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EX-23 - CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM - CHOICEONE FINANCIAL SERVICES INCex23.htm
EX-32 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND TREASURER - CHOICEONE FINANCIAL SERVICES INCex32.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION OF THE TREASURER - CHOICEONE FINANCIAL SERVICES INCex31-2.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - CHOICEONE FINANCIAL SERVICES INCex31-1.htm
EX-24 - POWERS OF ATTORNEY - CHOICEONE FINANCIAL SERVICES INCex24.htm
EX-21 - SUBSIDIARIES OF CHOICEONE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. - CHOICEONE FINANCIAL SERVICES INCex21.htm
EX-10.2 - STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN OF 2012 - CHOICEONE FINANCIAL SERVICES INCex10-2.htm

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
   
  For the fiscal year ended December 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:  000-19202

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

  Michigan
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  38-2659066
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
         
  109 East Division Street, Sparta, Michigan
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  49345
(Zip Code)
 

 

(616) 887-7366
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

 

Common Stock
(Title of Class)

 

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

 

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

 

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

Yes   ☒  No  ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 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   ☒  No  ☐

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer   ☐ Accelerated filer   ☐
   

Non-accelerated filer   ☐

 

Emerging growth company   ☐

Smaller reporting 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  ☒

 

As of June 30, 2017, the aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $73.5 million. This amount is based on an average bid price of $23.44 per share for the Registrant’s stock as of such date.

 

As of February 28, 2018, the Registrant had 3,374,279 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement of ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 23, 2018 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 

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ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. 

Form 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

 

Contents

 

      Page
PART 1      
Item 1: Business   3
Item 1A: Risk Factors   13
Item 1B: Unresolved Staff Comments   16
Item 2: Properties   17
Item 3: Legal Proceedings   18
Item 4: Mine Safety Disclosures   18
       
PART II      
Item 5: Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities   18
Item 6: Selected Financial Data   20
Item 7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition   21
Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   32
Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data   34
Item 9: Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   69
Item 9A: Controls and Procedures   69
Item 9B: Other Information   69
       
PART III      
Item 10: Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance   69
Item 11: Executive Compensation   70
Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters   70
Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence   70
Item 14: Principal Accountant Fees and Services   70
       
PART IV      
Item 15: Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules   71
       
SIGNATURES     73
 

Page | 2

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This report and the documents incorporated into this report contain forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy, and ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “is likely,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “may,” “could,” “estimates,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Management’s determination of the provision and allowance for loan losses, the carrying value of goodwill, loan servicing rights and other real estate owned, and 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. All of the information concerning interest rate sensitivity is forward-looking. All statements with references to future time periods are forward-looking. 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, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Furthermore, ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

Risk factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A of this report. These are representative of the risk factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a preceding forward-looking statement.

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

General

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. (“ChoiceOne” or the “Company”) is a financial holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHC Act”). The Company was incorporated on February 24, 1986, as a Michigan corporation. The Company was formed to create a bank holding company for the purpose of acquiring all of the capital stock of ChoiceOne Bank (formerly Sparta State Bank), which became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company on April 6, 1987. The Company’s only subsidiary and significant asset as of December 31, 2017, was ChoiceOne Bank (the “Bank”). Effective November 1, 2006, the Company merged with Valley Ridge Financial Corp. (“VRFC”), a one-bank holding company for Valley Ridge Bank (“VRB”). In the merger, the Company issued shares of its common stock in exchange for all outstanding shares of VRFC. In December 2006, VRB was consolidated into the Bank. The Bank owns all of the outstanding common stock of ChoiceOne Insurance Agencies, Inc., an independent insurance agency headquartered in Sparta, Michigan (the “Insurance Agency”).

 

The Company’s business is primarily concentrated in a single industry segment - banking. The Bank is a full-service banking institution that offers a variety of deposit, payment, credit and other financial services to all types of customers. These services include time, savings, and demand deposits, safe deposit services, and automated transaction machine services. Loans, both commercial and consumer, are extended primarily on a secured basis to corporations, partnerships and individuals. Commercial lending covers such categories as business, industry, agricultural, construction, inventory and real estate. The Bank’s consumer loan department makes direct and indirect loans to consumers and purchasers of residential and real property. No material part of the business of the Company or the Bank is dependent upon a single customer or very few customers, the loss of which would have a materially adverse effect on the Company.

 

The Bank’s primary market area lies within Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties in Michigan in the communities where the Bank’s offices are located. Currently the Bank serves these markets through twelve full-service offices and one loan production office. The Bank is in the process of establishing two additional full-service offices which are scheduled to open in 2018. The Company and the Bank have no foreign assets or income except for foreign debt securities.

