  $89,000  $143,000  $90,000 

Charge-Offs

  0   0   0   0   0 

Payments (net)

  536,000   0   (2,000

)

  (4,000

)

  (2,000

)

Transfers to ORE

  0   0   0   0   0 

Net Additions/Deletions

  6,573,000   0   0   0   0 

Ending Balance

 $9,938,000  $0  $87,000  $139,000  $88,000 

 

 

  

Retail

  

Retail

 
  

1-4 Family

  

Other Consumer

 
  

Mortgages

  

Loans

 

Retail Loan Portfolio:

        

Beginning Balance

 $2,346,000  $13,000 

Charge-Offs

  0   0 

Payments (net)

  (91,000

)

  (10,000

)

Transfers to ORE

  0   0 

Net Additions/Deletions

  84,000   0 

Ending Balance

 $2,339,000  $3,000 

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

Activity for loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings during the six months ended June 30, 2022 is as follows:

 

  

Commercial

and

Industrial

  

Commercial

Vacant Land,

Land
Development,

and

Residential

Construction

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Owner

Occupied

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Non-Owner

Occupied

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Multi-Family

and
Residential

Rental

 
                     

Commercial Loan Portfolio:

                    

Beginning Balance

 $4,973,000  $0  $10,435,000  $146,000  $91,000 

Charge-Offs

  0   0   0   0   0 

Payments (net)

  324,000   0   (9,679,000

)

  (7,000

)

  (3,000

)

Transfers to ORE

  0   0   0   0   0 

Net Additions/Deletions

  4,641,000   0   (669,000

)

  0   0 

Ending Balance

 $9,938,000  $0  $87,000  $139,000  $88,000 

 

 

  

Retail

  

Retail

 
  

1-4 Family

  

Other Consumer

 
  

Mortgages

  

Loans

 

Retail Loan Portfolio:

        

Beginning Balance

 $627,000  $1,202,000 

Charge-Offs

  0   0 

Payments (net)

  (169,000

)

  (12,000

)

Transfers to ORE

  0   0 

Net Additions/Deletions (1)

  1,881,000   (1,187,000

)

Ending Balance

 $2,339,000  $3,000 

 

 

(1)

Includes $1.2 million in the transfer of home equity lines of credit from other consumer loans to 1-4 family mortgages in association with the adoption of the CECL methodology effective January 1, 2022.

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

Activity for loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

  

Commercial

and

Industrial

  

Commercial

Vacant Land,

Land Development,

and Residential

Construction

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Owner

Occupied

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Non-Owner

Occupied

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Multi-Family and Residential

Rental

 
                     

Commercial Loan Portfolio:

                    

Beginning Balance

 $3,760,000  $0  $13,887,000  $471,000  $0 

Charge-Offs

  0   0   0   0   0 

Payments (net)

  (845,000

)

  0   (685,000

)

  (318,000

)

  0 

Transfers to ORE

  0   0   0   0   0 

Net Additions/Deletions

  2,648,000   0   686,000   0   0 

Ending Balance

 $5,563,000  $0  $13,888,000  $153,000  $0 

 

 

  

Retail

Home Equity

and Other

  

Retail

1-4 Family

Mortgages

 

Retail Loan Portfolio:

        

Beginning Balance

 $1,099,000  $820,000 

Charge-Offs

  0   0 

Payments (net)

  (115,000

)

  (131,000

)

Transfers to ORE

  0   0 

Net Additions/Deletions

  412,000   10,000 

Ending Balance

 $1,396,000  $699,000 

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

3.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)

 

Activity for loans categorized as troubled debt restructurings during the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

  

Commercial

and

Industrial

  

Commercial

Vacant Land,

Land
Development,

and
Residential

Construction

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Owner

Occupied

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Non-Owner

Occupied

  

Commercial

Real Estate -

Multi-Family
and
Residential

Rental

 
                     

Commercial Loan Portfolio:

                    

Beginning Balance

 $6,414,000  $0  $14,797,000  $480,000  $0 

Charge-Offs

  0   0   0   0   0 

Payments (net)

  (3,521,000

)

  0   (1,595,000

)

  (327,000

)

  0 

Transfers to ORE

  0   0   0   0   0 

Net Additions/Deletions

  2,670,000   0   686,000   0   0 

Ending Balance

 $5,563,000  $0  $13,888,000  $153,000  $0 

 

 

  

Retail

Home Equity

and Other

  

Retail

1-4 Family

Mortgages

 

Retail Loan Portfolio:

        

Beginning Balance

 $1,146,000  $806,000 

Charge-Offs

  0   0 

Payments (net)

  (232,000

)

  (153,000

)

Transfers to ORE

  0   0 

Net Additions/Deletions

  482,000   46,000 

Ending Balance

 $1,396,000  $699,000 

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

 

4.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Premises and equipment are comprised of the following:

 

  

June 30,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 
         

Land and improvements

 $13,504,000  $15,111,000 

Buildings

  51,555,000   56,168,000 

Furniture and equipment

  22,647,000   22,974,000 
   87,706,000   94,253,000 

Less: accumulated depreciation

  36,304,000   36,955,000 
         

Premises and equipment, net

 $51,402,000  $57,298,000 

 

Depreciation expense totaled $1.5 million and $1.4 million during the second quarters of 2022 and 2021, respectively. Depreciation expense totaled $3.1 million during the first six months of 2022, compared to $2.8 million during the first six months of 2021.

 

We enter into facility leases in the normal course of business. As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we were under lease contracts for ten of our banking facilities. The leases had maturity dates ranging from June, 2023 through December, 2026, with a weighted average life of 2.5 years and 2.8 years as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. All of our leases have multiple three- to five-year extensions; however, those were not factored in the lease maturities and weighted average lease term as it is not reasonably certain we will exercise the options.

 

Leases are classified as either operating or finance leases at the lease commitment date, with all of our current leases determined to be operating leases. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, while lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date at the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term. We use our incremental borrowing rate, on a collateralized basis, at lease commencement to calculate the present value of lease payments. The weighted average discount rate for leases was 4.70% as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

 

The right-of-use assets, included in premises and equipment, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the lease liabilities, included in other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, each totaled $3.0 million as of June 30, 2022, and $3.6 million as of December 31, 2021. As permitted by applicable accounting standards, we have elected not to recognize short-term leases with original terms of twelve months or less on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Total operating lease expense associated with the leases aggregated $0.2 million during the second quarters of 2022 and 2021, and $0.4 million during the first six months of 2022 and 2021.

 

Future lease payments at June 30, 2022 totaled $4.3 million, comprised of $0.6 million in one year, $1.2 million in one to three years, $0.2 million in three to five years and $2.3 million in over five years. Future lease payments at December 31, 2021 totaled $3.6 million, comprised of $0.8 million in one year, $1.4 million in one to three years, $0.3 million in three to five years and $1.1 million in over five years.

 

As part of the relocation of our Lansing operations, we completed the sale of our Lansing facility on July 14, 2022. For financial statement purposes in this Form 10-Q, we transferred from premises and equipment, net to other assets the $2.8 million in net proceeds from the sale and recorded a loss on sale of $0.4 million.

 


(Continued) 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

 

5.

DEPOSITS

 

Our total deposits at June 30, 2022 totaled $3.87 billion, a decrease of $209 million, or 5.1%, from December 31, 2021. The components of our outstanding balances at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, and percentage change in deposits from the end of 2021 to the end of the second quarter of 2022, are as follows:

 

  

June 30, 2022

  

December 31, 2021

  

Percent

Increase

 
  

Balance

  

%

  

Balance

  

%

  

(Decrease)

 
                     

Noninterest-bearing demand

 $1,740,432,000   44.9

%

 $1,677,952,000   41.1

%

  3.7

%

Interest-bearing checking

  481,016,000   12.4   538,838,000   13.2   (10.7

)

Money market

  889,035,000   23.0   1,040,176,000   25.5   (14.5

)

Savings

  409,505,000   10.6   394,330,000   9.7   3.8 

Time, under $100,000

  120,930,000   3.1   132,776,000   3.2   (8.9

)

Time, $100,000 and over

  232,975,000   6.0   275,208,000   6.7   (15.3

)

Total local deposits

  3,873,893,000   100.0   4,059,280,000   99.4   (4.6)
                     

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

  0   0.0   23,913,000   0.6   (100.0%)
                     

Total deposits

 $3,873,893,000   100.0

%

 $4,083,193,000   100.0

%

  (5.1

%)

 

Total time deposits of more than $250,000 totaled $152 million and $207 million at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

 

 

6.

SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE

 

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

 

  

Six Months
Ended

June 30,

2022

  

Twelve Months
Ended

December 31,
2021

 
         

Outstanding balance at end of period

 $203,339,000  $197,463,000 

Average interest rate at end of period

  0.10

%

  0.11

%

         

Average daily balance during the period

 $196,327,000  $158,855,000 

Average interest rate during the period

  0.10

%

  0.11

%

Maximum daily balance during the period

 $224,345,000  $209,093,000 

 

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

 


(Continued) 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

 

7.

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF INDIANAPOLIS ADVANCES

 

Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) bullet advances totaled $334 million at June 30, 2022, and were expected to mature at varying dates from July 2022 through June 2027, with fixed rates of interest from 0.55% to 3.18% and averaging 1.96%. FHLBI bullet advances totaled $374 million at December 31, 2021, and were expected to mature at varying dates from January 2022 through June 2027, with fixed rates of interest from 0.55% to 3.18% and averaging 2.00%.

 

Maturities of FHLBI bullet advances as of June 30, 2022 were as follows:

 

2022

 $54,000,000 

2023

  80,000,000 

2024

  80,000,000 

2025

  50,000,000 

2026

  30,000,000 

Thereafter

  40,000,000 

 

FHLBI amortizing advances totaled $28.3 million as of June 30, 2022, with an average rate of 2.52%. We had no FHLBI amortizing advances outstanding as of December 31, 2021. FHLBI amortizing advances are obtained periodically to assist in managing interest rate risk associated with certain longer-term fixed rate commercial loans, with annual principal payments that closely align with the scheduled amortization of the underlying commercial loans.

 

Scheduled principal payments of FHLBI amortizing advances were as follows:

 

2022

 $0 

2023

  353,000 

2024

  826,000 

2025

  862,000 

2026

  899,000 

Thereafter

  25,323,000 

 

Each advance is payable at its maturity date and is subject to a prepayment fee if paid prior to the maturity date. The advances are collateralized by residential mortgage loans, first mortgage liens on multi-family residential property loans, first mortgage liens on commercial real estate property loans, and substantially all other assets of our bank, under a blanket lien arrangement. Our borrowing line of credit as of June 30, 2022 totaled $932 million, with remaining availability based on collateral equaling $564 million.

 

 

8.

COMMITMENTS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

 

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

 


(Continued) 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

8.

COMMITMENTS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK (Continued)

 

These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized, if any, in the balance sheet. Our bank’s maximum exposure to loan loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. Our bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Collateral, such as accounts receivable, securities, inventory, and property and equipment, is generally obtained based on our credit assessment of the borrower.

