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EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - TCF FINANCIAL CORPchfc2017q1exhibit321.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - TCF FINANCIAL CORPchfc2017q1exhibit312.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - TCF FINANCIAL CORPchfc2017q1exhibit311.htm
EX-10.1 - EXHIBIT 10.1 - TCF FINANCIAL CORPchfc2017q1exhibit101.htm
EX-3.1 - EXHIBIT 3.1 - TCF FINANCIAL CORPchfc2017q1exhibit31.htm
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-Q 
(Mark One)
þ
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017
 
¨
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________            
Commission File Number: 000-08185 
CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
Michigan
 
38-2022454
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
235 E. Main Street
Midland, Michigan
 
48640
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(989) 839-5350
(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  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
 
þ

 
Accelerated filer
 
¨

 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
 
¨
 
 
 
 
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. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock, $1 par value, as of May 8, 2017, was 71,121,541 shares.
 
 
 
 
 



INDEX
Chemical Financial Corporation
Form 10-Q
Index to Form 10-Q
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of March 31, 2017 (unaudited) and December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2


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 the Corporation. Words and phrases such as "anticipates," "believes," "continue," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "future," "intends," "is likely," "judgment," "look ahead," "look forward," "on schedule," "opinion," "opportunity," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "probable," "projects," "should," "strategic," "trend," "will," and variations of such words and phrases or similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon current beliefs and expectations and involve substantial risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements include, among others, statements related to future levels of loan charge-offs, future levels of provisions for loan losses, real estate valuation, future levels of nonperforming assets, the rate of asset dispositions, future capital levels, future dividends, future growth and funding sources, future liquidity levels, future profitability levels, future deposit insurance premiums, future asset levels, the effects on earnings of future changes in interest rates, the future level of other revenue sources, future economic trends and conditions, future initiatives to expand the Corporation’s market share, expected performance and cash flows from acquired loans, future effects of new or changed accounting standards, future opportunities for acquisitions, opportunities to increase top line revenues, the Corporation’s ability to grow its core franchise, future cost savings and the Corporation’s ability to maintain adequate liquidity and capital based on the requirements adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and U.S. regulators. All statements referencing future time periods are forward-looking.
Management's determination of the provision and allowance for loan losses; the carrying value of acquired loans, goodwill and mortgage servicing rights; the fair value of investment securities (including whether any impairment on any investment security is temporary or other-than-temporary and the amount of any impairment); and management's assumptions concerning pension and other postretirement benefit plans involve judgments that are inherently forward-looking. There can be no assurance that future loan losses will be limited to the amounts estimated. All of the information concerning interest rate sensitivity is forward-looking. The future effect of changes in the financial and credit markets and the national and regional economies on the banking industry, generally, and on the Corporation, specifically, are also inherently uncertain. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("risk factors") that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
In addition, risk factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors described in Item 1A of Chemical's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. These and other factors are representative of the risk factors that may emerge and could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a preceding forward-looking statement.

3


Part I. Financial Information

Item 1.    Financial Statements
Chemical Financial Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash due from banks
 
$
191,940

 
$
237,758

Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank and other banks
 
249,840

 
236,644

Total cash and cash equivalents
 
441,780

 
474,402

Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale, at fair value
 
1,275,846

 
1,234,964

Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $639,800 and $608,531, respectively)
 
647,192

 
623,427

Total investment securities
 
1,923,038

 
1,858,391

Loans held-for-sale, at fair value
 
39,123

 
81,830

Loans
 
13,273,392

 
12,990,779

Allowance for loan losses
 
(78,774
)
 
(78,268
)
Net loans
 
13,194,618

 
12,912,511

Premises and equipment
 
142,763

 
145,012

Loan servicing rights ($64,604 and $48,085 measured at fair value, respectively)
 
64,604

 
58,315

Goodwill
 
1,133,534

 
1,133,534

Other intangible assets
 
38,848

 
40,211

Interest receivable and other assets
 
658,665

 
650,973

Total assets
 
$
17,636,973

 
$
17,355,179

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing
 
$
3,399,287

 
$
3,341,520

Interest-bearing
 
9,733,060

 
9,531,602

Total deposits
 
13,132,347

 
12,873,122

Interest payable and other liabilities
 
114,789

 
134,637

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with customers
 
398,910

 
343,047

Short-term borrowings
 
900,000

 
825,000

Long-term borrowings
 
490,876

 
597,847

Total liabilities
 
15,036,922

 
14,773,653

Shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, no par value:
 
 
 
 
Authorized – 2,000,000 shares at 3/31/17 and 12/31/2016, none issued
 

 

Common stock, $1.00 par value per share:
 
 
 
 
Authorized – 100,000,000 shares at 3/31/17 and 12/31/16
 
 
 
 
Issued and outstanding – 71,117,908 shares at 3/31/17 and 70,599,133 shares at 12/31/16
 
71,118

 
70,599

Additional paid-in capital
 
2,194,705

 
2,210,762

Retained earnings
 
372,193

 
340,201

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(37,965
)
 
(40,036
)
Total shareholders’ equity
 
2,600,051

 
2,581,526

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
17,636,973

 
$
17,355,179

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

4


Chemical Financial Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
2017
 
2016
Interest income
 
 
 
 
Interest and fees on loans
 
$
132,485

 
$
74,401

Interest on investment securities:
 
 
 
 
Taxable
 
4,756

 
1,929

Tax-exempt
 
4,235

 
2,665

Dividends on nonmarketable equity securities
 
621

 
256

Interest on deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank, other banks and Federal funds sold
 
799

 
213

Total interest income
 
142,896

 
79,464

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
Interest on deposits
 
8,916

 
4,059

Interest on short-term borrowings
 
1,658

 
100

Interest on long-term borrowings
 
2,225

 
975

Total interest expense
 
12,799

 
5,134

   Net interest income
 
130,097

 
74,330

Provision for loan losses
 
4,050

 
1,500

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
126,047

 
72,830

Noninterest income
 
 
 
 
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
 
8,004

 
5,720

Wealth management revenue
 
5,827

 
5,201

Other charges and fees for customer services
 
8,891

 
6,392

Mortgage banking revenue
 
9,160

 
1,405

Gain on sale of investment securities
 
90

 
19

Other
 
6,038

 
682

Total noninterest income
 
38,010

 
19,419

Operating expenses
 
 
 
 
Salaries, wages and employee benefits
 
60,248

 
33,890

Occupancy
 
7,392

 
4,905

Equipment and software
 
8,517

 
4,404

Merger and acquisition-related transaction expenses
 
4,167

 
2,594

Other
 
23,872

 
13,094

Total operating expenses
 
104,196

 
58,887

Income before income taxes
 
59,861

 
33,362

Income tax expense
 
12,257

 
9,757

Net income
 
$
47,604

 
$
23,605

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.67

 
$
0.61

Diluted
 
0.67

 
0.60

Cash dividends declared per common share
 
$
0.27

 
$
0.26

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

5


Chemical Financial Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Net income
 
$
47,604

 
$
23,605

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains on securities available-for-sale arising during the period
 
2,739

 
4,199

Reclassification adjustment for gains on realized income
 
(90
)
 
(19
)
Tax effect
 
(927
)
 
(1,463
)
Net unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net of tax
 
1,722

 
2,717

Adjustment for pension and other postretirement benefits
 
537

 
(577
)
Tax effect
 
(188
)
 
202

Net adjustment for pension and other postretirement benefits
 
349

 
(375
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
2,071

 
2,342

Total comprehensive income, net of tax
 
$
49,675

 
$
25,947

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

6


Chemical Financial Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Common
stock
 
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
Retained
earnings
 
Accumulated other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Total
Balances at December 31, 2015
 
$
38,168

 
$
725,280

 
$
281,558

 
$
(29,032
)
 
$
1,015,974

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
23,605

 
2,342

 
25,947

Cash dividends declared and paid of $0.26 per share
 
 
 
 
 
(9,961
)
 
 
 
(9,961
)
Shares issued – stock options
 
36

 
273

 
 
 
 
 
309

Shares issued – restricted stock units
 
43

 
(770
)
 
 
 
 
 
(727
)
Share-based compensation expense
 
1

 
748

 
 
 
 
 
749

Balances at March 31, 2016
 
$
38,248

 
$
725,531

 
$
295,202

 
$
(26,690
)
 
$
1,032,291

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balances at December 31, 2016
 
$
70,599

 
$
2,210,762

 
$
340,201

 
$
(40,036
)
 
$
2,581,526

Cumulative effect adjustment of change in accounting policy, net of tax impact(1)
 
 
 
 
 
3,659

 
 
 
3,659

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
47,604

 
2,071

 
49,675

Cash dividends declared and paid of $0.27 per share
 
 
 
 
 
(19,271
)
 
 
 
(19,271
)
Shares issued – stock options
 
508

 
(17,204
)
 
 
 
 
 
(16,696
)
Shares issued – restricted stock units
 
35

 
(1,330
)
 
 
 
 
 
(1,295
)
Net shares – restricted stock awards
 
(25
)
 
(1,256
)
 
 
 
 
 
(1,281
)
Share-based compensation expense
 
1

 
3,733

 
 
 
 
 
3,734

Balances at March 31, 2017
 
$
71,118

 
$
2,194,705

 
$
372,193

 
$
(37,965
)
 
$
2,600,051

(1) Refer to Footnote 1, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies and Footnote 8, Loan Servicing Rights, for further details on this change in accounting policy election.
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

7


Chemical Financial Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
47,604

 
$
23,605

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
 
4,050

 
1,500

Gain on sales of loans
 
(6,120
)
 
(1,296
)
Proceeds from sales of loans
 
191,531

 
45,928

Loans originated for sale
 
(142,704
)
 
(43,972
)
Net gains on sale of investment securities
 
(90
)
 
(19
)
Net gains from sales/writedowns of other real estate and repossessed assets
 
(700
)
 
(547
)
Depreciation of premises and equipment
 
4,521

 
2,775

Amortization of intangible assets
 
1,513

 
2,169

Additions to loan servicing rights
 
(1,753
)
 
(331
)
Valuation change in loan servicing rights
 
1,125

 

Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investment securities
 
4,129

 
1,493

Share-based compensation expense
 
3,734

 
749

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
 
17,948

 

Net increase in interest receivable and other assets
 
(29,660
)
 
(737
)
Net decrease in interest payable and other liabilities
 
(19,282
)
 
(11,875
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
75,846

 
19,442

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
Investment securities – available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal reductions
 
60,885

 
42,281

Proceeds from sales and redemptions
 

 
644

Purchases
 
(102,702
)
 

Investment securities – held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal reductions
 
9,408

 
8,133

Purchases
 
(33,628
)
 
(16,965
)
Net increase in loans
 
(290,438
)
 
(101,915
)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate and repossessed assets
 
5,734

 
2,705

Purchases of premises and equipment, net of disposals
 
(2,272
)
 
(2,406
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(353,013
)
 
(67,523
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
Net increase in interest- and noninterest-bearing demand deposits and savings accounts
 
350,763

 
234,102

Net decrease in time deposits
 
(91,538
)
 
(40,753
)
Net increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements to repurchase with customers and other short-term borrowings
 
130,863

 
(113,816
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings
 

 
50,000

Repayment of long-term borrowings
 
(107,000
)
 
(18,558
)
Cash dividends paid
 
(19,271
)
 
(9,961
)
Proceeds from directors’ stock plans and exercise of stock options, net of shares withheld
 
1,578

 
382

Cash paid for payroll taxes upon conversion of share-based awards
 
(20,850
)
 
(730
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
244,545

 
100,666

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
(32,622
)
 
52,585

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
474,402

 
238,789

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
441,780

 
$
291,374

 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
Interest paid
 
$
12,989

 
$
5,080

Income tax refunds, net of income taxes paid
 
(24,397
)
 

Loans transferred to other real estate and repossessed assets
 
4,281

 
1,667

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

8


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017




Note 1: Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations
Chemical Financial Corporation ("Corporation" or "Chemical") operates in a single operating segment — commercial banking. The Corporation is a financial holding company, headquartered in Midland, Michigan, that operates through one commercial bank, Chemical Bank. Chemical Bank operates within Michigan, Ohio and Indiana as a state-chartered commercial bank. Chemical Bank operates through an internal organizational structure of seven regional banking units and offers a full range of traditional banking and fiduciary products and services to the residents and business customers in the bank’s geographical market areas. The products and services offered by the regional banking units, through branch banking offices, are generally consistent throughout the Corporation, as is the pricing of those products and services. The marketing of products and services throughout the Corporation’s regional banking units is generally uniform, as many of the markets served by the regional banking units overlap. The distribution of products and services is uniform throughout the Corporation’s regional banking units and is achieved primarily through retail branch banking offices, automated teller machines and electronically accessed banking products.
The Corporation’s primary sources of revenue are interest from its loan products and investment securities, service charges and fees from customer deposit accounts, wealth management revenue and mortgage banking revenue.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Corporation and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with United States ("U.S.") generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the interim consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments believed necessary to present fairly the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation for the periods presented. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.
Use of Estimates
Management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying footnotes. Estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change include the determination of the allowance for loan losses, expected cash flows from acquired loans, fair value amounts related to business combinations, income taxes, goodwill impairment and those assets that require fair value measurement. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts appearing in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation. The reclassification had no effect on net income or shareholders’ equity as previously reported.
Loan Servicing Rights
Effective January 1, 2017, the Corporation elected to account for all loan servicing rights ("LSRs") previously accounted for under the lower of cost or fair value method under the fair value method. The guidance in ASC Subtopic 860-50, "Transfers and Servicing-Servicing Assets and Liabilities" provides that an entity may make an irrevocable decision to subsequently measure a class of servicing assets and servicing liabilities at fair value at the beginning of any fiscal year. The guidance allows for the Corporation to apply this election prospectively to all new and existing servicing assets and servicing liabilities. Management believes this election will provide more comparable results to peers as many of those within our industry group account for loans servicing rights under the fair value method. The change in accounting policy in the first quarter of 2017 results in a cumulative adjustment to increase retained earnings in the amount of $3.7 million, net of taxes.
Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects, Federal Historic Projects and New Market Tax Credits
The Corporation invests in qualified affordable housing projects, federal historic projects, and new market projects for the purpose of community reinvestment and obtaining tax credits. Return on the Corporation's investment in these projects comes in the form of the tax credits and tax losses that pass through to the Corporation. The carrying value of the investments are reflected in "Interest receivable and other assets" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The Corporation utilizes the

9


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



proportional amortization method to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects and the equity method to account for investments in other tax credit projects.
Under the proportional amortization method, the Corporation amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits. The Corporation recognized additional income tax expense attributable to the amortization of investments in qualified affordable housing projects of $0.8 million and $0.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Corporation's remaining investment in qualified affordable housing projects accounted for under the proportional amortization method totaled $31.8 million at March 31, 2017 and $29.5 million at December 31, 2016.
Under the equity method, the Corporation's share of the earnings or losses are included in "Other operating expenses" on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Corporation's remaining investment in new market projects accounted for under the equity method totaled $10.7 million and $10.9 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
The Corporation's unfunded equity contributions relating to investments in qualified affordable housing projects, federal historic tax projects and new market projects is recorded in "Interest payable and other liabilities" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The Corporation's remaining unfunded equity contributions totaled $18.5 million and $16.0 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
Management analyzes these investments for potential impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more-likely-than-not that the carrying amount of the investment will not be realized. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of an investment exceeds its fair value. There were no impairment losses recognized as of March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.
The Corporation consolidates variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which it is the primary beneficiary. In general, a VIE is an entity that either (i) has an insufficient amount of equity to carry out its principal activities without additional subordinated financial support, (ii) has a group of equity owners that are unable to make significant decisions about its activities or (iii) has a group of equity owners that do not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns as generated by its operations. If any of these characteristics are present, the entity is subject to a variable interests consolidation model, and consolidation is based on variable interests, not on ownership of the entity's outstanding voting stock. Variable interests are defined as contractual, ownership, or other monetary interests in an entity that change with fluctuations in the entity's net asset value. The primary beneficiary consolidates the VIE. The primary beneficiary is defined as the enterprise that has the power to direct the activities and absorb losses or the right to receive benefits. The Corporation is a significant limited partner in the qualified affordable housing, federal historic and new market projects it has invested in. These projects meet the definition of VIEs. However, the Corporation is not the primary beneficiary of any of the VIEs in which it holds a limited partnership interest; therefore, the VIEs are not consolidated in the Corporation's consolidated financial statements.

10


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Note 2: Mergers and Acquisitions
Merger with Talmer Bancorp, Inc.
On August 31, 2016, the Corporation completed a merger with Talmer Bancorp, Inc. ("Talmer") for total consideration of $1.61 billion. As a result of the merger, the Corporation issued 32.1 million shares of its common stock based on an exchange ratio where each Talmer shareholder received 0.4725 shares of the Corporation's common stock, and $1.61 in cash, for each share of Talmer common stock. In conjunction with the merger, the Corporation entered into and drew on a $125.0 million credit facility. The proceeds from the credit facility were used to pay off the Corporation's $25.0 million line-of-credit and a $37.5 million line-of-credit of Talmer, with the remaining proceeds used to partially fund the cash portion of the merger consideration. The Corporation incurred $4.2 million and $2.6 million of merger and acquisition-related transaction expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, primarily related to the merger with Talmer. As a result of the merger, Talmer Bank and Trust became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation. Talmer Bank and Trust was consolidated with and into Chemical Bank during the fourth quarter of 2016.
The Company determined that the merger with Talmer constitutes a business combination as defined by ASC 805. Accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their fair values on the date of acquisition. Fair values were determined in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements. In many cases the determination of the fair values required management to make estimates about discount rates, future expected cash flows, market conditions and other future events that are highly subjective in nature and subject to change. The following allocation is based on the information that was available to make preliminary estimates of the fair value and may change as additional information becomes available and additional analyses are completed. While the Corporation believes that information provided a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values, it expects that it could obtain additional information and evidence during the measurement period that may result in changes to the estimated fair value amounts. This measurement period ends on the earlier of one year after the merger date or the date we receive the information about the facts and circumstances that existed at the merger date. Subsequent adjustments, if necessary, will be reflected in future filings. These refinements include: (1) changes in the estimated fair value of loans acquired: (2) changes in the estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired: (3) changes in deferred tax assets related to fair value estimates and a change in the expected realization of items considered to be net operating loss carry forwards and (4) a change in the goodwill caused by the net effect of these adjustments.

11


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Consideration paid:
 
 
Stock
 
$
1,504,811

Cash
 
107,638

Total consideration
 
1,612,449

 
 
 
Fair value of identifiable assets acquired:
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
433,352

Investment securities:
 
 
Available-for-sale
 
808,894

Held-to-maturity
 
1,657

Loans held-for-sale
 
244,916

Loans
 
4,882,402

Premises and equipment
 
38,793

Loan servicing rights
 
42,462

Other intangible assets
 
19,088

Interest receivable and other assets
 
395,119

Total identifiable assets acquired
 
$
6,866,683

 
 
 
Fair value of liabilities assumed:
 
 
Noninterest-bearing deposits
 
1,236,902

Interest-bearing deposits
 
4,057,716

Interest payable and other liabilities
 
99,482

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with customers
 
19,704

Short-term borrowings
 
387,500

Long-term borrowings
 
299,597

Total liabilities assumed
 
$
6,100,901

 
 
 
Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired
 
$
765,782

Goodwill resulting from acquisition
 
$
846,667


12


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Information regarding loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 at the merger date is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Accounted for under ASC 310-30:
 
 
Contractual cash flows
 
$
5,968,488

Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (nonaccretable difference)
 
223,959

Expected cash flows
 
5,744,529

Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable yield)
 
862,127

Fair value at acquisition
 
$
4,882,402


Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Results of Operations

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the consolidated results of operation of the Corporation and Talmer as if the merger had occurred as of January 1, 2016. The unaudited pro forma combined results of operations are presented solely for information purposes and are not intended to represent or be indicative of the consolidated results of operations that Chemical would have reported had these transactions been completed as of the dates and for the periods presented, nor are they necessarily indicative of future results. In particular, no adjustments have been made to eliminate the amount of Talmer's provision for loan losses incurred prior to the acquisition date that would not have been necessary had the acquired loans been recorded at fair value as of the beginning of each period indicated. In accordance with Article 11 of SEC Regulation S-X, transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisitions have been excluded.
 
 
For the three months ended,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2017(1)
 
March 31, 2016
Net interest and other income
 
$
168,107

 
$
157,932

Net Income
 
47,604

 
39,028

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.67

 
$
0.56

Diluted
 
0.67

 
0.55

(1) As the business combination was effective August 31, 2016, there were no proforma adjustments for the three months ended March 31, 2017.        

13


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Note 3: Fair Value Measurements
Fair value, as defined by GAAP, is 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 in 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 market 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.
The Corporation utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and to determine fair value disclosures. Investment securities — available-for-sale, loans held-for-sale, loan servicing rights and derivatives are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, the Corporation may be required to record other assets, such as impaired loans, goodwill, other intangible assets, other real estate and repossessed assets, at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.
The Corporation determines the fair value of its financial instruments based on a three-level hierarchy established by GAAP. The classification and disclosure of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to the valuation methodology used for measurement are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market-derived or market-based information obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect management’s estimates about market data. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value within the GAAP hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets. Level 1 valuations for the Corporation include U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. Valuations are obtained from a third-party pricing service for these investment securities.
Level 2
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market. Level 2 valuations for the Corporation include government sponsored agency securities, including securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Farm Credit Bank, Student Loan Marketing Corporation and the Small Business Administration, securities issued by certain state and political subdivisions, residential mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, corporate bonds, preferred stock and available-for-sale trust preferred securities. Valuations are obtained from a third-party pricing service for these investment securities. Additionally included in Level 2 valuations are loans held for sale and derivative assets and liabilities.
Level 3
Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, yield curves and similar techniques. The determination of fair value requires management judgment or estimation and generally is corroborated by external data, which includes third-party pricing services. Level 3 valuations for the Corporation include securities issued by certain state and political subdivisions, held-to-maturity trust preferred investment securities, impaired loans, goodwill, core deposit intangible assets, non-compete intangible assets, LSRs and other real estate and repossessed assets.
A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. These valuation methodologies were applied to all of the Corporation’s financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value and all financial instruments disclosed at fair value. Transfers of asset or liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period, when applicable.
In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon third-party pricing services when available. Fair value may also be based on internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be required to record financial instruments at fair value. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. The Corporation's valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values.

14


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



While management believes the Corporation’s valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. Furthermore, the fair value amounts may change significantly after the date of the statement of financial position from the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes.
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Investment securities: Investment securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are generally measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques that include market inputs, such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data and industry and economic events.
Loans held-for-sale: The Corporation has elected the fair value option for all residential mortgage loans held-for-sale. Accordingly, loans held-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of loans held-for-sale are based on the market price for similar loans sold in the secondary market, and therefore, are classified as Level 2 valuations.
Loan servicing rights: Effective January 1, 2017, the Corporation elected to account for all LSRs under the fair value measurement method. LSRs acquired related to the merger with Talmer effective August 31, 2016 were also previously accounted for under the fair value measurement method based on accounting election.  A third party valuation model is used to determine the fair value at the end of each reporting period utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis using interest rates and prepayment speed assumptions currently quoted for comparable instruments and a discount rate determined by management.  Because of the nature of the valuation inputs, the Corporation classifies loan servicing rights as Level 3.  Refer to Note 8, “Loan Servicing Rights,” for the assumptions included in the valuation of loan servicing rights.
Derivatives: The Corporation enters into interest rate lock commitments with prospective borrowers to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors, which are carried at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of these commitments is based on the fair value of related mortgage loans determined using observable market data. Interest rate lock commitments are adjusted for expectations of exercise and funding. This adjustment is not considered to be a material input. The Corporation classifies interest rate lock commitments and forward contracts related to mortgage loans to be delivered for sale as recurring Level 2.
 
Derivative instruments held or issued for customer-initiated activities are traded in over-the counter markets where quoted market prices are not readily available. Fair value for over-the-counter derivative instruments is measured on a recurring basis using third party models that use primarily market observable inputs, such as yield curves and option volatilities. The fair value for these derivatives may include a credit valuation adjustment that is determined by applying a credit spread for the counterparty or the Corporation, as appropriate, to the total expected exposure of the derivative after considering collateral and other master netting arrangements. These adjustments, which are considered Level 3 inputs, are based on estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default. The Corporation assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and it was determined that the credit valuation adjustments were not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, the Corporation classifies its customer-initiated derivatives valuations in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Written and purchased option derivatives consist of instruments to facilitate an equity-linked time deposit product (the "Power Equity CD"). The Power Equity CD is a time deposit that provides the purchaser a guaranteed return of principal at maturity plus a potential equity return, while the Corporation receives a known stream of funds based on equity returns. The written and purchased options are mirror derivative instruments which are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Fair value measurements for the Power Equity CD are determined using quoted prices of underlying stocks, along with other terms and features of the derivative instrument. As a result, the Power Equity CD derivatives are classified as Level 2 valuations.

Disclosure of Recurring Basis Fair Value Measurements
For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, quantitative disclosures about the fair value measurements for each major category of assets and liabilities follow:

15


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



(Dollars in thousands)
Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities – available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
5,793

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,793

Government sponsored agencies

 
224,339

 

 
224,339

State and political subdivisions

 
300,409

 

 
300,409

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
256,544

 

 
256,544

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 
367,321

 

 
367,321

Corporate bonds

 
89,253

 

 
89,253

Preferred stock and trust preferred securities

 
32,187

 

 
32,187

Total investment securities – available-for-sale
5,793

 
1,270,053

 

 
1,275,846

Loans held-for-sale

 
39,123

 

 
39,123

Loan servicing rights

 

 
64,604

 
64,604

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer-initiated derivatives

 
6,377

 

 
6,377

Interest rate lock commitments

 
2,178

 

 
2,178

Power Equity CD

 
2,234

 

 
2,234

Total derivatives

 
10,789

 

 
10,789

Total assets at fair value
$
5,793

 
$
1,319,965

 
$
64,604

 
$
1,390,362

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer-initiated derivatives

 
6,342

 

 
6,342

Forward contracts related to mortgage loans to be delivered for sale

 
342

 

 
342

Power Equity CD

 
2,234

 

 
2,234

Total derivatives

 
8,918

 

 
8,918

Total liabilities at fair value
$

 
$
8,918

 
$

 
$
8,918

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities – available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
5,793

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,793

Government sponsored agencies

 
215,011

 

 
215,011

State and political subdivisions

 
300,088

 

 
300,088

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
272,282

 

 
272,282

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 
320,025

 

 
320,025

Corporate bonds

 
89,474

 

 
89,474

Preferred stock and trust preferred securities

 
32,291

 

 
32,291

Total investment securities – available-for-sale
5,793

 
1,229,171

 

 
1,234,964

Loans held-for-sale

 
81,830

 

 
81,830

Loan servicing rights

 

 
48,085

 
48,085

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer-initiated derivatives

 
4,406

 

 
4,406

Forward contracts related to mortgage loans to be delivered for sale

 
635

 

 
635

Interest rate lock commitments

 
956

 

 
956

Power Equity CD

 
2,218

 

 
2,218

Total derivatives

 
8,215

 

 
8,215

Total assets at fair value
$
5,793

 
$
1,319,216

 
$
48,085

 
$
1,373,094

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer-initiated derivatives

 
4,141

 

 
4,141

Power Equity CD

 
2,218

 

 
2,218

Total derivatives

 
6,359

 

 
6,359

Total liabilities at fair value
$

 
$
6,359

 
$

 
$
6,359

There were no transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

16


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Loan servicing
rights
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
48,085

Transfer in based on new accounting policy election(1)
 
15,891

Gains (losses):
 
 

Recorded in earnings (realized):
 
 
Recorded in “Mortgage banking revenue”
 
(1,125
)
New originations
 
1,753

Balance, end of period
 
$
64,604

(1) Refer to Note 1 for further details.