 

At December 31, 2017, the Company had consolidated total assets of $646.5 million, net loans of $394.2 million, total deposits of $539.9 million and total shareholders’ equity of $76.6 million. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized consolidated net income of $6.2 million. The principal source of revenue for the Company and the Bank is interest and fees on loans. On a consolidated basis, interest and fees on loans accounted for 60%, 59%, and 59% of total revenues in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Interest on securities accounted for 13%, 13%, and 12% of total revenues in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. For more information about the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, see the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

 

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Competition

The Bank’s competition primarily comes from other financial institutions located within Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties in western Michigan. There are a number of larger commercial banks within the Bank’s primary market area. The Bank also competes with a large number of other financial institutions, such as savings and loan associations, insurance companies, consumer finance companies, credit unions and commercial finance and leasing companies for deposits, loans and service business. Money market mutual funds, brokerage houses and nonfinancial institutions provide many of the financial services offered by the Bank. Many of these competitors have substantially greater resources than the Bank. The principal methods of competition for financial services are price (the rates of interest charged for loans, the rates of interest paid for deposits and the fees charged for services) and the convenience and quality of services rendered to customers.

 

Supervision and Regulation

Banks and bank holding companies are extensively regulated. The Company is subject to supervision and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”). The Company’s activities are generally limited to owning or controlling banks and engaging in such other activities as the Federal Reserve Board may determine to be closely related to banking. Prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board, and in some cases various other government agencies, is required for the Company to acquire control of any additional bank holding companies, banks or other operating subsidiaries. Under Federal Reserve Board policy, the Company is expected to act as a source of financial strength to the Bank and to commit resources to support it.

 

The Bank is chartered under state law and is subject to regulation by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (“DIFS”). State banking laws place restrictions on various aspects of banking, including permitted activities, loan interest rates, branching, payment of dividends and capital and surplus requirements. The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System and is also subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board. The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) to the maximum extent provided by law. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank system, which provides certain advantages to the Bank, including favorable borrowing rates for certain funds.

 

The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. The Company’s primary source of funds available to pay dividends to shareholders is dividends paid to it by the Bank. There are legal limitations on the extent to which the Bank can lend or otherwise supply funds to the Company. In addition, payment of dividends to the Company by the Bank is subject to various state and federal regulatory limitations.

 

The FDIC formed the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) in accordance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 (“Reform Act”) to create a stronger and more stable insurance system. The FDIC maintains the insurance reserves of the DIF by assessing depository institutions an insurance premium. The DIF insures deposit accounts of the Bank up to a maximum amount of $250,000 per separately insured depositor. FDIC insured depository institutions are required to pay deposit insurance premiums based on the risk an institution poses to the DIF. In February 2011, the FDIC finalized rules, effective for assessments occurring after April 1, 2011, which redefined an institution’s assessment base as average consolidated total assets minus average Tier 1 capital. The new rules also established the initial base assessment rate for Risk Category 1 institutions, such as the Bank, at 5 to 9 basis points (annualized). Effective July 1, 2016, the FDIC amended its rules to eliminate Risk Categories for small banks, replacing them with a method based on a bank’s CAMELS composite rating and several financial ratios. On that date, the Bank’s initial base assessment rate was reduced to 3 basis points, since the Federal Deposit Insurance Reserve Ratio reached 1.15% as of June 30, 2016.

 

The Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 authorized the Financing Corporation (“FICO”) to impose periodic assessments on all depository institutions. The purpose of these periodic assessments is to spread the cost of the interest payments on the outstanding FICO bonds issued to recapitalize the Savings Association Insurance Fund (“SAIF”) over a larger number of institutions.

 

The federal banking agencies have adopted guidelines to promote the safety and soundness of federally-insured depository institutions. These guidelines establish standards for, among other things, internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits, asset quality and earnings.

 

Page | 4

 

 

The Company and the Bank are subject to regulatory “risk-based” capital guidelines. Failure to meet these capital guidelines could subject the Company or the Bank to a variety of enforcement remedies, including issuance of a capital directive, the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, a prohibition on accepting brokered deposits, and other restrictions on its business. In addition, the Bank would generally not receive regulatory approval of any application that requires the consideration of capital adequacy, such as a branch or merger application, unless it could demonstrate a reasonable plan to meet the capital requirement within a reasonable period of time.

 

Under Federal Reserve Board policy, the Company is expected to act as a source of financial strength to the Bank and to commit resources to support the Bank. In addition, if DIFS deems the Bank’s capital to be impaired, DIFS may require the Bank to restore its capital by a special assessment on the Company as the Bank’s sole shareholder. If the Company fails to pay any assessment, the Company’s directors will be required, under Michigan law, to sell the shares of the Bank’s stock owned by the Company to the highest bidder at either a public or private auction and use the proceeds of the sale to restore the Bank’s capital.

 

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (“FDICIA”) requires, among other things, federal banking agencies to take “prompt corrective action” in respect of depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. FDICIA sets forth the following five capital categories: “well-capitalized,” “adequately-capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly-undercapitalized” and “critically-undercapitalized.” A depository institution’s capital category will depend upon how its capital levels compare with various relevant capital measures as established by regulation, which include Tier 1 and total risk-based capital ratio measures and a leverage capital ratio measure.  Under certain circumstances, the appropriate banking agency may treat a well-capitalized, adequately-capitalized, or undercapitalized institution as if the institution were in the next lower capital category.