 

We are required to consider expected credit losses associated with loan commitments over the contractual period in which we are exposed to credit risk on the underlying commitments unless the obligation is unconditionally cancellable by us. Any allowance for off-balance sheet credit exposures is reported as an other liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and is increased or decreased via the provision for credit losses account on our Consolidated Statement of Income. The calculation includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and forecasted credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over their estimated lives. The allowance is calculated using the same aggregate reserve rates calculated for the funded portion of loans at the portfolio level applied to the amount of commitments expected to be funded.

 

We have determined that our commercial-related lending commitments are unconditionally cancellable. Additionally, the vast majority of unfunded commercial loan commitments consist of revolving lines of credit wherein the aggregate amounts outstanding and available remain relatively stable, and any seasonality of line usage is nominal. Line of credit draws, irrespective of the maximum credit or individual note amount, are governed by borrowing or advance formulas, while draws off of commercial and residential construction loans are governed by the receipt and satisfactory review of contractor and subcontractor sworn statements, lien waivers and title insurance company endorsements. Letters of credit are rarely drawn. For retail lines of credit, including home equity lines of credit, overdraft protection lines of credit and personal unsecured lines of credit, and credit cards, average outstanding balances as a percent of total available credit have remained relatively steady over the past several years. We determined allowance requirements for these credit types by calculating the difference between the average percent outstanding of the funded commitments over the past several years to actual percent outstanding as of June 30, 2022 and applying the respective expected loss allocation factors to the difference as this difference represents the average of unfunded commitments we expect to eventually be drawn upon. The calculated allowance for the retail lines of credit and credit cards as of June 30, 2022 was $0.2 million.

 

A summary of the contractual amounts of our financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 follows:

 

  

June 30,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 
         

Commercial unused lines of credit

 $1,158,512,000  $1,098,951,000 

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

  66,431,000   64,313,000 

Credit card unused lines of credit

  106,939,000   92,146,000 

Other consumer unused lines of credit

  91,987,000   64,876,000 

Commitments to make loans

  252,579,000   212,476,000 

Standby letters of credit

  35,005,000   33,109,000 
  $1,711,453,000  $1,565,871,000 

 


(Continued) 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

 

9.

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

 

We are exposed to certain risks arising from both business operations and economic conditions. We principally manage the exposure to a wide variety of operational risks through core business activities. Economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk, are primarily administered via the amount, sources and duration of assets and liabilities. Derivative financial instruments may also be used to assist in managing economic risks.

 

Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and result from a service provided to certain commercial loan borrowers. We execute interest rate swaps with commercial banking customers desiring longer-term fixed rate loans, while simultaneously entering into interest rate swaps with correspondent banks to offset the impact of the interest rate swaps with the commercial banking customers. The net result is the desired floating rate loans and a minimization of the risk exposure of the interest rate swap transactions. As the interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the commercial banking customer interest rate swaps and the offsetting interest rate swaps with the correspondent banks are recognized directly to earnings.

 

The fair values of derivative instruments as of June 30, 2022 are reflected in the following table.

 

  

Notional Amount

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

Fair Value

 
Derivative Assets         

Interest rate swaps

 $340,692,000 

Other Assets

 $17,069,000 
          

Derivative Liabilities

    

 

    
Interest rate swaps  340,692,000  Other Liabilities  17,196,000 

 

The effect of interest rate swaps that are not designated as hedging instruments resulted in noninterest income of $0.1 million during the first six months of 2022.

 

The value of interest rate swaps in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk related to these agreements, was $17.2 million as of June 30, 2022. Cash collateral totaling $18.0 million was provided by the counterparty correspondent banks as of June 30, 2022.

 

Interest rate swaps entered into with commercial loan customers had notional amounts aggregating $341 million as of June 30, 2022. Associated credit exposure is generally mitigated by securing the interest rates swaps with the underlying collateral of the loan instrument that has been hedged.

 

The fair values of derivative instruments as of December 31, 2021 are reflected in the following table.

 

  

Notional Amount

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

Fair Value

 
          

Derivative Assets

    

 

    
Interest rate swaps $279,419,000 Other Assets $4,609,000 
          

Derivative Liabilities

         

Interest rate swaps

  279,419,000 

Other Liabilities

  4,857,000 

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

9.

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

 

The effect of interest rate swaps that are not designated as hedging instruments resulted in noninterest expense of $0.2 million during the year-ended December 31, 2021.

 

The fair value of interest rate swaps in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk related to these agreements, was $4.9 million as of December 31, 2021. Cash collateral totaling $3.6 million was provided to the counterparty correspondent banks as of December 31, 2021.

 

Interest rate swaps entered into with commercial loan customers had notional amounts aggregating $279 million as of December 31, 2021. Associated credit exposure is generally mitigated by securing the interest rates swaps with the underlying collateral of the loan instrument that has been hedged.

 

 

10.

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The carrying amounts, estimated fair values and level within the fair value hierarchy of financial instruments were as follows as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

 

  

Level in

  

June 30, 2022

  

December 31, 2021

 
  

Fair

Value

  

Carrying

  

Fair

  

Carrying

  

Fair

 
  

Hierarchy

  

Values

  

Values

  

Values

  

Values

 

Financial assets:

                   

Cash

 

Level 1

  $18,692  $18,692  $17,872  $17,872 

Cash equivalents

 

Level 1

   460,413   460,413   957,288   957,288 

Securities available for sale

 (1)   603,638   603,638   592,743   592,743 

FHLBI stock

 (2)   17,721   17,721   18,002   18,002 

Loans, net

 

Level 3

   3,687,826   3,632,452   3,418,096   3,498,345 

Mortgage loans held for sale

 

Level 2

   12,964   13,283   16,117   16,707 

Mortgage servicing rights

 

Level 2

   12,286   16,547   12,248   15,445 

Accrued interest receivable

 

Level 2

   10,884   10,884   9,311   9,311 

Interest rate swaps

 

Level 2

   17,069   17,069   4,609   4,609 
                    

Financial liabilities:

                   

Deposits

 

Level 2

   3,873,893   3,573,291   4,083,193   4,028,249 

Repurchase agreements

 

Level 2

   203,339   203,339   197,463   197,463 

FHLBI advances

 

Level 2

   362,263   347,018   374,000   384,927 

Subordinated debentures

 

Level 2

   48,585   52,820   48,244   48,284 

Subordinated notes

 

Level 2

   88,457   83,679   73,646   73,646 

Accrued interest payable

 

Level 2

   2,834   2,834   1,393   1,393 

Interest rate swaps

 

Level 2

   17,196   17,196   4,857   4,857 

 

 

(1)

See Note 11 for a description of the fair value hierarchy as well as a disclosure of levels for classes of financial assets and liabilities.

 

 

(2)

It is not practical to determine the fair value of FHLBI stock due to transferability restrictions; therefore, fair value is estimated at carrying amount.

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

10.

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

 

Carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents, FHLBI stock, accrued interest receivable and payable, noninterest-bearing checking accounts and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. Security fair values are based on market prices or dealer quotes, and if no such information is available, on the rate and term of the security and information about the issuer. Fair value for loans is based on an exit price model as required by ASU 2016-01, taking into account inputs such as discounted cash flows, probability of default and loss given default assumptions. Fair value for deposit accounts other than noninterest-bearing checking accounts is based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life. The fair value of mortgage servicing rights is estimated using a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing cash flows, taking into consideration expected mortgage loan prepayment rates, discount rates, servicing costs and other economic factors, which are determined based on current market conditions. The fair values of subordinated debentures, subordinated notes, and FHLBI advances are based on current rates for similar financing. The fair value of off-balance sheet items is estimated to be nominal.

 

 

11.

FAIR VALUES

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

11.

FAIR VALUES (Continued)

 

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

 

Securities available for sale. Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based on quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models. Level 2 securities include U.S. Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies, and municipal general obligation and revenue bonds. Level 3 securities include bonds issued by certain relatively small municipalities located within our markets that have very limited marketability due to their size and lack of ratings from a recognized rating service. We carry these bonds at historical cost, which we believe approximates fair value, unless our periodic financial analysis or other information that becomes known to us necessitates an impairment. There was no such impairment as of June 30, 2022 or December 31, 2021. We have no Level 1 securities available for sale.

 

Derivatives. We measure fair value utilizing models that use primarily market observable inputs, such as forecasted yield curves.

 

Mortgage loans held for sale. Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors, and are measured on a nonrecurring basis. Fair value is based on independent quoted market prices, where applicable, or the prices for other mortgage whole loans with similar characteristics. As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we determined the fair value of our mortgage loans held for sale to be $13.3 million and $16.7 million, respectively.

 

Loans. We do not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, we record nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral dependent loans to reflect partial write-downs or specific reserves that are based on the observable market price or current estimated value of the collateral. These loans are reported in the nonrecurring table below at initial recognition of impairment and on an ongoing basis until recovery or charge-off. The fair values of impaired loans are determined using either the sales comparison approach or income approach; respective unobservable inputs for the approaches consist of adjustments for differences between comparable sales and the utilization of appropriate capitalization rates.

 

Foreclosed Assets. At time of foreclosure or repossession, foreclosed and repossessed assets are adjusted to fair value less costs to sell upon transfer of the loans to foreclosed and repossessed assets, establishing a new cost basis. We subsequently adjust estimated fair value of foreclosed assets on a nonrecurring basis to reflect write-downs based on revised fair value estimates. The fair values of parcels of other real estate owned are determined using either the sales comparison approach or income approach; respective unobservable inputs for the approaches consist of adjustments for differences between comparable sales and the utilization of appropriate capitalization rates.

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

11.

FAIR VALUES (Continued)

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2022 are as follows:

 

  

Total

  

Quoted

Prices in

Active

Markets for

Identical

Assets

(Level 1)

  

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs

(Level 2)

  

Significant
Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 

Available for sale securities

                

U.S. Government agency debt obligations

 $407,335,000  $0  $407,335,000  $0 

Mortgage-backed securities

  36,364,000   0   36,364,000   0 

Municipal general obligation bonds

  137,673,000   0   137,050,000   623,000 

Municipal revenue bonds

  21,766,000   0   21,766,000   0 

Other investments

  500,000   0   500,000   0 

Interest rate swaps

  17,069,000   0   17,069,000   0 

Total

 $620,707,000  $0  $620,084,000  $623,000 

 

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the first six months of 2022. The less than $0.1 million reduction in Level 3 municipal general obligation bonds during the first six months of 2022 reflects the scheduled maturities of such bonds.

 

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021 are as follows:

 

  

Total

  

Quoted

Prices in

Active

Markets for

Identical

Assets

(Level 1)

  

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs

(Level 2)

  

Significant
Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 

Available for sale securities

                

U.S. Government agency debt obligations

 $390,371,000  $0  $390,371,000  $0 

Mortgage-backed securities

  41,803,000   0   41,803,000   0 

Municipal general obligation bonds

  137,594,000   0   136,917,000   677,000 

Municipal revenue bonds

  22,475,000   0   22,475,000   0 

Other investments

  500,000   0   500,000   0 

Interest rate swaps

  4,609,000   0   4,609,000   0 

Total

 $597,352,000  $0  $596,675,000  $677,000 

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

11.

FAIR VALUES (Continued)

 

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during 2021.