The Corporation has elected the fair value option for loans held-for-sale.  These loans are intended for sale and the Corporation believes that the fair value is the best indicator of the resolution of these loans. Interest income is recorded based on the contractual terms of the loans in accordance with the Corporation's policy on loans held for investment in “Interest and fees on loans” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no loans held-for-sale on nonaccrual status or 90 days past due and on accrual status as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
 
The aggregate fair value, contractual balance (including accrued interest), and gain or loss for loans held-for-sale carried at fair value was as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Aggregate fair value
 
$
39,123

 
$
81,830

Contractual balance
 
37,701

 
81,009

Unrealized gain (loss)
 
1,422

 
821

 
The total amount of gains (losses) from loans held-for-sale included in the Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows:
 
 
For the three months ended
March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Interest income(1)
 
$
551

 
$
19

Change in fair value(2)
 
601

 

Total included in earnings
 
$
1,152

 
$
19

(1) Included in "Interest and fees on loans" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2) Included in "Mortgage banking revenue" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Loans: The Corporation does not record loans held for investment at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allocation of the allowance (valuation allowance) may be established or a portion of the loan is charged off. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including the loan’s observable market price, the fair value of the collateral or the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. Those impaired loans not requiring a valuation allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the remaining carrying amount of such loans. Impaired loans where a valuation allowance is established or a portion of the loan is charged off based on the fair value of collateral are subject to nonrecurring fair value measurement and require classification in the fair value hierarchy. The Corporation records impaired loans as Level 3 valuations as there is generally no observable market price or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the independent appraised value. When management determines the fair value of the

17


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



collateral is further impaired below appraised value, discounts ranging between 10% and 25% of the appraised value are used depending on the nature of the collateral and the age of the most recent appraisal.

Goodwill: Goodwill is subject to impairment testing on an annual basis. The assessment of goodwill for impairment requires a significant degree of judgment. In the event the assessment indicates that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, the asset is considered impaired and recorded at fair value. Goodwill that is impaired and subject to nonrecurring fair value measurements is a Level 3 valuation. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, no goodwill was impaired.
Other intangible assets: Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible assets and non-compete intangible assets. These items are recorded at fair value when initially recorded. Subsequently, core deposit intangible assets and non-compete intangible assets are amortized primarily on an accelerated basis over periods ranging from ten to fifteen years and are subject to impairment testing whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. If core deposit intangible asset or non-compete intangible asset impairment is identified, the Corporation classifies impaired core deposit intangible assets and impaired non-compete intangible assets subject to nonrecurring fair value measurements as Level 3 valuations. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there was no impairment identified for core deposit intangible assets or non-compete intangible assets.
Loan servicing rights: Prior to January 1, 2017, LSRs originated by the Corporation and those acquired in acquisitions of other institutions prior to the merger with Talmer were accounted for under the amortization method. The fair value of these LSRs were initially estimated using a model that calculates the net present value of estimated future cash flows using various assumptions, including prepayment speeds, the discount rate and servicing costs. If the valuation model reflected a value less than the carrying value, LSRs were adjusted to fair value, as determined by the model, through a valuation allowance. The Corporation classified the LSRs subject to nonrecurring fair value measurements as Level 3 valuations. At December 31, 2016, the Corporation recognized a valuation allowance of $8 thousand related to impairment within certain pools attributable to the Corporation's servicing portfolios. As a result, the LSRs related to these servicing portfolios were considered to be recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2016.
Other real estate owned and repossessed assets: The carrying amounts for other real estate and repossessed assets are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position under “Interest receivable and other assets.” Other real estate and repossessed assets include real estate and other types of assets repossessed by the Corporation. Other real estate and repossessed assets are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value upon the transfer of a loan to other real estate and repossessed assets and, subsequently, continue to be measured and carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the property or management’s estimation of the value of the property. The Corporation records other real estate and repossessed assets as Level 3 valuations as management generally determines that the fair value of the property is impaired below the appraised value. When management determines the fair value of the property is further impaired below appraised value, discounts ranging between 10% and 25% of the appraised value are used depending on the nature of the property and the age of the most recent appraisal.

18


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Disclosure of Nonrecurring Basis Fair Value Measurements
For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, quantitative disclosures about fair value measurements for each major category of assets follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired originated loans
 
$

 
$

 
$
63,180

 
$
63,180

Other real estate/repossessed assets
 

 

 
2,240

 
2,240

Total
 
$

 
$

 
$
65,420

 
$
65,420

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired originated loans
 
$

 
$

 
$
62,184

 
$
62,184

Other real estate/repossessed assets
 

 

 
1,386

 
1,386

Loan servicing rights
 

 

 
2

 
2

Total
 
$

 
$

 
$
63,572

 
$
63,572

There were no liabilities recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
The following table presents additional information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of financial assets measured on a nonrecurring basis that were categorized within the Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value at
March 31, 2017
 
Valuation Technique
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Range
Impaired originated loans
 
$
63,180

 
Appraisal of collateral
 
Discount for type of collateral and age of appraisal
 
10%-25%
Other real estate/repossessed assets
 
2,240

 
Appraisal of property
 
Discount for type of property and age of appraisal
 
10%-25%
Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments
GAAP requires disclosures about the estimated fair value of the Corporation's financial instruments, including those financial assets and liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. However, the method of estimating fair value for certain financial instruments, such as loans, that are not required to be measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis, as prescribed by FASB ASC Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurement", does not incorporate the exit-price concept of fair value. The Corporation utilized the fair value hierarchy in computing the fair values of its financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices were not available, the Corporation employed present value methods using unobservable inputs requiring management's judgment to estimate the fair values of its financial instruments, which are considered Level 3 valuations. These Level 3 valuations are affected by the assumptions made and, accordingly, do not necessarily indicate amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. It is also the Corporation's general practice and intent to hold the majority of its financial instruments until maturity and, therefore, the Corporation does not expect to realize the estimated amounts disclosed.
The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities on a recurring or nonrecurring basis are discussed above. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the estimated fair values of cash and cash equivalents, interest receivable and interest payable approximated their carrying values at those dates. The methodologies for other financial assets and financial liabilities follow.

19


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Investment securities — held-to-maturity: Fair value measurements for investment securities — held-to-maturity fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques that include market inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data and industry and economic events. Fair value measurements using Level 2 valuations of investment securities — held-to-maturity includes investment securities issued by state and political subdivisions. Level 3 valuations include trust preferred investment securities.
Nonmarketable equity securities: Fair value measurements of nonmarketable equity securities, which consist of Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) stock, are based on their redeemable value, which is cost. The market for these securities is restricted to the issuer of the stock and subject to impairment evaluation. It is not practicable to determine the fair value of these securities within the fair value hierarchy due to the restrictions placed on their transferability.
Loans: The fair values of loans that are not considered impaired are estimated using a discounted cash flow model. The cash flows take into consideration current portfolio interest rates and repricing characteristics as well as assumptions relating to prepayment speeds. The discount rates take into consideration the current market interest rate environment, a credit risk component based on the credit characteristics of each loan portfolio, and a liquidity premium reflecting the liquidity or illiquidity of the market. The fair value measurements for loans are Level 3 valuations.
Deposits: The fair values of deposit accounts without defined maturities, such as interest- and noninterest-bearing checking, savings and money market accounts, are estimated to be the amounts payable on demand. The fair values for variable-interest rate time deposits with defined maturities approximate their carrying amounts. Fair value measurements for fixed-interest rate time deposits with defined maturities are based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows, using the Corporation’s interest rates currently being offered for deposits of similar maturities, and are therefore classified as Level 2 valuations. However, if the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value, the carrying value is reported as the fair value.
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase: Fair value measurements are based on the present value of future estimated cash flows using current interest rates offered to the Corporation under similar terms and are Level 2 valuations.
Short-term borrowings: Short-term borrowings consist of short-term FHLB advances. Fair value measurements for short-term borrowings are based on the present value of future estimated cash flows using current interest rates offered to the Corporation for debt with similar terms and are Level 2 valuations.
Long-term borrowings: Long-term borrowings consist of long-term FHLB advances, securities sold under agreements to repurchase with an unaffiliated financial institution, a term line-of-credit and subordinated debt obligations. Fair value measurements for long-term borrowings are based on the present value of future estimated cash flows using current interest rates offered to the Corporation for debt with similar terms and are therefore classified as Level 2 valuations.
Financial guarantees: The Corporation’s unused commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and loan commitments have no carrying amount and have been estimated to have no realizable fair value. Historically, a majority of the unused commitments to extend credit have not been drawn upon and, generally, the Corporation does not receive fees in connection with these commitments other than standby letter of credit fees, which are not significant.


20


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



A summary of carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Corporation’s financial instruments not recorded at fair value in their entirety on a recurring basis on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position was as follows:
 
 
Level in Fair Value Measurement
Hierarchy
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
Level 1
 
$
441,780

 
$
441,780

 
$
474,402

 
$
474,402

Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity
 
Level 2
 
646,692

 
639,450

 
622,927

 
608,221

Held-to-maturity
 
Level 3
 
500

 
350

 
500

 
310

Nonmarketable equity securities
 
Level 2
 
129,939

 
129,939

 
97,350

 
97,350

Net loans(1)
 
Level 3
 
13,194,618

 
13,347,793

 
12,912,511

 
13,069,315

Interest receivable
 
Level 2
 
45,863

 
45,863

 
42,235

 
42,235

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits without defined maturities
 
Level 2
 
$
10,213,518

 
$
10,213,518

 
$
9,862,755

 
$
9,862,755

Time deposits
 
Level 2
 
2,918,829

 
2,919,153

 
3,010,367

 
3,010,048

Total deposits
 
 
 
13,132,347

 
13,132,671

 
12,873,122

 
12,872,803

Interest payable
 
Level 2
 
5,225

 
5,225

 
5,415

 
5,415

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with customers
 
Level 2
 
398,910

 
398,910

 
343,047

 
343,047

Short-term borrowings
 
Level 2
 
900,000

 
899,777

 
825,000

 
825,000

Long-term borrowings
 
Level 2
 
490,876

 
486,161

 
597,847

 
591,227

 
(1)
Included $63.2 million and $62.2 million of impaired loans recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.


21


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Note 4: Investment Securities
The following is a summary of the amortized cost and fair value of investment securities available-for-sale and investment securities held-to-maturity at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
 
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
5,792

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
5,793

Government sponsored agencies
 
225,993

 
153

 
1,807

 
224,339

State and political subdivisions
 
309,518

 
140

 
9,249

 
300,409

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
260,703

 
45

 
4,204

 
256,544

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
371,084

 
75

 
3,838

 
367,321

Corporate bonds
 
90,438

 
27

 
1,212

 
89,253

Preferred stock and trust preferred securities
 
31,426

 
1,042

 
281

 
32,187

Total
 
$
1,294,954

 
$
1,483

 
$
20,591

 
$
1,275,846

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
5,788

 
$
5

 
$

 
$
5,793

Government sponsored agencies
 
216,890

 
189

 
2,068

 
215,011

State and political subdivisions
 
311,704

 
163

 
11,779

 
300,088

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
276,162

 
112

 
3,992

 
272,282

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
323,965

 
63

 
4,003

 
320,025

Corporate bonds
 
90,859

 
16

 
1,401

 
89,474

Preferred stock and trust preferred securities
 
31,353

 
1,018

 
80

 
32,291

Total
 
$
1,256,721

 
$
1,566

 
$
23,323

 
$
1,234,964


 
 
Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and political subdivisions
 
$
646,692

 
$
3,830

 
$
11,072

 
$
639,450

Trust preferred securities
 
500

 

 
150

 
350

Total
 
$
647,192

 
$
3,830

 
$
11,222

 
$
639,800

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and political subdivisions
 
$
622,927

 
$
2,648

 
$
17,354

 
$
608,221

Trust preferred securities
 
500

 

 
190

 
310

Total
 
$
623,427

 
$
2,648

 
$
17,544

 
$
608,531

The majority of the Corporation’s residential mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are backed by a U.S. government agency (Government National Mortgage Association) or a government sponsored enterprise (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or Federal National Mortgage Association).
Proceeds from sales of securities and the associated gains and losses recorded in earnings are listed below:
 
 
For the three months ended
March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Proceeds
 
$

 
$
644

Gross gains
 
90

 
19


22


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



The following is a summary of the amortized cost and fair value of investment securities at March 31, 2017, by maturity, for both available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment securities. The maturities of residential mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are based on scheduled principal payments. The maturities of all other debt securities are based on final contractual maturity.
 
 
March 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair Value
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale:
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
248,015

 
$
246,683

Due after one year through five years
 
529,893

 
524,707

Due after five years through ten years
 
347,825

 
340,248

Due after ten years
 
167,832

 
162,405

Preferred stock
 
1,389

 
1,803

Total
 
$
1,294,954

 
$
1,275,846

Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity:
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
70,242

 
$
70,210

Due after one year through five years
 
271,055

 
268,753

Due after five years through ten years
 
146,712

 
144,004

Due after ten years
 
159,183

 
156,833

Total
 
$
647,192

 
$
639,800

Securities with a carrying value of $911.9 million and $794.0 million were pledged at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, to secure borrowings and deposits.    
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of shareholders' equity.

23


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017




The following schedule summarizes information for both available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment securities with gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, aggregated by category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position. As of March 31, 2017, the Corporation’s securities portfolio consisted of 2,309 securities, 1,418 of which were in an unrealized loss position.
 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government sponsored agencies
 
$
108,300

 
$
1,445

 
$
11,203

 
$
362

 
$
119,503

 
$
1,807

State and political subdivisions
 
705,870

 
19,603

 
26,084

 
718

 
731,954

 
20,321

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
248,111

 
4,204

 

 

 
248,111

 
4,204

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
311,566

 
3,626

 
12,528

 
212

 
324,094

 
3,838

Corporate bonds
 
78,815

 
1,211

 
1,499

 
1

 
80,314

 
1,212

Trust preferred securities
 
10,511

 
281

 
350

 
150

 
10,861

 
431

Total
 
$
1,463,173


$
30,370

 
$
51,664

 
$
1,443

 
$
1,514,837

 
$
31,813

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government sponsored agencies
 
$
105,702

 
$
1,707

 
$
15,023

 
$
361

 
$
120,725

 
$
2,068

State and political subdivisions
 
758,063

 
28,158

 
26,810

 
975

 
784,873

 
29,133

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
244,239

 
3,992

 

 

 
244,239

 
3,992

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
279,001

 
3,778

 
14,754

 
225

 
293,755

 
4,003

Corporate bonds
 
80,536

 
1,401

 

 

 
80,536

 
1,401

Trust preferred securities
 
10,699

 
80

 
310

 
190

 
11,009

 
270

Total
 
$
1,478,240

 
$
39,116

 
$
56,897

 
$
1,751

 
$
1,535,137

 
$
40,867

    
An assessment is performed quarterly by the Corporation to determine whether unrealized losses in its investment securities portfolio are temporary or other-than-temporary by carefully considering all reasonably available information. The Corporation reviews factors such as financial statements, credit ratings, news releases and other pertinent information of the underlying issuer or company to make its determination. Management did not believe any individual unrealized loss on any investment security, as of March 31, 2017, represented other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) as the unrealized losses for these securities resulted primarily from changes in benchmark U.S. Treasury interest rates and not credit issues. Management believed that the unrealized losses on investment securities at March 31, 2017 were temporary in nature and due primarily to changes in interest rates and reduced market liquidity and not as a result of credit-related issues.

At March 31, 2017, the Corporation did not have the intent to sell any of its impaired investment securities and believed that it was more-likely-than-not that the Corporation will not have to sell any such investment securities before a full recovery of amortized cost. Accordingly, at March 31, 2017, the Corporation believed the impairments in its investment securities portfolio were temporary in nature. However, there is no assurance that OTTI may not occur in the future.

24


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Note 5: Loans
Loan portfolio segments are defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic methodology to determine its allowance. The Corporation has two loan portfolio segments (commercial loans and consumer loans) that it uses in determining the allowance. Both quantitative and qualitative factors are used by management at the loan portfolio segment level in determining the adequacy of the allowance for the Corporation. Classes of loans are a disaggregation of an entity’s loan portfolio segments. Classes of loans are defined as a group of loans which share similar initial measurement attributes, risk characteristics, and methods for monitoring and assessing credit risk. The Corporation has six classes of loans, which are set forth below.
Commercial — Loans and lines of credit to varying types of businesses, including municipalities, school districts and nonprofit organizations, for the purpose of supporting working capital, operational needs and term financing of equipment. Repayment of such loans is generally provided through operating cash flows of the business. Commercial loans are predominately secured by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, personal guarantees of the owner and other sources of repayment, although the Corporation may also secure commercial loans with real estate.
Commercial real estate — Loans secured by real estate occupied by the borrower for ongoing operations, non-owner occupied real estate leased to one or more tenants and vacant land that has been acquired for investment or future land development.
Real estate construction and land development — Real estate construction loans represent secured loans for the construction of business properties. Real estate construction loans often convert to a commercial real estate loan at the completion of the construction period. Land development loans represent secured development loans made to borrowers for the purpose of infrastructure improvements to vacant land to create finished marketable residential and commercial lots/land. Most land development loans are originated with the intention that the loans will be paid through the sale of developed lots/land by the developers within twelve months of the completion date. Land development loans at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were primarily comprised of loans to develop residential properties.
Residential mortgage — Loans secured by one- to four-family residential properties, generally with fixed interest rates for periods of fifteen years or less. The loan-to-value ratio at the time of origination is generally 80% or less. Residential mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of more than 80% generally require private mortgage insurance.
Consumer installment — Loans to consumers primarily for the purpose of acquiring automobiles, recreational vehicles and personal watercraft and comprised primarily of indirect loans purchased from dealers. These loans consist of relatively small amounts that are spread across many individual borrowers.
Home equity — Loans and lines of credit whereby consumers utilize equity in their personal residence, generally through a second mortgage, as collateral to secure the loan.

25


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Commercial, commercial real estate, and real estate construction and land development loans are referred to as the Corporation’s commercial loan portfolio, while residential mortgage, consumer installment and home equity loans are referred to as the Corporation’s consumer loan portfolio. A summary of the Corporation's loans follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Originated
 
Acquired(1)
 
Total Loans
 
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
1,989,609

 
$
1,263,999

 
$
3,253,608

 
Commercial real estate
 
2,114,540

 
1,983,231

 
4,097,771

 
Real estate construction and land development
 
327,740

 
126,071

 
453,811

 
Subtotal
 
4,431,889

 
3,373,301

 
7,805,190

 
Consumer loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
 
1,594,376

 
1,539,089

 
3,133,465

 
Consumer installment
 
1,342,063

 
138,994

 
1,481,057

 
Home equity
 
591,441

 
262,239

 
853,680

 
Subtotal
 
3,527,880

 
1,940,322

 
5,468,202

 
Total loans
 
$
7,959,769

 
$
5,313,623

 
$
13,273,392

(2 
) 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
1,901,526

 
$
1,315,774

 
$
3,217,300

 
Commercial real estate
 
1,921,799

 
2,051,341

 
3,973,140

 
Real estate construction and land development
 
281,724

 
122,048

 
403,772

 
Subtotal
 
4,105,049

 
3,489,163

 
7,594,212

 
Consumer loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
 
1,475,342

 
1,611,132

 
3,086,474

 
Consumer installment
 
1,282,588

 
151,296

 
1,433,884

 
Home equity
 
595,422

 
280,787

 
876,209

 
Subtotal
 
3,353,352

 
2,043,215

 
5,396,567

 
Total loans
 
$
7,458,401

 
$
5,532,378

 
$
12,990,779

(2 
) 
(1) Acquired loans are accounted for under ASC 310-30.
(2) Reported net of deferred costs totaling $15.0 million and $14.8 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
    
The Corporation acquired loans at fair value as of the acquisition date, which includes loan acquired in the acquisitions of Talmer, Lake Michigan Financial Corporation ("Lake Michigan"), Monarch Community Bancorp, Inc. ("Monarch"), Northwestern Bancorp, Inc. ("Northwestern") and O.A.K. Financial Corporation ("OAK"). Acquired loans are accounted for under ASC 310-30 which recognizes the expected shortfall of expected future cash flows, as compared to the contractual amount due, as nonaccretable discount. Any excess of the net present value of expected future cash flows over the acquisition date fair value is recognized as the accretable discount, or accretable yield. The accretable discount is recognized over the expected remaining life of the acquired loans on a pool basis.

Activity for the accretable yield, which includes contractually due interest for acquired loans that have been renewed or extended since the date of acquisition and continue to be accounted for in loan pools in accordance with ASC 310-30, follows:


26


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



(Dollars in thousands)
 
Talmer
 
Lake Michigan
 
Monarch
 
North-western
 
OAK
 
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
798,210

 
$
121,416

 
$
27,182

 
$
69,847

 
$
23,316

 
$
1,039,971

Additions (reductions)(1)
 

 
(939
)
 
54

 
(1,058
)
 
1,428

 
(515
)
Accretion recognized in interest income
 
(44,571
)
 
(7,266
)
 
(1,181
)
 
(3,892
)
 
(3,277
)
 
(60,187
)
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference
 
21,139

 

 

 

 

 
21,139

Balance at end of period
 
$
774,778

 
$
113,211

 
$
26,055

 
$
64,897

 
$
21,467

 
$
1,000,408

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$

 
$
152,999

 
$
34,558

 
$
82,623

 
$
28,077

 
$
298,257

Additions (reductions) (1)
 

 
(6,071
)
 
128

 
(2,254
)
 
1,516

 
(6,681
)
Accretion recognized in interest income
 

 
(8,953
)
 
(1,451
)
 
(4,001
)
 
(2,557
)
 
(16,962
)
Balance at end of period
 
$

 
$
137,975

 
$
33,235

 
$
76,368

 
$
27,036

 
$
274,614

(1) Represents additions of estimated contractual interest expected to be collected from acquired loans being renewed or extended, less reductions in contractual interest resulting from the early payoff of acquired loans.
As part of its ongoing assessment of the acquired loan portfolios, management has determined that the overall credit quality of the Talmer acquired loan portfolios has improved, which has resulted in an improvement in expected cash flows of certain loan pools in these acquired loan portfolios. Accordingly, management reclassified $21.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 from the nonaccretable difference to the accretable yield for each of these acquired loan portfolios, which will increase amounts recognized into interest income over the estimated remaining lives of the loan pools within these portfolios.
Credit Quality Monitoring
The Corporation maintains loan policies and credit underwriting standards as part of the process of managing credit risk. These standards include making loans generally only within the Corporation’s market areas. The Corporation’s lending markets generally consist of communities throughout Michigan and additional communities located within Northeast Ohio and Northern Indiana.
The Corporation, through Chemical Bank, has a commercial loan portfolio approval process involving underwriting and individual and group loan approval authorities to consider credit quality and loss exposure at loan origination. The loans in the Corporation’s commercial loan portfolio are risk rated at origination based on the grading system set forth below. The approval authority of relationship managers is established based on experience levels, with credit decisions greater than $2.0 million requiring group loan authority approval, except for six executive and senior officers who have varying loan limits exceeding $2.0 million and up to $3.5 million. With respect to the group loan authorities, Chemical Bank has various regional loan committees that meet weekly to consider loans ranging in amounts of $2.0 million to $5.0 million, and a senior loan committee, consisting of certain executive and senior officers, that meets weekly to consider loans ranging in amounts from $5.0 million to $10.0 million, depending on risk rating and credit action required. A directors’ loan committee of Chemical Bank, consisting of eight independent members of the board of directors of Chemical Bank, the chief executive officer of Chemical Bank and the chief credit officer of Chemical Bank, meets bi-weekly to consider loans in amounts over $10.0 million, and certain loans under $10.0 million depending on a loan’s risk rating and credit action required. Loans over $25.0 million require the approval of the board of directors of Chemical Bank.
The majority of the Corporation’s consumer loan portfolio is comprised of secured loans that are relatively small. The Corporation’s consumer loan portfolio has a centralized approval process which utilizes standardized underwriting criteria. The ongoing measurement of credit quality of the consumer loan portfolio is largely done on an exception basis. If payments are made on schedule, as agreed, then no further monitoring is performed. However, if delinquency occurs, the delinquent loans are turned over to the Corporation’s collection department for resolution, resulting in repossession or foreclosure if payments are not brought current. Credit quality for the entire consumer loan portfolio is measured by the periodic delinquency rate, nonaccrual amounts and actual losses incurred.
Loans in the commercial loan portfolio tend to be larger and more complex than those in the consumer loan portfolio, and therefore, are subject to more intensive monitoring. All loans in the commercial loan portfolio have an assigned relationship manager, and most borrowers provide periodic financial and operating information that allows the relationship managers to stay

27


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



abreast of credit quality during the life of the loans. The risk ratings of loans in the commercial loan portfolio are reassessed at least annually, with loans below an acceptable risk rating reassessed more frequently and reviewed by various loan committees within the Corporation at least quarterly.
The Corporation maintains a centralized independent loan review function that monitors the approval process and ongoing asset quality of the loan portfolio, including the accuracy of loan grades. The Corporation also maintains an independent appraisal review function that participates in the review of all appraisals obtained by the Corporation for loans in the commercial loan portfolio. 
Credit Quality Indicators
Commercial Loan Portfolio
Risk categories for the Corporation's commercial loan portfolio establish the credit quality of a borrower by measuring liquidity, debt capacity, coverage and payment behavior as shown in the borrower's financial statements. The risk categories also measure the quality of the borrower's management and the repayment support offered by any guarantors. Risk categories for the Corporation's commercial loan portfolio are described as follows:
Pass: Includes all loans without weaknesses or potential weaknesses identified in the categories of special mention, substandard or doubtful.
Special Mention: Loans with potential credit weakness or credit deficiency, which, if not corrected, pose an unwarranted financial risk that could weaken the loan by adversely impacting the future repayment ability of the borrower.
Substandard: Loans with a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, such as loans to borrowers who may be experiencing losses from operations or inadequate liquidity of a degree and duration that jeopardizes the orderly repayment of the loan. Substandard loans also are distinguished by the distinct possibility of loss in the future if these weaknesses are not corrected.

Doubtful: Loans with all the characteristics of a loan classified as Substandard, with the added characteristic that credit weaknesses make collection in full highly questionable and improbable.
    

28


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



The following schedule presents the recorded investment of loans in the commercial loan portfolio by credit risk categories at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Pass
 
Special Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Total
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Originated Portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
1,902,773

 
$
34,018

 
$
52,818

 
$

 
$
1,989,609

Commercial real estate
 
2,040,155

 
37,528

 
36,856

 
1

 
2,114,540

Real estate construction and land development
 
326,942

 
719

 
79

 

 
327,740

Subtotal
 
4,269,870

 
72,265

 
89,753

 
1

 
4,431,889

Acquired Portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
1,171,260

 
39,079

 
53,625

 
35

 
1,263,999

Commercial real estate
 
1,841,116

 
52,038

 
89,912

 
165

 
1,983,231

Real estate construction and land development
 
122,593

 
1,887

 
1,591

 

 
126,071

Subtotal
 
3,134,969

 
93,004

 
145,128

 
200

 
3,373,301

Total
 
$
7,404,839

 
$
165,269

 
$
234,881

 
$
201

 
$
7,805,190

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Originated Portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
1,803,750

 
$
44,809

 
$
51,898

 
$
1,069

 
$
1,901,526

Commercial real estate
 
1,849,315

 
36,981

 
35,502

 
1

 
1,921,799

Real estate construction and land development
 
280,968

 
157

 
599

 

 
281,724

Subtotal
 
3,934,033

 
81,947

 
87,999

 
1,070

 
4,105,049

Acquired Portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
1,218,848

 
46,643

 
50,283

 

 
1,315,774

Commercial real estate
 
1,897,011

 
61,441

 
92,636

 
253

 
2,051,341

Real estate construction and land development
 
117,505

 
1,982

 
2,561

 

 
122,048

Subtotal
 
3,233,364

 
110,066

 
145,480

 
253

 
3,489,163

Total
 
$
7,167,397

 
$
192,013

 
$
233,479

 
$
1,323

 
$
7,594,212

Consumer Loan Portfolio
The Corporation evaluates the credit quality of loans in the consumer loan portfolio based on the performing or nonperforming status of the loan. Loans in the consumer loan portfolio that are performing in accordance with original contractual terms and are less than 90 days past due and accruing interest are considered to be in a performing status, while those that are in nonaccrual status, contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments are considered to be in a nonperforming status. Loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, "acquired loans", that are not performing in accordance with contractual terms are not reported as nonperforming because these loans are recorded in pools at their net realizable value based on the principal and interest the Corporation expects to collect on these loans.     