 

Federal banking regulators are required to take specified mandatory supervisory actions and are authorized to take other discretionary actions with respect to institutions in the three undercapitalized categories. The severity of the action depends upon the capital category in which the institution is placed. Subject to a narrow exception, the banking regulator must generally appoint a receiver or conservator for an institution that is critically undercapitalized. An institution in any of the undercapitalized categories is required to submit an acceptable capital restoration plan to its appropriate federal banking agency. An undercapitalized institution is also generally prohibited from paying any dividends, increasing its average total assets, making acquisitions, establishing any branches, accepting or renewing any brokered deposits or engaging in any new line of business, except under an accepted capital restoration plan or with FDIC approval.

 

On July 3, 2013, the FDIC Board of Directors approved the Regulatory Capital Interim Final Rule, implementing Basel III.  This rule redefines Tier 1 capital as two components (Common Equity Tier 1 and Additional Tier 1), creates a new capital ratio (Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-based Capital Ratio) and implements a capital conservation buffer. It also revises the prompt corrective action thresholds and makes changes to risk weights for certain assets and off-balance-sheet exposures. The Bank was required to transition into the new rule beginning on January 1, 2015.

 

Banks are subject to a number of federal and state laws and regulations, which have a material impact on their business. These include, among others, minimum capital requirements, state usury laws, state laws relating to fiduciaries, the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Service Members Civil Relief Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Controls, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, electronic funds transfer laws, redlining laws, predatory lending laws, antitrust laws, environmental laws, money laundering laws and privacy laws. The monetary policy of the Federal Reserve Board may influence the growth and distribution of bank loans, investments and deposits, and may also affect interest rates on loans and deposits. These policies may have a significant effect on the operating results of banks.

 

In general, the BHC Act limits the business of bank holding companies to banking, managing or controlling banks and other activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined to be closely related to the business of banking. In addition, bank holding companies that qualify and elect to be financial holding companies may engage in any activities that are financial in nature or complementary to a financial activity and do not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system without prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board. Activities that are financial in nature include securities underwriting and dealing, insurance underwriting and making merchant banking investments.

 

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In order for the Comany to maintain financial holding company status, both the Company and the Bank must be categorized as “well-capitalized” and “well-managed” under applicable regulatory guidelines. If the Company or the Bank ceases to meet these requirements, the Federal Reserve Board may impose corrective capital and/or managerial requirements and place limitations on the Company’s ability to conduct the broader financial activities permissible for financial holding companies. In addition, if the deficiencies persist, the Federal Reserve Board may require the Company to divest of the Bank. The Company and the Bank were both categorized as “well-capitalized” and “well-managed” as of December 31, 2017.

 

Bank holding companies may acquire banks and other bank holding companies located in any state in the United States without regard to geographic restrictions or reciprocity requirements imposed by state banking law. Banks may also establish interstate branch networks through acquisitions of and mergers with other banks. The establishment of de novo interstate branches or the acquisition of individual branches of a bank in another state (rather than the acquisition of an out-of-state bank in its entirety) is allowed only if specifically authorized by state law.

 

Michigan banking laws do not significantly restrict interstate banking. The Michigan Banking Code permits, in appropriate circumstances and with the approval of the Department of Insurance and Financial Services, (1) acquisition of Michigan banks by FDIC-insured banks, savings banks or savings and loan associations located in other states, (2) sale by a Michigan bank of branches to an FDIC-insured bank, savings bank or savings and loan association located in a state in which a Michigan bank could purchase branches of the purchasing entity, (3) consolidation of Michigan banks and FDIC-insured banks, savings banks or savings and loan associations located in other states having laws permitting such consolidation, (4) establishment of branches in Michigan by FDIC-insured banks located in other states, the District of Columbia or U.S. territories or protectorates having laws permitting a Michigan bank to establish a branch in such jurisdiction, and (5) establishment by foreign banks of branches located in Michigan.

 

Banks are subject to the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”). Under the terms of the CRA, the appropriate federal bank regulatory agency is required, in connection with its examination of a bank, to assess the bank’s record in meeting the credit needs of the community served by that bank, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of the institution. Under the CRA, institutions are assigned a rating of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs to improve,” or “substantial non-compliance.” The regulatory agency’s assessment of the bank’s record is made available to the public. Further, a bank’s federal regulatory agency is required to assess the CRA compliance record of any bank that has applied to establish a new branch office that will accept deposits, relocate an office, or merge or consolidate with, or acquire the assets or assume the liabilities of, a federally regulated financial institution. In the case of a bank holding company applying for approval to acquire a bank or another bank holding company, the Federal Reserve Board will assess the CRA compliance record of each subsidiary bank of the applicant bank holding company, and such compliance records may be the basis for denying the application. Upon receiving notice that a subsidiary bank is rated less than “satisfactory,” a financial holding company will be prohibited from additional activities that are permitted to be conducted by a financial holding company and from acquiring any company engaged in such activities. The Bank’s CRA rating was “Satisfactory” as of its more recent examination.