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

 

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of June 30, 2022 are as follows:

 

  

Total

  

Quoted

Prices in

Active

Markets

for

Identical

Assets

(Level 1)

  

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs

(Level 2)

  

Significant
Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 
                 

Loans

 $7,116,000  $0  $0  $7,116,000 

Foreclosed assets

  0   0   0   0 

Total

 $7,116,000  $0  $0  $7,116,000 

 

The balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2021 are as follows:

 

  

Total

  

Quoted

Prices in

Active

Markets for

Identical

Assets

(Level 1)

  

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs

(Level 2)

  

Significant
Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 
                 

Impaired Loans

 $3,807,000  $0  $0  $3,807,000 

Foreclosed assets

  0   0   0   0 

Total

 $3,807,000  $0  $0  $3,807,000 

 

The carrying values are based on the estimated value of the property or other assets. Fair value estimates of collateral on impaired loans and foreclosed assets are reviewed periodically. Our credit policies establish criteria for obtaining appraisals and determining internal value estimates. We may also adjust outside appraisals and internal evaluations based on identifiable trends within our markets, such as sales of similar properties or assets, listing prices and offers received. In addition, we may discount certain appraised and internal value estimates to address current distressed market conditions. For real estate dependent loans and foreclosed assets, we generally assign a 15% to 25% discount factor for commercial-related properties, and a 25% to 50% discount factor for residential-related properties. In a vast majority of cases, we assign a 10% discount factor for estimated selling costs.

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

 

12.

REGULATORY MATTERS

 

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

 

The prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications, including well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If an institution is not well capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. Subject to limited exceptions, no institution may make a capital distribution if, after making the distribution, it would be undercapitalized. If an institution is undercapitalized, it is subject to close monitoring by its principal federal regulator, its asset growth and expansion are restricted, and plans for capital restoration are required. In addition, further specific types of restrictions may be imposed on the institution at the discretion of the federal regulator. At June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, our bank was in the well capitalized category under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since June 30, 2022 that we believe have changed our bank’s categorization.

 

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

 

  

Actual

  

Minimum Required

for Capital

Adequacy Purposes

  

Minimum Required

to be Well

Capitalized Under

Prompt Corrective

Action Regulations

  
  

Amount

  

Ratio

  

Amount

  

Ratio

  

Amount

  

Ratio

  

June 30, 2022

                         

Total capital (to risk weighted assets)

                         
Consolidated $597,495   13.8  $346,868   8.0% $NA   NA %

Bank

  582,487   13.4   346,698   8.0   433,372   10.0  

Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)

                         

Consolidated

  473,065   10.9   260,151   6.0  

NA

  

NA

  

Bank

  546,513   12.6   260,023   6.0   346,698   8.0  

Common equity tier 1 (to risk weighted assets)

                         

Consolidated

  426,553   9.8   195,114   4.5  

NA

  

NA

  

Bank

  546,513   12.6   195,018   4.5   281,692   6.5  

Tier 1 capital (to average assets)

                         

Consolidated

  473,065   9.3   203,286   4.0  

NA

  

NA

  

Bank

  546,513   10.8   203,201   4.0   254,001   5.0  

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

12.

REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

 

  Actual     

Minimum Required

for Capital

Adequacy Purposes

 

Minimum Required

to be Well

Capitalized Under

Prompt Corrective

Action Regulations

  
  Amount  Ratio  

Amount

  Ratio Amount  

Ratio

  

December 31, 2021

                          

Total capital (to risk weighted assets)

                          
Consolidated $565,143   14.0% $324,101   8.0%  $NA   NA% 

Bank

  551,760   13.6   323,928   8.0    404,910   10.0  

Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)

                          

Consolidated

  456,133   11.3   243,076   6.0   

NA

  

NA

  

Bank

  516,397   12.8   242,946   6.0    323,928   8.0  

Common equity tier 1 (to risk weighted assets)

                          

Consolidated

  409,963   10.1   182,307   4.5   

NA

  

NA

  

Bank

  516,397   12.8   182,210   4.5    263,192   6.5  

Tier 1 capital (to average assets)

                          

Consolidated

  456,133   9.2   198,574   4.0   

NA

  

NA

  

Bank

  516,397   10.4   198,510   4.0    248,137   5.0  

 

Our consolidated capital levels as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 include $46.5 million and $46.2 million, respectively, of trust preferred securities. Under applicable Federal Reserve guidelines, the trust preferred securities constitute a restricted core capital element. The guidelines provide that the aggregate amount of restricted core elements that may be included in our Tier 1 capital must not exceed 25% of the sum of all core capital elements, including restricted core capital elements, net of goodwill less any associated deferred tax liability. Our ability to include the trust preferred securities in Tier 1 capital in accordance with the guidelines is not affected by the provision of the Dodd-Frank Act generally restricting such treatment, because (i) the trust preferred securities were issued before May 19, 2010, and (ii) our total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2009 were less than $15.0 billion. As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, all $46.5 million and $46.2 million, respectively, of the trust preferred securities were included in our consolidated Tier 1 capital.

 

Under the final BASEL III capital rules that became effective on January 1, 2015, there is a requirement for a common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets which is in addition to the other minimum risk-based capital standards in the rule. Institutions that do not meet this required capital buffer will become subject to progressively more stringent limitations on the percentage of earnings that can be paid out in cash dividends or used for stock repurchases and on the payment of discretionary bonuses to senior executive management. The capital buffer requirement was phased in over three years beginning in 2016. The capital buffer requirement raised the minimum required common equity Tier 1 capital ratio to 7.0%, the Tier 1 capital ratio to 8.5% and the total capital ratio to 10.5% on a fully phased-in basis on January 1, 2019. We believe that, as of June 30, 2022, our bank met all capital adequacy requirements under the BASEL III capital rules.

 


(Continued)

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 


 

12.  REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

 

Our and our bank’s ability to pay cash and stock dividends is subject to limitations under various laws and regulations and to prudent and sound banking practices. On January 13, 2022, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.31 per share that was paid on March 16, 2022 to shareholders of record as of March 4, 2022. On April 14, 2022, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.31 per share that was paid on June 15, 2022 to shareholders of record as of June 3, 2022. On July 14, 2022, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.32 per share that will be paid on September 14, 2022 to shareholders of record as of September 2, 2022.

 

As of June 30, 2022, we had the ability to repurchase up to $6.8 million in common stock shares from time to time in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or by other means in accordance with applicable regulations as part of a $20.0 million common stock repurchase program announced in May 2021. No shares were repurchased during the first six months of 2022. Historically, stock repurchases have been 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.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

 

Item 2.  Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Forward Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy, and our company. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “is likely,” “plans,” “projects,” “indicates,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will,” 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 tax laws; 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 markets and other economic activity caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic and unstable political and economic environments; and risk factors described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. These are representative of the Future Factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a forward-looking statement.

 

Introduction

The following discussion compares the financial condition of Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Mercantile Bank (“our bank”) and our bank’s subsidiary Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc., at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and the results of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the interim consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in this report. Unless the text clearly suggests otherwise, references in this report to “us,” “we,” “our” or “the company” include Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries referred to above.

 

Critical Accounting Policies 

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) are complex and require us to apply significant judgment to various accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. We must use assumptions and estimates to apply these principles where actual measurements are not possible or practical. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited financial statements included in this report. For a discussion of our significant accounting policies, see Note 1 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 (Commission file number 000-26719). Our critical accounting policies are highly dependent upon subjective or complex judgments, assumptions and estimates. Changes in such estimates may have a significant impact on the financial statements, and actual results may differ from those estimates. We have reviewed the application of these policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Allowance for Credit Losses (Allowance): The allowance is maintained at a level we believe is adequate to absorb estimated credit 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. Credit losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectibility of a loan is likely. The balance of the allowance represents our best estimate, but significant downturns in circumstances relating to loan quality or economic conditions could result in a requirement for an increased allowance in the future. Likewise, an upturn in loan quality or improved economic conditions may result in a decline in the required allowance in the future. In either instance, unanticipated changes could have a significant impact on the allowance and operating results. The allowance is increased through a provision charged to operating expense. Uncollectible loans are charged-off through the allowance, while recoveries of loans previously charged-off are added to the allowance.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU (as subsequently amended by ASU 2018-19) significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard will replace the current “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model. The new model, referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, applies to financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost, and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. The standard also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the allowance. In addition, entities will need to disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination. This ASU was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019.

 

Financial institutions were not required to comply with the 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.

 

We adopted CECL effective January 1, 2022 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2022 are presented under CECL while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with the incurred loss accounting standards. The transition adjustment of the CECL adoption included a decrease in the allowance of $0.4 million, and a $0.3 million increase to the retained earnings account to reflect the cumulative effect of adopting CECL on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, with the $0.1 million tax impact portion being recorded as part of the deferred tax asset in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

See Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further detailed descriptions of our estimation process and methodology related to the allowance. See also Note 3 – Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information regarding our loan portfolio and allowance.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

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

 

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

 

Debt Securities Available for Sale: Debt securities available for sale consist of bonds which might be sold prior to maturity due to a number of factors, including changes in interest rates, prepayment risks, yield and availability of alternative investments or liquidity needs. Debt securities classified as available for sale are reported at their fair value. For available for sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, we first assess whether we intend to sell, or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income with the establishment of an allowance. For debt securities available for sale that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, we evaluate whether any decline in fair value is due to credit loss factors. In making this assessment, we consider any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

Changes in the allowance for credit losses under CECL are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectibility of an available for sale security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. At June 30, 2022, there was no allowance for credit losses related to the available for sale debt securities portfolio.

 

Mortgage Servicing Rights: Mortgage servicing rights are recognized as assets based on the allocated fair value of retained servicing rights on loans sold. Servicing rights are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value and are expensed in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing income. We utilize a discounted cash flow model to determine the value of our servicing rights. The valuation model utilizes mortgage prepayment speeds, the remaining life of the mortgage pool, delinquency rates, our cost to service loans, and other factors to determine the cash flow that we will receive from 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.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

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

 

Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment is recognized in the period identified. A more frequent assessment is performed if conditions in the market place or changes in the company’s organizational structure occur.

 

Coronavirus Pandemic

There remains a significant amount of stress and uncertainty across national and global economies due to the 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 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 reduce net income.

 

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

 

 

Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) reflects 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 provides 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 paid by 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 $553 million. As of June 30, 2022, we recorded forgiveness transactions on all but twelve loans aggregating $0.7 million. Net loan origination fees of less than $0.1 million were recorded during the first six months of 2022.

 

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 $209 million. As of June 30, 2022, we recorded forgiveness transactions on all but nine loans aggregating $2.2 million. Net loan origination fees of $0.9 million were recorded during the first six months of 2022.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

 

Individual Economic Impact Payments

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.

 

 

Troubled Debt Restructuring Relief

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. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 extended the suspension date to January 1, 2022. We elected to suspend GAAP principles and regulatory determinations as permitted up to December 31, 2021.

 

 

Current Expected Credit Loss Methodology Delay 

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 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. We adopted the CECL methodology effective January 1, 2022.

 

Financial Overview

We reported net income of $11.7 million, or $0.74 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2022, compared with net income of $18.1 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2021. Net income for the first six months of 2022 totaled $23.2 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, compared to $32.3 million, or $2.00 per diluted share, during the first six months of 2021. Higher net interest income, stemming from an improving net interest margin and ongoing strong loan growth, combined with continued strength in asset quality metrics and increases in several key fee income revenue streams, in large part mitigated a significant decline in residential mortgage banking revenue as industry-wide originations come off of the record levels of 2020 and 2021, which were driven by low residential mortgage rates and resulting refinance activity. Our earnings performance in the 2021 periods also benefited from large negative loan loss provisions reflecting improved economic conditions and expectations during those time periods.