29


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



The following schedule presents the recorded investment of loans in the consumer loan portfolio based on loans in a performing status and loans in a nonperforming status at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Residential Mortgage
 
Consumer
Installment
 
Home Equity
 
Total
Consumer
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Originated Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performing
 
$
1,587,627

 
$
1,341,308

 
$
588,728

 
$
3,517,663

Nonperforming
 
6,749

 
755

 
2,713

 
10,217

Subtotal
 
1,594,376

 
1,342,063

 
591,441

 
3,527,880

Acquired Loans
 
1,539,089

 
138,994

 
262,239

 
1,940,322

Total
 
$
3,133,465

 
$
1,481,057

 
$
853,680

 
$
5,468,202

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Originated Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performing
 
$
1,468,373

 
$
1,281,709

 
$
592,071

 
$
3,342,153

Nonperforming
 
6,969

 
879

 
3,351

 
11,199

Subtotal
 
1,475,342

 
1,282,588

 
595,422

 
3,353,352

Acquired Loans
 
1,611,132

 
151,296

 
280,787

 
2,043,215

Total
 
$
3,086,474

 
$
1,433,884

 
$
876,209

 
$
5,396,567


Nonperforming Assets and Past Due Loans

Nonperforming assets consist of loans for which the accrual of interest has been discounted, other real estate owned acquired through acquisitions, other real estate owned obtained through foreclosure and other repossessed assets.
Loans are considered past due or delinquent when the contractual principal or interest due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement or any portion thereof remains unpaid after the due date of the scheduled payments. Loans outside of those accounted for under ASC 310-30 are classified as nonaccrual when, in the opinion of management, collection of principal or interest is doubtful. The accrual of interest is discontinued when a loan is placed in nonaccrual status and any payments received reduce the carrying value of the loan. A loan may be placed back on accrual status if all contractual payments have been received and collection of future principal and interest payments are no longer doubtful. Acquired loans that are not performing in accordance with contractual terms are not reported as nonperforming because these loans are recorded in pools at their net realizable value based on the principal and interest the Corporation expects to collect on these loans.

30


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



A summary of nonperforming loans follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Nonperforming assets
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans:
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
16,717

 
$
13,178

Commercial real estate
 
20,828

 
19,877

Real estate construction and land development
 
79

 
80

Residential mortgage
 
6,749

 
6,969

Consumer installment
 
755

 
879

Home equity
 
2,713

 
3,351

Total nonaccrual loans
 
47,841

 
44,334

Other real estate owned and repossessed assets
 
16,395

 
17,187

Total nonperforming assets
 
$
64,236

 
$
61,521

Accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments, excluding acquired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
1,823

 
11

Commercial real estate
 
700

 
277

Home equity
 
1,169

 
995

Total accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments, excluding acquired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30
 
$
3,692

 
$
1,283

The Corporation’s nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 included $27.9 million and $30.5 million, respectively, of nonaccrual TDRs.
The Corporation had $5.1 million of residential mortgage loans that were in the process of foreclosure at March 31, 2017, compared to $7.3 million at December 31, 2016.

31


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Loan delinquency, excluding acquired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, was as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
30-59
days
past due
 
60-89
days
past due
 
90 days or more past due
 
Total past due
 
Current
 
Total loans
 
90 days or more past due and still accruing
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Originated Portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
10,603

 
$
9,411

 
$
8,661

 
$
28,675

 
$
1,960,934

 
$
1,989,609

 
$
1,823

Commercial real estate
 
9,712

 
2,625

 
6,016

 
18,353

 
2,096,187

 
2,114,540

 
700

Real estate construction and land development
 
3,495

 
1,770

 

 
5,265

 
322,475

 
327,740

 

Residential mortgage
 
12,918

 
731

 
941

 
14,590

 
1,579,786

 
1,594,376

 

Consumer installment
 
2,805

 
275

 
235

 
3,315

 
1,338,748

 
1,342,063

 

Home equity
 
3,976

 
552

 
1,536

 
6,064

 
585,377

 
591,441

 
1,169

Total
 
$
43,509

 
$
15,364

 
$
17,389

 
$
76,262

 
$
7,883,507

 
$
7,959,769

 
$
3,692

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Originated Portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
10,421

 
$
4,842

 
$
3,641

 
$
18,904

 
$
1,882,622

 
$
1,901,526

 
$
11

Commercial real estate
 
6,551

 
1,589

 
5,165

 
13,305

 
1,908,494

 
1,921,799

 
277

Real estate construction and land development
 
2,721

 
499

 

 
3,220

 
278,504

 
281,724

 

Residential mortgage
 
3,147

 
62

 
1,752

 
4,961

 
1,470,381

 
1,475,342

 

Consumer installment
 
3,991

 
675

 
238

 
4,904

 
1,277,684

 
1,282,588

 

Home equity
 
3,097

 
893

 
2,349

 
6,339

 
589,083

 
595,422

 
995

Total
 
$
29,928

 
$
8,560

 
$
13,145

 
$
51,633

 
$
7,406,768

 
$
7,458,401

 
$
1,283


Impaired Loans

A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans include nonperforming loans and all TDRs. Impaired loans are accounted for at the lower of the present value of expected cash flows or the estimated fair value of the collateral. When the present value of expected cash flows or the fair value of the collateral of an impaired loan not accounted for under ASC 310-30 is less than the amount of unpaid principal outstanding on the loan, the recorded principal balance of the loan is reduced to its carrying value through either a specific allowance for loan loss or a partial charge-off of the loan balance.

32


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



The following schedules present impaired loans by classes of loans at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Valuation
Allowance
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
26,201

 
$
29,804

 
$
2,468

Commercial real estate
 
20,416

 
25,875

 
1,251

Real estate construction and land development
 
164

 
164

 
2

Residential mortgage
 
16,944

 
16,944

 
1,162

Consumer installment
 
799

 
799

 
102

Home equity
 
4,296

 
4,296

 
655

Subtotal
 
68,820

 
77,882

 
5,640

Impaired loans with no related valuation allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
9,028

 
14,910

 

Commercial real estate
 
22,791

 
26,569

 

Real estate construction and land development
 
79

 
79

 

Residential mortgage
 
3,607

 
3,607

 

Consumer installment
 
62

 
62

 

Home equity
 
512

 
512

 

Subtotal
 
36,079

 
45,739

 

Total impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
35,229

 
44,714

 
2,468

Commercial real estate
 
43,207

 
52,444

 
1,251

Real estate construction and land development
 
243

 
243

 
2

Residential mortgage
 
20,551

 
20,551

 
1,162

Consumer installment
 
861

 
861

 
102

Home equity
 
4,808

 
4,808

 
655

Total
 
$
104,899

 
$
123,621

 
$
5,640

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
28,925

 
$
33,209

 
$
3,128

Commercial real estate
 
21,318

 
27,558

 
2,102

Real estate construction and land development
 
177

 
177

 
4

Residential mortgage
 
20,864

 
20,864

 
3,528

Consumer installment
 
879

 
879

 
240

Home equity
 
2,577

 
2,577

 
390

Subtotal
 
74,740

 
85,264

 
9,392

Impaired loans with no related valuation allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
7,435

 
11,153

 

Commercial real estate
 
20,588

 
23,535

 

Real estate construction and land development
 
80

 
80

 

Residential mortgage
 
3,252

 
3,252

 

Home equity
 
774

 
774

 

Subtotal
 
32,129

 
38,794

 

Total impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
36,360

 
44,362

 
3,128

Commercial real estate
 
41,906

 
51,093

 
2,102

Real estate construction and land development
 
257

 
257

 
4

Residential mortgage
 
24,116

 
24,116

 
3,528

Consumer installment
 
879

 
879

 
240

Home equity
 
3,351

 
3,351

 
390

Total
 
$
106,869

 
$
124,058

 
$
9,392

    

33


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



The following schedule presents additional information regarding impaired loans by classes of loans segregated by those requiring a valuation allowance and those not requiring a valuation allowance for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the respective interest income amounts recognized:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average
recorded
investment
 
Interest income
recognized
while on
impaired status
 
Average
recorded
investment
 
Interest income
recognized
while on
impaired status
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
25,712

 
$

 
$
10,551

 
$

Commercial real estate
 
20,035

 

 
7,592

 

Real estate construction and land development
 
161

 

 

 

Residential mortgage
 
17,398

 
264

 
20,988

 
333

Consumer installment
 
780

 

 

 

Home equity
 
4,071

 

 

 

Subtotal
 
$
68,157

 
$
264

 
$
39,131

 
$
333

Impaired loans with no related valuation allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
9,297

 
$
255

 
$
31,404

 
$
277

Commercial real estate
 
23,473

 
306

 
45,737

 
380

Real estate construction and land development
 
81

 
2

 
918

 
6

Residential mortgage
 
3,808

 

 
5,149

 

Consumer installment
 
215

 

 
340

 

Home equity
 
880

 

 
2,388

 

Subtotal
 
$
37,754

 
$
563

 
$
85,936

 
$
663

Total impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
35,009

 
$
255

 
$
41,955

 
$
277

Commercial real estate
 
43,508

 
306

 
53,329

 
380

Real estate construction and land development
 
242

 
2

 
918

 
6

Residential mortgage
 
21,206

 
264

 
26,137

 
333

Consumer installment
 
995

 

 
340

 

Home equity
 
4,951

 

 
2,388

 

Total
 
$
105,911

 
$
827

 
$
125,067

 
$
996

The difference between an impaired loan’s recorded investment and the unpaid principal balance for originated loans represents a partial charge-off resulting from a confirmed loss due to the value of the collateral securing the loan being below the loan balance and management’s assessment that full collection of the loan balance is not likely.

Impaired loans included $57.1 million and $62.5 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, of accruing TDRs.

34


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Loans Modified Under Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs)
The following tables present the recorded investment of loans modified into TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 by type of concession granted. In cases where more than one type of concession was granted, the loans were categorized based on the most significant concession.
 
 
Concession type
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Principal
deferral
 
Interest
rate
 
Forbearance
agreement
 
Total
number
of loans
 
Pre-modification recorded investment
 
Post-modification recorded investment
For the three months ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
50

 
$
1,101

 
$
579

 
5

 
$
1,739

 
$
1,730

Commercial real estate
 
447

 
75

 

 
3

 
522

 
522

Subtotal
 
497

 
1,176

 
579

 
8

 
2,261

 
2,252

Consumer loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
 
98

 

 

 
1

 
98

 
98

Consumer installment
 
10

 

 

 
2

 
11

 
10

Home equity
 
111

 

 

 
1

 
165

 
111

Subtotal
 
219

 

 

 
4

 
274

 
219

Total loans
 
$
716

 
$
1,176

 
$
579

 
12

 
$
2,535

 
$
2,471

For the three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
3,832

 
$

 
$

 
7

 
$
3,832

 
$
3,832

Commercial real estate
 
987

 

 

 
4

 
987

 
987

Subtotal
 
4,819

 

 

 
11

 
4,819

 
4,819

Consumer loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
 
105

 

 

 
1

 
105

 
105

Consumer installment
 
33

 

 

 
4

 
33

 
33

Home equity
 
29

 
37

 

 
2

 
66

 
66

Subtotal
 
167

 
37

 

 
7

 
204

 
204

Total loans
 
$
4,986

 
$
37

 
$

 
18

 
$
5,023

 
$
5,023

The pre-modification and post-modification recorded investment represents amounts as of the date of loan modification. The difference between the pre-modification and post-modification recorded investment of residential mortgage TDRs represents impairment recognized by the Corporation through the provision for loan losses computed based on a loan's post-modification present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate.
    






    



35


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



The following schedule presents the Corporation's TDRs at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Accruing TDRs
 
Nonaccrual TDRs
 
Total
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loan portfolio
 
$
41,055

 
$
23,842

 
$
64,897

Consumer loan portfolio
 
16,003

 
4,100

 
20,103

Total
 
$
57,058

 
$
27,942

 
$
85,000

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loan portfolio
 
$
45,388

 
$
25,397

 
$
70,785

Consumer loan portfolio
 
17,147

 
5,134

 
22,281

Total
 
$
62,535

 
$
30,531

 
$
93,066

The following schedule includes TDRs for which there was a payment default during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, whereby the borrower was past due with respect to principal and/or interest for 90 days or more, and the loan became a TDR during the twelve-month period prior to the default:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Number of loans
 
Principal balance
 
Number of loans
 
Principal balance
Commercial loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
3

 
$
620

 

 
$

Commercial real estate
 

 

 
1

 
933

Subtotal - Commercial loan portfolio
 
3

 
620

 
1

 
933

Consumer loan portfolio (residential mortgage)
 
2

 
105

 
1

 

Total
 
5

 
$
725

 
2

 
$
933

At March 31, 2017, commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose terms have been modified in TDRs totaled $2.7 million.

36


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Allowance for Loan Losses
The following schedule presents, by loan portfolio segment, the changes in the allowance for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and details regarding the balance in the allowance and the recorded investment in loans at March 31, 2017 by impairment evaluation method.
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Commercial
Loan
Portfolio
 
Consumer
Loan
Portfolio
 
Total
Changes in allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2017:
Beginning balance
 
$
51,201

 
$
27,067

 
$
78,268

Provision for loan losses
 
4,392

 
(342
)
 
4,050

Charge-offs
 
(2,691
)
 
(2,883
)
 
(5,574
)
Recoveries
 
1,413

 
617

 
2,030

Ending balance
 
$
54,315

 
$
24,459

 
$
78,774

Changes in allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2016:
Beginning balance
 
$
47,234

 
$
26,094

 
$
73,328

Provision for loan losses
 
1,000

 
500

 
1,500

Charge-offs
 
(3,896
)
 
(1,562
)
 
(5,458
)
Recoveries
 
330

 
618

 
948

Ending balance
 
$
44,668

 
$
25,650

 
$
70,318

Allowance for loan losses balance at March 31, 2017 attributable to:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
3,721

 
$
1,919

 
$
5,640

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
50,594

 
22,540

 
73,134

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 

 

 

Total
 
$
54,315

 
$
24,459

 
$
78,774

Recorded investment (loan balance) at March 31, 2017:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
78,679

 
$
26,220

 
$
104,899

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
4,353,210

 
3,501,660

 
7,854,870

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 
3,373,301

 
1,940,322

 
5,313,623

Total
 
$
7,805,190

 
$
5,468,202

 
$
13,273,392

The following schedule presents, by loan portfolio segment, details regarding the balance in the allowance and the recorded investment in loans at December 31, 2016 by impairment evaluation method.
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Commercial
Loan
Portfolio
 
Consumer
Loan
Portfolio
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses balance at December 31, 2016 attributable to:
 
 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
5,234

 
$
4,158

 
$
9,392

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
45,967

 
22,909

 
68,876

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 

 

 

Total
 
$
51,201

 
$
27,067

 
$
78,268

Recorded investment (loan balance) at December 31, 2016:
 
 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
78,523

 
$
28,346

 
$
106,869

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
4,026,526

 
3,325,006

 
7,351,532

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 
3,489,163

 
2,043,215

 
5,532,378

Total
 
$
7,594,212

 
$
5,396,567

 
$
12,990,779


37


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Note 6: Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets
 
Changes in other real estate owned and repossessed assets, included in interest receivable and other assets on the consolidated statements of financial position, were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Other real estate
 owned
 
Repossessed
assets
Balance at January 1, 2017
 
$
16,812

 
$
375

Other additions (1)
 
3,119

 
1,162

 Net payments received
 
(39
)
 

Disposals
 
(3,728
)
 
(1,037
)
Write-downs
 
(269
)
 

Balance at March 31, 2017
 
$
15,895

 
$
500

 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2016
 
$
9,716

 
$
219

Other additions (1)
 
938

 
729

 Net payments received
 
(185
)
 
(11
)
Disposals
 
(1,371
)
 
(620
)
Write-downs
 
(167
)
 

Balance at March 31, 2016
 
$
8,931

 
$
317

 
(1)
Includes loans transferred to other real estate owned and other repossessed assets.

At March 31, 2017 the Corporation had $1.2 million of other real estate owned and repossessed assets as a result of obtaining physical possession in accordance with ASU No. 2014-04, Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure. In addition, there were $5.1 million of consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process as of March 31, 2017.

Income and expenses related to other real estate owned and repossessed assets, recorded as a component of "Other expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Income, were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Other real estate
 owned
 
Repossessed
assets
For the three months ended March 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

Net gain (loss) on sale
 
$
1,047

 
$
(78
)
Write-downs
 
(269
)
 

Net operating expenses
 
(508
)
 
(3
)
Total
 
$
270

 
$
(81
)
For the three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 

 
 

Net gain (loss) on sale
 
$
722

 
$
(8
)
Write-downs
 
(167
)
 

Net operating expenses
 
(153
)
 
(5
)
Total
 
$
402

 
$
(13
)

Note 7: Goodwill
Goodwill was $1.13 billion for the periods ended March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Goodwill recorded is primarily attributable to the synergies and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of the Corporation and acquired organizations. The Corporation recorded goodwill in the amount of $846.7 million related to the merger with Talmer completed on August 31, 2016.
Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated at least annually for impairment. The Corporation’s most recent annual goodwill impairment review performed as of October 31, 2016 did not indicate that an impairment of goodwill existed. The Corporation

38


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



also determined that no triggering events have occurred that indicated impairment from the most recent valuation date through March 31, 2017 and that the Corporation's goodwill was not impaired at March 31, 2017.

Note 8: Loan Servicing Rights
Loan servicing rights ("LSRs") are created as a result of selling residential mortgage and commercial real estate loans in the secondary market while retaining the right to service these loans and receive servicing income over the life of the loan, and from acquisitions of other banks that had LSRs. Loans serviced for others are not reported as assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
The Corporation elected to account for LSRs acquired related to the merger with Talmer under the fair value measurement method. Prior to January 1, 2017, the Corporation accounted for all other LSRs at the lower of cost or fair value ("Amortized LSRs"). The Company elected as of January 1, 2017 to account for all previously Amortized LSRs under the fair value measurement method. This change in accounting policy resulted in a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2017 in the amount of $3.7 million. For further information on this election, refer to Footnote 1, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies.
LSRs are established and recorded at the estimated fair value by calculating the present value of estimated future net servicing cash flows, taking into consideration actual and expected mortgage loan prepayment rates, discount rates, servicing costs, and other economic factors, which are determined based on current market conditions. The following table represents the activity for LSRs and the related fair value changes:
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Mortgage
 
Total
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
344

 
$
47,741

 
$
48,085

Transfers based on new accounting policy election
 

 
15,891

 
15,891

Additions from loans sold with servicing retained
 

 
1,753

 
1,753

Changes in fair value due to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reductions from pay-offs, pay downs and run-off
 
(24
)
 
(582
)
 
(606
)
Changes in estimates of fair value (1)
 

 
(519
)
 
(519
)
Fair value, end of period
 
$
320

 
$
64,284

 
$
64,604

Principal balance of loans serviced for others that have servicing capitalized
 
$
50,942

 
$
7,253,396

 
$
7,304,338

 
(1) Represents estimated LSR value change resulting primarily from market-driven changes in interest rates and prepayments. Included in "Mortgage banking revenue" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

39


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017




During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Corporation accounted for LSRs using the amortization method. Activity for LSRs and the related valuation allowance for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2016
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
11,122

Additions
 
331

Amortization
 
(975
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
10,478


Expected and actual loan prepayment speeds are the most significant factors driving the fair value of loan servicing rights. The following table presents assumptions utilized in determining the fair value of loan servicing rights as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
 
 
 
Mortgage
As of March 31, 2017
 
 
 

Prepayment speed
 
 
0.0 - 36.6%

Weighted average (“WA”) discount rate
 
 
10.1
%
Cost to service/per year
 
 
$
65

Ancillary income/per year
 
 
$
31

WA float range
 
 
0.98
%
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 

Prepayment speed
 
 
0.0 - 99.8%

WA discount rate
 
 
10.1
%
Cost to service/per year
 
 
$65-$90

Ancillary income/per year
 
 
$
28

WA float range
 
 
1.0
%

The Corporation realized total loan servicing fee income, included in "Mortgage banking revenue" in the Consolidated Statements of Income, of $4.5 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Note 9: Other Intangible Assets
The following table shows the net carrying value of the Corporation’s other intangible assets:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Core deposit intangible assets
 
$
38,723

 
$
40,211

Non-compete intangible assets
 
125

 

Total other intangible assets
 
$
38,848

 
$
40,211

The following table sets forth the carrying amount and accumulated amortization of core deposit intangible assets that are amortizable and arose from business combinations or other acquisitions:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Gross original amount
 
$
59,143

 
$
59,143

Accumulated amortization
 
20,420

 
18,932

Net carrying amount
 
$
38,723


$
40,211

Amortization expense recognized on core deposit intangible assets was $1.5 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

40


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



The estimated future amortization expense on core deposit intangible assets for periods ending after March 31, 2017 is as follows: 2017$4.5 million; 2018$5.7 million; 2019$5.4 million; 2020$4.9 million; 2021$4.5 million; 2022 and thereafter — $13.8 million.

41


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Note 10: Derivative Instruments and Balance Sheet Offsetting

In the normal course of business, the Corporation enters into various transactions involving derivative instruments to manage exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and to meet the financing needs of customers (customer-initiated derivatives).  These financial instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market and credit risk. Market and credit risk are included in the determination of fair value.
 
Commitments to fund mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors are considered derivatives. It is the Corporation’s practice to enter into forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of changes in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans.
     
The Corporation enters into interest rate derivatives to provide a service to certain qualifying customers to help facilitate their respective risk management strategies, customer-initiated derivatives, and, therefore, are not used for interest rate risk management purposes. The Corporation generally takes offsetting positions with dealer counterparts to mitigate the inherent risk.  Income primarily results from the spread between the customer derivative and the offsetting dealer positions.

The Corporation additionally has written and purchased option derivatives consisting of instruments to facilitate an equity-linked time deposit product (the "Power Equity CD"). The Power Equity CD is a time deposit that provides the purchaser a guaranteed return of principal at maturity plus a potential equity return (a written option), while the Corporation receives a known stream of funds based on the equity return (a purchased option). The written and purchased options are mirror derivative instruments which are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
 
The following table presents the notional amount and fair value of the Corporation’s derivative instruments held or issued in connection with customer-initiated and mortgage banking activities. 
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Notional
Amount (1)
 
Gross
Derivative
Assets (2)
 
Gross
Derivative
Liabilities
(2)
 
Notional
Amount (1)
 
Gross
Derivative
Assets (2)
 
Gross
Derivative
Liabilities
(2)
Customer-initiated and mortgage banking derivatives:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Customer-initiated derivatives
 
$
837,903

 
$
6,377

 
$
6,342

 
$
600,598

 
$
4,406

 
$
4,141

Forward contracts related to mortgage loans to be delivered for sale
 
121,008

 

 
342

 
140,155

 
635

 

Interest rate lock commitments
 
96,764

 
2,178

 

 
76,034

 
956

 

Power Equity CD
 
37,635

 
2,234

 
2,234

 
36,807

 
2,218

 
2,218

Total gross derivatives
 
$
1,093,310

 
$
10,789

 
$
8,918

 
$
853,594

 
$
8,215

 
$
6,359

 
(1)
Notional or contract amounts, which represent the extent of involvement in the derivatives market, are used to determine the contractual cash flows required in accordance with the terms of the agreement.  These amounts are typically not exchanged, significantly exceed amounts subject to credit or market risk and are not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(2)
Derivative assets are included within "Other assets" and derivative liabilities are included within "Other liabilities" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Included in the fair value of the derivative assets are credit valuation adjustments for counterparty credit risk totaling $138 thousand at March 31, 2017 and $99 thousand at December 31, 2016.
 
In the normal course of business, the Corporation may decide to settle a forward contract rather than fulfill the contract.  Cash received or paid in this settlement manner is included in "Mortgage banking revenue" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and is considered a cost of executing a forward contract.


42


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



The following table presents the net gains (losses) related to derivative instruments reflecting the changes in fair value.
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Location of Gain (Loss)
 
2017
 
2016
Forward contracts related to mortgage loans to be delivered for sale
 
Mortgage banking revenue
 
$
(977
)
 
$
(233
)
Interest rate lock commitments
 
Mortgage banking revenue
 
1,223

 
161

Customer-initiated derivatives
 
Other noninterest income
 
(231
)
 

Total gain (loss) recognized in income
 
 
 
$
15

 
$
(72
)

Methods and assumptions used by the Corporation in estimating the fair value of its forward contracts, interest rate lock commitments and customer-initiated derivatives are discussed in Note 3: Fair Value Measurements.

Balance Sheet Offsetting
 
Certain financial instruments, including customer-initiated derivatives, may be eligible for offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and/or subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements.  The Corporation is party to master netting arrangements with its financial institution counterparties; however, the Corporation does not offset assets and liabilities under these arrangements for financial statement presentation purposes based on an accounting policy election.  The tables below present information about the Corporation’s financial instruments that are eligible for offset.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross amounts not offset in the
statements of financial position
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross
amounts
recognized
 
Gross amounts
offset in the
statements of
financial condition
 
Net amounts
presented in the
statements of
financial position
 
Financial
instruments
 
Collateral
(received)/posted
 
Net
Amount
March 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Offsetting derivative assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative assets
 
$
6,355

 
$

 
$
6,355

 
$

 
$
(450
)
 
$
5,905

Offsetting derivative liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative liabilities
 
6,342

 

 
6,342

 

 
7,506

 
(1,164
)
December 31, 2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Offsetting derivative assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative assets
 
$
4,405

 
$

 
$
4,405

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,405

Offsetting derivative liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative liabilities
 
4,141

 

 
4,141

 

 
2,550

 
1,591




43


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Note 11: Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
Commitments
In the normal course of business, the Corporation offers a variety of financial instruments containing credit risk that are not required to be reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. These financial instruments include outstanding commitments to extend credit, approved but undisbursed loans (undisbursed loan commitments), credit lines, commercial letters of credit and standby letters of credit. The Corporation has risk management policies to identify, monitor and limit exposure to credit risk. To mitigate credit risk for these financial guarantees, the Corporation generally determines the need for specific covenant, guarantee and collateral requirements on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the financial instrument and the customer’s creditworthiness.
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Corporation had $118.4 million and $118.9 million, respectively, of outstanding financial and performance standby letters of credit. The majority of these standby letters of credit are collateralized. The Corporation determined that there were no potential losses from standby letters of credit at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may not require payment of a fee. Since many commitments expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Corporation evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on an individual basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Corporation upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the counterparty. The collateral held varies, but may include securities, real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, plant or equipment. Unfunded commitments under commercial lines of credit, revolving credit lines and overdraft protection agreements are included in commitments to extend credit. These lines of credit are generally not collateralized, usually do not contain a specified maturity date and may be drawn upon only to the total extent to which the Corporation is committed. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Corporation had $2.65 billion and $2.70 billion, respectively, of commitments to extend credit. The Corporation had undisbursed loan commitments of $565.6 million and $578.2 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Undisbursed loan commitments are not included in loans on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The majority of undisbursed loan commitments will be funded and convert to a portfolio loan within a one year period.
The allowance for credit losses on lending-related commitments included $1.0 million and $1.3 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, for probable credit losses inherent in the Corporation's unused commitments and was recorded in "Interest payable and other liabilities" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Contingencies and Guarantees
The Corporation has originated and sold certain loans, and additionally acquired the potential liability for those historical originated and sold loans by Talmer, for which the buyer has limited recourse to us in the event the loans do not perform as specified in the agreements. These loans had an outstanding balance of $15.4 million and $16.9 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The maximum potential amount of undiscounted future payments that the Corporation could be required to make in the event of nonperformance by the borrower totaled $14.8 million and $16.1 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. In the event of nonperformance, the Corporation has rights to the underlying collateral securing the loans. At both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Corporation had recorded a liability of $200 thousand in connection with the recourse agreements, recorded in "Interest payable and other liabilities" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Representations and Warranties
In connection with the Corporation's mortgage banking loan sales, and the historical sales of Talmer, the Corporation makes certain representations and warranties that the loans meet certain criteria, such as collateral type and underwriting standards. The Corporation may be required to repurchase individual loans and/or indemnify the purchaser against losses if the loan fails to meet established criteria. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, the liability recorded in connection with these representations and warranties totaled $5.7 million and $6.5 million, respectively.