 

Effects of Compliance With Environmental Regulations

The nature of the business of the Bank is such that it holds title, on a temporary or permanent basis, to a number of parcels of real property. These include properties owned for branch offices and other business purposes as well as properties taken in or in lieu of foreclosure to satisfy loans in default. Under current state and federal laws, present and past owners of real property may be exposed to liability for the cost of cleanup of environmental contamination on or originating from those properties, even if they are wholly innocent of the actions that caused the contamination. These liabilities can be material and can exceed the value of the contaminated property. Management is not presently aware of any instances where compliance with these provisions will have a material effect on the capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the Company or the Bank, or where compliance with these provisions will adversely affect a borrower’s ability to comply with the terms of loan contracts.

 

Employees

As of February 28, 2018, the Company, the Bank and the Insurance Agency employed 173 employees, of which 135 were full-time employees. The Company, the Bank, and the Insurance Agency believe their overall relations with their employees are good.

 

Statistical Information

Additional statistical information describing the business of the Company appears on the following pages and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in Item 7 of this report and in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto in Item 8 of this report. The following statistical information should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes in this report.

 

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Securities Portfolio

The carrying value of securities categorized by type at December 31 was as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016   2015 
             
U.S. Government and federal agency  $35,126   $59,052   $57,207 
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds   1,960    4,072    6,100 
State and municipal   100,048    88,973    77,754 
Mortgage-backed securities   9,820    7,789    6,970 
Corporate   5,151    7,041    8,387 
Foreign debt securities       4,400    995 
Equity securities   3,392    2,883    2,453 
Asset-backed securities   94    178    270 
Total  $155,591   $174,388   $160,136 

 

The Company did not hold investment securities from any one issuer at December 31, 2017, that were greater than 10% of the Company’s shareholders’ equity, exclusive of U.S. Government and U.S. Government agency securities.

 

Presented below is the fair value of securities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, a schedule of maturities of securities as of December 31, 2017, and the weighted average yields of securities as of December 31, 2017:

 

         Securities maturing within:                
                        Fair Value    Fair Value 
    Less than    1 Year -    5 Years -    More than    at Dec. 31,    at Dec. 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)   1 Year    5 Years    10 Years    10 Years    2017    2016 
                               
U.S. Government and federal agency  $19,175   $10,019   $5,932   $   $35,126   $59,052 
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds       1,960            1,960    4,072 
State and municipal   8,221    51,656    37,722    2,449    100,048    88,973 
Corporate       5,151            5,151    7,041 
Foreign debt securities                       4,400 
Asset-backed securities   94                94    178 
Total debt securities   27,490    68,786    43,654    2,449    142,379    163,716 
                               
Mortgage-backed securities       9,732    88        9,820    7,789 
Equity securities (2)           1,000    2,392    3,392    2,883 
Total  $27,490   $78,518   $44,742   $4,841   $155,591   $174,388 

 

 

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   Weighted average yields:         
   Less than   1 Year -   5 Years -   More than             
   1 Year   5 Years   10 Years   10 Years   Total         
U.S. Government and federal agency   2.08%   1.78%   2.59%   %   2.08%        
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds       1.85            1.85         
State and municipal (1)   3.73    3.06    3.44    4.46    3.29         
Corporate       2.25            2.25         
Foreign debt securities                            
Asset-backed securities   1.92                1.92         
Mortgage-backed securities   5.50    2.60    3.06        2.60         
Equity securities (2)           4.62    0.99    2.01         

  

(1)The yield is computed for tax-exempt securities on a fully tax-equivalent basis at an incremental tax rate of 34%.
(2)Equity securities are preferred and common stock that may or may not have a stated maturity.

 

Loan Portfolio

The Bank’s loan portfolio categorized by loan type (excluding loans held for sale) as of December 31, 2017 is presented below:

 

(Dollars in thousands)                    
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Agricultural  $48,464   $44,614   $40,232   $41,098   $37,048 
Commercial and industrial   104,386    96,088    94,347    88,062    68,530 
Consumer   24,513    21,596    20,090    20,752    19,931 
Real estate - commercial   123,487    110,762    97,736    99,807    96,987 
Real estate - construction   6,613    6,153    5,390    2,691    890 
Real estate - residential   91,322    89,787    91,509    93,703    92,580 
Total loans, gross  $398,785   $369,000   $349,304   $346,113   $315,966 

 

Maturities and Sensitivities of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates

The following schedule presents the maturities of loans (excluding residential real estate and consumer loans) as of December 31, 2017. All loans over one year in maturity (excluding residential real estate and consumer loans) are also presented classified according to the sensitivity to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2017.