 

Commercial loans increased $121 million during the first six months of 2022, reflecting the net impact of growth in core commercial loans and payment activities under the PPP. Core commercial loans increased $159 million, or almost 11% on an annualized basis, while PPP payment activities aggregated $37.2 million, during the first six months of 2022. Core commercial and industrial loans increased $87.4 million, multi-family and residential rental property loans grew $48.0 million, owner-occupied commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans were up $32.8 million, and vacant land, land development and residential construction loans increased $14.6 million, while non-owner occupied CRE loans were down $24.3 million. As a percentage of total commercial loans, commercial and industrial loans (excluding PPP loans) and owner occupied CRE loans combined equaled 58.1% as of June 30, 2022, compared to 57.1% at December 31, 2021. The new commercial loan pipeline remains strong, and at June 30, 2022, we had $175 million in unfunded loan commitments on commercial construction and development loans that are in the construction phase.

 

Residential mortgage loans, excluding home equity lines of credit, increased $148 million during the first six months of 2022, representing a growth rate of over 66% on an annualized basis. With the increase in residential mortgage loan rates during the first half of 2022, we have witnessed a shift in borrowers primarily now selecting adjustable rate residential mortgage loans compared to fixed rate residential mortgage loans in the previous couple of years. Generally, we sell fixed rate residential mortgage loans to third-party investors, while we maintain adjustable rate residential mortgage loans on our balance sheet. During the first six months of 2022, approximately 64% of our residential mortgage loan production was comprised of adjustable rate loans, compared to about 30% during the first six months of 2021. The shift in product mix impacts the timing of revenue recognition; it takes an estimated 24 months for the amount of interest income earned on a residential mortgage loan that is retained on our balance sheet to approximate the amount of the immediately recorded gain on sale of a residential mortgage loan that has been sold to an investor.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

The overall quality of our loan portfolio remains strong, with nonperforming loans equaling only 0.05% of total loans as of June 30, 2022. Accruing loans past due 30 to 89 days remain very low, and we had no foreclosed properties as of June 30, 2022. Gross loan charge-offs totaled less than $0.1 million during the second quarter of 2022, and aggregated $0.2 million for the first six months of the year, while recoveries of prior period loan charge-offs equaled $0.3 million and $0.6 million during the respective time periods. A net loan recovery, as a percentage of average total loans, equaled an annualized 0.04% and 0.02% during the second quarter and first six months of 2022, respectively.

 

We recorded provisions for credit losses of $0.5 million and $0.6 million during the second quarter and first six months of 2022, respectively, compared to negative provisions for loan losses of $3.1 million and $2.8 million during the respective time periods in 2021. The provision expense recorded during the second quarter of 2022 mainly reflected allocations necessitated by net commercial and residential mortgage loan growth, increased specific reserves on certain problem commercial loans, and a higher reserve on residential mortgage loans stemming from a projected increased average life of the portfolio, which were not fully mitigated by the combined impact of a reduced Covid-19 environmental allocation, net loan recoveries and continued strong loan quality metrics. Our provision expense totaled $0.1 million during the first quarter of 2022, in large part reflecting allocations necessitated by net loan growth which was mitigated by net loan recoveries and continued strong loan quality metrics. Our adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, on January 1, 2022, resulted in a $0.4 million one-time reduction to the allowance for credit losses. The negative provision expense recorded in the 2021 periods was mainly comprised of a reduced reserve allocation associated with the economic and business conditions environmental factor, reflecting improvement in both current and forecasted economic conditions.

 

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 the first six months of 2022, the average balance of these funds equaled $657 million, or 13.6% of average earning assets, compared to $606 million, or 13.8% of average earning assets, during the first six months of 2021; these levels are substantially higher than our typical average balance of $75 million, or approximately 2% of average earning assets. The elevated levels during 2021 and through the first half of 2022 primarily reflect increased local deposits stemming from Covid-19-related federal government stimulus payments and reduced business and consumer investing and spending, and have had a significant negative impact on our net interest margin.

 

Total deposits decreased $209 million during the first six months of 2022, totaling $3.87 billion at June 30, 2022. Local deposits decreased $185 million and out-of-area deposits declined $23.9 million. The reduced level of local deposits primarily reflected a single customer’s anticipated withdrawal of a majority of funds that were obtained from the sale of a business and deposited in late 2021; excluding this withdrawal, total local deposits were relatively steady during the first six months of 2022.

 

Net interest income increased $3.5 million and $4.8 million during the second quarter and first six months of 2022, respectively, compared to the respective time periods in 2021. Interest income was $3.8 million and $4.9 million higher during the second quarter and first six months of 2022 when compared to the same time periods in 2021, in large part reflecting higher average balances of earning assets and an increasing interest rate environment. Interest expense was $0.3 million and $0.1 million higher during the second quarter and first six months of 2022 when compared to the respective time periods in 2021, primarily reflecting the net impact of lower deposit interest costs and increased costs on borrowed funds associated with the $90.0 million in subordinated notes issued in December 2021 and January 2022.

 

Noninterest income decreased $6.8 million and $11.0 million during the second quarter and first six months of 2022, respectively, compared to the respective time periods in 2021. Mortgage banking income was $5.7 million and $11.3 million lower during the second quarter and first six months of 2022 when compared to the same time periods in 2021, in large part reflecting increased residential mortgage loan rates which substantially reduced the volume of refinance activity. We continued to record growth in treasury management-related fee income categories, such as service charges on accounts, credit and debit card income and payroll processing. Combined, we recorded growth of approximately 16% when comparing the second quarter and first six months of 2022 with the respective time periods in 2021.

 

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Noninterest expense increased $0.8 million and $1.4 million during the second quarter and first six months of 2022, respectively, compared to the respective time periods in 2021. During the second quarter of 2022, we contributed $0.5 million to The Mercantile Bank Foundation. Excluding the charitable contribution, overhead costs were relatively unchanged during the 2022 periods when compared to the 2021 periods.

 

Financial Condition

Our total assets decreased $199 million during the first six months of 2022, and totaled $5.06 billion as of June 30, 2022. Total loans increased $270 million and securities available for sale were up $10.9 million, while interest-earning deposits declined $526 million. Total deposits decreased $209 million.

 

Commercial loans increased $121 million during the first six months of 2022, reflecting the net impact of growth in core commercial loans and payment activities under the PPP. Core commercial loans increased $159 million, or almost 11% on an annualized basis, while PPP payment activities aggregated $37.2 million, during the first six months of 2022. Core commercial and industrial loans increased $87.4 million, multi-family and residential rental property loans grew $48.0 million, owner-occupied CRE loans were up $32.8 million, and vacant land, land development and residential construction loans increased $14.6 million, while non-owner occupied CRE loans were down $24.3 million. As a percentage of total commercial loans, commercial and industrial loans (excluding PPP loans) and owner occupied CRE loans combined equaled 58.1% as of June 30, 2022, compared to 57.1% at December 31, 2021. At June 30, 2022, commercial loans totaled $3.07 billion, or 82.5% of the loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2021, the commercial loan portfolio comprised 85.4% of total loans.

 

As of June 30, 2022, availability on existing construction and development loans totaled $175 million, with most of those 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 approximately $253 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 ongoing additional opportunities they are currently discussing with existing and potentially new borrowers. 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 averaged 34% during the first six months of 2022. Historically, the level of commercial lines of credit usage equaled 40% to 45%; however, the level averaged approximately 32% since the onset of the Coronavirus Pandemic through the end of the third quarter of 2021.

 

Residential mortgage loans, excluding home equity lines of credit, increased $148 million during the first six months of 2022, totaling $590 million, or 15.9% of total loans, as of June 30, 2022. The increasing interest rate environment has had a significant impact on our residential mortgage banking operations, especially in regards to the volume of refinance activity and the borrower selection of fixed rate versus adjustable rate residential mortgage products which combined have resulted in a material decline in the volume of residential mortgage loans being sold. Residential mortgage volume totaled $359 million during the first six months of 2022, compared to $482 million during the same time period in 2021, a decline of $123 million, or over 25%. Refinance volume declined $156 million; however, home purchase activity increased $32.8 million. Residential mortgage loans originated for sale generally consist of longer-term fixed rate residential mortgage loans, while adjustable rate residential mortgage loans are maintained in the residential mortgage loan portfolio. We have experienced a significant pattern shift as it pertains to the type of residential mortgage loan product selected by our borrowers with a majority now selecting adjustable rate offerings compared to the past couple of years when a longer-term fixed rate was the most popular selection. During the first six months of 2022, approximately 36% of residential mortgage loan production consisted of longer-term fixed rate loans, compared to a level of about 70% during the first six months of 2021.

 

Home equity lines of credit and other consumer-related loans increased $1.3 million during the first six months of 2022, and at June 30, 2022 totaled $61.7 million, or 1.7% of total loans. Home equity lines of credit and other consumer-related loans comprised 1.8% of total loans as of December 31, 2021. We expect the dollar volume of this loan portfolio segment to remain relatively stable in future periods.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

The following table summarizes our loan portfolio over the past twelve months:

 

   

6/30/22

   

3/31/22

   

12/31/21

   

9/30/21

   

6/30/21

 

Commercial:

                                       

Commercial & Industrial (1)

  $ 1,187,650,000     $ 1,153,814,000     $ 1,137,419,000     $ 1,074,394,000     $ 1,103,807,000  

Land Development & Construction

    57,808,000       52,693,000       43,239,000       38,380,000       43,111,000  

Owner Occupied Commercial RE

    598,593,000       582,732,000       565,758,000       551,762,000       550,504,000  

Non-Owner Occupied Commercial RE

    1,003,118,000       1,007,361,000       1,027,415,000       998,697,000       950,993,000  

Multi-Family & Residential Rental

    224,591,000       207,962,000       176,593,000       179,126,000       161,894,000  

Total Commercial

    3,071,760,000       3,004,562,000       2,950,424,000       2,842,359,000       2,810,309,000  
                                         

Retail (2):

                                       

1-4 Family Mortgages

    623,599,000       522,556,000       442,547,000       411,618,000       380,292,000  

Other Consumer Loans

    28,441,000       28,672,000       60,488,000       59,732,000       58,240,000  

Total Retail

    652,040,000       551,228,000       503,035,000       471,350,000       438,532,000  
                                         

Total

  $ 3,723,800,000     $ 3,555,790,000     $ 3,453,459,000     $ 3,313,709,000     $ 3,248,841,000  

 

 

(1)

Includes $2.9 million, $12.2 million, $40.1 million, $116 million, and $246 million in loans originated under the Paycheck Protection Program for June 30, 2022, March 31, 2022, December 31, 2021, September 30, 2021, and June 30, 2021, respectively.

 

(2)

For March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022, home equity lines of credit balances are included in 1-4 family mortgage loans. For prior periods, home equity lines of credit balances are included in other consumer loans.