44


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



A summary of the reserve for unfunded commitments of the Corporation is as follows:
 
For the three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Reserve balance at beginning of period
$
6,459

 
$
4,048

Reserve reduction
(770
)
 
(150
)
Charge-offs

 
(73
)
Ending reserve balance
$
5,689

 
$
3,825

(Dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Reserve balance
 
 
 
Liability for specific claims
529

 
730

General allowance
5,160

 
5,729

Total reserve balance
$
5,689

 
$
6,459



45


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Note 12: Borrowings
A summary of the Corporation's short- and long-term borrowings follows:
 
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate (1)
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Rate (1)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with customers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with customers
 
$
398,910

 
0.18
%
 
$
343,047

 
0.16
%
Short-term borrowings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLB advances: 0.66% - 0.89% fixed-rate notes
 
900,000

 
0.79

 
825,000

 
0.65

Long-term borrowings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLB advances: 0.92% - 7.44% fixed-rate notes due 2017 to 2020(2)
 
386,417

 
2.11

 
438,538

 
1.24

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase: 1.48% - 2.75% fixed-rate notes due in 2017(3)
 
9,093

 
1.29

 
19,144

 
3.17

Line-of-credit: floating-rate based on one-month LIBOR plus 1.75%
 
79,783

 
2.53

 
124,625

 
2.52

Subordinated debt obligations: floating-rate based on three-month LIBOR plus 1.45% - 2.85% due 2034 to 2035(4)
 
11,320

 
3.30

 
11,285

 
3.14

Subordinated debt obligations: floating-rate based on three-month LIBOR plus 3.25% due in 2032(5)
 
4,263

 
4.40

 
4,255

 
4.25

Total long-term borrowings
 
490,876

 
2.21

 
597,847

 
1.63

Total borrowings
 
$
1,789,786

 
1.04
%
 
$
1,765,894

 
0.89
%
 
(1)
Weighted average rate presented is the contractual rate which excludes premiums and discounts related to purchase accounting.
(2)
The March 31, 2017 balances include advances payable of $385.9 million and purchase accounting premiums of $0.6 million. The December 31, 2016 balance includes advances payable of $437.8 million and purchase accounting premiums of $0.7 million.
(3)
The March 31, 2017 balance includes advances payable of $9.0 million and purchase accounting premiums of $0.1 million. The December 31, 2016 balance includes advance payable of $19.0 million and purchase accounting premiums of $0.1 million.
(4)
The March 31, 2017 balance includes advances payable of $15.0 million and purchase accounting discounts of $3.7 million. The December 31, 2016 balance includes advances payable of $15.0 million and purchase accounting discounts of $3.7 million.
(5)
The March 31, 2017 balance includes advances payable of $5.0 million and purchase accounting discounts of $0.7 million. The December 31, 2016 balance includes advances payable of $5.0 million and purchase accounting discounts of $0.7 million.

Chemical Bank is a member of the FHLB, which provides short- and long-term funding collateralized by mortgage related assets to its members. Each advance is payable at its maturity date, with a prepayment penalty for fixed-rate advances. The Corporation's FHLB advances, including both short-term and long-term, require monthly interest payments and are collateralized by commercial and residential mortgage loans totaling $5.17 billion as of March 31, 2017. The Corporation's additional borrowing availability through the FHLB, subject to the FHLB's credit requirements and policies and based on the amount of FHLB stock owned by the Corporation, was $53.2 million at March 31, 2017.


46


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are with an unaffiliated financial institution and are secured by available for-sale-securities. The Corporation's securities sold under agreements to repurchase do not qualify as sales for accounting purposes. The remaining contractual maturity, excluding purchase accounting adjustments, of long-term securities under agreement to repurchase, is as follows:
 
March 31, 2017
 
Remaining Contractual Maturities of the Agreements
(Dollars in thousands)
Overnight and continuous
 
Up to 30 Days
 
30-90 Days
 
Greater than 90 Days
 
Total
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,000

 
$
9,000

Total borrowings
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,000

 
$
9,000

Amounts related to securities sold under agreements to repurchase not included in offsetting disclosure
in Footnote 10
 
$
9,000

The line-of-credit agreement contains certain restrictive covenants. The Corporation was in compliance with all of the covenants at March 31, 2017.
Note 13: Income Taxes
    
The Corporation records its federal income tax expense using its estimate of the effective income tax rate expected for the full year and applies that rate on a year-to-date basis. The fluctuations in the Corporation's effective federal income tax rate reflect changes each period in the proportion of interest income exempt from federal taxation, nondeductible transaction costs and other nondeductible expenses relative to pretax income and tax credits.
A reconciliation of expected income tax expense at the federal statutory income tax rate and the amounts recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
Tax at statutory rate
 
$
20,951

 
35.0
 %
 
$
11,677

 
35.0
 %
Changes resulting from:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt interest income
 
(1,757
)
 
(2.9
)
 
(1,139
)
 
(3.4
)
State taxes, net of federal benefit
 
212

 
0.4

 

 

Change in valuation allowance
 
11

 

 

 

Bank-owned life insurance adjustments
 
(344
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(68
)
 
(0.2
)
Income tax credits, net
 
(695
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(797
)
 
(2.4
)
Tax benefits in excess of compensation costs on share-based payments
 
(6,134
)
 
(10.2
)
 
(343
)
 
(1.0
)
Other, net
 
13

 

 
427

 
1.2

Income tax expense
 
$
12,257

 
20.5
 %
 
$
9,757

 
29.2
 %
Note 14: Share-Based Compensation
The Corporation maintains share-based compensation plans under which it periodically grants share-based awards for a fixed number of shares to certain officers of the Corporation. The fair value of share-based awards is recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service or performance period. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, share-based compensation expense related to share-based awards totaled $3.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, excess tax benefit realized from shared-based compensation transactions was $6.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
During the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, the Corporation granted options to purchase 126,695 shares of common stock, 159,462 restricted stock units and 13,300 shares of common stock to certain officers of the Corporation.
On April 20, 2015, the shareholders of the Corporation approved the Stock Incentive Plan of 2015, which provides for 1,300,000 shares of the Corporation's common stock to be made available for future equity-based awards and canceled the amount

47


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



of shares available for future grant under prior share-based compensation plans. At March 31, 2017, there were 287,348 shares of common stock available for future grants under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2015.
On April 26, 2017, the shareholders of the Corporation approved the Stock Incentive Plan of 2017, which provides for 1,750,000 shares of the Corporation's common stock to be made available for future equity-based awards and canceled the amount of shares available for future grant under prior share-based compensation plans.
Stock Options
The Corporation issues stock options to certain officers from time to time. The exercise price on stock options equals the current market price of the Corporation's common stock on the date of grant and stock options expire ten years from the date of grant. Stock options granted after 2012 vest ratably over a five-year period. Stock options granted prior to 2013 generally vest ratably over a three-year period. Stock options granted prior to 2016 fully vested upon the merger with Talmer. Stock options assumed by the Corporation in the merger with Talmer were fully vested prior to assumption.
A summary of activity for the Corporation’s stock options as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2017 is presented below:
 
 
Non-Vested
Stock Options Outstanding
 
Stock Options Outstanding
 
 
Number of
Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Per Share
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value Per Share
 
Number of
Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Per Share
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
 
407,939

 
$
32.81

 
$
6.15

 
2,453,395

 
$
21.41

Granted
 
126,695

 
53.72

 
10.05

 
126,695

 
53.72

Exercised
 

 

 

 
(1,210,264
)
 
15.92

Vested
 
(81,584
)
 
32.81

 
6.15

 

 

Forfeited/expired
 
(3,940
)
 
32.81

 
6.15

 
(3,940
)
 
32.81

Outstanding at March 31, 2017
 
449,110

 
$
38.71

 
$
7.25

 
1,365,886

 
$
29.24

Exercisable/vested at March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
916,776

 
$
24.60

The weighted-average remaining contractual terms were 6.9 years for all outstanding stock options and 5.7 years for exercisable stock options at March 31, 2017. The intrinsic value of all outstanding in-the-money stock options and exercisable in-the-money stock options was $29.0 million and $24.3 million, respectively, at March 31, 2017. The aggregate intrinsic values of outstanding and exercisable options at March 31, 2017 were calculated based on the closing market price of the Corporation’s common stock on March 31, 2017 of $51.15 per share less the exercise price. Options with intrinsic values less than zero, or "out-of-the-money" options, are not included in the aggregate intrinsic value reported. The total intrinsic value of stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $11.0 million.
Total cash received from options exercises during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $906 thousand and $498 thousand, respectively, resulting in the issuance of 496 thousand shares and 37 thousand shares, respectively.
At March 31, 2017, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options totaled $3.2 million and is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 4.3 years.
The fair value of the stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions.
Expected dividend yield
3.32
%
Risk-free interest rate
2.06
%
Expected stock price volatility
26.9
%
Expected life of options – in years
6.0

Weighted average fair value of options granted
$
10.05

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant and the expected life of the options granted. Expected stock volatility was based on historical volatility of the Corporation's common stock over the expected

48


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



life of the option. The expected life of the options represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding and is based primarily upon historical experience, including option exercise behavior.
Because of the unpredictability of the assumptions required, the Black-Scholes (or any other valuation) model is incapable of accurately predicting the Corporation's common stock price or of placing an accurate present value on options to purchase its stock. In addition, the Black-Scholes model was designed to approximate value for types of options that are very different from those issued by the Corporation. In spite of any theoretical value that may be placed on a stock option grant, no value is possible under options issued by the Corporation without an increase in the market price per share of the Corporation's common stock over the market price per share of the Corporation's common stock at the date of grant.
Restricted Stock Units
The Corporation grants restricted stock performance units and restricted stock service-based units (collectively referred to as restricted stock units) to certain officers from time to time. The restricted stock performance units vest based on the Corporation achieving certain performance target levels and the grantee completing the requisite service period. The restricted stock performance units are eligible to vest from 0.5x to 1.5x the number of units originally granted depending on which, if any, of the performance target levels are met. However, if the minimum performance target levels are not achieved, no shares will become vested or be issued for that respective year’s restricted stock performance units. The restricted stock service-based units vest upon satisfaction of a service condition. Upon achievement of the performance target level and/or satisfaction of a service condition, as applicable, the restricted stock units are converted into shares of the Corporation’s common stock on a one-to-one basis. Compensation expense related to restricted stock units is recognized over the expected requisite performance or service period, as applicable.
A summary of the activity for restricted stock units as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2017 is presented below:
 
 
Number of
Units
 
Weighted-average
grant date fair value per unit
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
 
298,357

 
$
32.81

Granted
 
159,462

 
52.11

Converted into shares of common stock
 
(40,141
)
 
26.86

Forfeited/expired
 
(316
)
 
32.81

Outstanding at March 31, 2017
 
417,362

 
$
40.76

At March 31, 2017, unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock units totaled $13.4 million and is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 3.3 years.
Restricted Stock Awards
The Corporation assumed restricted stock awards in the merger with Talmer that vest upon completion of future service requirements. The fair value of these awards is equal to the market price of the Corporation's common stock at the date the awards were assumed with the portion of the fair value related to post-combination service. The Corporation recognizes stock-based compensation expense over the vesting period, using the straight-lined method, based upon the number of shares of restricted stock ultimately expected to vest. If an individual awarded restricted stock awards terminates employment prior to the end of the vesting period, the unvested portion of the stock is forfeited, with certain exceptions.
The following table provides information regarding nonvested restricted stock awards:
Nonvested restricted stock awards
 
Number of Awards
 
Weighted-average acquisition-date
fair value
Nonvested at January 1, 2017
 
365,891

 
$
46.23

Vested
 
(61,049
)
 
46.23

Forfeited
 
(1,524
)
 
46.23

Nonvested at March 31, 2017
 
303,318

 
$
46.23

At March 31, 2017, unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock awards totaled $4.8 million and is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 1.1 years.

49


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Note 15: Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
The Corporation's retirement plans include a qualified pension plan, a nonqualified pension plan, a nonqualified postretirement benefit plan, a 401(k) savings plan, and a multi-employer defined benefit plan.
Qualified and Nonqualified Pension Plans and Nonqualified Postretirement Benefit Plans
The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Corporation’s qualified and nonqualified pension plans and nonqualified postretirement benefit plan are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
233

 
$
277

Interest cost
 
1,302

 
1,358

Expected return on plan assets
 
(2,217
)
 
(2,141
)
Amortization of unrecognized net loss
 
578

 
572

Net periodic benefit cost (income)
 
$
(104
)
 
$
66

Postretirement Benefit Plan
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
1

 
$
2

Interest cost
 
24

 
33

Amortization of prior service cost
 

 
29

Amortization of unrecognized net gain
 
(41
)
 
(24
)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
 
$
(16
)
 
$
40

The Corporation did not make a contribution to the pension plan during the three months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016. The discount rate used to compute the Corporation's pension plan expense for 2017 is 4.2%. The discount rate used to compute the Corporation's nonqualified pension plan for 2017 is 3.6%.
401(k) Savings Plan
401(k) Savings Plan expense for the Corporation’s match of participants’ base compensation contributions and a 4.0% of eligible pay contribution to employees who are not grandfathered under the pension plan was $2.5 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Corporation's base compensation match equals 50.0% of the participants' elective deferrals on the first 4.0% of the participants' base compensation up to the maximum amount allowed under the Internal Revenue Code.
Multi-Employer Defined Benefit Plan
In conjunction with the April 1, 2015 acquisition of Monarch, the Corporation acquired a participation in the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions (Pentegra DB Plan), a qualified defined benefit pension plan. Employee benefits for Monarch employees under the Plan were frozen effective April 1, 2004. The Pentegra DB Plan operates as a multi-employer plan for accounting purposes and as a multiple-employer plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). The Pentegra DB Plan is a single plan under IRC Section 413(c) and, as a result, all of the plan's assets stand behind all of the plan's liabilities. Accordingly, contributions made by a participating employer may be used to provide benefits to participants of other participating employers. No contributions were made by the Corporation to the Pentegra DB Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

50


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Note 16: Regulatory Capital
Federal and state banking regulations place certain restrictions on the transfer of assets, in the form of dividends, loans, or advances, from Chemical Bank to the Corporation. As of March 31, 2017, substantially all of the assets of Chemical Bank were restricted from transfer to the Corporation in the form of loans or advances. Dividends from the bank are the principal source of funds for the Corporation. In addition to the statutory limits, the Corporation considers the overall financial and capital position of the bank prior to making any cash dividend decisions.
The Corporation and Chemical Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Under these capital requirements, Chemical Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. In addition, capital amounts and classifications are subject to qualitative judgments by regulators. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. Management believes as of March 31, 2017, the Corporation and Chemical Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require minimum ratios of Tier 1 capital to average assets (Leverage Ratio) and common equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and Total capital to risk-weighted assets. These capital guidelines assign risk weights to on- and off-balance sheet items in arriving at total risk-weighted assets. Minimum capital levels are based upon the perceived risk of various asset categories and certain off-balance sheet instruments. Risk-weighted assets of the Corporation and Chemical Bank totaled $13.62 billion and $13.58 billion at March 31, 2017, respectively, compared to $13.42 billion and $13.36 billion at December 31, 2016, respectively.

Effective January 1, 2015, the Company adopted the new Basel III regulatory capital framework as approved by federal banking agencies, which are subject to a multi-year phase-in period. The adoption of this new framework modified the calculation of the various capital ratios, added a new ratio, common equity tier 1, and revised the adequately and well capitalized thresholds. In addition, Basel III establishes a new capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets, which is phased-in over a four-year period beginning January 1, 2016. The capital conservation buffer for 2017 is 1.25% and was 0.625% for 2016. The Corporation has elected to opt-out of including capital in accumulated other comprehensive income in common equity tier 1 capital.
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, Chemical Bank's capital ratios exceeded the quantitative capital ratios required for an institution to be considered "well-capitalized." Significant factors that may affect capital adequacy include, but are not limited to, a disproportionate growth in assets versus capital and a change in mix or credit quality of assets. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institutions' category.

51


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



The summary below compares the actual capital amounts and ratios with the quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy:
 
Actual
 
Minimum Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes
 
Minimum Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes Plus Capital Conservation Buffer
 
Required to be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Regulations
(Dollars in thousands)
Capital
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Capital
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Capital
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Capital
Amount
 
Ratio
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation
$
1,547,145

 
11.4
%
 
$
1,089,998

 
8.0
%
 
$
1,260,310

 
9.3
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Chemical Bank
1,581,814

 
11.7

 
1,086,008

 
8.0

 
1,255,696

 
9.3

 
$
1,357,510

 
10.0
%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation
1,445,929

 
10.6

 
817,498

 
6.0

 
987,810

 
7.3

 
N/A

 
N/A

Chemical Bank
1,496,181

 
11.0

 
814,506

 
6.0

 
984,195

 
7.3

 
1,086,008

 
8.0

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation
1,445,929

 
10.6

 
613,124

 
4.5

 
783,436

 
5.8

 
N/A

 
N/A

Chemical Bank
1,496,181

 
11.0

 
610,879

 
4.5

 
780,568

 
5.8

 
882,381

 
6.5

Leverage Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation
1,445,929

 
8.9

 
651,811

 
4.0

 
651,811

 
4.0

 
N/A

 
N/A

Chemical Bank
1,496,181

 
9.2

 
650,356

 
4.0

 
650,356

 
4.0

 
812,945

 
5.0

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation
$
1,543,018

 
11.5
%
 
$
1,073,431

 
8.0
%
 
$
1,157,293

 
8.6
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Chemical Bank
1,608,980

 
12.0

 
1,068,560

 
8.0

 
1,152,041

 
8.6

 
$
1,335,700

 
10.0
%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation
1,441,209

 
10.7

 
805,073

 
6.0

 
888,935

 
6.6

 
N/A

 
N/A

Chemical Bank
1,522,711

 
11.4

 
801,420

 
6.0

 
884,901

 
6.6

 
1,068,560

 
8.0

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Asset
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation
1,441,209

 
10.7

 
603,805

 
4.5

 
687,667

 
5.1

 
N/A

 
N/A

Chemical Bank
1,522,711

 
11.4

 
601,065

 
4.5

 
684,546

 
5.1

 
868,205

 
6.5

Leverage Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation
1,441,209

 
9.0

 
643,603

 
4.0

 
643,603

 
4.0

 
N/A

 
N/A

Chemical Bank
1,522,711

 
9.5

 
641,457

 
4.0

 
641,457

 
4.0

 
801,822

 
5.0

On April 26, 2017, a cash dividend on the Corporation's common stock of $0.27 per share was declared. The dividend will be paid on June 16, 2017 to shareholders of record as of June 2, 2017.

52


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Note 17: Earnings Per Common Share
The two-class method is used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share.  Under the two-class method, earnings available to common shareholders for the period are allocated between common shareholders and participating securities according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participating rights in undistributed earnings. 

Average shares of common stock for diluted net income per common share include shares to be issued upon the exercise of stock options granted under the Corporation’s share-based compensation plans, restricted stock units that may be converted to stock, restricted stock awards and stock to be issued under the deferred stock compensation plan for non-employee directors.

The factors used in the earnings per share computation follow: 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2017
 
2016
Net income
 
$
47,604

 
$
23,605

  Net income allocated to participating securities
 
226

 

Net income allocated to common shareholders (1)
 
$
47,378

 
$
23,605

Weighted average common shares - issued
 
70,969

 
38,198

  Average unvested restricted share awards
 
(341
)
 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
 
70,628

 
38,198

Effect of dilutive securities
 
 
 
 
  Weighted average common stock equivalents
 
787

 
323

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
 
71,415

 
38,521

EPS available to common shareholders
 
 
 
 
  Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.67

 
$
0.61

  Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.67

 
$
0.60

 
(1)
Net income allocated to common shareholders for basic and diluted earnings per share may differ under the two-class method as a result of adding common share equivalents for options and warrants to dilutive shares outstanding, which alters the ratio used to allocate net income to common shareholders and participating securities for the purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share.
    
For effect of dilutive securities, the assumed average stock valuation is $51.81 per share and $33.29 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The average number of exercisable employee stock options outstanding that were "out-of-the-money," whereby the option exercise price per share exceeded the market price per share and, therefore, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because they would have been anti-dilutive totaled zero and 121,050 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

53


Chemical Financial Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017



Note 18: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table summarizes the changes within each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of related tax benefit/expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Unrealized gains
(losses) on securities
available-for-sale,
net of tax
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Total
For the three months ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
(14,142
)
 
$
(25,894
)
 
$
(40,036
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 
1,780

 

 
1,780

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
(58
)
 
349

 
291

Net current period other comprehensive income
 
1,722

 
349

 
2,071

Ending balance
 
$
(12,420
)
 
$
(25,545
)
 
$
(37,965
)
For the three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
(1,888
)
 
$
(27,144
)
 
$
(29,032
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 
2,729

 

 
2,729

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
(12
)
 
(375
)
 
(387
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
2,717

 
(375
)
 
2,342

Ending balance
 
$
829

 
$
(27,519
)
 
$
(26,690
)

The following table summarizes the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Affected Line Item in the Income Statement
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Gains and losses on available-for-sale securities
 
$
90

 
$
19

 
Gain on sale of investment securities (noninterest income)
 
 
(32
)
 
(7
)
 
Income tax (expense)/benefit
 
 
$
58

 
$
12

 
Net Income
Amortization of defined benefit pension plan items
 
$
537

 
$
577

 
Salaries, wages and employee benefits (operating expenses)
 
 
(188
)
 
(202
)
 
Income tax (expense)/benefit
 
 
$
349

 
$
375

 
Net Income

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the financial condition and results of operations of Chemical Financial Corporation ("Corporation") during the periods included in the consolidated financial statements included in this report.
The Corporation is headquartered in Midland, Michigan, is a financial holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and is incorporated in the State of Michigan. At March 31, 2017, the Corporation's consolidated total assets, loans, deposits and shareholders' equity were $17.64 billion, $13.27 billion, $13.13 billion and $2.60 billion, respectively.

The Corporation was incorporated in August 1973. On June 30, 1974, the Corporation acquired Chemical Bank and Trust Company ("CBT") pursuant to a reorganization in which the former shareholders of CBT became shareholders of the Corporation. CBT's name was changed to Chemical Bank on December 31, 2005. In addition to the acquisition of CBT, the Corporation has acquired 25 community banks and 36 other branch bank offices through March 31, 2017. The Corporation's most recent transactions

54


include the merger with Talmer Bancorp, Inc. ("Talmer") during the third quarter of 2016, and the acquisitions of Lake Michigan Financial Corporation ("Lake Michigan") and Monarch Community Bancorp, Inc. ("Monarch") during the second quarter of 2015.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Corporation's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules and interpretive releases and general practices within the industry in which the Corporation operates. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions and complex judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the consolidated financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions and judgments. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments and, as such, have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Management has identified the determination of the allowance for loan losses, accounting for business combinations (including acquired loans), income and other taxes, fair value measurements and the evaluation of goodwill impairment to be the accounting areas that require the most subjective or complex judgments and, as such, could be most subject to revision as new or additional information becomes available or circumstances change, including overall changes in the economic climate and/or market interest rates. Therefore, management considers them to be critical accounting policies and discusses them directly with the Audit Committee of the board of directors.

The Corporation's significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements contained in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and the more significant assumptions and estimates made by management are more fully described in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies" in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. There were no material changes to the Corporation's significant accounting policies or the estimates made pursuant to those policies during the most recent quarter.
Mergers and Branch Closings
Merger with Talmer Bancorp, Inc.
On August 31, 2016, the Corporation acquired all the outstanding stock of Talmer for total consideration of $1.61 billion, which included stock consideration of $1.50 billion and cash consideration of $107.6 million. As a result of the merger, the Corporation issued 32.1 million shares of its common stock, based on an exchange ratio of 0.4725 shares of its common stock, and paid $1.61 in cash, for each share of Talmer common stock outstanding. Talmer Bank and Trust, Talmer's wholly-owned subsidiary bank, was consolidated with and into Chemical Bank during the fourth quarter of 2016. The acquisition of Talmer resulted in increases in the Corporation's total assets of $7.71 billion, including increases in total loans of $4.88 billion and total deposits of $5.29 billion. In connection with the merger with Talmer, the Corporation recorded $846.7 million of goodwill, which was primarily attributable to the synergies and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of the Corporation and Talmer. Additionally, the Corporation recorded $19.1 million of core deposit intangible assets in conjunction with the merger.
Branch Closings
On April 15, 2016, the Corporation closed eleven branch locations which were identified as having a small core deposit base and/or were in close proximity to other Chemical Bank branch locations.
In conjunction with the consolidation of Talmer Bank and Trust with and into Chemical Bank during the fourth quarter of 2016, the Corporation closed seven branches in communities where Talmer Bank and Trust and Chemical Bank had overlapping branches.
Expenses associated with the closing of the aforementioned branch office locations were not significant, with the exception of $1.0 million of fair value write-downs recognized in the second quarter of 2016 related to the eleven branch locations that were closed, as the majority of the employees of these closed branch offices were transferred to other nearby Chemical Bank branch locations or other open positions within Chemical Bank.
On April 26, 2017, the Corporation announced that 16 branches within Michigan will be closed or consolidated prior to the end of the year.
Branch Sales
On October 28, 2016, Talmer Bank and Trust completed its sale of its single branch office in Chicago, Illinois to Old Second National Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Old Second Bancorp, Inc. Old Second Bank assumed approximately $48.9 million of deposits and purchased approximately $233.6 million of loans and paid a $6.5 million premium in the transaction.