 

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(Dollars in thousands)  Less than   1 Year -   More than     
   1 Year   5 Years   5 Years   Total 
Loan Type                    
Agricultural  $11,729   $16,594   $20,141   $48,464 
Commercial and industrial   31,676    61,042    11,668    104,386 
Real estate - commercial   13,803    56,355    53,329    123,487 
Real estate - construction   6,408    205        6,613 
Totals  $63,616   $134,196   $85,138   $282,950 

 

(Dollars in thousands)                    
    Less than    1 Year -    More than      
Loan Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates   1 Year    5 Years    5 Years    Total 
Loans with fixed interest rates  $19,170   $116,042   $73,332   $208,544 
Loans with floating or adjustable interest rates   44,446    18,154    11,806    74,406 
Totals  $63,616   $134,196   $85,138   $282,950 

 

Loan maturities are classified according to the contractual maturity date or the anticipated amortization period, whichever is appropriate. The anticipated amortization period is used in the case of loans where a balloon payment is due before the end of the loan’s normal amortization period. At the time the balloon payment is due, the loan can either be rewritten or payment in full can be requested. The decision regarding whether the loan will be rewritten or a payment in full will be requested will be based upon the loan’s payment history, the borrower’s current financial condition, and other relevant factors.

 

Risk Elements

The following loans were classified as nonperforming as of December 31:

 

(Dollars in thousands)                    
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis  $1,096   $1,983   $2,198   $3,361   $3,123 
Accruing loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest payments   258    229    29    58    11 
Loans defined as “troubled debt restructurings”   2,896    2,853    3,271    3,175    4,523 
Totals  $4,250   $5,065   $5,498   $6,594   $7,657 

 

A loan is placed on nonaccrual status at the point in time at which the collectability of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

 

The table below illustrates interest forgone and interest recorded on nonperforming loans for the years presented:

 

(Dollars in thousands)                    
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
                     
 Interest on non-performing loans that would have been earned had the loans been in an accrual or performing status  $73   $107   $150   $204   $251 
 Interest on non-performing loans that was actually recorded when received  $   $   $   $   $ 

  

Potential Problem Loans

At December 31, 2017, there were $3.6 million of loans not disclosed above where some concern existed as to the borrowers’ abilities to comply with original loan terms. Specific loss allocations totaling $302,000 from the allowance for loan losses had been allocated for all nonperforming and potential problem loans as of December 31, 2017. However, the entire allowance for loan losses is also available for these potential problem loans.

 

Loan Concentrations

As of December 31, 2017, there was no concentration of loans exceeding 10% of total loans that is not otherwise disclosed as a category of loans pursuant to Item III.A. of Industry Guide 3.

 

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Other Interest-Bearing Assets

As of December 31, 2017, there were no other interest-bearing assets requiring disclosure under Item III.C.1. or 2. of Industry Guide 3 if such assets were loans.

 

Summary of Loan Loss Experience

The following schedule presents a summary of activity in the allowance for loan losses for the periods shown and the percentage of net charge-offs during each period to average gross loans outstanding during the period:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
                     
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of year  $4,277   $4,194   $4,173   $4,735   $5,852 
                          
Charge-offs:                         
  Agricultural                   88 
  Commercial and industrial   439    37    30    1    122 
  Consumer   253    218    291    273    351 
  Real estate - commercial               665    858 
  Real estate - construction                    
  Real estate - residential   43    102    140    133    732 
    Total charge-offs   735    357    461    1,072    2,151 
                          
Recoveries:                         
  Agricultural           1    20    6 
  Commercial and industrial   21    31    64    119    337 
  Consumer   169    149    121    179    175 
  Real estate - commercial   258    89    47    48    84 
  Real estate - construction   40                 
  Real estate - residential   62    171    149    44    132 
    Total recoveries   550    440    382    410    734 
                          
Net charge-offs (recoveries)   185    (83)   79    662    1,417 
                          
Provision for loan losses (1)   485        100    100    300 
                          
Allowance for loan losses at end of year  $4,577   $4,277   $4,194   $4,173   $4,735 
                          
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of:                          
Total loans as of year end   1.15%   1.16%   1.20%   1.21%   1.50%
Nonaccrual loans, accrual loans past due 90 days or more and troubled debt restructurings   108%   84%   76%   63%   62%
Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average loans outstanding during the period   0.05%   (0.02)%   0.02%   0.20%   0.45%
Loan recoveries as a percentage of prior year’s charge-offs   154%   95%   36%   19%   29%

 

(1)Additions to the allowance for loan losses charged to operations during the periods shown were based on management’s judgment after considering factors such as loan loss experience, evaluation of the loan portfolio, and prevailing and anticipated economic conditions. The evaluation of the loan portfolio is based upon various risk factors such as the financial condition of the borrower, the value of collateral and other considerations, which, in the opinion of management, deserve current recognition in estimating loan losses.