 

Our credit policies establish guidelines to manage credit risk and asset quality. These guidelines include loan review and early identification of problem loans to provide effective loan portfolio administration. The credit policies and procedures are meant to minimize the risk and uncertainties inherent in lending. In following these policies and procedures, we must rely on estimates, appraisals and evaluations of loans and the possibility that changes in these could occur quickly because of changing economic conditions. Identified problem loans, which exhibit characteristics (financial or otherwise) that could cause the loans to become nonperforming or require restructuring in the future, are included on an internal watch list. Senior management and the Board of Directors review this list regularly. Market value estimates of collateral on impaired loans, as well as on foreclosed and repossessed assets, are reviewed periodically. We also 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 loans, comprised of nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and accruing interest, totaled $1.8 million (0.1% of total loans) as of June 30, 2022, compared to $2.5 million (0.1% of total loans) as of December 31, 2021. Given the low levels of nonperforming loans and accruing loans 30 to 89 days delinquent, combined with the manageable and steady level of watch list credits and what we believe are strong credit administration practices, we remain pleased with the overall quality of the loan portfolio. We had no foreclosed properties as of June 30, 2022 or December 31, 2021.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

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

 

NONPERFORMING LOANS

 
                                         
   

6/30/22

   

3/31/22

   

12/31/21

   

9/30/21

   

6/30/21

 

Residential Real Estate:

                                       

Land Development

  $ 30,000     $ 31,000     $ 32,000     $ 33,000     $ 34,000  

Construction

    0       0       0       0       0  

Owner Occupied / Rental

    1,508,000       1,579,000       1,768,000       2,052,000       2,096,000  
      1,538,000       1,610,000       1,800,000       2,085,000       2,130,000  
                                         

Commercial Real Estate:

                                       

Land Development

    0       0       0       0       0  

Construction

    0       0       0       0       0  

Owner Occupied

    0       0       0       0       0  

Non-Owner Occupied

    0       0       0       0       0  
      0       0       0       0       0  
                                         

Non-Real Estate:

                                       

Commercial Assets

    248,000       0       662,000       673,000       606,000  

Consumer Assets

    1,000       2,000       6,000       8,000       10,000  
      249,000       2,000       668,000       681,000       616,000  
                                         

Total

  $ 1,787,000     $ 1,612,000     $ 2,468,000     $ 2,766,000     $ 2,746,000  

 

OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED & REPOSSESSED ASSETS

 
                                         
   

6/30/22

   

3/31/22

   

12/31/21

   

9/30/21

   

6/30/21

 

Residential Real Estate:

                                       

Land Development

  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  

Construction

    0       0       0       0       0  

Owner Occupied / Rental

    0       0       0       11,000       41,000  
      0       0       0       11,000       41,000  
                                         

Commercial Real Estate:

                                       

Land Development

    0       0       0       0       0  

Construction

    0       0       0       0       0  

Owner Occupied

    0       0       0       100,000       363,000  

Non-Owner Occupied

    0       0       0       0       0  
      0       0       0       100,000       363,000  
                                         

Non-Real Estate:

                                       

Commercial Assets

    0       0       0       0       0  

Consumer Assets

    0       0       0       0       0  
      0       0       0       0       0  
                                         

Total

  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 111,000     $ 404,000  

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

NONPERFORMING LOANS RECONCILIATION 

 

   

2nd Qtr

   

1st Qtr

   

4th Qtr

   

3rd Qtr

   

2nd Qtr

 
   

2022

   

2022

   

2021

   

2021

   

2021

 
                                         

Beginning balance

  $ 1,612,000     $ 2,468,000     $ 2,766,000     $ 2,746,000     $ 2,793,000  

Additions, net of transfers to ORE

    309,000       93,000       218,000       361,000       492,000  

Returns to performing status

    0       (213,000

)

    0       (50,000

)

    0  

Principal payments

    (134,000

)

    (641,000

)

    (377,000

)

    (291,000

)

    (484,000

)

Loan charge-offs

    0       (95,000

)

    (139,000

)

    0       (55,000

)

                                         

Total

  $ 1,787,000     $ 1,612,000     $ 2,468,000     $ 2,766,000     $ 2,746,000  

 

OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED & REPOSSESSED ASSETS RECONCILIATION

 

   

2nd Qtr

   

1st Qtr

   

4th Qtr

   

3rd Qtr

   

2nd Qtr

 
   

2022

   

2022

   

2021

   

2021

   

2021

 
                                         

Beginning balance

  $ 0     $ 0     $ 111,000     $ 404,000     $ 374,000  

Additions

    0       0       0       0       30,000  

Sale proceeds

    0       0       (111,000

)

    (209,000

)

    0  

Valuation write-downs

    0       0       0       (84,000

)

    0  
                                         

Total

  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 111,000     $ 404,000  

 

Loan charge-offs totaled less than $0.1 million during the second quarter of 2022, and aggregated $0.2 million during the first six months of 2022, while recoveries of prior period loan charge-offs equaled $0.3 million and $0.6 million during the respective time periods. A net loan recovery, as a percentage of average total loans, equaled an annualized 0.04% and 0.02% during the second quarter and first six months of 2022, respectively. 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 allowance equaled $36.0 million, or 0.97% of total loans, and over 2,000% of nonperforming loans as of June 30, 2022.

 

We adopted CECL effective January 1, 2022 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2022 are presented under CECL while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with the incurred loss accounting standards. The transition adjustment of the CECL adoption included a decrease in the allowance of $0.4 million, which included a $0.3 million increase to the retained earnings account to reflect the cumulative effect of adopting CECL on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, with the $0.1 million tax impact portion being recorded as part of the deferred tax asset in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

The allowance for loan loss accounting in effect at December 31, 2021 and all prior periods was based on our estimate of probable incurred loan losses as of the reporting date (“incurred loss” methodology). Under the CECL methodology, our allowance is based on the total amount of credit losses that are expected over the remaining life of the loan portfolio. Our estimate of credit losses under CECL is determined using a complex model that relies on historical loss information, reasonable and supportable economic forecasts, and various qualitative factors.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

The primary risk elements with respect to commercial loans are the financial condition of the borrower, the sufficiency of collateral, and timeliness of scheduled payments. We have a policy of requesting and reviewing periodic financial statements from commercial loan customers, and we have a disciplined and formalized review of the existence of collateral and its value. The primary risk element with respect to each residential mortgage 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.

 

See Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further detailed descriptions of our estimation process and methodology related to the allowance. See also Note 3 – Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information regarding our loan portfolio and allowance.

 

As of June 30, 2022, the allowance was comprised of $35.0 million in general reserves relating to performing loans and $1.0 million in specific reserves on other loans, primarily accruing loans designated as troubled debt restructurings. Specific reserve allocations relating to nonaccrual loans were nominal in amount. Troubled debt restructurings totaled $12.6 million at June 30, 2022, consisting of $0.4 million that are on nonaccrual status and $12.2 million that are on accrual status. The latter are not included in our nonperforming loan totals. Loans with an aggregate carrying value of $0.4 million as of June 30, 2022 had been subject to previous partial charge-offs aggregating $0.4 million over the past several years. As of June 30, 2022, there were no specific reserves allocated to 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:

 

   

6/30/22

   

3/31/22

   

12/31/21

   

9/30/21

   

6/30/21

 
                                         

Performing

  $ 12,174,000     $ 5,131,000     $ 16,728,000     $ 20,518,000     $ 20,840,000  

Nonperforming

    420,000       379,000       746,000       782,000       859,000  
                                         

Total

  $ 12,594,000     $ 5,510,000     $ 17,474,000     $ 21,300,000     $ 21,699,000  

 

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

 

Securities available for sale increased $10.9 million during the first six months of 2022, totaling $604 million as of June 30, 2022. Purchases of U.S. Government agency bonds totaled $54.5 million during the first six months of 2022. Purchases of U.S. Government agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities totaled $2.1 million during the first six months of 2022, consisting of investments in CRA-qualified securities, generally reflecting the reinvestment of $3.2 million from principal paydowns on U.S. Government agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities. Purchases of municipal bonds totaled $22.0 million during the first six months of 2022; proceeds from matured and called municipal bonds totaled $8.3 million. At June 30, 2022, the portfolio was primarily comprised of U.S. Government agency bonds (67%), municipal bonds (26%) and U.S. Government agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (6%). All of our securities are currently designated as available for sale, and are therefore stated at fair value. The fair value of securities designated as available for sale at June 30, 2022 totaled $604 million, including a net unrealized loss of $60.3 million. After we considered whether the securities were issued by the federal government or its agencies and whether downgrades by bond rating agencies had occurred, we determined that the unrealized losses were due to changing interest rate environments. As we do not intend to sell our debt securities before recovery of their cost basis and we believe it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell our debt securities before recovery of the cost basis, no unrealized losses are deemed to be other-than-temporary. We maintain the securities portfolio at levels to provide adequate pledging and secondary liquidity for our daily operations. In addition, the securities portfolio serves a primary interest rate risk management function. We expect purchases during the remainder of 2022 to generally consist of U.S. Government agency bonds and municipal bonds, with the securities portfolio maintained at about 12% of total assets.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

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

 

Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) stock totaled $17.7 million as of June 30, 2022, compared to $18.0 million as of December 31, 2021. The reduction reflects the FHLBI’s repurchase of excess stock. 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.

 

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 the first six months of 2022, the average balance of these funds equaled $657 million, or 13.6% of average earning assets, compared to $606 million, or 13.8% of average earning assets, during the first six months of 2021; these levels are substantially higher than our typical average balance of $75 million, or approximately 2% of average earning assets. The elevated levels during 2021 and through the first half of 2022 primarily reflect increased local deposits stemming from Covid-19-related federal government stimulus payments and reduced business and consumer investing and spending, and have had a significant negative impact on our net interest margin.

 

Net premises and equipment equaled $51.4 million at June 30, 2022, representing a decrease of $5.9 million during the first six months of 2022. The decline primarily reflects the sale of a branch facility located in Lansing, Michigan as part of a branch relocation project whereby we are moving our operations to a leased facility that better aligns with our operations in the greater Lansing area and provides for lower operating costs, along with depreciation expense. We had no foreclosed or repossessed assets as of June 30, 2022, unchanged from December 31, 2021.

 

Total deposits decreased $209 million during the first six months of 2022, totaling $3.87 billion at June 30, 2022. Local deposits decreased $185 million and out-of-area deposits declined $23.9 million. The reduced level of local deposits primarily reflected a single customer’s expected withdrawal of a majority of funds that were obtained from the sale of a business and deposited in late 2021; excluding this withdrawal, total local deposits were relatively steady during the first six months of 2022. Noninterest-bearing deposits increased $62.5 million and savings deposits were up $15.2 million, while interest-bearing checking accounts were down $57.8 million, during the first six months of 2022. Money market deposit balances were down $151 million, in large part reflecting the significant withdrawal from a single customer. Local time deposits declined $54.1 million during the first six months of 2022. We had no out-of-area deposits as of June 30, 2022, compared to $23.9 million as of December 31, 2021.