55


On November 4, 2016, Talmer Bank and Trust completed the sale of its single branch office in Las Vegas, Nevada to First Savings Bank. First Savings Bank assumed approximately $88.1 million of deposits and purchased approximately $0.1 million of loans and paid a $1.0 million premium in the transaction.
Accounting Standards Updates
See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for details of the accounting policy election made by the Corporation during the three months ended March 31, 2017. See the following section for a description of pronouncements that have been released but are not adopted by the Corporation.
Pending Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue Recognition    
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"), which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance.  The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU is intended to clarify and converge the revenue recognition principles under GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards and to streamline revenue recognition requirements in addition to expanding required revenue recognition disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), ("ASU 2016-08"), which further clarifies ASU 2014-09 by providing implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ("ASU 2016-10"), which provides additional clarification of ASU 2014-09 by amending guidance related to the identification of performance obligations and licensing implementation. ASU 2016-08 and ASU 2016-10 do not change the core principal of ASU 2014-09, but are intended to improve the operations and understanding of principal versus agent considerations, performance obligation identification and licensing implementation. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, ("ASU 2016-12"), which amends certain aspects of ASU 2014-09, which include collectibility, presentation of sales taxes and other taxes collected from customers, noncash consideration and transition technical corrections. In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets ("ASU 2017-05"). ASU 2017-05 clarifies the scope of the revenue recognition guidance related to nonfinancial asset recognition (ASC 610-20) and applies to the derecognition of all nonfinancial assets and in-substance nonfinancial assets. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Deferral of the Effective Date ("ASU 2015-14"), which provides a one year deferral to the effective date, therefore, ASU 2014-09 is effective for public companies for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning on or after December 15, 2017. As such, the Corporation will adopt ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2018. Under the provision, the Corporation will have the option to adopt the guidance using either a full retrospective method or a modified transition approach.  The Corporation is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2014-09 on the Corporation's consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
Recognition and Measurement
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities ("ASU 2016-01"). ASU 2016-01 amends current guidance by: (i) requiring equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (ii) allowing an entity to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at either fair value or cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes in observable prices, with changes in measurement recognized in net income, (iii) simplifying the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, (iv) eliminating the requirement to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; (v) requiring use the of exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (vi) requiring recognition of changes in the fair value related to instrument-specific credit risk in other comprehensive income if the fair value option for financial liabilities is elected, (vii) requiring separate presentation in the financial statements of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category, and (8) clarifying that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. ASU 2016-01 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption only for items (iv) and (vi) above. Early adoption of the other items mentioned above is not permitted. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

56


Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). Under ASU 2016-02, the Corporation will be required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases): (i) a right to use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term and (ii) a lease liability, which is a liability that represents lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public companies for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation's results of operations, but it is anticipated to result in a material increase in our assets and liabilities.
Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 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.
ASU 2016-13 requires an entity measure expected credit losses for financial assets over the estimated lifetime of expected credit loss and record an allowance that, when deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, presents the net amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The standard includes the following core concepts in determining the expected credit loss estimate: (a) be based on an asset’s amortized cost (including premiums or discounts, net deferred fees and costs, foreign exchange and fair value hedge accounting adjustments), (b) reflect losses expected over the remaining contractual life of an asset (considering the effect of voluntary prepayments), (c) consider available relevant information about the estimated collectibility of cash flows (including information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts), and (d) reflect the risk of loss, even when that risk is remote.
ASU 2016-13 also amends the recording of purchased credit-deteriorated assets. Under the new guidance, an allowance will be recognized at acquisition through a gross-up approach whereby an entity will record as the initial amortized cost the sum of (a) the purchase price and (b) an estimate of credit losses as of the date of acquisition. In addition, the guidance also requires immediate recognition in earnings any subsequent changes, both favorable and unfavorable, in expected cash flows by adjusting this allowance.
ASU 2016-13 amends the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires entities to determine whether all or a portion of the unrealized loss on an available-for-sale debt security is a credit loss. Management may not use the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position as a factor in concluding whether a credit loss exists, as is currently permitted. In addition, an entity will recognize an allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities as a contra-account to the amortized cost basis rather than as a direct reduction of the amortized cost basis of the investment, as is currently required. As a result, entities will recognize improvements to credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities immediately in earnings rather than as interest income over time under current practice.
New disclosures required by ASU 2016-13 include: (a) for financial assets measured at amortized cost, an entity will be required to disclose information about how it developed its allowance, including changes in the factors that influenced management’s estimate of expected credit losses and the reasons for those changes, (b) for financial receivables and net investments in leases measured at amortized cost, an entity will be required to further disaggregate the information it currently discloses about the credit quality of these assets by year or the asset’s origination or vintage for as many as five annual periods, and (c) for available-for-sale debt securities, an entity will be required to provide a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses and an aging analysis for securities that are past due.
Upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings will be recorded as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. ASU 2016-13 is effective for public companies for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Corporation is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2016-13 to determine the potential impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
Statement of Cash Flows
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments ("ASU 2016-15"), which clarifies guidance on the classification of eight specific cash flow issues. ASU 2016-15 was issued to reduce diversity in practice and prevent financial statement restatements. Cash flow issues include; debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon bonds, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies and bank-owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. ASU 2016-15 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods

57


within those fiscal years. Under the provision, entities must apply the guidance retrospectively to all periods presented but may apply it prospectively if retrospective application would be impracticable. The Corporation is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2016-15.
Mergers and Acquisitions
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business ("ASU 2017-01"), which narrows the definition of a business and provides a framework that gives entities a basis for making reasonable judgments about whether a transaction involves an asset or a business.ASU 2017-01 is effective for public business entities in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein. The adoption of ASU 2017-01 is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Goodwill Impairment Measurement

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Accounting for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). The new guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Subsequent to adoption of ASU 2017-04, goodwill impairment will be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance largely remains unchanged. ASU 2017-04 will be applied prospectively, and is effective for public business entities for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefit Plans

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-06, Plan Accounting: Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Topic 960); Defined Contribution Pension Plans (Topic 962); Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Topic 965) - Employee Benefit Plan Master Trust Reporting ("ASU 2017-06"). This update clarifies the reporting requirements by an employee benefit plan for its interest in a master trust and removes redundancy relating to 401(h) account disclosures. The new guidance requires a plan's interest in a master trust to be presented in separate line items in the statement of net assets available and in the statement of changes in net assets available. The amendment removes the requirement to disclose the percentage interest in the master trust, and instead requires disclosure of the dollar amount of interest in each investment type. ASU 2017-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and will be applied retrospectively to each period where financial statements are presented. As such, the Corporation will adopt ASU 2017-06 as of January 1, 2019. The Corporation is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2017-06.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost ("ASU 2017-07"). ASU 2017-07 improves the income statement presentation of net periodic benefit cost for an entity's pension and postretirement plans. The new standard requires employers to disaggregate current-service-costs from other components of net benefit cost and present it with other compensation costs in the income statement, and outside of income from operations if presented. The amendment also allows only the service-cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. ASU 2017-07 is effective for public business entities for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption allowed within the first interim period. The Corporation will adopt ASU 2017-07 as of January 1, 2018. Under the provision, entities must use a retrospective transition method to adopt the separate income statement presentation of the service costs and other components, and a prospective transition method for the capitalization of the service-cost component. The adoption of ASU 2017-07 is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Investment Securities

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities ("ASU 2017-08"), which shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities that are held at a premium. The update requires entities to amortize premium at the earliest call date, which will eliminate the recognition of a loss into earnings. Debt securities held at a discount will continue to be amortized as a yield adjustment over the life of the instrument. ASU 2017-08 requires a modified retrospective transition approach as an adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the adoption period. ASU 2017-08 will be effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted for any interim or annual period. The adoption of ASU 2017-08 is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

58



Summary
The Corporation's net income was $47.6 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to net income of $47.2 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2016 and net income of $23.6 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2016. Net income included merger and acquisition-related expenses ("transaction expenses") of $4.2 million in the first quarter of 2017, $18.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2016. Net income in the first quarter of 2017 additionally included a $0.5 million detriment to earnings due to the change in fair value in loan servicing rights, compared to the benefit received from the change in fair value in loan servicing rights of $6.3 million and net gain on the sale of branches of $7.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Excluding transaction expenses, net gain on sale of branches and the change in the fair value of loan servicing rights ("significant items"), net income was $50.7 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $49.9 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $25.3 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2016.(1)
Return on average assets was 1.09% in both the first quarter of 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to 1.02% in the first quarter of 2016. Return on average equity was 7.4% in both the first quarter of 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to 9.3% in the first quarter of 2016. Excluding significant items, the Corporation's return on average assets was 1.16% in both the first quarter of 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to 1.09% in the first quarter of 2016 and the Corporation's return on average shareholders' equity was 7.8% in both the first quarter of 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to 9.9% in the first quarter of 2016. (1) 
(1) Net income, excluding significant items, diluted earnings per share, excluding significant items, return on average assets, excluding significant items, and return on average shareholders' equity, excluding significant items, are non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the section entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" included within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.


59


Chemical Financial Corporation
Selected Quarterly Information
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
March 31, 2016
Summary of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
$
142,896

 
$
144,416

 
$
79,464

Interest expense
 
12,799

 
11,969

 
5,134

Net interest income
 
130,097

 
132,447

 
74,330

Provision for loan losses
 
4,050

 
6,272

 
1,500

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
126,047

 
126,175

 
72,830

Noninterest income
 
38,010

 
54,264

 
19,419

Operating expenses, excluding transaction expenses (non-GAAP)
 
100,029

 
96,286

 
56,293

Transaction expenses
 
4,167

 
18,016

 
2,594

Income before income taxes
 
59,861

 
66,137

 
33,362

Income tax expense
 
12,257

 
18,969

 
9,757

Net income
 
$
47,604

 
$
47,168

 
$
23,605

Significant items, net of tax
 
3,046

 
2,781

 
1,686

Net income, excluding significant items(1)
 
$
50,650

 
$
49,949

 
$
25,291

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per Common Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net income:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Basic
 
$
0.67

 
$
0.67

 
$
0.61

Diluted
 
0.67

 
0.66

 
0.60

Diluted, excluding significant items (non-GAAP)(1)
 
0.71

 
0.70

 
0.65

Cash dividends declared
 
0.27

 
0.27

 
0.26

Book value - period-end
 
36.56

 
36.57

 
26.99

Tangible book value - period-end(1)
 
20.32

 
20.20

 
19.20

Market value - period-end
 
51.15

 
54.17

 
35.69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key Ratios (annualized where applicable)
 
 
 
 

Net interest margin (GAAP)
 
3.41
%
 
3.48
%
 
3.50
%
Net interest margin (taxable equivalent basis) (non-GAAP)(2)
 
3.49
%
 
3.56
%
 
3.60
%
Efficiency ratio (GAAP)
 
62.0
%
 
61.2
%
 
62.8
%
Efficiency ratio - adjusted (non-GAAP)(1)
 
57.4
%
 
53.7
%
 
57.6
%
Return on average assets
 
1.09
%
 
1.09
%
 
1.02
%
Return on average shareholders' equity
 
7.4
%
 
7.4
%
 
9.3
%
Average shareholders' equity as a percent of average assets
 
14.8
%
 
14.9
%
 
11.0
%
Capital ratios (period end):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible shareholders' equity as a percent of tangible assets(1)
 
8.8
%
 
8.8
%
 
8.2
%
Total risk-based capital ratio
 
11.4
%
 
11.5
%
 
11.5
%
(1) Net income, excluding significant items, diluted earnings per share, excluding significant items, tangible book value, adjusted efficiency ratio, and tangible equity to tangible assets are non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the section entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" included within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.
(2)Net interest margin (FTE) is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please refer to the section entitled "Average Balances, Fully Tax Equivalent (FTE) Interest and Effective Yields and Rates" included within this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

60


Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This report contains references to financial measures that are not defined in GAAP. Such non-GAAP financial measures include the Corporation's tangible book value per share, tangible equity to tangible assets ratio, presentation of net interest income and net interest margin on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis and information presented excluding significant items , including net income, diluted earnings per share, return on average assets, return on average shareholders' equity, operating expenses and the efficiency ratio. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors that is supplementary to our financial condition and results of operations in accordance with GAAP; however, we acknowledge that these non-GAAP financial measures have a number of limitations. Limitations associated with non-GAAP financial measures include the risk that persons might disagree as to the appropriateness of items comprising these measures and that different companies might calculate these measures differently. These disclosures should not be considered an alternative to the Corporation's GAAP results.
A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is presented below. A reconciliation of net interest income and net interest margin (FTE) to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure can be found under the subheading "Average Balances, Fully Taxable Equivalent (FTE) Interest and Effective Yields and Rates" of this report.

61


 
 
Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
March 31, 2016
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Operating Results
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income, as reported
 
$
47,604

 
$
47,168

 
$
23,605

Transaction expenses
 
4,167

 
18,016

 
2,594

Gain on sales of branch offices
 

 
(7,391
)
 

Loan servicing rights change in fair value
 
519

 
(6,348
)
 

Significant items
 
4,686

 
4,277

 
2,594

Income tax benefit (1)
 
(1,640
)
 
(1,496
)
 
(908
)
Significant items, net of tax
 
3,046

 
2,781

 
1,686

Net income, excluding significant items
 
$
50,650

 
$
49,949

 
$
25,291

Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share, as reported
 
$
0.67

 
$
0.66

 
$
0.60

Effect of significant items, net of tax
 
0.04

 
0.04

 
0.05

Diluted earnings per share, excluding significant items
 
$
0.71

 
$
0.70

 
$
0.65

Return on Average Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets, as reported
 
1.09
%
 
1.09
%
 
1.02
%
Effect of significant items, net of tax
 
0.07

 
0.07

 
0.07

Return on average assets, excluding significant items
 
1.16
%
 
1.16
%
 
1.09
%
Return on Average Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average shareholders' equity, as reported
 
7.4
%
 
7.4
%
 
9.3
%
Effect of significant items, net of tax
 
0.4

 
0.4

 
0.6

Return on average shareholders' equity, excluding significant items
 
7.8
%
 
7.8
%
 
9.9
%
Efficiency Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
$
130,097

 
$
132,447

 
$
74,330

Noninterest income
 
38,010

 
54,264

 
19,419

Total revenue - GAAP
 
168,107

 
186,711

 
93,749

Net interest income FTE adjustment
 
3,068

 
2,945

 
2,133

Loan servicing rights change in fair value (gains) losses
 
519

 
(6,348
)
 

Gains on sale of branch offices
 

 
(7,391
)
 

Gains from sale of investment securities and closed branch locations
 
(90
)
 
(76
)
 
(169
)
Total revenue - Non-GAAP
 
$
171,604

 
$
175,841

 
$
95,713

Operating expenses - GAAP
 
$
104,196

 
$
114,302

 
$
58,887

Transaction expenses
 
(4,167
)
 
(18,016
)
 
(2,594
)
Amortization of intangibles
 
(1,513
)
 
(1,843
)
 
(1,194
)
Operating expenses - Non-GAAP
 
$
98,516

 
$
94,443

 
$
55,099

Efficiency ratio - GAAP
 
62.0
%
 
61.2
%
 
62.8
%
Efficiency ratio - adjusted Non-GAAP
 
57.4
%
 
53.7
%
 
57.6
%
(1) Assumes transaction expenses are deductible at an income tax rate of 35%, except for the impact of estimated nondeductible expenses incurred in periods when the Corporation completes merger and acquisition transactions.

62


(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
March 31, 2016
Tangible Book Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity, as reported
 
$
2,600,051

 
$
2,581,526

 
$
1,032,291

Goodwill, CDI and noncompete agreements, net of tax
 
(1,154,915
)
 
(1,155,617
)
 
(297,821
)
Tangible shareholders' equity
 
$
1,445,136

 
$
1,425,909

 
$
734,470

Common shares outstanding
 
71,118

 
70,599

 
38,248

Book value per share (shareholders' equity, as reported, divided by common shares outstanding)
 
$
36.56

 
$
36.57

 
$
26.99

Tangible book value per share (tangible shareholders' equity divided by common shares outstanding)
 
$
20.32

 
$
20.20

 
$
19.20

Tangible Shareholders' Equity to Tangible Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
17,636,973

 
$
17,355,179

 
$
9,303,632

Goodwill, CDI and noncompete agreements, net of tax
 
(1,154,915
)
 
(1,155,617
)
 
(297,821
)
Tangible assets
 
$
16,482,058

 
$
16,199,562

 
$
9,005,811

Shareholders' equity to total assets
 
14.7
%
 
14.9
%
 
11.1
%
Tangible shareholders' equity to tangible assets
 
8.8
%
 
8.8
%
 
8.2
%
Financial Condition
Total Assets
Total assets were $17.64 billion at March 31, 2017, an increase of $281.8 million, or 1.6%, from total assets of $17.36 billion at December 31, 2016. The increase in total assets during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was primarily attributable to loan growth that was funded by a combination of organic growth in customer deposits and an increase in FHLB advances.
Interest-earning assets were $15.62 billion at March 31, 2017, an increase of $350.3 million, or 2.3%, from interest-earning assets of $15.26 billion at December 31, 2016.
Average assets were $17.47 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $209.4 million, or 1.2%, from average assets of $17.26 billion during the three months ended December 31, 2016. The increase in average assets during the three months ended March 31, 2017, was attributable to net loan growth.

63


Investment Securities
The following tables summarize the maturities and yields of the carrying value of investment securities by investment category, and fair value by investment category, at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
 
Maturity as of March 31, 2017(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Within
One Year
 
After One
but Within
Five Years
 
After Five
but Within
Ten Years
 
After
Ten Years
 
Total
Carrying
Value(2)
 
Total
Fair
Value
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
Yield(3)
 
Amount
 
Yield(3)
 
Amount
 
Yield(3)
 
Amount
 
Yield(3)
 
Amount
 
Yield(3)
 
Available-for-Sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
5,793

 
0.95
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
5,793

 
0.95
%
 
$
5,793

Government sponsored agencies
73,714

 
1.24

 
80,678

 
1.57

 
63,629

 
1.84

 
6,318

 
2.07

 
224,339

 
1.55

 
224,339

State and political subdivisions
11,631

 
2.59

 
72,232

 
2.06

 
117,659

 
2.43

 
98,887

 
2.96

 
300,409

 
2.52

 
300,409

Residential mortgage-backed securities
52,257

 
1.54

 
137,778

 
1.60

 
43,718

 
2.09

 
22,791

 
2.28

 
256,544

 
1.73

 
256,544

Collateralized mortgage obligations
92,391

 
2.18

 
185,020

 
2.24

 
77,324

 
2.35

 
12,586

 
2.40

 
367,321

 
2.25

 
367,321

Corporate bonds
10,898

 
1.50

 
48,998

 
1.89

 
29,357

 
3.66

 

 

 
89,253

 
2.42

 
89,253

Preferred stock and trust preferred securities

 

 

 

 
8,561

 
3.08

 
23,626

 
2.86

 
32,187

 
2.92

 
32,187

Total investment securities available-for-sale
246,684

 
1.72

 
524,706

 
1.91

 
340,248

 
2.38

 
164,208

 
2.77

 
1,275,846

 
2.11

 
1,275,846

Held-to-Maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and political subdivisions
70,242

 
3.41

 
271,055

 
3.65

 
146,712

 
3.65

 
158,683

 
4.04

 
646,692

 
3.72

 
639,450

Trust preferred securities

 

 

 

 

 

 
500

 
4.00

 
500

 
4.00

 
350

Total investment securities held-to-maturity
70,242

 
3.41

 
271,055

 
3.65

 
146,712

 
3.65

 
159,183

 
4.04

 
647,192

 
3.72

 
639,800

Total investment securities
$
316,926

 
2.10
%
 
$
795,761

 
2.50
%
 
$
486,960

 
2.76
%
 
$
323,391

 
3.40
%
 
$
1,923,038

 
2.65
%
 
$
1,915,646

(1)
Residential mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and certain government sponsored agencies are based on scheduled principal maturity. All other investment securities are based on final contractual maturity.
(2)
The aggregate book value of securities issued by any single issuer, other than the U.S. government and government sponsored agencies, did not exceed 10% of the Corporation's shareholders' equity.
(3)
Yields are weighted by amount and time to contractual maturity, are on a taxable equivalent basis using a 35% federal income tax rate and are based on carrying value. Yields disclosed are actual yields based on carrying value at March 31, 2017. Approximately 14% of the Corporation's investment securities at March 31, 2017 were variable-rate financial instruments.


64


 
Maturity as of December 31, 2016(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Within
One Year
 
After One
but Within
Five Years
 
After Five
but Within
Ten Years
 
After
Ten Years
 
Total
Carrying
Value(2)
 
Total
Fair
Value
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
Yield(3)
 
Amount
 
Yield(3)
 
Amount
 
Yield(3)
 
Amount
 
Yield(3)
 
Amount
 
Yield(3)
 
Available-for-Sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
5,793

 
0.95
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
5,793

 
0.95
%
 
$
5,793

Government sponsored agencies
71,233

 
1.11

 
82,888

 
1.43

 
56,363

 
1.78

 
4,527

 
1.85

 
215,011

 
1.42

 
215,011

State and political subdivisions
9,438

 
2.53

 
70,435

 
2.11

 
116,239

 
2.39

 
103,976

 
2.94

 
300,088

 
2.52

 
300,088

Residential mortgage-backed securities
54,204

 
1.55

 
143,937

 
1.60

 
48,400

 
2.08

 
25,741

 
2.31

 
272,282

 
1.74

 
272,282

Collateralized mortgage obligations
87,400

 
2.04

 
135,646

 
2.26

 
79,496

 
2.42

 
17,483

 
2.58

 
320,025

 
2.26

 
320,025

Corporate bonds
7,778

 
1.47

 
52,315

 
1.85

 
29,381

 
3.66

 

 

 
89,474

 
2.41

 
89,474

Preferred stock and trust preferred securities

 

 

 

 

 

 
32,291

 
2.95

 
32,291

 
2.95

 
32,291

Total investment securities available-for-sale
235,846

 
1.62

 
485,221

 
1.86

 
329,879

 
2.36

 
184,018

 
2.79

 
1,234,964

 
2.09

 
1,234,964

Held-to-Maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and political subdivisions
66,090

 
2.18

 
262,136

 
2.74

 
145,225

 
3.90

 
149,476

 
3.13

 
622,927

 
3.04

 
608,221

Trust preferred securities

 

 

 

 

 

 
500

 
4.00

 
500

 
4.00

 
310

Total investment securities held-to-maturity
66,090

 
2.18

 
262,136

 
2.74

 
145,225

 
3.90

 
149,976

 
3.13

 
623,427

 
3.05

 
608,531

Total investment securities
$
301,936

 
1.74
%
 
$
747,357

 
2.17
%
 
$
475,104

 
2.83
%
 
$
333,994

 
2.95
%
 
$
1,858,391

 
2.41
%
 
$
1,843,495

(1)
Residential mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and certain government sponsored agencies are based on scheduled principal maturity. All other investment securities are based on final contractual maturity.
(2)
The aggregate book value of securities issued by any single issuer, other than the U.S. government and government sponsored agencies, did not exceed 10% of the Corporation's shareholders' equity.
(3)
Yields are weighted by amount and time to contractual maturity, are on a taxable equivalent basis using a 35% federal income tax rate and are based on carrying value. Yields disclosed are actual yields based on carrying value at December 31, 2016. Approximately 10% of the Corporation's investment securities at December 31, 2016 were variable-rate financial instruments.
The Corporation utilizes third-party pricing services to obtain market value prices for its investment security portfolio. On a quarterly basis, the Corporation validates the reasonableness of prices received from third-party pricing services through independent price verification on a sample of investment securities in the portfolio, data integrity validation based upon comparison of current market prices to prior period market prices and analysis of overall expectations of movement in market prices based upon the changes in the related yield curves and other market factors. On a quarterly basis, the Corporation reviews the pricing methodology of the third-party pricing vendors and the results of the vendors' internal control assessments to ensure the integrity of the process that the vendor uses to develop market pricing for the Corporation's investment securities portfolio.
The carrying value of investment securities totaled $1.92 billion at March 31, 2017, an increase of $64.6 million, or 3.5%, from investment securities of $1.86 billion at December 31, 2016.
The Corporation's investment securities portfolio as of March 31, 2017 had a weighted average life of approximately 4.2 years and an effective duration of approximately 2.6 years.

65


The following table summarizes the carrying value of investment securities at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
5,793

 
$
5,793

Government sponsored agencies
 
224,339

 
215,011

State and political subdivisions
 
300,409

 
300,088

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
256,544

 
272,282

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
367,321

 
320,025

Corporate bonds
 
89,253

 
89,474

Preferred stock and trust preferred securities
 
32,187

 
32,291

Total investment securities available-for-sale
 
1,275,846

 
1,234,964

Held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
State and political subdivisions
 
646,692

 
622,927

Trust preferred securities
 
500

 
500

Total investment securities held-to-maturity
 
647,192

 
623,427

Total investment securities
 
$
1,923,038

 
$
1,858,391

At March 31, 2017, the Corporation's investment securities portfolio consisted of: U.S. Treasury securities, comprised of fixed-rate government debt instruments issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury, totaling $5.8 million; government sponsored agency (GSA) debt obligations, comprised primarily of fixed-rate instruments backed by Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks and the Student Loan Marketing Corporation, totaling $224.3 million; state and political subdivisions debt obligations, comprised of general debt obligations of issuers mostly located in the State of Michigan, totaling $947.1 million; residential mortgage-backed securities (MBSs), comprised primarily of fixed-rate instruments backed by a U.S. government agency (Government National Mortgage Association) or government sponsored enterprises (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and Federal National Mortgage Association), totaling $256.5 million; collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), comprised of approximately 89.0% fixed-rate and 11.0% variable-rate instruments backed by the same U.S. government agency and government sponsored enterprises as the residential MBSs, with average maturities of less than three years, totaling $367.3 million; corporate bonds, comprised primarily of debt obligations of large U.S. global financial organizations, totaling $89.3 million; and preferred stock and trust preferred securities (TRUPs), comprised of preferred stock debt instruments of two large regional/national banks and variable-rate TRUPs from both a publicly-traded bank holding company and a small non-public bank holding company, totaling $32.7 million. Fixed-rate instruments comprised approximately 86.0% of the Corporation's investment securities portfolio at March 31, 2017.
The Corporation records all investment securities in accordance with ASC Topic 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities (ASC 320), under which the Corporation is required to access equity and debt securities that have fair values below their amortized cost basis to determine whether the decline (impairment) is other-than-temporary. An assessment is performed quarterly by the Corporation to determine whether unrealized losses in its investment securities portfolio are temporary or other-than-temporary by considering all reasonably available information. The Corporation reviews factors such as financial statements, credit ratings, news releases and other pertinent information of the underlying issuer or company to make its determination. In assessing whether a decline is other-than-temporary, management considers, amount other things, (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (iii) the potential for impairments in an entire industry or sub-sector and (iv) the potential for impairments in certain economically depressed geographical locations.
The Corporation's investment securities portfolio, with a carrying value of $1.92 billion at March 31, 2017, had gross unrealized losses of $31.8 million at that date. Management believed that the unrealized losses on investment securities at March 31, 2017 were temporary in nature and due primarily to changes in interest rates on the investment securities and market illiquidity, and not as a result of credit-related issues. Accordingly, the Corporation believed the unrealized losses in its investment securities portfolio at March 31, 2017 were temporary in nature and, therefore, no impairment loss was recognized in the Corporation's Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2017. However, other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) may occur in the future as a result of material declines in the fair value of investment securities resulting from market, credit, economic or other conditions. A further discussion of the assessment of potential impairment and the Corporation's process that resulted in the conclusion that the impairment was temporary in nature follows.

66


At March 31, 2017, the gross unrealized losses in the Corporation's investment securities portfolio of $31.8 million were comprised as follows: state and political subdivisions securities of $20.3 million; GSA securities, residential MBSs and CMOs, combined, of $9.8 million; corporate bonds of $1.2 million; and preferred stock and TRUPs of $0.4 million. The amortized costs and fair values of investment securities are disclosed in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
State and political subdivisions securities, included in the available-for-sale and the held-to-maturity investment securities portfolios, had an amortized cost of $956.2 million and gross unrealized losses of $20.3 million at March 31, 2017. The Corporation's state and political subdivisions securities are almost entirely from issuers mostly located in the State of Michigan and of which approximately 76.0% are general obligations of the issuer, meaning that repayment of these obligations is funded by general tax collections of the issuer. The gross unrealized losses were attributable to state and political subdivisions securities with an amortized cost of $752.3 million that generally mature beyond 2018. It was the Corporation's assessment that the unrealized losses on these investment securities were attributable to current market interest rates being slightly higher than the yield on these investment securities and illiquidity in the market due to the nature of a portion of these investment securities. The Corporation concluded that the unrealized losses in its state and political subdivisions securities were temporary in nature at March 31, 2017.
GSA securities, residential MBSs and CMOs, included in the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio, had a combined amortized cost of $857.8 million and gross unrealized losses of $9.8 million at March 31, 2017. Virtually all of the investment securities in these categories are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or a guarantee of a U.S. government agency or government sponsored enterprise. The Corporation determined that the unrealized losses on these investment securities were attributable to current market interest rates being higher than the yields being earned on these investment securities. The Corporation concluded that the unrealized losses in its GSA securities, residential MBSs and CMOs were temporary in nature at March 31, 2017.
Corporate bonds included in the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio, had an amortized cost of $90.4 million and gross unrealized losses of $1.2 million at March 31, 2017. The investment securities in this category are investment grade securities and none have had recent downgrades. The Corporation determined that the unrealized losses on these investment securities were attributable to current market interest rates being higher than the yields being earned on these investment securities. The Corporation concluded that the unrealized loss was temporary in nature at March 31, 2017.
At March 31, 2017, the Corporation held one TRUP in the held-to-maturity investment securities portfolio, with an amortized cost of $0.5 million and gross unrealized loss of $0.2 million. This TRUP represents a 10% interest in the TRUP of a well-capitalized non-public bank holding company in Michigan. The principal of $0.5 million of this TRUP matures in 2033, with interest payments due quarterly. All scheduled interest payments on this TRUP have been made on a timely basis. The Corporation determined that the unrealized loss on this TRUP was attributable to lack of liquidity for issuances of this size. The Corporation concluded that the unrealized loss was temporary in nature at March 31, 2017.
At March 31, 2017, the Corporation expected to fully recover the entire amortized cost basis of each investment security in an unrealized loss position in its investment securities portfolio at that date. Furthermore, at March 31, 2017, the Corporation did not have the intent to sell any of its investment securities in an unrealized loss position and believed that it was more-likely-than-not that the Corporation would not have to sell any of its investment securities before a full recovery of amortized cost. However, there can be no assurance that OTTI losses will not be recognized on any other investment security in the future.