 

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The following schedule presents an allocation of the allowance for loan losses to the various loan categories as of the years ended December 31:

  

(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Agricultural  $506   $433   $420   $186   $178 
Commercial and industrial   1,001    688    586    527    562 
Consumer   262    305    297    184    192 
Real estate - commercial   1,761    1,438    1,030    1,641    1,842 
Real estate - construction   35    62    46    9    12 
Real estate - residential   726    1,013    1,388    1,193    1,626 
Unallocated   286    338    427    433    323 
    Total allowance  $4,577   $4,277   $4,194   $4,173   $4,735 

 

The increase in the allowance allocation to commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans was due to growth in these categories and an increase in the inherent risk. The decline in the allocation to residential real estate loans was caused by lower historical charge-off levels. Changes in historical charge-off levels and environmental factors affected all loan categories.

 

Management periodically reviews the assumptions, loss ratios and delinquency trends in estimating the appropriate level of its allowance for loan losses and believes the unallocated portion of the total allowance was sufficient at December 31, 2017.

 

The following schedule presents the stratification of the loan portfolio by category, based on the amount of loans outstanding as a percentage of total loans for the respective years ended December 31:

 

   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Agricultural   12%   12%   12%   12%   12%
Commercial and industrial   26    26    26    25    22 
Consumer   6    6    6    6    6 
Real estate - commercial   31    30    28    29    31 
Real estate - construction   2    2    2    1     
Real estate - residential   23    24    26    27    29 
    Total allowance   100%   100%   100%   100%   100%

 

Deposits

The following schedule presents the average deposit balances by category and the average rates paid thereon for the respective years:

 

(Dollars in thousands)                        
   2017   2016   2015 
Noninterest-bearing demand  $136,353    %  $123,848    %  $115,488    %
Interest-bearing demand and money market deposits   208,049    0.18    196,662    0.13    165,767    0.14 
Savings   76,107    0.02    73,118    0.03    67,826    0.04 
Certificates of deposit   104,936    0.75    86,042    0.60    94,891    0.66 
Total  $525,445    0.23%  $479,670    0.16%  $443,972    0.20%

 

The following table illustrates the maturities of certificates of deposits issued in denominations of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2017:

 

(Dollars in thousands)     
      
Maturing in less than 3 months  $22,918 
Maturing in 3 to 6 months   14,309 
Maturing in 6 to 12 months   13,066 
Maturing in more than 12 months   9,313 
Total  $59,606 

 

At December 31, 2017, the Bank had no material foreign deposits.

 

Page | 11

 

 

Short-Term Borrowings

Federal funds purchased by the Company are unsecured overnight borrowings from correspondent banks. Federal funds purchased are due the next business day. The table below provides additional information regarding these short-term borrowings:

 

(Dollars in thousands)            
   2017   2016   2015 
Outstanding balance at December 31  $   $   $ 
Average interest rate at December 31   %   %   %
Average balance during the year  $703   $610   $ 
Average interest rate during the year   1.47%   0.70%   %
Maximum month end balance during the year  $5,470   $4,100   $1,857 

 

Repurchase agreements include advances by Bank customers that are not covered by federal deposit insurance. These agreements are direct obligations of the Company and are secured by securities held in safekeeping at a correspondent bank. The table below provides additional information regarding these short-term borrowings:

 

(Dollars in thousands)            
   2017   2016   2015 
Outstanding balance at December 31  $7,148   $7,913   $9,460 
Average interest rate at December 31   0.05%   0.05%   0.04%
Average balance during the year  $4,958   $7,762   $17,825 
Average interest rate during the year   0.05%   0.05%   0.17%
Maximum month end balance during the year  $8,440   $10,539   $26,743 

 

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) with original repayment terms less than one year are considered short-term borrowings for the Company. These advances are secured by residential real estate mortgage loans and U.S. government agency securities. The advances have maturities ranging from 1 month to 12 months from the date of issue.

 

The table below provides additional information regarding these short-term borrowings:

 

(Dollars in thousands)            
   2017   2016   2015 
Outstanding balance at December 31  $20,268   $12,000   $ 
Average interest rate at December 31   1.36%   0.86%   0.57%
Average balance during the year  $22,830   $25,732   $11,332 
Average interest rate during the year   1.21%   0.61%   0.73%
Maximum month end balance during the year  $40,273   $45,000   $31,873 

 

There were no other categories of short-term borrowings whose average balance outstanding exceeded 30% of shareholders’ equity in 2017, 2016 or 2015.