 

Sweep accounts increased $5.9 million during the first six months of 2022, totaling $203 million as of June 30, 2022. The aggregate balance of this funding type is subject to relatively large daily fluctuations given the nature of the customers utilizing this product and the sizable balances maintained by many of the customers. The average balance of sweep accounts equaled $196 million during the first six months of 2022, with a high balance of $224 million and a low balance of $173 million. Our sweep account program entails transferring collected funds from certain business noninterest-bearing checking accounts and savings deposits into over-night interest-bearing repurchase agreements. Such sweep accounts are not deposit accounts and are not afforded federal deposit insurance, and are accounted for as secured borrowings.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

FHLBI advances decreased $11.7 million during the first six months of 2022, totaling $362 million as of June 30, 2022. Amortizing FHLBI advances aggregating $28.3 million were obtained, while bullet advances aggregating $40.0 million matured. Amortizing FHLBI advances are generally acquired to match-fund specific longer-term fixed rate commercial loans, with the dollar amount and amortization structure of the underlying advances reflective of the associated commercial loans. Bullet FHLBI advances are generally obtained to provide funds for loan growth and are used to assist in managing interest rate risk. FHLBI advances are collateralized by residential mortgage loans, first mortgage liens on multi-family residential property loans, first mortgage liens on commercial real estate property loans, and substantially all other assets of our bank, under a blanket lien arrangement. Our borrowing line of credit as of June 30, 2022 totaled $932 million, with remaining availability based on collateral equaling $564 million.

 

On January 14, 2022, we entered into Subordinated Note Purchase Agreements with certain institutional accredited investors pursuant to which we issued and sold $15.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 3.25% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes (“Notes”). The Notes have a stated maturity date 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 January 14, 2022, we injected $15.0 million of the issuance proceeds into our bank as an increase to equity capital. This $15.0 million issuance was a follow-on to the $75.0 million issuance that was completed on December 15, 2021, in which $70.0 million of the issuance proceeds were injected into our bank as an increase to equity capital.

 

Shareholders’ equity was $429 million at June 30, 2022, compared to $457 million at December 31, 2021. Shareholders’ equity was positively impacted by net income of $23.2 million, which was partially offset by payments of cash dividends totaling $9.6 million. A $43.9 million after-tax decline in the market value of our available for sale securities portfolio, reflecting significant increases in market interest rates, negatively impacted shareholders’ equity during the first six months of 2022.

 

Liquidity

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

 

To assist in providing needed funds and managing interest rate risk, we periodically obtain monies from wholesale funding sources. Wholesale funds, primarily comprised of deposits from customers outside of our market areas and advances from the FHLBI, totaled $362 million, or 8.2% of combined deposits and borrowed funds, as of June 30, 2022, compared to $398 million, or 8.5% of combined deposits and borrowed funds, as of December 31, 2021.

 

Sweep accounts increased $5.9 million during the first six months of 2022, totaling $203 million as of June 30, 2022. The aggregate balance of this funding type is subject to relatively large daily fluctuations given the nature of the customers utilizing this product and the sizable balances maintained by many of the customers. The average balance of sweep accounts equaled $196 million during the first six months of 2022, with a high balance of $224 million and a low balance of $173 million. Our sweep account program entails transferring collected funds from certain business noninterest-bearing checking accounts and savings deposits into over-night interest-bearing repurchase agreements. Such sweep accounts are not deposit accounts and are not afforded federal deposit insurance, and are accounted for as secured borrowings.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Information regarding our repurchase agreements as of June 30, 2022 and during the first six months of 2022 is as follows:

 

Outstanding balance at June 30, 2022

$ 203,339,000  

Weighted average interest rate at June 30, 2022

  0.10

%

Maximum daily balance six months ended June 30, 2022

$ 224,345,000  

Average daily balance for six months ended June 30, 2022

$ 196,327,000  

Weighted average interest rate for six months ended June 30, 2022

  0.10

%

 

FHLBI advances decreased $11.7 million during the first six months of 2022, totaling $362 million as of June 30, 2022. Amortizing FHLBI advance aggregating $28.3 million were obtained, while bullet advances aggregating $40.0 million matured. Amortizing FHLBI advances are generally acquired to match-fund specific longer-term fixed rate commercial loans, with the dollar amount and amortization structure of the underlying advances reflective of the associated commercial loans. Bullet FHLBI advances are generally obtained to provide funds for loan growth and are used to assist in managing interest rate risk. FHLBI advances are collateralized by residential mortgage loans, first mortgage liens on multi-family residential property loans, first mortgage liens on commercial real estate property loans, and substantially all other assets of our bank, under a blanket lien arrangement. Our borrowing line of credit as of June 30, 2022 totaled $932 million, with remaining availability based on collateral equaling $564 million.

 

We also have the ability to borrow up to an aggregate $70.0 million on a daily basis through correspondent banks using established unsecured federal funds purchased lines of credit. We did not access these lines of credit during the first six months of 2022. In contrast, our interest-earning deposit balance with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago averaged $650 million during the first six months of 2022. We also have a line of credit through the Discount Window of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Using certain municipal bonds as collateral, we could have borrowed up to $27.2 million as of June 30, 2022. We did not utilize this line of credit during the first six months of 2022 or at any time during the previous 13 fiscal years, and do not plan to access this line of credit in future periods.

 

The following table reflects, as of June 30, 2022, significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by payment date, excluding accrued interest:

 

   

One Year

   

One to

   

Three to

   

Over

         
   

or Less

   

Three Years

   

Five Years

   

Five Years

   

Total

 
                                         

Deposits without a stated maturity

  $ 3,519,988,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 3,519,988,000  

Time deposits

    215,613,000       85,947,000       52,345,000       0       353,905,000  

Short-term borrowings

    203,339,000       0       0       0       203,339,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    94,353,000       161,689,000       81,838,000       24,383,000       362,263,000  

Subordinated debentures

    0       0       0       48,585,000       48,585,000  

Subordinated notes

    0       0       0       88,457,000       88,457,000  

Other borrowed money

    0       0       0       1,165,000       1,165,000  

Property leases

    591,000       1,217,000       232,000       2,278,000       4,318,000  

 

In addition to normal loan funding and deposit flow, we must maintain liquidity to meet the demands of certain unfunded loan commitments and standby letters of credit. As of June 30, 2022, we had a total of $1.68 billion in unfunded loan commitments and $35.0 million in unfunded standby letters of credit. Of the total unfunded loan commitments, $1.46 billion were commitments available as lines of credit to be drawn at any time as customers’ cash needs vary, and $253 million were for loan commitments generally expected to close and become funded within the next 12 to 18 months. We regularly monitor fluctuations in loan balances and commitment levels, and include such data in our overall liquidity management.

 

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


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Capital Resources

Shareholders’ equity was $429 million at June 30, 2022, compared to $457 million at December 31, 2021. Shareholders’ equity was positively impacted by net income of $23.2 million, which was partially offset by payments of cash dividends totaling $9.6 million. A $43.9 million after-tax decline in the market value of our available for sale securities portfolio, reflecting significant increases in market interest rates, negatively impacted shareholders’ equity during the first six months of 2022.

 

We and our bank are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. Failure to meet the various capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that could have a direct material effect on the financial statements. Under the final BASEL III capital rules that became effective on January 1, 2015, there is a requirement for a common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets which is in addition to the other minimum risk-based capital standards in the rule. Institutions that do not meet this required capital buffer will become subject to progressively more stringent limitations on the percentage of earnings that can be paid out in cash dividends or used for stock repurchases and on the payment of discretionary bonuses to senior executive management. The capital buffer requirement was phased in over three years beginning in 2016. The capital buffer requirement raised the minimum required common equity Tier 1 capital ratio to 7.0%, the Tier 1 capital ratio to 8.5% and the total capital ratio to 10.5% on a fully phased-in basis on January 1, 2019. We believe that, as of June 30, 2022, our bank met all capital adequacy requirements under the BASEL III capital rules on a fully phased-in basis.

 

As of June 30, 2022, our bank’s total risk-based capital ratio was 13.4%, compared to 13.6% at December 31, 2021. Our bank’s total regulatory capital increased $30.7 million during the first six months of 2022, in large part reflecting net income totaling $27.6 million and a $15.0 million equity injection associated with the Notes issuance, which was partially offset by cash dividends paid to us aggregating $13.0 million. Our bank’s total risk-based capital ratio was also impacted by a $285 million increase in total risk-weighted assets, primarily resulting from net growth in commercial loans and residential mortgage loans. As of June 30, 2022, our bank’s total regulatory capital equaled $582 million, or $149 million in excess of the 10.0% minimum that is among the requirements to be categorized as “well capitalized.” Our and our bank’s capital ratios as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are disclosed in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Results of Operations

We recorded net income of $11.7 million, or $0.74 per basic and diluted share, for the second quarter of 2022, compared to net income of $18.1 million, or $1.12 per basic and diluted share, for the second quarter of 2021. We recorded net income of $23.2 million, or $1.47 per basic and diluted share, for the first six months of 2022, compared to net income of $32.3 million, or $2.00 per basic and diluted share, for the first six months of 2021.

 

The lower levels of net income during the second quarter and first six months of 2022 compared to the respective prior-year periods resulted from decreased noninterest income as well as higher credit loss provisions and overhead costs, which more than offset increased net interest income. The reduction in noninterest income primarily reflected decreased mortgage banking income, which outweighed increases in several key fee income categories. The credit loss provisions recorded during the current-year periods mainly reflected allocations dictated by commercial and residential mortgage loan growth, increased specific reserves for certain problem commercial loan relationships, and a higher reserve for residential mortgage loans resulting from an increase in the average life of the portfolio. Negative loan loss provisions were recorded during the second quarter and first six months of 2021, primarily reflecting a reduced allocation associated with the economic and business conditions environmental factor. Excluding nonrecurring transactions, overhead costs decreased slightly during the second quarter of 2022 compared to the prior-year second quarter, mainly reflecting lower compensation costs, and were up less than 2% during the first six months of 2022 compared to the respective 2021 period, primarily reflecting higher data processing costs. The higher level of net interest income during the second quarter of 2022 resulted from earning asset growth and an improved net interest margin, while the increase in net interest income during the first six months of 2022 reflected earning asset growth, which more than offset a slight decline in the net interest margin in large part driven by decreased PPP net loan fee income accretion.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Interest income during the second quarter of 2022 was $39.6 million, an increase of $3.8 million, or 10.6%, from the $35.8 million earned during the second quarter of 2021. The increase resulted from growth in, and a higher yield on, average earning assets. Average earning assets equaled $4.78 billion during the current-year second quarter, up $311 million, or 7.0%, from the level of $4.47 billion during the respective 2021 period; average loans and average securities were up $268 million and $132 million, respectively, while average interest-earning deposits decreased $88.8 million. The yield on average earning assets was 3.32% during the second quarter of 2022, up from 3.20% during the prior-year second quarter. The higher yield primarily resulted from an increased yield on other interest-earning assets, reflecting the rising interest rate environment, and a change in earning asset mix, comprised of a decrease in lower-yielding interest-earning deposits and an increase in higher-yielding loans as a percentage of earning assets. On average, lower-yielding interest-earning deposits represented 11.1% of earning assets during the second quarter of 2022, down from 13.9% during the second quarter of 2021, while higher-yielding loans represented 76.0% of earning assets during the current-year second quarter, up from 75.3% during the second quarter of 2021. The yield on average loans during the second quarter of 2022 was virtually unchanged from the yield during the second quarter of 2021 as the negative impact of a lower level of PPP net loan fee accretion was substantially offset by the positive impact of higher interest rates on variable-rate commercial loans stemming from the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) significantly raising the targeted federal funds rate by a total of 150 basis points during the period of March 2022 through June 2022. PPP net loan fee accretion totaled $0.2 million during the second quarter of 2022, compared to $2.9 million during the prior-year second quarter. 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 has persisted since that time, negatively impacted the yield on average earning assets by 28 basis points and 42 basis points during the second quarters of 2022 and 2021, respectively. The excess funds, consisting almost entirely of low-yielding deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, are mainly a product of local deposit growth and PPP loan forgiveness activities.