67


Loans
The Corporation's loan portfolio is comprised of commercial, commercial real estate and real estate construction and land development loans, referred to as the Corporation's commercial loan portfolio, and residential mortgage, consumer installment and home equity loans, referred to as the Corporation's consumer loan portfolio. At March 31, 2017, the Corporation's loan portfolio was $13.27 billion and consisted of loans in the commercial loan portfolio totaling $7.81 billion, or 58.8% of total loans, and loans in the consumer loan portfolio totaling $5.47 billion, or 41.2% of total loans. Loans at fixed interest rates comprised 57.5% of the Corporation's total loan portfolio at March 31, 2017, compared to 73.4% at December 31, 2016.
Chemical Bank is a full-service commercial bank and the acceptance and management of credit risk is an integral part of the Corporation's business. The Corporation maintains loan policies and credit underwriting standards as part of the process of managing credit risk. These standards include making loans generally only within the Corporation's market areas. The Corporation’s lending markets generally consist of communities throughout Michigan and additional communities located within Ohio, western Pennsylvania and northern Indiana. The Corporation has no foreign loans or any loans to finance highly leveraged transactions. The Corporation's lending philosophy is implemented through strong administrative and reporting controls. The Corporation maintains a centralized independent loan review function that monitors the approval process and ongoing asset quality of the loan portfolio.
Total loans were $13.27 billion at March 31, 2017, an increase of $282.6 million, or 2.2%, from total loans of $12.99 billion at December 31, 2016 and an increase of $5.91 billion, or 80.2%, from total loans of $7.37 billion at March 31, 2016. The Corporation experienced organic loan growth of $282.6 million during the first quarter of 2017 and $1.02 billion during the twelve months ended March 31, 2017. The Corporation added $4.88 billion of loans as part of the merger with Talmer on August 31, 2016.    
A summary of the Corporation's acquisition-related loan growth during the twelve months ended March 31, 2017 follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Talmer Bancorp, Inc.
(August 31, 2016)
Commercial loan portfolio:
 
 
Commercial
 
$
1,223,179

Commercial real estate
 
1,589,900

Real estate construction
 
166,364

Subtotal
 
2,979,443

Consumer loan portfolio:
 
 
Residential mortgage
 
1,531,641

Consumer installment
 
158,835

Home equity
 
212,483

Subtotal
 
1,902,959

Total loans
 
$
4,882,402


68


The following table includes the composition of the Corporation's loan portfolio, by major loan category, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Commercial loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
3,253,608

 
$
3,217,300

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
Owner-occupied
 
1,705,653

 
1,697,238

Non-owner occupied
 
2,316,846

 
2,217,594

Vacant land
 
75,272

 
58,308

Total commercial real estate
 
4,097,771

 
3,973,140

Real estate construction and land development
 
453,811

 
403,772

Subtotal - commercial loan portfolio
 
7,805,190

 
7,594,212

Consumer loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
 
3,133,465

 
3,086,474

Consumer installment
 
1,481,057

 
1,433,884

Home equity
 
853,680

 
876,209

Subtotal - consumer loan portfolio
 
5,468,202

 
5,396,567

Total loans
 
$
13,273,392

 
$
12,990,779

A discussion of the Corporation’s loan portfolio by category follows.
Commercial Loan Portfolio
The Corporation's commercial loan portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, commercial real estate loans, real estate construction loans and land development loans. The Corporation's commercial loan portfolio is well diversified across business lines and has no concentration in any one industry. The commercial loan portfolio of $7.81 billion at March 31, 2017 included 150 loan relationships of $5.0 million or greater. These 150 loan relationships totaled $2.16 billion, which represented 27.7% of the commercial loan portfolio at March 31, 2017 and included 110 loan relationships that had outstanding balances of $10.0 million or higher, totaling $1.85 billion, or 23.7% of the commercial loan portfolio, at that date. The Corporation had 29 loan relationships that had outstanding balances of $20.0 million or higher, totaling $758.5 million, or 9.7% of the commercial loan portfolio, at March 31, 2017. The Corporation had 40 loan relationships at March 31, 2017 with loan balances greater than $5.0 million and less than $10.0 million, totaling $327.5 million, that had unfunded credit commitments totaling $233.3 million that, if advanced, could result in a loan relationship of $10.0 million or more.
The following table presents contractual maturities of the Corporation's $7.81 billion commercial loan portfolio at March 31, 2017. The percentage of these loans maturing within one year was 21.4% at March 31, 2017, while the percentage of these loans maturing beyond five years remained low at 23.0% at March 31, 2017. At March 31, 2017, loans in the commercial loan portfolio with maturities beyond one year totaled $6.13 billion, with 64.0% of these loans at fixed interest rates.
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
 
Due In
(Dollars in thousands)
 
1 Year
or Less
 
1 to 5
Years
 
Over 5
Years
 
Total
Loan maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
1,047,947

 
$
1,737,332

 
$
468,329

 
$
3,253,608

Commercial real estate
 
528,332

 
2,366,441

 
1,202,998

 
4,097,771

Real estate construction and land development
 
95,137

 
237,063

 
121,611

 
453,811

Total
 
$
1,671,416

 
$
4,340,836

 
$
1,792,938

 
$
7,805,190

Percent of total
 
21.4
%
 
55.6
%
 
23.0
%
 
100.0
%
Interest sensitivity of above loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed interest rates
 
$
564,255

 
$
2,978,912

 
$
946,427

 
$
4,489,594

Variable interest rates
 
1,107,161

 
1,361,924

 
846,511

 
3,315,596

Total
 
$
1,671,416

 
$
4,340,836

 
$
1,792,938

 
$
7,805,190


69


The following table presents the contractual maturities of the Corporation's $7.59 billion commercial loan portfolio at December 31, 2016.
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Due In
(Dollars in thousands)
 
1 Year
or Less
 
1 to 5
Years
 
Over 5
Years
 
Total
Loan maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
1,064,276

 
$
1,739,072

 
$
413,952

 
$
3,217,300

Commercial real estate
 
517,175

 
2,333,992

 
1,121,973

 
3,973,140

Real estate construction and land development
 
91,514

 
223,846

 
88,412

 
403,772

Total
 
$
1,672,965

 
$
4,296,910

 
$
1,624,337

 
$
7,594,212

Percent of total
 
22.0
%
 
56.6
%
 
21.4
%
 
100.0
%
Interest sensitivity of above loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed interest rates
 
$
572,841

 
$
2,972,849

 
$
1,080,768

 
$
4,626,458

Variable interest rates
 
1,100,124

 
1,324,061

 
543,569

 
2,967,754

Total
 
$
1,672,965

 
$
4,296,910

 
$
1,624,337

 
$
7,594,212

Commercial loans consist of loans and lines of credit to varying types of businesses, including municipalities, school districts and nonprofit organizations, for the purpose of supporting working capital and operational needs and term financing of equipment. Repayment of such loans is generally provided through operating cash flows of the customer. Commercial loans are generally secured with inventory, accounts receivable, equipment, personal guarantees of the owner or other sources of repayment, although the Corporation may also obtain real estate as collateral.
Commercial loans were $3.25 billion at March 31, 2017, an increase of $36.3 million, or 1.1%, from commercial loans of $3.22 billion at December 31, 2016. Commercial loans represented 24.5% of the Corporation's loan portfolio at March 31, 2017, compared to 24.8% at December 31, 2016.
Commercial real estate loans include loans that are secured by real estate occupied by the borrower for ongoing operations, non-owner occupied real estate leased to one or more tenants and vacant land that has been acquired for investment or future land development. Commercial real estate loans were $4.10 billion at March 31, 2017, an increase of $124.6 million, or 3.1%, from commercial real estate loans of $3.97 billion at December 31, 2016. Loans secured by owner occupied properties, non-owner occupied properties and vacant land comprised 41.6%, 56.6% and 1.8%, respectively, of the Corporation's commercial real estate loans outstanding at March 31, 2017. Commercial real estate loans represented 30.9% of the Corporation's loan portfolio at March 31, 2017, compared to 30.6% at December 31, 2016.
Commercial and commercial real estate lending are generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk than residential mortgage, consumer installment and home equity lending as they typically involve larger loan balances concentrated in a single borrower. In addition, the payment experience on loans secured by income-producing properties and vacant land loans is typically dependent on the success of the operation of the related project and is typically affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market and in the economy. The Corporation generally attempts to mitigate the risks associated with commercial and commercial real estate lending by, among other things, lending primarily in its market areas, lending across industry lines, not developing a concentration in any one line of business and using prudent loan-to-value ratios in the underwriting process. It is management's belief that the Corporation's commercial and commercial real estate loan portfolios are generally well-secured.
Real estate construction loans are primarily originated for construction of commercial properties and often convert to a commercial real estate loan at the completion of the construction period. Land development loans include loans made to developers for the purpose of infrastructure improvements to vacant land to create finished marketable residential and commercial lots/land. A majority of the Corporation's land development loans consist of loans to develop residential real estate. Land development loans are generally originated as interest only with the intention that the loan principal balance will be repaid through the sale of finished properties by the developers within twelve months of the completion date. Real estate construction and land development loans were $453.8 million at March 31, 2017, an increase of $50.0 million or 12.4%, compared to $403.8 million at December 31, 2016. Real estate construction and land development loans represented 3.4% of the Corporation's loan portfolio at March 31, 2017, compared to 3.1% at December 31, 2016.

70


Real estate construction and land development lending involves a higher degree of risk than commercial real estate lending and residential mortgage lending because of the uncertainties of construction, including the possibility of costs exceeding the initial estimates, the need to obtain a tenant or purchaser of the property if it will not be owner-occupied or the need to sell developed properties. The Corporation generally attempts to mitigate the risks associated with real estate construction and land development lending by, among other things, lending primarily in its market areas, using prudent underwriting guidelines and closely monitoring the construction process. At March 31, 2017, $0.2 million or 0.1%, of the Corporation's $453.8 million of real estate construction and land development loans were considered impaired, whereby the Corporation determined it was probable that the full amount of principal and interest would not be collected on these loans in accordance with their original contractual terms. At December 31, 2016, $0.3 million, or 0.1%, of the Corporation's $403.8 million of real estate and construction and land development loans were considered impaired.
Consumer Loan Portfolio
The Corporation's consumer loan portfolio is comprised of residential mortgage loans, consumer installment loans and home equity loans and lines of credit.
Residential mortgage loans consist primarily of one- to four-family residential loans with fixed interest rates of fifteen years or less, with amortization periods generally from fifteen to thirty years. The loan-to-value ratio at the time of origination is generally 80% or less. Loans with more than an 80% loan-to-value ratio generally require private mortgage insurance.
Residential mortgage loans were $3.13 billion at March 31, 2017, an increase of $47.0 million, or 1.5%, from residential mortgage loans of $3.09 billion at December 31, 2016. Residential mortgage loans historically involve the least amount of credit risk in the Corporation's loan portfolio, although the risk on these loans increased during the most recent economic downturn when the unemployment rate increased and real estate property values declined. Residential mortgage loans also include loans to consumers for the construction of single family residences that are secured by these properties. Residential mortgage construction loans to consumers were $191.1 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $169.5 million at December 31, 2016. Residential mortgage loans represented 23.6% of the Corporation's loan portfolio at March 31, 2017, compared to 23.8% of the Corporation's loan portfolio at December 31, 2016. The Corporation had residential mortgage loans with maturities beyond five years and that were at fixed interest rates totaling $489.4 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $463.8 million at December 31, 2016.
The Corporation's consumer installment loans consist of relatively small loan amounts to consumers to finance personal items (primarily automobiles, recreational vehicles and marine vehicles) and are comprised primarily of indirect loans purchased from dealerships. Consumer installment loans were $1.48 billion at March 31, 2017, an increase of $47.2 million, or 3.3%, from consumer installment loans of $1.43 billion at December 31, 2016. At March 31, 2017, collateral securing consumer installment loans was comprised approximately as follows: automobiles - 61.2%; recreational vehicles - 18.0%; marine vehicles - 16.2%; other collateral - 3.6%; and unsecured - 1.0%. Consumer installment loans represented 11.2% of the Corporation's loan portfolio at March 31, 2017, compared to 11.0% at December 31, 2016.
The Corporation's home equity loans, including home equity lines of credit, are comprised of loans to consumers who utilize equity in their personal residence, including junior lien mortgages, as collateral to secure the loan or line of credit. Home equity loans were $853.7 million at March 31, 2017, a decrease of $22.5 million, or 2.6%, from home equity loans of $876.2 million at December 31, 2016. At March 31, 2017, approximately 66.5% of the Corporation's home equity loans were first lien mortgages and 33.5% were junior lien mortgages. Home equity loans represented 6.4% of the Corporation's loan portfolio at March 31, 2017, compared to 6.7% at December 31, 2016. Home equity lines of credit comprised $430.3 million, or 50.4%, of the Corporation's home equity loans at March 31, 2017, compared to $437.8 million, or 49.3%, of home equity loans at December 31, 2016. The majority of the Corporation's home equity lines of credit are comprised of loans with payments of interest only and original maturities of up to ten years. These home equity lines of credit include junior lien mortgages whereby the first lien mortgage is held by a nonaffiliated financial institution.
Consumer installment and home equity loans generally have shorter terms than residential mortgage loans, but generally involve more credit risk than residential mortgage lending because of the type and nature of the collateral. The Corporation experienced net credit losses on consumer installment and home equity loans totaling 29 basis points (annualized) of average consumer installment and home equity loans during the first three months of 2017, compared to 15 basis points of average consumer installment and home equity loans in all of 2016. Consumer installment and home equity loans are spread across many individual borrowers, which minimizes the risk per loan transaction. The Corporation originates consumer installment and home equity loans utilizing a computer-based credit scoring analysis to supplement the underwriting process. Consumer installment and home equity lending collections are dependent on the borrowers' continuing financial stability and are more likely to be affected by adverse personal situations. Collateral values on properties securing consumer installment and home equity loans are negatively impacted by many factors, including the physical condition of the collateral and property values, although losses on consumer installment and home equity loans are often more significantly impacted by the unemployment rate and other economic conditions. The unemployment rates in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana were 5.1%, 5.1% and 3.9%, respectively, at March 31, 2017, compared to 5.0%, 4.9% and 4.0%, respectively, at December 31, 2016. The national average unemployment rate was 4.5% at March 31, 2017.

71


Asset Quality
Summary of Impaired Assets and Past Due Loans
A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans included nonperforming loans and all troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs").
Nonperforming assets consist of loans for which the accrual of interest has been discontinued, other real estate owned acquired through acquisitions or mergers, other real estate owned obtained through foreclosures and other repossessed assets. We do not consider accruing TDRs to be nonperforming assets. The level of nonaccrual is an important element in assessing asset quality. The Corporation transfers an originated loan that is 90 days or more past due to nonaccrual status, unless it believes the loan is both well-secured and in the process of collection. For loans classified as nonaccrual, including those with modifications, the Corporation does not expect to receive all principal and interest payments, and therefore, any payments are recognized as principal reductions when received.
Acquired loans, accounted for under ASC 310-30, that are not performing in accordance with contractual terms are not reported as nonperforming because these loans are recorded in pools at their net realizable value based on the principal and interest the Corporation expects to collect on these loans.    
Nonperforming assets were $64.2 million at March 31, 2017, an increase of $2.7 million, or 4.4%, from $61.5 million at December 31, 2016. Nonperforming assets represented 0.36% and 0.35% of total assets at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Corporation's nonperforming assets are not concentrated in any one industry or any one geographical area.
The following schedule provides a summary of impaired assets:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Nonaccrual loans:
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
16,717

 
$
13,178

Commercial real estate
 
20,828

 
19,877

Real estate construction and land development
 
79

 
80

Residential mortgage
 
6,749

 
6,969

Consumer installment
 
755

 
879

Home equity
 
2,713

 
3,351

Total nonaccrual loans
 
47,841

 
44,334

Other real estate and repossessed assets
 
16,395

 
17,187

Total nonperforming assets
 
64,236

 
61,521

Accruing troubled debt restructurings
 
 
 
 
Commercial loan portfolio
 
41,055

 
45,388

Consumer loan portfolio
 
16,003

 
17,147

Total performing troubled debt restructurings
 
57,058

 
62,535

Total impaired assets
 
$
121,294

 
$
124,056

Accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments, excluding loans accounted for under ASC 310-30
 
 
 
 
Commercial loan portfolio
 
$
2,523

 
$
288

Consumer loan portfolio
 
1,169

 
995

Total accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments
 
$
3,692

 
$
1,283

Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans
 
0.36
%
 
0.34
%
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets
 
0.36
%
 
0.35
%
Impaired assets as a percent of total assets
 
0.69
%
 
0.71
%
The Corporation's nonaccrual loans that meet the definition of a TDR (nonaccrual TDR) totaled $27.9 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $30.5 million at December 31, 2016, respectively. These loans have been modified by providing the borrower a financial concession that is intended to improve the Corporation's probability of collection of the amounts due.

72


The following schedule summarizes impaired loans to commercial borrowers and the related valuation allowance at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and partial loan charge-offs (confirmed losses) taken on these impaired loans:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
Confirmed
Losses
 
Cumulative
Inherent
Loss
Percentage
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans – originated commercial loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With valuation allowance and no charge-offs
 
$
37,063

 
$
2,429

 
$

 
7
%
With valuation allowance and charge-offs
 
9,718

 
1,292

 
9,062

 
55

With charge-offs and no valuation allowance
 
4,742

 

 
9,660

 
67

Without valuation allowance or charge-offs
 
27,156

 

 

 

Total impaired loans to commercial borrowers
 
$
78,679

 
$
3,721

 
$
18,722

 
23
%
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans – originated commercial loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With valuation allowance and no charge-offs
 
$
41,305

 
$
4,377

 
$

 
11
%
With valuation allowance and charge-offs
 
9,115

 
857

 
10,524

 
58

With charge-offs and no valuation allowance
 
4,001

 

 
6,665

 
62

Without valuation allowance or charge-offs
 
24,102

 

 

 

Total impaired loans to commercial borrowers
 
$
78,523

 
$
5,234

 
$
17,189

 
23
%
    
After analyzing the various components of the customer relationships and evaluating the underlying collateral of impaired loans, the Corporation determined that impaired loans in the commercial loan portfolio totaling $46.8 million at March 31, 2017 required a specific allocation of the allowance for loan losses (valuation allowance) of $3.7 million, compared to $50.4 million of impaired loans in the commercial loan portfolio at December 31, 2016 which required a valuation allowance of $5.2 million. The decrease in the allowance coverage on impaired loans in the commercial loan portfolio was due to overall improvements in the appraised values for the collateral dependent impaired loans, principal paydowns and charge-offs previously taken.
Nonperforming Loans

The following schedule provides the composition of nonperforming loans, by major loan category, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount

Percent
of total
 
Amount
 
Percent
of total
Commercial loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
16,717

 
34.9
%
 
$
13,178

 
29.7
%
Commercial real estate
 
20,828

 
43.5

 
19,877

 
44.8

Real estate construction and land development
 
79

 
0.2

 
80

 
0.2

Subtotal-commercial loan portfolio
 
37,624

 
78.6

 
33,135

 
74.7

Consumer loan portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Residential mortgage
 
6,749

 
14.1

 
6,969

 
15.7

Consumer installment
 
755

 
1.6

 
879

 
2.0

Home equity
 
2,713

 
5.7

 
3,351

 
7.6

Subtotal-consumer loan portfolio
 
10,217

 
21.4

 
11,199

 
25.3

Total nonperforming loans
 
$
47,841

 
100.0
%
 
$
44,334

 
100.0
%
Total nonperforming loans were $47.8 million at March 31, 2017, an increase of $3.5 million, or 7.9%, compared to $44.3 million at December 31, 2016. The Corporation's nonperforming loans in the commercial loan portfolio were $37.6 million at March 31, 2017, an increase of $4.5 million, or 13.5%, from $33.1 million at December 31, 2016. Nonperforming loans in the commercial loan portfolio comprised 78.6% of total nonperforming loans at March 31, 2017, compared to 74.7% at December 31,

73


2016. The Corporation's nonperforming loans in the consumer loan portfolio were $10.2 million at March 31, 2017, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 8.8%, from $11.2 million at December 31, 2016.
The following schedule summarizes changes in nonaccrual loans (including nonaccrual TDRs) during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
44,334

 
$
62,225

Additions during period
 
14,038

 
5,273

Principal balances charged off
 
(4,743
)
 
(5,054
)
Transfers to other real estate/repossessed assets
 
(1,720
)
 
(1,447
)
Returned to accrual status
 
(1,376
)
 
(343
)
Payments received
 
(2,692
)
 
(7,235
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
47,841

 
$
53,419

Nonperforming Loans — Commercial Loan Portfolio
The following schedule presents information related to stratification of nonperforming loans in the commercial loan portfolio by dollar amount at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Number of
Borrowers
 
Amount
 
Number of
Borrowers
 
Amount
$5,000,000 or more
 

 
$

 

 
$

$2,500,000 – $4,999,999
 
2

 
9,139

 
1

 
4,793

$1,000,000 – $2,499,999
 
3

 
5,043

 
7

 
10,526

$500,000 – $999,999
 
13

 
9,921

 
8

 
5,652

$250,000 – $499,999
 
11

 
4,004

 
10

 
3,809

Under $250,000
 
126

 
9,517

 
105

 
8,355

Total
 
155

 
$
37,624

 
131

 
$
33,135

Nonperforming commercial loans were $16.7 million at March 31, 2017, an increase of $3.5 million, or 26.9%, compared to $13.2 million at December 31, 2016. Nonperforming commercial loans comprised 0.5% of total commercial loans at March 31, 2017, compared to 0.4% at December 31, 2016.
Nonperforming commercial real estate loans were $20.8 million at March 31, 2017, an increase of $1.0 million, or 4.8%, compared to $19.9 million at December 31, 2016. Nonperforming commercial real estate loans comprised 0.5% of total commercial real estate loans at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Nonperforming commercial real estate loans secured by owner occupied real estate, non-owner occupied real estate and vacant land totaled $12.6 million, $3.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively, at March 31, 2017. At March 31, 2017, the Corporation's nonperforming commercial real estate loans were comprised of a diverse mix of commercial lines of business and were also geographically disbursed throughout the Corporation's market areas. The largest concentration of nonperforming commercial real estate loans at March 31, 2017 was one customer relationship totaling $4.7 million that was primarily secured by vacant land. This same customer relationship had nonperforming land development loans of $0.1 million and nonperforming residential mortgage loans of $0.4 million.
Nonperforming real estate construction and land development loans were $0.1 million at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Nonperforming real estate construction and land development loans comprised less than 0.1% of total real estate construction and land development loans at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
At March 31, 2017, the Corporation had nonperforming loans in the commercial loan portfolio of $2.3 million that were secured by real estate and were in various stages of foreclosure, compared to $1.7 million at December 31, 2016.
    


74


Nonperforming Loans — Consumer Loan Portfolio
Nonperforming residential mortgage loans were $6.7 million at March 31, 2017, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 3.2%, from $7.0 million at December 31, 2016. Nonperforming residential mortgage loans comprised 0.2% of total residential mortgage loans at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. At March 31, 2017, a total of $5.1 million of nonperforming residential mortgage loans were in various stages of foreclosure, compared to $1.8 million at December 31, 2016.
Nonperforming consumer installment loans were $0.8 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $0.9 million at December 31, 2016. Nonperforming consumer installment loans comprised 0.1% of total consumer installment loans at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
Nonperforming home equity loans were $2.7 million at March 31, 2017, a decrease of $0.6 million, or 19.0%, compared to $3.4 million at December 31, 2016. Nonperforming home equity loans comprised 0.3% of total home equity loans at March 31, 2017, compared to 0.4% at December 31, 2016.
Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs)
The generally unfavorable economic climate that had existed during the most recent economic downturn resulted in a large number of both business and consumer customers experiencing cash flow issues making it difficult to maintain their loan balances in a performing status. The Corporation determined that it was probable that certain customers who were past due on their loans, if provided a modification of their loans by reducing their monthly payments, would be able to bring their loan relationships to a performing status. The Corporation believes loan modifications will potentially result in a lower level of loan losses and loan collection costs than if the Corporation proceeded immediately through the foreclosure process with these borrowers. The loan modifications involve granting concessions to borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulty and, therefore, these loans meet the criteria to be considered TDRs.
The Corporation's accruing TDRs continue to accrue interest at the loan's original interest rate as the Corporation expects to collect the remaining principal balance on the loan. The Corporation's nonaccrual loans that meet the definition of a TDR do not accrue interest as the Corporation does not expect to collect the full amount of principal and interest owed from the borrower on these loans.
The following summarizes the Corporation's TDRs at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
 
Accruing TDRs
 
Nonaccrual TDRs
 
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
Current
 
Past due
31-90 days
 
Subtotal
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loan portfolio
 
$
36,874

 
$
4,181

 
$
41,055

 
$
23,842

 
$
64,897

Consumer loan portfolio
 
15,665

 
338

 
16,003

 
4,100

 
20,103

Total TDRs
 
$
52,539

 
$
4,519

 
$
57,058

 
$
27,942

 
$
85,000

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loan portfolio
 
$
43,041

 
$
2,347

 
$
45,388

 
$
25,397

 
$
70,785

Consumer loan portfolio
 
16,690

 
457

 
17,147

 
5,134

 
22,281

Total TDRs
 
$
59,731

 
$
2,804

 
$
62,535

 
$
30,531

 
$
93,066

A summary of changes in the Corporation's accruing TDRs in the commercial loan portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 follows:
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
45,388

 
$
46,141

Additions for modifications
 
608

 
3,421

Principal payments and pay-offs
 
(3,019
)
 
(1,182
)
Transfers from nonaccrual status
 
1,077

 
48

Transfers to nonaccrual status
 
(2,999
)
 
(1,181
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
41,055

 
$
47,247


75


Other Real Estate and Repossessed Assets
Other real estate and repossessed assets are components of nonperforming assets, included in interest receivable and other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. These include other real estate (ORE), comprised of residential and commercial real estate and land development properties acquired through foreclosure or by acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure, and repossessed assets, comprised of other personal and commercial assets. ORE totaled $15.9 million at March 31, 2017, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 5.0%, from $16.8 million at December 31, 2016. The decrease in ORE during the first quarter of 2017 was primarily attributable to ORE sales for the quarter. Repossessed assets totaled $0.5 million at March 31, 2017, an increase from $0.4 million at December 31, 2016.

The following schedule provides the composition of ORE at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Composition of ORE:
 
 
 
 
Vacant land
 
$
4,998

 
$
5,473

Commercial real estate properties
 
6,355

 
6,812

Residential real estate properties
 
4,542

 
4,527

Total ORE
 
$
15,895

 
$
16,812

The following schedule summarizes ORE activity during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
16,812

 
$
9,716

Additions attributable to foreclosures
 
3,119

 
938

Write-downs to fair value
 
(269
)
 
(167
)
Net payments received
 
(39
)
 

Dispositions
 
(3,728
)
 
(1,556
)
Balance at end of year
 
$
15,895

 
$
8,931

The Corporation's ORE is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated cost to sell. The Corporation had $4.0 million in ORE at March 31, 2017 that had been held in excess of one year, of which $1.5 million had been held in excess of three years. The Corporation had $7.4 million of nonperforming loans that were in the process of foreclosure at March 31, 2017.
    
All of the Corporation's ORE properties have been written down to fair value through a charge-off against the allowance for loan losses at the time the loan was transferred to ORE, through a subsequent write-down, recorded as an operating expense, to recognize a further market value decline of the property after the initial transfer date, or due to recording at fair value as a result of acquisition transactions. Accordingly, at March 31, 2017, the carrying value of ORE of $15.9 million was reflective of $11.9 million in charge-offs, write-downs and acquisition-related fair value adjustments.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Corporation sold 51 ORE properties for net proceeds of $4.8 million. On an average basis, the net proceeds from these sales represented 130% of the carrying value of the property at the time of sale, with the net proceeds representing 101% of the remaining contractual loan balance at the time these loans were classified as nonperforming.

76


Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses ("allowance") provides for probable losses in the originated loan portfolio that have been identified with specific customer relationships and for probable losses believed to be inherent in the remainder of the originated loan portfolio but that have not been specifically identified. The allowance is comprised of specific valuation allowances (assessed for originated loans that have known credit weaknesses and are considered impaired), pooled allowances based on assigned risk ratings and historical loan loss experience for each loan type, and a qualitative allowance based on environmental factors that take into consideration risks inherent in the originated loan portfolio that differ from historical loan loss experience. Management evaluates the allowance on a quarterly basis in an effort to ensure the level is adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. This evaluation process is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that may be susceptible to significant change and has the potential to affect net income materially. The Corporation's methodology for measuring the adequacy of the allowance is comprised of several key elements, which include a review of the loan portfolio, both individually and by category, and consideration of changes in the mix and volume of the loan portfolio, actual delinquency and loan loss experience, review of collateral values, the size and financial condition of the borrowers, industry and geographical exposures within the portfolio, economic conditions and employment levels of the Corporation's local markets and other factors affecting business sectors. Management believes that the allowance is currently maintained at an appropriate level, considering the inherent risk in the loan portfolio. Future significant adjustments to the allowance may be necessary due to changes in economic conditions, delinquencies or the level of loan losses incurred.
The following schedule summarizes information related to the Corporation's allowance for loan losses:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
Originated loans
 
$
78,774

 
$
78,268

Acquired loans
 

 

Total
 
$
78,774

 
$
78,268

Nonperforming loans
 
$
47,841

 
$
44,334

Allowance for originated loans as a percent of:
 
 
 
 
Total originated loans
 
0.99
%
 
1.05
%
Nonperforming loans
 
165
%
 
177
%
Nonperforming loans, less impaired originated loans for which the expected loss has been charged-off
 
183
%
 
194
%

77


A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 is included in the table below.
 