 

Return on Equity and Assets 

The following schedule presents certain financial ratios of the Company for the years ended December 31:

 

   2017   2016   2015 
Return on assets (net income divided by average total assets)   0.98%   1.04%   1.04%
                
Return on equity (net income dividend by average equity)   8.22%   8.44%   8.39%
                
Dividend payout ratio (dividends declared per share divided by net income per share)   37.57%   36.63%   37.79%
                
Equity to assets ratio (average equity divided by average total assets)   11.91%   12.30%   12.40%

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

The Company is subject to many risks and uncertainties. Although the Company seeks ways to manage these risks and develop programs to control risks to the extent that management can control them, the Company cannot predict the future. Actual results may differ materially from management’s expectations. Some of these significant risks and uncertainties are discussed below. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones that the Company faces. Additional risks and uncertainties of which the Company is unaware, or that it currently does not consider to be material, also may become important factors that affect the Company and its business. If any of these risks were to occur, the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Investments in the Company’s common stock involve risk.

 

The market price of the Company’s common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, including:

 

Variations in quarterly or annual operating results
Changes in dividends per share
Changes in interest rates
New developments, laws or regulations in the banking industry
Acquisitions or business combinations involving the Company or its competition
Regulatory actions, including changes to regulatory capital levels, the components of regulatory capital and how regulatory capital is calculated
Volatility of stock market prices and volumes
Changes in market valuations of similar companies
New litigation or contingencies or changes in existing litigation or contingencies
Changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies
Rumors or erroneous information
Credit and capital availability
Issuance of additional shares of common stock or other debt or equity securities of the Company

 

Asset quality could be less favorable than expected.

 

A significant source of risk for the Company arises from the possibility that losses will be sustained because borrowers, guarantors and related parties may fail to perform in accordance with the terms of their loan agreements. Most loans originated by the Company are secured, but some loans are unsecured depending on the nature of the loan. With respect to secured loans, the collateral securing the repayment of these loans includes a wide variety of real and personal property that may be insufficient to cover the obligations owed under such loans. Collateral values may be adversely affected by changes in prevailing economic, environmental and other conditions, including declines in the value of real estate, changes in interest rates, changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government, terrorist activity, environmental contamination and other external events.

 

The Company’s allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses.

 

The risk of nonpayment of loans is inherent in all lending activities and nonpayment of loans may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s earnings and overall financial condition, and the value of its common stock. The Company makes various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of its loan portfolio and provides an allowance for potential losses based on a number of factors. If its assumptions are wrong, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s operating results, and may cause it to increase the allowance in the future. The actual amount of future provisions for loan losses cannot now be determined and may exceed the amounts of past provisions for loan losses. Federal and state banking regulators, as an integral part of their supervisory function, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. These regulatory agencies may require the Company to increase its provision for loan losses or to recognize further loan charge-offs based upon their judgments, which may be different from the Company’s judgments. Any increase in the allowance for loan losses could have a negative effect on the Company’s regulatory capital ratios, net income, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Page | 13

 

 

General economic conditions in the state of Michigan could be less favorable than expected.

 

The Company is affected by general economic conditions in the United States, although most directly within Michigan. An economic downturn within Michigan could negatively impact household and corporate incomes. This impact may lead to decreased demand for both loan and deposit products and increase the number of customers who fail to pay interest or principal on their loans.

 

The Company could be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions, including defaults by larger financial institutions.

 

The Company’s ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of credit, trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships between financial institutions. The Company has exposure to multiple counterparties, and it routinely executes transactions with counterparties in the financial industry. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, could lead to market-wide liquidity problems and losses or defaults by the Company or by other institutions. This is sometimes referred to as “systemic risk” and may adversely affect financial intermediaries, such as clearing agencies, clearing houses, banks, securities firms and exchanges, with which the Company interacts on a daily basis, and therefore could adversely affect the Company.

 

If the Company does not adjust to changes in the financial services industry, its financial performance may suffer.

 

The Company’s ability to maintain its financial performance and return on investment to shareholders will depend in part on its ability to maintain and grow its core deposit customer base and expand its financial services to its existing customers. In addition to other banks, competitors include credit unions, securities dealers, brokers, mortgage bankers, investment advisors and finance and insurance companies. The increasingly competitive environment is, in part, a result of changes in the economic environment within the state of Michigan, regulation, changes in technology and product delivery systems and the accelerating pace of consolidation among financial service providers. New competitors may emerge to increase the degree of competition for the Company’s customers and services. Financial services and products are also constantly changing. The Company’s financial performance will also depend in part upon customer demand for the Company’s products and services and the Company’s ability to develop and offer competitive financial products and services.

 

Changes in interest rates could reduce the Company’s income and cash flow.

 

The Company’s income and cash flow depends, to a great extent, on the difference between the interest earned on loans and securities, and the interest paid on deposits and other borrowings. Market interest rates are beyond the Company’s control, and they fluctuate in response to general economic conditions and the policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies including, in particular, the Federal Reserve Board. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates and interest rate relationships, will influence the origination of loans, the purchase of investments, the generation of deposits and the rate received on loans and securities and paid on deposits and other borrowings.

 

The Company is subject to liquidity risk in its operations, which could adversely affect its ability to fund various obligations.