 

Interest income during the first six months of 2022 was $75.4 million, an increase of $4.8 million, or 6.9%, from the $70.6 million earned during the respective 2021 period. The increase resulted from growth in average earning assets, which more than offset a lower yield on average earning assets. Average earning assets equaled $4.83 billion during the first six months of 2022, up $449 million, or 10.3%, from the level of $4.38 billion during the first six months of 2021; average loans were up $235 million, average securities increased $163 million, and average interest-earning deposits were up $51.1 million. The yield on average earning assets was 3.16% during the first six months of 2022, compared to 3.23% during the respective prior-year period. The decline resulted from a lower yield on loans and a change in earning asset mix, which more than offset a higher yield on other interest-earning assets, reflecting the increasing interest rate environment. The yield on loans was 3.92% during the first six months of 2022, down from 4.01% during the respective 2021 period primarily due to a lower yield on commercial loans. The decrease in the yield on commercial loans from 4.06% during the first six months of 2021 to 4.01% in the comparable current-year period primarily reflected a lower level of PPP net loan accretion, which more than offset the previously mentioned impact of higher interest rates on variable-rate loans resulting from FOMC rate hikes. PPP net loan fee accretion totaled $1.0 million during the first six months of 2022, compared to $5.7 million during the first six months of 2021. On average, higher-yielding loans represented 73.7% of earning assets during the first six months of 2022, down from 75.9% during the respective 2021 period. The significant volume of excess on-balance sheet liquidity negatively impacted the yield on average earning assets by 37 basis points and 43 basis points during the first six months of 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

Interest expense during the second quarter of 2022 was $5.2 million, an increase of $0.3 million, or 6.5%, from the $4.9 million expensed during the second quarter of 2021. The increase is attributable to growth in average interest-bearing liabilities, which totaled $2.91 billion during the current-year second quarter compared to $2.67 billion during the prior-year second quarter, representing an increase of $239 million, or 8.9%. The weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities of 0.72% during the second quarter of 2022 declined slightly compared to the respective 2021 period as a decrease in the cost of time deposits was substantially offset by an increase in the cost of borrowings. The cost of time deposits decreased from 1.24% during the second quarter of 2021 to 0.83% during the current-year second quarter mainly due to lower interest rates paid on local time deposits. The cost of borrowed funds increased from 1.73% during the second quarter of 2021 to 1.90% during the second quarter of 2022 primarily due to the issuance of $90.0 million in subordinated notes in December of 2021 and January of 2022 and a higher cost of subordinated debentures. The cost of subordinated debentures was 4.63% during the second quarter of 2022, up from 3.79% during the respective 2021 period due to increases in the 90-Day Libor Rate.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Interest expense during the first six months of 2022 was $10.2 million, an increase of less than $0.1 million from the amount expensed during the first six months of 2021. The nominal increase is attributable to growth in interest-bearing liabilities, which was substantially offset by a lower weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. Average interest-bearing liabilities were $2.99 billion during the first six months of 2022, up $353 million, or 13.4%, from the $2.64 billion average during the respective 2021 period. The weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased from 0.78% during the first six months of 2021 to 0.69% during the respective current-year period mainly due to a lower cost of time deposits, which more than offset an increase in the cost of borrowings. The cost of time deposits decreased from 1.37% during the first six months of 2021 to 0.86% during the first six months of 2022 primarily due to lower interest rates paid on local time deposits. The cost of borrowed funds increased from 1.75% during the first six months of 2021 to 1.86% during the respective 2022 period, mainly reflecting the issuance of subordinated notes and a higher cost of subordinated debentures. The cost of subordinated debentures was 4.22% during the first six months of 2022, up from 3.82% during the first six months of 2021 due to increases in the 90-Day Libor Rate.

 

Net interest income during the second quarter of 2022 was $34.3 million, an increase of $3.4 million, or 11.2%, from the $30.9 million earned during the respective 2021 period. The increase resulted from growth in average earning assets and an improved net interest margin. The net interest margin increased from 2.76% in the second quarter of 2021 to 2.88% in the current-year second quarter due to a higher yield on average earning assets. The increased yield primarily stemmed from a higher yield on other interest-earning assets, reflecting the rising interest rate environment, and a change in earning asset mix, comprised of a reduction in lower-yielding interest-earning deposits and an increase in higher-yielding loans as a percentage of earning assets. The cost of funds equaled 0.44% in the second quarter of 2022, unchanged from the prior-year second quarter as an increased cost of borrowings, primarily reflecting the issuance of $90.0 million in subordinated notes, was offset by a decreased cost of time deposits. The significant level of excess on-balance sheet liquidity negatively impacted the net interest margin by 23 basis points and 37 basis points during the second quarters of 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

Net interest income during the first six months of 2022 was $65.2 million, an increase of $4.8 million, or 8.0%, from the $60.4 million earned during the first six months of 2021. The increase resulted from growth in average earning assets, which more than offset a lower net interest margin. The net interest margin decreased from 2.76% in the first six months of 2021 to 2.73% in the respective 2021 period due to a lower yield on average earning assets, which more than offset a reduction in the cost of funds. The decreased yield on average earning assets mainly resulted from a lower yield on commercial loans, in large part reflecting a reduced level of PPP net loan accretion, and a change in earning asset mix, consisting of a decrease in higher-yielding loans as a percentage of earning assets. The cost of funds equaled 0.43% during the first six months of 2022, down from 0.46% during the respective prior-year period primarily due to a lower cost of local time deposits. The significant level of excess on-balance sheet liquidity negatively impacted the net interest margin by 32 basis points and 37 basis points during the first six months of 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

The following tables set forth certain information relating to our consolidated average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and reflect the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the second quarters and first six months of 2022 and 2021. Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average daily balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the period presented. Tax-exempt securities interest income and yield for the second quarters and first six months of 2022 and 2021 have been computed on a tax equivalent basis using a marginal tax rate of 21.0%. Securities interest income was increased by $60,000 in the second quarter of both 2022 and 2021 and $120,000 in the first six months of both 2022 and 2021 for this non-GAAP, but industry standard, adjustment. These adjustments equated to increases in our net interest margin of less than one basis point for each of the 2022 and 2021 periods.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

   

Quarters ended June 30,

 
   

2 0 2 2

   

2 0 2 1

 
   

Average

           

Average

   

Average

           

Average

 
   

Balance

   

Interest

   

Rate

   

Balance

   

Interest

   

Rate

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

 

ASSETS

                                               

Loans

  $ 3,633,587     $ 36,003       3.97 %   $ 3,365,686     $ 33,789       3.99 %

Investment securities

    615,733       2,589       1.68       483,805       1,862       1.54  

Other interest-earning assets

    530,571       1,018       0.76       619,358       183       0.12  

Total interest - earning assets

    4,779,891       39,610       3.32       4,468,849       35,834       3.20  
                                                 

Allowance for credit losses

    (35,681

)

                    (39,406

)

               

Other assets

    333,248                       323,415                  
                                                 

Total assets

  $ 5,077,458                     $ 4,752,858                  
                                                 
                                                 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

                                               

Interest-bearing deposits

  $ 2,201,797     $ 1,873       0.34 %   $ 2,074,759     $ 2,346       0.45 %

Short-term borrowings

    193,735       49       0.10       150,778       40       0.11  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    373,911       1,911       2.02       394,000       2,050       2.06  

Other borrowings

    138,127       1,391       4.04       49,421       467       3.74  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    2,907,570       5,224       0.72       2,668,958       4,903       0.74  
                                                 

Noninterest-bearing deposits

    1,706,349                       1,619,976                  

Other liabilities

    34,666                       17,995                  

Shareholders’ equity

    428,873                       445,929                  
                                                 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 5,077,458                     $ 4,752,858                  
                                                 

Net interest income

          $ 34,386                     $ 30,931          
                                                 

Net interest rate spread

                    2.60 %                     2.46 %

Net interest spread on average assets

                    2.72 %                     2.61 %

Net interest margin on earning assets

                    2.88 %                     2.76 %

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

   

Six months ended June 30,

 
   

2 0 2 2

   

2 0 2 1

 
   

Average

           

Average

   

Average

           

Average

 
   

Balance

   

Interest

   

Rate

   

Balance

   

Interest

   

Rate

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

 

ASSETS

                                               

Loans

  $ 3,559,461     $ 69,254       3.92 %   $ 3,324,006     $ 66,774       4.01 %

Investment securities

    614,532       4,914       1.60       451,837       3,554       1.57  

Other interest-earning assets

    656,682       1,384       0.42       605,564       351       0.12  

Total interest - earning assets

    4,830,675       75,552       3.16       4,381,407       70,679       3.23  
                                                 

Allowance for credit losses

    (35,486

)

                    (38,794

)

               

Other assets

    327,569                       323,759                  
                                                 

Total assets

  $ 5,122,758                     $ 4,666,372                  
                                                 
                                                 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

                                               

Interest-bearing deposits

  $ 2,282,667     $ 3,698       0.33 %   $ 2,050,959     $ 5,063       0.50 %

Short-term borrowings

    196,328       99       0.10       141,861       76       0.11  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    373,290       3,774       2.01       394,000       4,077       2.06  

Other borrowings

    137,004       2,650       3.90       49,610       939       3.76  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    2,989,289       10,221       0.69       2,636,430       10,155       0.78  
                                                 

Noninterest-bearing deposits

    1,666,125                       1,565,458                  

Other liabilities

    28,034                       19,723                  

Shareholders’ equity

    439,310                       444,761                  
                                                 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 5,122,758                     $ 4,666,372                  
                                                 

Net interest income

          $ 65,331                     $ 60,524          
                                                 

Net interest rate spread

                    2.47 %                     2.45 %

Net interest spread on average assets

                    2.57 %                     2.62 %

Net interest margin on earning assets

                    2.73 %                     2.76 %

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

A provision for credit losses of $0.5 million was recorded during the second quarter of 2022, compared to a negative provision of $3.1 million during the second quarter of 2021. A provision for credit losses of $0.6 million was recorded during the first six months of 2022, compared to a negative provision of $2.8 million during the first six months of 2021. The provision expense recorded during the current-year periods mainly reflected allocations necessitated by commercial loan and residential mortgage loan growth, increased specific reserves for certain problem commercial loan relationships, and a higher reserve for residential mortgage loans stemming from slower principal prepayment rates and the associated extended average life of the portfolio. The required reserve allocations resulting from these factors were largely offset by the positive impact of a change in the Covid-19 environmental factor, the recording of net loan recoveries, and ongoing strong loan quality metrics during the periods. The Covid-19 environmental factor was added in the second quarter of 2020 to address the unique challenges and economic uncertainty resulting from the pandemic and its potential impact on the collectability of the loan portfolio. Improvement in overall Covid-19 conditions, including increased vaccination rates, the availability of booster shots, and the lifting of many economic growth-restraining restrictions, lessened the required credit reserve amount related to the Covid-19 environmental factor. The negative provision expense recorded during the 2021 periods was mainly comprised of a reduced allocation associated with the economic and business conditions environmental factor, reflecting improvement in both current and forecasted economic conditions.