 
Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31,
2017
 
March 31,
2016
Allowance for loan losses - beginning of period
 
$
78,268

 
$
73,328

Provision for loan losses
 
4,050

 
1,500

Loan charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
(2,637
)
 
(3,336
)
Commercial real estate
 
(45
)
 
(549
)
Real estate construction and land development
 
(9
)
 
(11
)
Residential mortgage
 
(643
)
 
(349
)
Consumer installment
 
(1,814
)
 
(996
)
Home equity
 
(426
)
 
(217
)
Total loan charge-offs
 
(5,574
)
 
(5,458
)
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
638

 
221

Commercial real estate
 
775

 
109

Residential mortgage
 
76

 
177

Consumer installment
 
504

 
394

Home equity
 
37

 
47

Total loan recoveries
 
2,030

 
948

Net loan charge-offs
 
(3,544
)
 
(4,510
)
Allowance for loan losses - end of period
 
$
78,774

 
$
70,318

Net loan charge-offs as a percent of average loans (annualized)
 
0.11
%
 
0.25
%
The allowance of the acquired loan portfolio was not carried over on the date of acquisition. The acquired loans were recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition, with the estimated fair values including a component for expected credit losses. Acquired loans are subsequently evaluated for further credit deterioration in loan pools, which consist of loans with similar credit risk characteristics. If an acquired loan pool experiences a decrease in expected cash flows, as compared to those expected at the acquisition date, an allowance is established and allocated to acquired loans. There was no allowance needed for the acquired loan portfolio at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
(Dollars in millions)
 
Allowance
Amount
 
Percent of originated loans in each category to total loans
 
Allowance
Amount
 
Percent of originated loans in each category to total loans
Originated loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
$
24.0

 
25
%
 
$
22.4

 
25
%
Commercial real estate
 
26.4

 
27

 
25.4

 
26

Real estate construction and land development
 
3.9

 
4

 
3.4

 
4

Residential mortgage
 
11.9

 
20

 
13.8

 
20

Consumer Installment
 
8.6

 
17

 
8.9

 
17

Home equity
 
4.0

 
7

 
4.4

 
8

Subtotal — originated loans
 
78.8

 
100
%
 
78.3

 
100
%
Acquired loans
 

 
 
 

 
 
Total
 
$
78.8

 
 
 
$
78.3

 
 

78


Deposits
Total deposits were $13.13 billion at March 31, 2017, an increase of $259.2 million, or 2.0%, from total deposits of $12.87 billion at December 31, 2016. The increase in total deposits during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was primarily attributable to organic growth in customer deposits of $259.2 million, including increases in interest- and noninterest-bearing demand deposits and savings deposits of $350.8 million that were partially offset by a decline in time deposits of $91.5 million. Interest- and noninterest-bearing demand deposit and savings accounts were $10.21 billion at March 31, 2017, compared to $9.86 billion at December 31, 2016. Time deposits were $2.92 billion at March 31, 2017, compared to $3.01 billion at December 31, 2016. Total deposits increased $5.42 billion during 2016 due primarily to $5.29 billion of deposits acquired in the Talmer merger.
It is the Corporation's strategy to develop customer relationships that will drive core deposit growth and stability. The Corporation's competitive position within many of its market areas has historically limited its ability to materially increase core deposits without adversely impacting the weighted average cost of the deposit portfolio. While competition for core deposits remained strong throughout the Corporation's markets during the twelve months ended March 31, 2017, the Corporation's efforts to expand its deposit relationships with existing customers, the Corporation's financial strength and a general trend in customers holding more liquid assets have resulted in the Corporation continuing to experience increases in customer deposits.
At March 31, 2017, the Corporation's time deposits, which consist of certificates of deposit, including CDARS, IRA deposits and other brokered funds, totaled $2.92 billion, of which $1.78 billion have stated maturities during the remainder of 2017. The Corporation expects the majority of these maturing time deposits to be renewed by customers. The following schedule summarizes the scheduled maturities of the Corporation's time deposits as of March 31, 2017:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
2017 maturities:
 
 
 
 
Second quarter
 
$
927,758

 
0.8
%
Third quarter
 
442,428

 
0.9

Fourth quarter
 
407,143

 
0.8

2017 remaining maturities
 
1,777,329

 
0.8

2018 maturities
 
596,016

 
0.9

2019 maturities
 
226,417

 
1.2

2020 maturities
 
149,496

 
1.5

2021 maturities
 
123,410

 
1.3

2022 maturities and beyond
 
46,161

 
1.6

Total time deposits
 
$
2,918,829

 
0.6
%
    
The below table presents the maturity distribution of time deposits of $250,000 or more at March 31, 2017. Time deposits of $250,000 or more totaled $1.20 billion and represented 9.2% of total deposits at March 31, 2017.
 
 
March 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Percent
Maturity:
 
 
 
 
Within 3 months
 
$
633,983

 
52.7
%
After 3 but within 6 months
 
131,175

 
10.9

After 6 but within 12 months
 
258,394

 
21.5

After 12 months
 
178,646

 
14.9

Total
 
$
1,202,198

 
100.0
%

Borrowed Funds
Borrowed funds consist of securities sold under agreements to repurchase with customers, short-term borrowings and long-term borrowings. Short-term borrowings, which generally have an original term to maturity of 30 days or less, consist of short-term Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances and federal funds purchased which are utilized by the Corporation to fund short-term liquidity needs. Long-term borrowings consist of securities sold under agreements to repurchase with an unaffiliated

79


third-party financial institution, long-term FHLB advances, a non-revolving line-of-credit, a revolving line of credit and subordinated debt obligations.    
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase with Customers
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with customers represent funds deposited by customers that are collateralized by investment securities owned by Chemical Bank, as these deposits are not covered by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance. These funds have been a stable source of liquidity for Chemical Bank, much like its core deposit base, and are generally only provided to customers that have an established banking relationship with Chemical Bank. The Corporation's securities sold under agreements to repurchase with customers do not qualify as sales for accounting purposes. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with customers were $398.9 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $343.0 million at December 31, 2016.
Short-term Borrowings
Short-term borrowings were $900.0 million at March 31, 2017 and $825.0 million at December 31, 2016 and were comprised solely of FHLB borrowings each period end. Short-term borrowings increased $75.0 million, or 9.1%, during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in short-term borrowings during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was due to the addition of short-term FHLB advances utilized by the Corporation to fund short-term liquidity needs resulting from loan growth.
FHLB advances are borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank that are generally used to fund loans and are secured by both a blanket security agreement of residential mortgage first lien and other real estate loans with an aggregate book value equal to at least 140% of the advances and FHLB capital stock owned by Chemical Bank. The carrying value of loans eligible as collateral under the blanket security agreement was $5.17 billion at March 31, 2017. The average daily balance, average interest rate during the period and maximum month-end balance of short-term FHLB advances during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $892.2 million, 0.69% and $900.0 million, respectively. The Corporation relies on short-term FHLB advances to cover short-term liquidity needs.
Long-term Borrowings
Long-term borrowings were $490.9 million at March 31, 2017 and $597.8 million at December 31, 2016. Long-term borrowings decreased $107.0 million or 17.9% during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was primarily due to the Corporation's decision to pay down the remaining balance on the non-revolving line-of-credit that was added in conjunction with the merger with Talmer.
A summary of the composition of the Corporation's long-term borrowings follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Long-term borrowings:
 
 
 
 
Long-term FHLB advances
 
$
386,417

 
$
438,538

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
 
9,093

 
19,144

Non-revolving line-of-credit
 
79,783

 
124,625

Subordinated debt obligations
 
15,583

 
15,540

Total long-term borrowings
 
$
490,876

 
$
597,847

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with an unaffiliated third-party financial institution represent financing arrangements that are secured by available-for-sale investment securities. These borrowings were obtained as part of the Lake Michigan acquisition and the merger with Talmer.

80


Credit-Related Commitments
The Corporation has credit-related commitments that may impact its liquidity. The following schedule summarizes the Corporation's credit-related commitments and expected expiration dates by period as of March 31, 2017. Because many of these commitments historically have expired without being drawn upon, the total amount of these commitments does not necessarily represent future liquidity requirements of the Corporation.
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Less than
1 year
 
1-3
years
 
3-5
years
 
More than
5 years
 
Total
Unused commitments to extend credit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans to commercial borrowers
 
$
1,117,401

 
$
408,663

 
$
183,818

 
$
274,914

 
$
1,984,796

Loans to consumer borrowers
 
238,163

 
224,761

 
148,530

 
54,197

 
665,651

Total unused commitments to extend credit
 
1,355,564

 
633,424

 
332,348

 
329,111

 
2,650,447

Undisbursed loan commitments
 
565,567

 

 

 

 
565,567

Standby letters of credit
 
68,259

 
11,777

 
12,080

 
26,325

 
118,441

Total credit-related commitments
 
$
1,989,390

 
$
645,201

 
$
344,428

 
$
355,436

 
$
3,334,455

Undisbursed loan commitments at March 31, 2017 exclude $115.6 million of residential mortgage loans that were expected to be sold in the secondary market.
Capital
Capital supports current operations and provides the foundation for future growth and expansion. Total shareholders' equity was $2.60 billion at March 31, 2017, an increase of $18.5 million, or 0.72%, from total shareholders' equity of $2.58 billion at December 31, 2016. Total shareholders' equity as a percentage of total assets was 14.7% at March 31, 2017, compared to 14.9% at December 31, 2016. The Corporation's tangible equity, which is defined as total shareholders' equity less goodwill and other acquired intangible assets, totaled $1.41 billion at March 31, 2017 and $1.43 billion at December 31, 2016. The Corporation's tangible equity to tangible assets ratio was 8.8% at March 31, 2017, compared to 8.8% at December 31, 2016.(1) 
(1) Tangible equity and the tangible equity to tangible assets ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the section entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
Regulatory Capital
Under the regulatory "risk-based" capital guidelines in effect for both banks and bank holding companies, minimum capital levels are based upon perceived risk in the Corporation's and Chemical Bank's various asset categories. These guidelines assign risk weights to on- and off-balance sheet items in arriving at total risk-weighted assets. Regulatory capital is divided by the computed total of risk-weighted assets to arrive at the risk-based capital ratios. Risk-weighted assets for the Corporation and Chemical Bank totaled $13.62 billion and $13.42 billion at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The increase in risk-weighted assets during the first quarter of 2017 was primarily attributable to organic loan growth.
In July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board and FDIC approved final rules implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision's ("BCBS") capital guidelines for U.S. banks (commonly referred to as "Basel III"). Beginning January 1, 2015, the Basel III capital rules include a new minimum common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ("CET Tier 1") ratio of 4.5%, in addition to raising the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4.0% to 6.0% and requiring a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%. The Basel III capital rules also establish a new capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets, which is phased-in over a four-year period beginning January 1, 2016.

81


The Corporation and Chemical Bank both continue to maintain strong capital positions, which significantly exceeded the minimum capital adequacy levels prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve) at March 31, 2017, as shown in the following schedule:
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
 
Leverage Ratio
 
Risk-Based Capital Ratios
 
 
 
CET Tier 1
 
Tier 1
 
Total
Actual Capital Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chemical Financial Corporation
 
8.9
%
 
10.6
%
 
10.6
%
 
11.4
%
Chemical Bank
 
9.2

 
11.0

 
11.0

 
11.7

Minimum required for capital adequacy purposes
 
4.0

 
4.5

 
6.0

 
8.0

Minimum required for “well-capitalized” capital adequacy purposes
 
5.0

 
6.5

 
8.0

 
10.0

As of March 31, 2017, the Corporation and Chemical Bank's capital ratios exceeded the minimum levels required to be categorized as well-capitalized, as defined by applicable regulatory requirements. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for more information regarding the Corporation's and Chemical Bank's regulatory capital ratios.

82


Results of Operations
Net Interest Income
Net interest income is the difference between interest income on earning assets, such as loans, investment and non-marketable equity securities and interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) and other banks, and interest expense on liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Net interest income is the Corporation's largest source of net revenue (net interest income plus noninterest income), representing 77.4% of net revenue for the first quarter of 2017, compared to 70.9% for the fourth quarter of 2016 and 79.3% for the first quarter of 2016. Net interest income, on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis, is the difference between interest income and interest expense adjusted for the tax benefit received on tax-exempt commercial loans and investment securities. Net interest margin (FTE) is calculated by dividing net interest income (FTE) by average interest-earning assets, annualized as applicable. Net interest spread is the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. Because noninterest-bearing sources of funds, or free funds (principally demand deposits and shareholders' equity), also support earning assets, the net interest margin exceeds the net interest spread.
    
Average Balances, Fully Tax Equivalent (FTE) Interest and Effective Yields and Rates(1) 
The following table presents the average daily balances of the Corporation's major categories of assets and liabilities, interest income and expense on an FTE basis, average interest rates earned and paid on the assets and liabilities, net interest income (FTE), net interest spread and net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016. The presentation of net interest income on an FTE basis is not in accordance with GAAP but is customary in the banking industry. This non-GAAP measure ensures comparability of net interest income arising from both taxable and tax-exempt loans and investment securities. Please refer to the section entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

83


 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31, 2017

December 31, 2016
 
March 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance

Interest (FTE)

Effective
Yield/
Rate
(1)

Average
Balance
 
Interest (FTE)
 
Effective
Yield/
Rate(1)
 
Average
Balance

Interest (FTE)

Effective
Yield/
Rate
(1)
Assets
 

Interest-earning Assets:
 






 
 
 
 
 
 





Loans (1)(2)
 
$
13,155,846

 
$
133,293

 
4.11
%
 
$
12,895,557

 
$
135,301

 
4.18
%
 
$
7,299,471

 
$
75,099

 
4.13
%
Taxable investment securities
 
1,005,489

 
4,756

 
1.89

 
1,065,453

 
4,687

 
1.76

 
554,524

 
1,929

 
1.39

Tax-exempt investment securities
 
861,508

 
6,495

 
3.02

 
807,093

 
6,047

 
3.00

 
496,304

 
4,100

 
3.30

Other interest-earning assets
 
103,334

 
621

 
2.44

 
80,202

 
582

 
2.89

 
39,493

 
256

 
2.61

Interest-bearing deposits with the FRB and other banks and federal funds sold
 
269,288

 
799

 
1.20

 
307,802

 
744

 
0.96

 
136,919

 
213

 
0.63

Total interest-earning assets
 
15,395,465

 
145,964

 
3.83

 
15,156,107

 
147,361

 
3.87

 
8,526,711

 
81,597

 
3.84

Less: Allowance for loan losses
 
(78,616
)
 
 
 
 
 
(74,822
)
 
 
 
 
 
(73,547
)
 
 
 
 
Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash due from banks
 
229,203

 
 
 
 
 
245,613

 
 
 
 
 
158,277

 
 
 
 
Premises and equipment
 
146,044

 
 
 
 
 
144,652

 
 
 
 
 
105,959

 
 
 
 
Interest receivable and other assets
 
1,781,923

 
 
 
 
 
1,793,118

 
 
 
 
 
523,634

 
 
 
 
Total Assets
 
$
17,474,019

 
 
 
 
 
$
17,264,668

 
 
 
 
 
$
9,241,034

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity





 
 
 
 
 
 





Interest-bearing Liabilities:
 







 
 
 
 
 
 





Interest-bearing demand deposits
 
$
2,898,061

 
$
1,018

 
0.14
%
 
$
2,680,241

 
$
1,266

 
0.19
%
 
$
1,953,626

 
$
468

 
0.10
%
Savings deposits
 
3,842,594

 
1,721

 
0.18

 
3,490,972

 
1,263

 
0.14

 
2,048,867

 
389

 
0.08

Time deposits
 
2,953,069

 
6,177

 
0.85

 
3,209,695

 
6,337

 
0.79

 
1,625,573

 
3,202

 
0.79

Short-term borrowings
 
1,225,888

 
1,658

 
0.55

 
949,292

 
875

 
0.38

 
349,699

 
100

 
0.12

Long-term borrowings
 
539,032

 
2,225

 
1.67

 
600,066

 
2,228

 
1.41

 
266,022

 
975

 
1.47

Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
11,458,644

 
12,799

 
0.45

 
10,930,266

 
11,969

 
0.44

 
6,243,787

 
5,134

 
0.33

Noninterest-bearing deposits
 
3,305,201

 

 

 
3,622,365

 

 

 
1,906,896

 

 

Total deposits and borrowed funds
 
14,763,845

 
12,799

 
0.35

 
14,552,631

 
11,969

 
0.33

 
8,150,683

 
5,134

 
0.25

Interest payable and other liabilities
 
125,673

 
 
 
 
 
147,094

 
 
 
 
 
72,422

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity
 
2,584,501

 
 
 
 
 
2,564,943

 
 
 
 
 
1,017,929

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
17,474,019

 
 
 
 
 
$
17,264,668

 
 
 
 
 
$
9,241,034

 
 
 
 
Net Interest Spread (Average yield earned minus average rate paid)



3.38
%

 
 
 
 
3.43
%
 




3.51
%
Net Interest Income (FTE)
 


$
133,165




 
 
$
135,392

 
 
 


$
76,463



Net Interest Margin (Net interest income (FTE) divided by total average interest-earning assets)



3.49
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.56
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.60
%
 
Reconciliation to Reported Net Interest Income
Net interest income, fully taxable equivalent (non-GAAP)
 
$
133,165

 
 
 
 
 
$
135,392

 
 
 
 
 
$
76,463

 
 
Adjustments for taxable equivalent interest(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
 
 
 
(808
)
 
 
 
 
 
(838
)
 
 
 
 
 
(698
)
 
 
Tax-exempt investment securities
 
 
 
(2,260
)
 
 
 
 
 
(2,107
)
 
 
 
 
 
(1,435
)
 
 
Total taxable equivalent interest adjustments
 
(3,068
)
 
 
 
 
 
(2,945
)
 
 
 
 
 
(2,133
)
 
 
Net interest income (GAAP)
 
 
 
$
130,097

 
 
 
 
 
$
132,447

 
 
 
 
 
$
74,330

 
 
Net interest margin (GAAP)
 
 
 
3.41
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.48
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.50
%
 
 
 
(1) Fully taxable equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 35%. The presentation of net interest income on a FTE basis is not in accordance with
GAAP, but is customary in the banking industry. Please refer to the section entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
(2) Nonaccrual loans and loans held-for-sale are included in average balances reported and are included in the calculation of yields. Also, tax equivalent
interest includes net loan fees.
 
 
 

84


Net interest income (FTE) of $133.2 million in the first quarter of 2017 was $2.2 million, or 1.6%, lower than net interest income (FTE) of $135.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. The decrease in net interest income (FTE) in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, was impacted by there being two less days in the quarter, a decrease in interest accretion from purchase accounting discounts on acquired loans and a reduction in prepayment fees recognized, partially offset by the positive impact of organic loan growth. The net interest margin (on a tax-equivalent basis) was 3.49% in the first quarter of 2017, compared to 3.56% in the fourth quarter of 2016. The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased four basis points to 3.83% in the first quarter of 2017 from 3.87% in the fourth quarter of 2016, with the decrease largely attributable to lower average yields on the Corporation's loan portfolios resulting from a lower contribution of interest accretion from purchase accounting discounts on acquired loans and a reduction in prepayment fees recognized, partially offset by a higher yield on investment securities. Interest accretion from purchase accounting discounts on acquired loans contributed 12 basis points to the Corporation's net interest margin (on a tax-equivalent basis) in the first quarter of 2017, compared to 14 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2016. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 1 basis points to 0.45% in the first quarter of 2017, compared to 0.44% in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Net interest income (FTE) of $133.2 million in the first quarter of 2017 was $56.7 million or 74.2%, higher than net interest income (FTE) of $76.5 million in the first quarter of 2016, with the increase primarily attributable to loans acquired in the merger with Talmer, although also partially attributable to organic loan growth. The net interest margin was 3.49% in the first quarter of 2017, compared to 3.60% in the first quarter of 2016. The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased one basis point to 3.83% in the first quarter of 2017 from 3.84% in the first quarter of 2016, with the decrease primarily attributable to lower average yields on the Corporation's loan portfolios resulting from a lower contribution of interest accretion from purchase accounting discounts on acquired loans. The average yield on loans decreased two basis points to 4.11% in the first quarter of 2017 from 4.13% in the first quarter of 2016. Interest accretion from purchase accounting discounts on acquired loans contributed 12 basis points to the Corporation's net interest margin (on a tax-equivalent basis) in the first quarter of 2017, compared to three basis points in the first quarter of 2016.The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 12 basis points to 0.45% in the fourth quarter of 2016 from 0.33% in the first quarter of 2016, primarily due to an increase in deposit rates and an increase attributable to a change in funding mix, both resulting from a rise in market rates. The merger with Talmer added $4.88 billion of loans and $5.29 billion of deposits on August 31, 2016.
    Changes in the Corporation's net interest income are influenced by a variety of factors, including changes in the level and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, current and prior years' interest rate changes, the level and direction of interest rates, the difference between short-term and long-term interest rates (the steepness of the yield curve) and the general strength of the economies in the Corporation's markets. Risk management plays an important role in the Corporation's level of net interest income. The ineffective management of credit risk, and more significantly interest rate risk, can adversely impact the Corporation's net interest income. Management monitors the Corporation's consolidated statement of financial position to reduce the potential adverse impact on net interest income caused by significant changes in interest rates. The Corporation's policies in this regard are further discussed under the subheading “Market Risk.”
The Federal Reserve influences the general market rates of interest, including the deposit and loan rates offered by many financial institutions. The prime interest rate, which is the rate offered on loans to borrowers with strong credit, was increased to 3.75% from the previous rate of 3.50% in December 2016, and increased again to 4.00% in March 2017. The prime interest rate has historically been 300 basis points higher than the federal funds rate. The majority of the Corporation's variable interest rate loans in the commercial loan portfolio are tied to the prime rate.
The Corporation is primarily funded by core deposits, which is a lower-cost funding base than wholesale funding and historically has had a positive impact on the Corporation's net interest income and net interest margin. Based on the current historically low level of market interest rates and the Corporation's current low levels of interest rates on its core deposit transaction accounts, further market interest rate reductions would likely not result in a significant decrease in interest expense.

85


Volume and Rate Variance Analysis
The below table presents the effect of volume and rate changes on interest income and expense. Changes in volume are changes in in the average balance multiplied by the previous year's average rate. Changes in rate are changes in the average rate multiplied by the average balance from the previous year. The net changes attributable to the combined impact of both rate and volume have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2016
 
Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
Due to Changes in
 
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
Due to Changes in


(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Volume
(1)
 
Average
Yield/Rate
(1)
 
Combined Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Average
Volume
(1)

Average
Yield/Rate
(1)

Combined Increase/
(Decrease)
Changes in Interest Income on Interest-Earning Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





Loans
 
$
1,185

 
$
(3,193
)
 
$
(2,008
)
 
$
59,310

 
$
(1,116
)
 
$
58,194

Taxable investment securities/other assets
 
(144
)
 
252

 
108

 
2,353

 
839

 
3,192

Tax-exempt investment securities
 
408

 
40

 
448

 
2,770

 
(375
)
 
2,395

Interest-bearing deposits with the FRB and other banks
 
(139
)
 
194

 
55

 
455

 
131

 
586

Total change in interest income on interest-earning assets
 
1,310

 
(2,707
)
 
(1,397
)
 
64,888

 
(521
)
 
64,367

Changes in Interest Expense on Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing demand deposits
 
78

 
(326
)
 
(248
)
 
254

 
296

 
550

Savings deposits
 
291

 
167

 
458

 
650

 
682

 
1,332

Time deposits
 
(485
)
 
325

 
(160
)
 
2,822

 
153

 
2,975

Short-term borrowings
 
413

 
370

 
783

 
1,410

 
148

 
1,558

Long-term borrowings
 
(285
)
 
282

 
(3
)
 
1,255

 
(5
)
 
1,250

Total change in interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities
 
12

 
818

 
830

 
6,391

 
1,274

 
7,665

Total Change in Net Interest Income (FTE)(2)
 
$
1,298

 
$
(3,525
)
 
$
(2,227
)
 
$
58,497

 
$
(1,795
)
 
$
56,702


 
 
 
 
 
 
 








(1) The change in interest income and interest expense due to both volume and rate has been allocated to the volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.
(2) Fully taxable equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 35%. The presentation of net interest income on a FTE basis is not in accordance with GAAP, but is customary in the banking industry.
 
 
 
Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses ("provision") is an increase to the allowance, as determined by management, to provide for probable losses inherent in the originated loan portfolio and for impairment in pools of acquired loans that results from the Corporation experiencing a decrease, if any, in expected cash flows of acquired loans during each reporting period. The provision was $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $6.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2016. The decrease in the provision for loan losses in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, was primarily the result of overall credit quality and collateral position improvements, partially offset by organic growth in the loan portfolio. The increase in the provision for loan losses in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016, was primarily the result of an increase in organic growth in the loan portfolio.
The Corporation experienced net loan charge-offs of $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $4.5 million in the first quarter of 2016. Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average loans (annualized) were 0.11% in the first quarter of 2017, compared to 0.06% in the fourth quarter of 2016 and 0.25% in the first quarter of 2016. Net loan charge-offs in the commercial loan portfolios totaled $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $0.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $3.6 million in the first quarter of 2016. Net loan charge-offs in the first quarter of 2017 included $1.5 million of losses from one commercial loan relationship. Net loan charge-offs in the consumer loan portfolios totaled $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2016.
The Corporation's provision of $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2017 was $0.5 million higher than first quarter of 2017 net loan charge-offs, while the provision of $6.3 million in fourth quarter of 2016 was $4.5 million higher than fourth quarter of

86


2016 net loan charge-offs and the provision of $1.5 million in first quarter of 2016 was $3.0 million lower than first quarter of 2016 net loan charge-offs.
Noninterest Income
The following table presents the major components of noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016:
 
 
Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
March 31,
2016
Noninterest income
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
 
$
8,004

 
$
8,414

 
$
5,720

Wealth management revenue
 
5,827

 
6,034

 
5,201

Electronic banking fees
 
6,817

 
8,196

 
4,918

Mortgage banking revenue
 
9,160

 
14,420

 
1,405

Other fees for customer services
 
1,567

 
1,292

 
1,131

Title insurance commissions
 
507

 
493

 
343

Gain on sale of investment securities
 
90

 
76

 
19

Bank-owned life insurance
 
1,211

 
957

 
196

Rental income
 
159

 
151

 
137

Gain on sale of branch offices
 

 
7,391

 

Gain on sale of closed branch offices and other assets
 

 

 
157

Other
 
4,668

 
6,840

 
192

Total noninterest income
 
$
38,010

 
$
54,264

 
$
19,419

Significant items(1)
 
519

 
13,739

 
157

Noninterest income excluding significant items(1)
 
$
37,491

 
$
40,525

 
$
19,262

Noninterest income as a percentage of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenue (net interest income plus noninterest income)
 
22.6
%
 
29.1
%
 
20.7
%
Average total assets
 
0.2

 
0.3

 
0.2

Net revenue, excluding significant items(1)
 
22.4

 
23.4

 
20.6

Average total assets, excluding significant items(1)
 
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.2

(1) Significant items include net gain on the sale of branch offices and the change in fair value in loan servicing rights, included within "Mortgage banking revenue". Noninterest income, excluding significant items, as a percentage of net revenue and average total assets, excluding significant items, are non-GAAP financial measures. See the section entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
Noninterest income was $38.0 million in the first quarter of 2017, $54.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $19.4 million in the first quarter of 2016. Noninterest income in the first quarter of 2017 included significant items of a detriment of $0.5 million, related to the change in fair value in loan servicing rights. Noninterest income in the fourth quarter of 2016 included significant items of a benefit of $6.3 million related to the change in fair value in loan servicing rights and $7.4 million of gain on sales of branch offices. Excluding these significant items, noninterest income decreased $3.0 million or 7.5%, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, with the decrease largely due to a decrease in electronic banking fees. Noninterest income, excluding significant items, increased $18.2 million, or 94.6%, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016, due primarily to the incremental addition of Talmer into operations.
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts, which include overdraft/non-sufficient funds fees, checking account fees and other deposit account charges, were $8.0 million in the first quarter of 2017, $8.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $5.7 million in the first quarter of 2016. Service charges and fees on deposit accounts decreased $0.4 million, or 4.9%, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 and $2.3 million, or 39.9%, from the first quarter of 2016. The increase over the first quarter of 2016 was largely attributable to the merger with Talmer. Overdraft/non-sufficient funds fees included in service charges and fees on deposit accounts were $5.7 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $6.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $4.2 million in the first quarter of 2016.

87


Wealth management revenue is comprised of investment fees that are generally based on the market value of assets within a trust account, custodial account fees and fees from the sale of investment products. Volatility in the equity and bond markets impacts the market value of trust assets and related investment fees. Wealth management revenue was $5.8 million in the first quarter of 2017, $6.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $5.2 million in the first quarter of 2016. Wealth management revenue decreased $0.2 million, or 3.4%, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 and increased $0.6 million, or 12.0%, compared to the first quarter of 2016. The increase in wealth management revenue in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016, was largely due to the impact of the Talmer merger. Wealth management revenue includes fees from the sale of investment products offered through the Chemical Financial Advisors program. Fees from this program totaled $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $1.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2016.
Electronic banking fees, which represent income earned by the Corporation from ATM transactions, debit card activity and internet banking fees, were $6.8 million in the first quarter of 2017, $8.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $4.9 million in the first quarter of 2016. Electronic banking fees decreased $1.4 million, or 16.8%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, and increased $1.9 million, or 38.6%, compared to the first quarter of 2016. The decrease in electronic banking fees in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 was due largely to a program change made subsequent to the conversion of Talmer, while the increase in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016 was primarily due to the merger with Talmer.
Mortgage banking revenue ("MBR") includes revenue from originating, selling and servicing residential mortgage loans for the secondary market. MBR was $9.2 million in the first quarter of 2017, $14.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2016. MBR decreased $5.3 million, or 36.5%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 and increased $7.8 million, compared to the first quarter of 2016. The decrease in MBR in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 was due primarily to the change in fair value in loan servicing rights recognized which was a detriment of $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to a benefit of $6.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. The increase in MBR in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016, was largely attributable to an increase in the volume of loans sold in the secondary market due to the merger with Talmer. The Corporation sold $185.4 million of residential mortgage loans in the secondary market in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $429.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $44.6 million in the first quarter of 2016. At March 31, 2017, the Corporation was servicing $7.30 billion of residential mortgage loans that had been originated in the Corporation's market areas and subsequently sold in the secondary market, compared to $7.37 billion at December 31, 2016 and $2.05 billion at March 31, 2016. The significant increase in the Corporation's loan servicing portfolio in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016 was attributable to the Talmer Merger.
The Corporation sells residential mortgage loans in the secondary market on both a servicing retained and servicing released basis. These sales include the Corporation entering into residential mortgage loan sale agreements with buyers in the normal course of business. The agreements contain provisions that include various representations and warranties regarding the origination, characteristics and underwriting of the mortgage loans. The recourse of the buyer may result in either indemnification of any loss incurred by the buyer or a requirement for the Corporation to repurchase a loan that the buyer believes does not comply with the representations included in the loan sale agreement. Repurchase and loss indemnification demands received by the Corporation are reviewed by a senior officer on a loan-by-loan basis to validate the claim made by the buyer. The Corporation maintains a reserve for probable losses expected to be incurred from loans previously sold in the secondary market. This contingent liability is based on trends in repurchase and indemnification demands, actual loss experience, information requests, known and inherent risks in the sale of loans in the secondary market and current economic conditions. The Corporation records losses resulting from the repurchase of loans previously sold in the secondary market, as well as adjustments to estimates of future probable losses, as part of its MBR in the period incurred. The Corporation's reserve for probable losses was $5.7 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $6.5 million at December 31, 2016 and $3.8 million at March 31, 2016. The increase in the Corporation's reserve for probable losses compared to March 31, 2016 was attributable to the reserve recorded for probable losses associated with the servicing portfolio obtained in the merger with Talmer.
All other categories of noninterest income, including other fees for customer services, insurance commissions and other noninterest income, excluding the significant items previously discussed, totaled $8.2 million in the first quarter of 2017, $9.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2016. Other fees for customer services include revenue from safe deposit boxes, credit card referral fees, wire transfer fees, letter of credit fees and other fees for services. Insurance commissions primarily consist of title insurance commissions received on title insurance policies issued for customers of Chemical Bank. The increase in all other categories of noninterest income during the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016 was due to incremental revenue resulting from the impact of the Talmer merger.

88


Operating Expenses
The following table presents the major categories of operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016:
 
 
Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
March 31, 2016
Operating expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and wages
 
$
48,526

 
$
47,936

 
$
26,743

Employee benefits
 
11,722

 
9,695

 
7,147

Occupancy
 
7,392

 
7,644

 
4,905

Equipment and software
 
8,517

 
8,709

 
4,404

Outside processing and service fees
 
7,511

 
7,290

 
3,711

FDIC insurance premiums
 
1,406

 
2,813

 
1,407

Professional fees
 
1,968

 
2,304

 
1,036

Intangible asset amortization
 
1,513

 
1,843

 
1,194

Advertising and marketing
 
2,025

 
1,201

 
766

Postage and express mail
 
1,551

 
1,109

 
984

Training, travel and other employee expenses

1,624

 
1,265

 
797

Telephone
 
988

 
912

 
730

Supplies
 
687

 
688

 
480

Donations
 
518

 
615

 
611

Credit-related expenses
 
1,200

 
(1,029
)
 
30

Transaction expenses
 
4,167

 
18,016

 
2,594

Other
 
2,881

 
3,291

 
1,348

Total operating expenses
 
$
104,196

 
$
114,302

 
$
58,887

Operating expenses, excluding transaction expenses(1)
 
$
100,029

 
$
96,286


$
56,293

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Full-time equivalent staff (at period end)
 
3,273

 
3,261

 
2,124

Average assets
 
$
17,474,019

 
$
17,264,668

 
$
9,241,034

Efficiency ratio - GAAP
 
62.0
%
 
61.2
%
 
62.8
%
Efficiency ratio - adjusted non-GAAP(1)
 
57.4
%
 
53.7
%
 
57.6
%
Total operating expenses as a percentage of total average assets
 
0.6
%
 
0.7
%
 
0.6
%
Total operating expenses as a percentage of total average assets - adjusted Non-GAAP (1)
 
0.6
%
 
0.6
%
 
0.6
%
(1)Operating expenses, excluding transaction expenses, adjusted total operating expenses as a percentage of total average assets and adjusted efficiency ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the section entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
Total operating expenses were $104.2 million in the first quarter of 2017, $114.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $58.9 million in the first quarter of 2016. Operating expenses included transaction expenses of $4.2 million in the first quarter of 2017, $18.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2016. Excluding transaction expenses, operating expenses of $100.0 million in the first quarter of 2017 increased $3.7 million, or 3.9%, over operating expenses of $96.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, due largely to increases in credit-related expenses of $2.2 million and employee benefit expenses of $2.0 million, partially offset by a decrease in FDIC insurance premiums of $1.4 million. Excluding transaction expenses, operating expenses increased $43.7 million, or 77.7%, in the first quarter of 2017 over operating expenses of $56.3 million in the first quarter of 2016, due largely to incremental expenses resulting from the merger with Talmer.(1) 
Salaries and wages were $48.5 million in the first quarter of 2017, $47.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $26.7 million in the first quarter of 2016. Salaries and wages expense increased $0.6 million, or 1.2%, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, due primarily to increased compensation costs resulting from merit and inflationary adjustments. Salaries and wages expense increased $21.8 million, or 81.5%, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016, primarily due to incremental costs associated with the merger with Talmer.

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Employee benefits expense was $11.7 million in the first quarter of 2017, $9.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $7.1 million in the first quarter of 2016. Employee benefits expense increased $2.0 million, or 20.9%, in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, due primarily to increases in payroll tax expenses, reflecting a large amount of stock option exercises during the quarter, and 401(k) matching contributions. Employee benefits expense increased $4.6 million, or 64.0%, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016, due primarily to incremental costs associated with the merger with Talmer and lower pension plan costs.
Compensation expenses, which include salaries and wages and employee benefits, as a percentage of total operating expenses were 57.8% in the first quarter of 2017, 50.4% in the fourth quarter of 2016 and 57.6% in the first quarter of 2016.
Occupancy expense was $7.4 million in the first quarter of 2017, $7.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $4.9 million in the first quarter of 2016. Occupancy expense decreased $0.3 million, or 3.3%, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, while occupancy expense increased $2.5 million, or 50.7%, compared to the first quarter of 2016. The increase in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016 was primarily due to incremental operating costs associated with the merger with Talmer. Occupancy expense included depreciation expense on buildings of $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2017, $1.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2016.
Equipment and software expense was $8.5 million in the first quarter of 2017, $8.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $4.4 million in the first quarter of 2016. Equipment and software expense decreased $0.2 million, or 2.2%, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, and increased $4.1 million, or 93.4%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. The increase in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016 was primarily due to incremental operating costs associated with the merger with Talmer.
Outside processing and service fees are largely comprised of amounts paid to third-party vendors related to the outsourcing of certain day-to-day functions that are integral to the Corporation's ability to provide services to its customers, including such things as the Corporation's debit card, electronic banking and wealth management platforms. Outside processing and service fees were $7.5 million in the first quarter of 2017, $7.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2016. Outside processing and service fees increased $0.2 million, or 3.0%, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, and increased $3.8 million, compared to the first quarter of 2016. The increase in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016 was primarily due to incremental operating costs associated with the merger with Talmer.
FDIC insurance premiums were $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2017, $2.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2016. FDIC insurance premiums decreased $1.4 million, or 50.0%, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, largely due to final adjustments made to the Corporation's assessment base and combined factors utilized in the calculation subsequent to the consolidation of Talmer Bank, with and into Chemical Bank.
Professional fees were $2.0 million in the first quarter of 2017, $2.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2016. Professional fees decreased $0.3 million, or 14.6%, in first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, and increased $0.9 million, or 90.0%, compared to first quarter of 2016, as a result of additional legal fees incurred by the Corporation in defense of various litigation matters and other merger related matters.
Credit-related expenses are comprised of other real estate ("ORE") net costs and loan collection costs. ORE net costs are comprised of costs to carry ORE, such as property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs, fair value write-downs after a property is transferred to ORE and net gains/losses from the disposition of ORE. Loan collection costs include legal fees, appraisal fees and other costs recognized in the collection of loans with deteriorated credit quality and in the process of foreclosure. Credit-related expenses were a net expense to income of $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2017, a net benefit of $1.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and a net expense of $30 thousand in the first quarter of 2016. Credit-related expenses increased $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, and increased $1.2 million, compared to the first quarter of 2016. The increase in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 was primarily due to a reduction in the amount of income realized from the gain on sale of ORE. The increase in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016 was primarily due to incremental operating costs associated with the merger with Talmer. The Corporation recognized net gains from the sales of ORE properties of $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2017, $2.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2016. ORE operating and loan collection costs were $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2017, $1.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2016.
All other categories of operating expenses totaled $11.8 million in the first quarter of 2017, $10.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $6.9 million in the first quarter of 2016. All other categories of operating expenses increased $0.9 million, or 7.9%, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. All other categories of operating expenses increased $4.9 million, or 70.6%, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the first quarter of 2016, due largely to incremental costs resulting from the merger with Talmer.

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The Corporation's efficiency ratio, which measures total operating expenses divided by the sum of net interest income (FTE) plus noninterest income, was 62.0% in the first quarter of 2017, 61.2% in the fourth quarter of 2016 and 62.8% in the first quarter of 2016. The Corporation's adjusted efficiency ratio, which excludes the previously identified significant items, was 57.4% in the first quarter of 2017, 53.7% in the fourth quarter of 2016 and 57.6% in the first quarter of 2016.(1) 
(1) Operating expenses, excluding transaction expenses, and the adjusted efficiency ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the section entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" included within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

91


Income Tax Expense
The Corporation's effective federal income tax rate was 20.5% in the first quarter of 2017, 28.7% in the fourth quarter of 2016 and 29.2% in the first quarter of 2016. The fluctuations in the Corporation's effective federal income tax rate reflect changes each year in the proportion of interest income exempt from federal taxation, nondeductible transaction costs and other nondeductible expenses relative to pretax income and tax credits. The decrease in the Corporation's effective federal income tax rate in the first quarter of 2017, compared to both the fourth quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2016, was primarily due to the tax benefit received from stock option exercises that occurred in the first quarter of 2017 and growth in lending on real estate projects that receive either low income housing or historic tax credits. See Note 13 to the Corporation's consolidated financial statements for additional details on the Corporation's income taxes. The Corporation had no uncertain tax positions during the three months ended March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016.

92


Liquidity
Liquidity risk is the potential that the Corporation will be unable to meet its obligations as they come due because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding (referred to as "funding liquidity risk") or that it cannot easily unwind or offset specific exposures without significantly lowering market prices because of inadequate market depth or market disruptions (referred to as "market liquidity risk").
Funding liquidity risk is managed to ensure stable, reliable and cost-effective sources of funds are available to satisfy deposit withdrawals and lending and investment opportunities. The ability of a financial institution to meet its current financial obligations is a function of its balance sheet structure, its ability to liquidate assets and its access to alternative sources of funds. The Corporation manages its funding needs by maintaining a level of liquid funds through its asset/liability management process. The Corporation's largest sources of liquidity on a consolidated basis are the deposit base that comes from consumer, business and municipal customers within the Corporation's local markets, principal payments on loans, maturing investment securities, cash held at the FRB and unpledged investment securities available-for-sale. Total deposits increased $259.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in deposits for the three months ended March 31, 2017 relates to organic growth in customer deposits of $329.3 million, which was partially offset by decreases related to maturing brokered deposits of $70.1 million. The Corporation's loan-to-deposit ratio was 101.1% at March 31, 2017 and 100.9% at December 31, 2016. The Corporation had $96.8 million of cash deposits held at the FRB at March 31, 2017, compared to $52.1 million at December 31, 2016. At March 31, 2017, the Corporation had unpledged investment securities available-for-sale with an amortized cost of $369.4 million and available unused wholesale sources of liquidity, including FHLB advances and borrowings from the discount window of the FRB.
Chemical Bank is a member of the FHLB and as such has access to short-term and long-term advances from the FHLB that are generally secured by residential mortgage first lien loans. The Corporation had short-term and long-term FHLB advances outstanding of $1.3 billion at March 31, 2017. The Corporation's additional borrowing availability from the FHLB, based on its FHLB capital stock and subject to certain requirements, was $53.2 million at March 31, 2017. The Corporation can also borrow from the FRB's discount window to meet short-term liquidity requirements. These borrowings are required to be secured by investment securities and/or certain loan types, with each category of assets carrying various borrowing capacity percentages. At March 31, 2017, the Corporation maintained an unused borrowing capacity of $21.5 million with the FRB's discount window based upon pledged collateral as of that date. The Corporation also had the ability to borrow an additional $375.0 million of federal funds from multiple third-party financial institutions at March 31, 2017. In addition, in conjunction with the merger with Talmer, the Corporation entered into a credit agreement of $145.0 million consisting of a $125.0 million term line-of credit and a $20.0 million revolving line-of-credit. The $20.0 million revolving line-of-credit was available for use at March 31, 2017. It is management's opinion that the Corporation's borrowing capacity could be expanded, if deemed necessary, as it has additional borrowing capacity available at the FHLB that could be used if it increased its investment in FHLB capital stock, and the Corporation has a significant amount of additional assets that could be used as collateral at the FRB's discount window.
The Corporation manages its liquidity position to provide the cash necessary to pay dividends to shareholders, invest in new subsidiaries, enter new banking markets, pursue investment opportunities and satisfy other operating requirements. The Corporation's primary source of liquidity is dividends from Chemical Bank.
Federal and state banking laws place certain restrictions on the amount of dividends that a bank may pay to its parent company. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, Chemical Bank paid $65.0 million in dividends to the Corporation, and the Corporation paid cash dividends to shareholders of $19.3 million. During 2016, Chemical Bank paid $110.5 million in dividends to the Corporation and the Corporation paid cash dividends to shareholders of $49.4 million. The earnings of Chemical Bank are the principal source of funds to pay cash dividends to the Corporation's shareholders. Chemical Bank had net income of $45.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to net income of $108.0 million during all of 2016. Over the long term, cash dividends to shareholders are dependent upon earnings, capital requirements, regulatory restraints and other factors affecting Chemical Bank.

93


Market Risk
Market risk is the risk to a financial institution's condition resulting from adverse movements in market rates or prices, including, but not limited to, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, or equity prices. Interest rate risk, a form of market risk, is the current and prospective risk to earnings or capital arising from movement in interest rates. Interest rate risk is due to difference in the repricing and maturity dates between financial assets and funding sources, as well as changes in the relationship between benchmark rate indices used to reprice various assets and liabilities, product options available to customers, competitive pressures and other variables. The Corporation's net interest income is largely dependent upon the effective management of interest rate risk. The Corporation's goal is to avoid a significant decrease in net interest income, and thus an adverse impact on the profitability of the Corporation, in periods of changing interest rates. Sensitivity of earnings to interest rate changes arises when yields on assets change differently from the interest costs on liabilities. Interest rate sensitivity is determined by the amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities repricing within a specific time period and the magnitude by which interest rates change on the various types of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The management of interest rate sensitivity includes monitoring the maturities and repricing opportunities of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The Corporation's interest rate risk is managed through policies and risk limits approved by the boards of directors of the Corporation and Chemical Bank and an Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO). The ALCO, which is comprised of executive and senior management from various areas of the Corporation and Chemical Bank, including finance, lending, investments and deposit gathering, meets regularly to execute asset and liability management strategies. The ALCO establishes guidelines and monitors the sensitivity of earnings to changes in interest rates. The goal of the ALCO process is to manage the impact on net interest income and the net present value of future cash flows of probable changes in interest rates within authorized risk limits.
The primary technique utilized by the Corporation to measure its interest rate risk is simulation analysis. Simulation analysis forecasts the effects on the balance sheet structure and net interest income under a variety of scenarios that incorporate changes in interest rates, the shape of the Treasury yield curve, interest rate relationships and the mix of assets and liabilities and loan prepayments. These forecasts are compared against net interest income projected in a stable interest rate environment. While many assets and liabilities reprice either at maturity or in accordance with their contractual terms, several balance sheet components demonstrate characteristics that require an evaluation to more accurately reflect their repricing behavior. Key assumptions in the simulation analysis include prepayments on loans, probable calls of investment securities, changes in market conditions, loan volumes and loan pricing, deposit sensitivity and customer preferences. These assumptions are inherently uncertain as they are subject to fluctuation and revision in a dynamic environment. As a result, the simulation analysis cannot precisely forecast the impact of rising and falling interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to many other factors, including changes in balance sheet components, interest rate changes, changes in market conditions and management strategies.
The Corporation's interest rate sensitivity is estimated by first forecasting the next twelve months of net interest income under an assumed environment of constant market interest rates. The Corporation then compares the results of various simulation analyses to the constant interest rate forecast (base case). At March 31, 2017, the Corporation projected the change in net interest income during the next twelve months assuming short-term market interest rates were to uniformly and gradually increase or decrease by up to 200 basis points in a parallel fashion over the entire yield curve during the same time period. Additionally, the Corporation projected the change in net interest income of an immediate 400 basis point increase in market interest rates at March 31, 2017. The Corporation did not project a 400 basis point decrease in interest rates as the likelihood of a decrease of this size was considered unlikely given prevailing interest rate levels. These projections were based on the Corporation's assets and liabilities remaining static over the next twelve months, while factoring in probable calls and prepayments of certain investment securities and residential mortgage and consumer loans. The ALCO regularly monitors the Corporation's forecasted net interest income sensitivity to ensure that it remains within established limits.
A summary of the Corporation's interest rate sensitivity at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 follows:
 
 
Gradual Change
 
Immediate
Change
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve month interest rate change projection (in basis points)
 
-200
 
-100
 
0
 
+100
 
+200
 
+400
Percent change in net interest income vs. constant rates
 
(3.5
)%
 
(0.5
)%
 
 
(1.7
)%
 
(3.1
)%
 
(9.0
)%
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve month interest rate change projection (in basis points)
 
-200
 
-100
 
0
 
+100
 
+200
 
+400
Percent change in net interest income vs. constant rates
 
(3.9
)%
 
(0.9
)%
 
 
(1.4
)%
 
(2.6
)%
 
(6.8
)%
At March 31, 2017, the Corporation's model simulations projected that 100, 200 and 400 basis point increases in interest rates would result in negative variances in net interest income of 1.7%, 3.1% and 9.0%, respectively, relative to the base case over the next twelve-month period. At March 31, 2017, the Corporation's model simulations also projected that decreases in interest

94


rates of 100 and 200 basis points would result in negative variances in net interest income of 0.5% and 3.5%, respectively, relative to the base case over the next twelve-month period. The likelihood of a decrease in interest rates beyond 100 basis points at March 31, 2017 was considered to be unlikely given prevailing interest rate levels.
Future increases in market interest rates are not expected to have a significant immediate favorable impact on the Corporation's net interest income at the time of such increases because of the low percentage of variable interest rate loans in the Corporation's loan portfolio and a large percentage of variable interest rate loans at or near interest rate floors at March 31, 2017. The percentage of variable interest rate loans, which comprised approximately 26.4% of the Corporation's loan portfolio at March 31, 2017, has remained relatively consistent during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017.

95


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Information concerning quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk is contained in the discussion regarding interest rate risk and sensitivity under the captions "Liquidity" and "Market Risk" herein and in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and is here incorporated by reference.
Since December 31, 2016, the Corporation does not believe that there has been a material change in the nature or categories of the Corporation's primary market risk exposure, or the particular markets that present the primary risk of loss to the Corporation. As of the date of this report, the Corporation does not know of or expect there to be any material change in the general nature of its primary market risk exposure in the near term. The methods by which the Corporation manages its primary market risk exposure, as described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, have not changed materially during the current year. As of the date of this report, the Corporation does not expect to make material changes in those methods in the near term. The Corporation may change those methods in the future to adapt to changes in circumstances or to implement new techniques.
The Corporation's market risk exposure is mainly comprised of its vulnerability to interest rate risk. Prevailing interest rates and interest rate relationships are largely determined by market factors that are beyond the Corporation's control.
Certain information provided in response to this item consists of forward-looking statements. Reference is made to the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” in this report for a discussion of the limitations on the Corporation's responsibility for such statements. In this discussion, “near term” means a period of one year following the date of the most recent consolidated statement of financial position contained in this report.

96


Item 4. Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on and as of the time of that evaluation, the Corporation's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Corporation's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Corporation in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms. There was no change in the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2017 that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting.

97


Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
On February 22, 2016, two putative class action and derivative complaints were filed in the Circuit Court for Oakland County, Michigan by individuals purporting to be a shareholder of Talmer. The actions are styled Regina Gertel Lee v. Chemical Financial Corporation, et. al., Case No. 2016-151642-CB and City of Livonia Employees’ Retirement System v. Chemical Financial Corporation et. al., Case No. 2016 151641-CB. These complaints purport to be brought derivatively on behalf of Talmer against the individual defendants, and individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated against Talmer and Chemical. The complaints allege, among other things, that the directors of Talmer breached their fiduciary duties to Talmer’s shareholders in connection with the merger by approving a transaction pursuant to an allegedly inadequate process that undervalues Talmer and includes preclusive deal protection provisions, and that Chemical allegedly aided and abetted the Talmer directors in breaching their duties to Talmer’s shareholders. The complaints also allege that the individual defendants have been unjustly enriched. Both complaints seek various remedies on behalf of the putative class (consisting of all shareholders of Talmer who are not related to or affiliated with any defendant). They request, among other things, that the Court enjoin the merger from being consummated in accordance with its agreed-upon terms, direct the Talmer directors to exercise their fiduciary duties, rescind the merger agreement to the extent that it is already implemented, award the plaintiff all costs and disbursements in each respective action (including reasonable attorneys’ and experts’ fees), and grant such further relief as the court deems just and proper. The City of Livonia plaintiff amended its complaint on April 21, 2016 to add additional factual allegations, including but not limited to allegations that Keefe Bruyette & Woods, Inc. ("KBW") served as a financial advisor for the proposed merger despite an alleged conflict of interest, that Talmer’s board acted under actual or potential conflicts of interest, and that the defendants omitted and/or misrepresented material information about the proposed merger in the Form S-4 Registration Statement relating to the proposed merger. These two cases were consolidated as In re Talmer Bancorp Shareholder Litigation, case number 2016-151641-CB, per an order entered on May 12, 2016. On October 31, 2016, the plaintiffs in this consolidated action again amended their complaint, adding additional factual allegations, adding KBW as a defendant, and asserting that KBW acted in concert with Chemical to aid and abet breaches of fiduciary duty by Talmer's directors. The Defendants have all filed motions for summary disposition seeking dismissal of all claims with prejudice, and those motions remain pending. Talmer, Chemical, KBW and the individual defendants all believe that the claims asserted against each of them in the above-described consolidated action are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these consolidated lawsuits.
On June 16, 2016, the same putative class plaintiff that filed the City of Livonia state court action discussed in the preceding paragraph filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, styled City of Livonia Employees’ Retirement System v. Chemical Financial Corporation, et. al., Docket No. 1:16-cv-12229. The plaintiff purports to bring this action “individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated,” and requests certification as a class action. The Complaint alleges violations of Section 14(a) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and alleges, among other things, that the Defendants issued materially incomplete and misleading disclosures in the Form S-4 Registration Statement relating to the proposed merger. The Complaint contains requests for relief that include, among other things, that the Court enjoin the proposed transaction unless and until additional information is provided to Talmer’s shareholders, declare that the Defendants violated the securities laws in connection with the proposed merger, award compensatory damages, interest, attorneys’ and experts’ fees, and that the Court grant such other relief as it deems just and proper. Talmer, Chemical, and the individual defendants all believe that the claims asserted against each of them in this lawsuit are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against this lawsuit. On October 18, 2016, the Court entered a stipulated order staying this action until the Oakland County Circuit Court issues rulings on motions for summary disposition that are now pending in In re Talmer Bancorp Shareholder Litigation, case number 2016-151641-CB. The stay order requires the parties to submit a proposed scheduling order or closing documents, as appropriate, within thirty days after the Oakland County Circuit Court issues rulings on the pending motions for summary disposition.
In addition, the Corporation and Chemical Bank are subject to certain legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of the Corporation.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
Information concerning risk factors is contained in this report under the heading "Forward-Looking Statements" and in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

98


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following schedule summarizes the Corporation's total monthly share repurchase activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017:
 
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period Beginning on First Day of Month Ended
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
 
Average Price Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced
 Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under
Plans or Programs
January 31, 2017
 
705,035

 
$
51.27

 

 
500,000
February 28, 2017
 
31,782

 
53.61

 

 
500,000
March 31, 2017
 
32,873

 
54.20

 

 
500,000
    Total
 
769,690

 
$
51.50

 

 
 
(1)
Represents shares delivered or attested in satisfaction of the exercise price and/or tax withholding obligations by employees who received shares of the Corporation's common stock under the Corporation's share-based compensation plans, as these plans permit employees to use the Corporation's stock to satisfy such obligations based on the market value of the stock on the date of exercise or date of vesting, as applicable.
In January 2008, the board of directors of the Corporation authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Corporation's common stock in the open market. The repurchased shares are available for later reissuance in connection with potential future stock dividends, the Corporation's dividend reinvestment plan, employee benefit plans and other general corporate purposes. In November 2011, the board of directors of the Corporation reaffirmed the stock buy-back authorization with the qualification that the shares may only be repurchased if the share price is below the tangible book value per share of the Corporation’s common stock at the time of the repurchase. No shares have been repurchased under the Corporation's Common Stock Repurchase Program since the authorization.

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Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed as part of this report on Form 10-Q:
Exhibit
Number
  
Document
 
 
2.1

 
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated January 25, 2016. Previously filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 25, 2016, filed with the SEC on January 26, 2016. Here incorporated by reference.
 
 
 
3.1

  
Restated Articles of Incorporation.
 
 
3.2

  
Bylaws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2014. Here incorporated by reference.
 
 
4.1

  
Restated Articles of Incorporation. Exhibit 3.1 is here incorporated by reference.
 
 
4.2

  
Bylaws. Exhibit 3.2 is here incorporated by reference.
 
 
10.1

 
Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Incentive Plan of 2017.
 
 
 
31.1

  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
 
 
31.2

  
Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
 
 
32.1

  
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.
 
 
101.1

  
Interactive Data File.
 
 
 

100


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.
 
 
CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 10, 2017
By:
/s/ David B. Ramaker
 
 
 
David B. Ramaker
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer and President
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 10, 2017
By:
/s/ Dennis L. Klaeser
 
 
 
Dennis L. Klaeser
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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Exhibit Index
Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed as part of this report on Form 10-Q: 
Exhibit
Number
 
Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.1

 
Restated Articles of Incorporation.
 
 
3.2

 
Bylaws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2014. Here incorporated by reference.
 
 
4.1

 
Restated Articles of Incorporation. Exhibit 3.1 is here incorporated by reference.
 
 
4.2

 
Bylaws. Exhibit 3.2 is here incorporated by reference.
 
 
10.1

 
Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Incentive Plan of 2017.
 
 
 
31.1

 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
 
 
31.2

 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
 
 
32.1

 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.
 
 
101.1

 
Interactive Data File.
 
 
 

102