 

We adopted CECL effective January 1, 2022, using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2022, are presented under CECL, while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with the incurred loss accounting standards. The transition adjustment of the CECL adoption included a $0.4 million decrease in the allowance and a $0.3 million increase to the retained earnings account to reflect the cumulative effect of adopting CECL on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, with the $0.1 million tax impact portion being recorded as part of the deferred tax asset in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

During the second quarter of 2022, loan charge-offs totaled less than $0.1 million, while recoveries of prior period loan charge-offs equaled $0.3 million, providing for net loan recoveries of $0.3 million, or an annualized 0.04% of average total loans. During the second quarter of 2021, loan charge-offs totaled $0.1 million, while recoveries of prior period loan charge-offs equaled $0.4 million, providing for net loan recoveries of $0.3 million, or an annualized 0.04% of average total loans. During the first six months of 2022, loan charge-offs totaled $0.2 million, while recoveries of prior period loan charge-offs equaled $0.6 million, providing for net loan recoveries of $0.4 million, or an annualized 0.02% of average total loans. During the first six months of 2021, loan charge-offs totaled $0.1 million, while recoveries of prior period loan charge-offs equaled $0.8 million, providing for net loan recoveries of $0.7 million, or an annualized 0.05% of average total loans. The allowance for credit losses, as a percentage of total loans, was 1.0% as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, and 1.1% as of June 30, 2021.

 

Noninterest income during the second quarter of 2022 was $7.7 million, compared to $14.6 million during the prior-year second quarter. Noninterest income during the first six months of 2022 was $17.0 million, compared to $28.0 million during the first six months of 2021. During the second quarter and first six months of 2022, noninterest income included a $0.5 million bank owned life insurance claim, while noninterest income during the respective prior-year periods included a $1.1 million gain on the sale of a branch. Excluding the impacts of these transactions, noninterest income decreased $6.3 million during the second quarter of 2022 and $10.5 million during the first six months of 2022 compared to the respective 2021 periods. The lower levels of noninterest income almost exclusively reflected decreased mortgage banking income and interest rate swap income, which more than offset increases in several key fee income sources, including service charges on accounts, credit and debit card income, and payroll processing fees. Continued strength in purchase residential mortgage loan originations during the second quarter and first six months of 2022 partially mitigated the negative impacts of higher interest rates, reduced refinance activity, lower sold percentages, and decreased gain on sale rates on mortgage banking income during the periods when compared to the respective prior-year periods. The residential mortgage loan sold percentage declined from approximately 59% during the second quarter of 2021 and approximately 70% during the first six months of 2021 to approximately 27% and 36% during the respective current-year periods. The decreased sold percentages in large part reflect customers’ preferences for adjustable-rate loans in the current interest rate environment and construction loans representing an increased percentage of overall loan production.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

The declines in interest rate swap income reflect lower transaction volumes. In aggregate, service charges on accounts, credit and debit card income, and payroll processing fees were up nearly 16% during the second quarter and first six months of 2022 compared to the respective prior-year periods.

 

Noninterest expense totaled $26.9 million during the second quarter of 2022, up from $26.2 million during the prior-year second quarter. Noninterest expense during the first six months of 2022 was $52.7 million, compared to $51.3 million during the respective prior-year period. Overhead costs during the second quarter and first six months of 2022 included a $0.4 million expense associated with the sale of a branch facility and a $0.5 million contribution to The Mercantile Bank Foundation. Overhead costs during the first six months of 2021 included $0.5 million in net losses on sales and write-downs of former branch facilities. Excluding these transactions, noninterest expense decreased $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2022 and increased $0.9 million in the first six months of 2022 compared to the respective 2021 periods. The slightly lower level of expense in the second quarter of 2022 primarily resulted from higher residential mortgage loan deferred salary costs as well as decreased health insurance costs and residential mortgage lender commissions and associated incentives, which more than offset increased regular salary expense and a larger bonus accrual. The higher level of expense in the first six months of 2022 mainly reflected increased regular salary expense and data processing costs, which more than offset higher residential mortgage loan deferred costs and lower residential mortgage lender commissions and related incentives. The increased residential mortgage loan deferred salary costs reflected the outcome of an updated loan origination cost study and resulting higher allocated cost per loan, while the decreased residential mortgage lender commissions and associated incentives resulted from reduced loan production, in large part reflecting lower refinance activity. Health insurance costs were lower in the 2022 periods due to a lower volume of claims. Regular salary expense, mainly reflecting annual employee merit pay increases, and data processing costs, primarily reflecting higher transaction volume and software support costs, were up in the 2022 periods compared to the prior-year periods. Other employee costs, consisting mainly of meals, entertainment, training, travel, and mileage, increased in the 2022 periods in large part due to the easing of Covid-19 pandemic-related restrictions. Stock-based compensation also increased in the 2022 periods.

 

During the second quarter of 2022, we recorded income before federal income tax of $14.6 million and a federal income tax expense of $2.9 million. During the second quarter of 2021, we recorded income before federal income tax of $22.3 million and a federal income tax expense of $4.2 million. During the first six months of 2022, we recorded income before federal income tax of $28.9 million and a federal income tax expense of $5.7 million. During the first six months of 2021, we recorded income before federal income tax of $39.9 million and a federal income tax expense of $7.6 million. The decreased federal income tax expense in both 2022 periods resulted from lower levels of income before federal income tax. Our effective tax rate was 19.8% during the second quarter and first six months of 2022 and 19.0% during the respective 2021 periods.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

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

 

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

 

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

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

The following table depicts our GAP position as of June 30, 2022:

 

   

Within

   

Three to

   

One to

   

After

         
   

Three

   

Twelve

   

Five

   

Five

         
   

Months

   

Months

   

Years

   

Years

   

Total

 

Assets:

                                       

Commercial loans (1)

  $ 1,793,249,000     $ 80,274,000     $ 905,967,000     $ 339,911,000     $ 3,119,401,000  

Residential real estate loans

    35,674,000       15,605,000       116,338,000       423,407,000       591,024,000  

Consumer loans

    1,330,000       731,000       10,666,000       648,000       13,375,000  

Securities (2)

    18,232,000       12,821,000       216,149,000       374,157,000       621,359,000  

Other interest-earning assets

    398,401,000       1,501,000       3,000,000       0       402,902,000  

Allowance for credit losses

    0       0       0       0       (35,974,000

)

Other assets

    0       0       0       0       346,468,000  

Total assets

    2,246,886,000       110,932,000       1,252,120,000       1,138,123,000     $ 5,058,555,000  
                                         

Liabilities:

                                       

Interest-bearing checking

    481,016,000       0       0       0       481,016,000  

Savings deposits

    409,505,000       0       0       0       409,505,000  

Money market accounts

    889,035,000       0       0       0       889,035,000  

Time deposits under $100,000

    22,018,000       57,273,000       41,639,000       0       120,930,000  

Time deposits $100,000 & over

    51,801,000       84,521,000       96,653,000       0       232,975,000  

Short-term borrowings

    203,339,000       0       0       0       203,339,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    24,000,000       70,353,000       243,527,000       24,383,000       362,263,000  

Other borrowed money

    49,750,000       0       88,457,000       0       138,207,000  

Noninterest-bearing checking

    0       0       0       0       1,740,432,000  

Other liabilities

    0       0       0       0       51,870,000  

Total liabilities

    2,130,464,000       212,147,000       470,276,000       24,383,000       4,629,572,000  

Shareholders' equity

    0       0       0       0       428,983,000  

Total liabilities & shareholders' equity

    2,130,464,000       212,147,000       470,276,000       24,383,000     $ 5,058,555,000  
                                         

Net asset (liability) GAP

  $ 116,422,000     $ (101,215,000

)

  $ 781,844,000     $ 1,113,740,000          
                                         

Cumulative GAP

  $ 116,422,000     $ 15,207,000     $ 797,051,000     $ 1,910,791,000          
                                         

Percent of cumulative GAP to total assets

    2.3 %     0.3 %     15.8 %     37.8 %        

 

(1)

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

 

(2)

Mortgage-backed securities are categorized by average life calculations based upon prepayment trends as of June 30, 2022.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

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

 

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

 

 

We conducted multiple simulations as of June 30, 2022, in which it was assumed that changes in market interest rates occurred ranging from up 300 basis points to down 200 basis points in equal quarterly instalments over the next twelve months. The following table reflects the suggested dollar and percentage changes in net interest income over the next twelve months in comparison to the $140 million in net interest income projected using our balance sheet amounts and anticipated replacement rates as of June 30, 2022. The resulting estimates are generally within our policy parameters established to manage and monitor interest rate risk.

 

 

   

Dollar Change

   

Percent Change

 
   

In Net

   

In Net

 

 

 

Interest Income

   

Interest Income

 
Interest Rate Scenario                

Interest rates down 200 basis points

  $ (10,000,000

)

    (7.2% )

Interest rates down 100 basis points

    (4,500,000

)

    (3.2 )

Interest rates up 100 basis points

    4,300,000       3.1  

Interest rates up 200 basis points

    8,800,000       6.3  

Interest rates up 300 basis points

    13,400,000       9.5  

 

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

 

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

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

As of June 30, 2022, 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 June 30, 2022.

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 


 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 


 

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

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

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those previously disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

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

We made no unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarter ended June 30, 2022.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

On May 27, 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. 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. No shares were repurchased during the first six months of 2022. As of June 30, 2022, repurchases aggregating $6.8 million were available to be made under the current repurchase program.

 

Repurchases made during the second quarter of 2022 are detailed in the table below.

 

Period

 

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased

   

Average

Price Paid Per

Share

   

Total Number of

Shares Purchased as

Part of Publicly

Announced Plans or

Programs

   

Maximum Number

of Shares or

Approximate Dollar

Value that May Yet Be

Purchased Under the

Plans or Programs

 

April 1 – 30

    0     $ 0       0     $ 6,818,000  

May 1 – 31

    0       0       0       6,818,000  

June 1 – 30

    0       0       0       6,818,000  

Total

    0     $ 0       0     $ 6,818,000  

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

Not applicable.

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

EXHIBIT NO.

EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION

   

3.1

Articles of Incorporation of Mercantile Bank Corporation, including all amendments thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Form S-4 Registration Statement filed February 16, 2022

   

3.2

Our Amended and Restated Bylaws dated as of February 26, 2015 are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 26, 2015

   

31

Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications

 

 

32.1

Section 1350 Chief Executive Officer Certification

   

32.2

Section 1350 Chief Financial Officer Certification

   

101

The following financial information from Mercantile’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, formatted in Inline XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on August 5, 2022.

 

 

 

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

 
       
       
       
 

By:

/s/ Robert B. Kaminski, Jr.

 
 

Robert B. Kaminski, Jr.

 
 

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

       
       
 

By:

/s/ Charles E. Christmas

 
 

Charles E. Christmas

 
 

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

81