 

Liquidity risk is the possibility of being unable to meet obligations as they come due or capitalize on growth opportunities as they arise because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding on a timely basis, at a reasonable cost and within acceptable risk tolerances. Liquidity is required to fund various obligations, including credit obligations to borrowers, loan originations, withdrawals by depositors, repayment of debt, dividends to shareholders, operating expenses and capital expenditures. Liquidity is derived primarily from retail deposit growth and earnings retention, principal and interest payments on loans and investment securities, net cash provided from operations and access to other funding. If the Company is unable to maintain adequate liquidity, then its business, financial condition and results of operations would be negatively affected.

 

Legislative or regulatory changes or actions could adversely impact the Company or the businesses in which it is engaged.

 

The financial services industry is extensively regulated. The Company and the Bank are subject to extensive state and federal regulation, supervision and legislation that govern almost all aspects of their operations. Laws and regulations may change from time to time and are primarily intended for the protection of consumers, depositors and the deposit insurance fund, and not to benefit the Company’s shareholders. The impact of any changes to laws and regulations or other actions by regulatory agencies may negatively impact the Company or its ability to increase the value of its business. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on the operation of an institution, the classification of assets by the institution and the adequacy of an institution’s allowance for loan losses. Future regulatory changes or accounting pronouncements may increase the Company’s regulatory capital requirements or adversely affect its regulatory capital levels. Additionally, actions by regulatory agencies against the Company or the Bank could require the Company to devote significant time and resources to defending its business and may lead to penalties that materially affect the Company.

 

Page | 14

 

 

The Company relies heavily on its management and other key personnel, and the loss of any of them may adversely affect its operations.

 

The Company is and will continue to be dependent upon the services of its management team and other key personnel.  Losing the services of one or more key members of the Company’s management team could adversely affect its operations.

 

The Company may be a defendant in a variety of litigation and other actions, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Company and the Bank are regularly involved in a variety of litigation arising out of the normal course of business. The Company’s insurance may not cover all claims that may be asserted against it, and any claims asserted against it, regardless of merit or eventual outcome, may harm its reputation or cause the Company to incur unexpected expenses, which could be material in amount. Should the ultimate expenses, judgments or settlements in any litigation exceed the Company’s insurance coverage, they could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the Company may not be able to obtain appropriate types or levels of insurance in the future, nor may it be able to obtain adequate replacement policies with acceptable terms, if at all.

 

If the Company cannot raise additional capital when needed, its ability to further expand its operations through organic growth or acquisitions could be materially impaired.

 

The Company is required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain specified levels of capital to support its operations.  The Company may need to raise additional capital to support its current level of assets or its growth.  The Company’s ability to raise additional capital will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside its control, and on its financial performance.  The Company cannot assure that it will be able to raise additional capital in the future on terms acceptable to it or at all.  If the Company cannot raise additional capital when needed, its ability to maintain its current level of assets or to expand its operations through organic growth or acquisitions could be materially limited.

 

Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client or customer information, whether through a breach of computer systems or otherwise, could severely harm the Company’s business.

 

As part of its business, the Company collects, processes and retains sensitive and confidential client and customer information on behalf of itself and other third parties. Despite the security measures the Company has in place for its facilities and systems, and the security measures of its third party service providers, the Company may be vulnerable to security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors or other similar events. Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential customer information, whether by the Company or by its vendors, could severely damage the Company’s reputation, expose it to the risks of litigation and liability, disrupt the Company’s operations and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.

 

The Company’s information systems may experience an interruption or breach in security.

 

The Company relies heavily on communications and information systems to conduct its business and deliver its products. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in the Company’s customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan and other systems. While the Company has policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of its information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches of the Company’s information systems or its customers’ information or computer systems would not damage the Company’s reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject the Company to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose the Company to civil litigation and financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

Environmental liability associated with commercial lending could result in losses.

 

In the course of its business, the Company may acquire, through foreclosure, properties securing loans it has originated or purchased that are in default. Particularly in commercial real estate lending, there is a risk that hazardous substances could be discovered on these properties. In this event, the Company might be required to remove these substances from the affected properties at the Company’s sole cost and expense. The cost of this removal could substantially exceed the value of affected properties. The Company may not have adequate remedies against the prior owner or other responsible parties and could find it difficult or impossible to sell the affected properties. These events could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Page | 15

 

 

The Company depends upon the accuracy and completeness of information about customers.

 

In deciding whether to extend credit to customers, the Company relies on information provided to it by its customers, including financial statements and other financial information. The Company may also rely on representations of customers as to the accuracy and completeness of that information and on reports of independent auditors on financial statements. The Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted to the extent that the Company extends credit in reliance on financial statements that do not comply with generally accepted accounting principles or that are misleading or other information provided by customers that is false or misleading.

 

The Company operates in a highly competitive industry and market area.

 

The Company faces substantial competition in all areas of its operations from a variety of different competitors, many of which are larger and may have more financial resources. Such competitors primarily include national and regional banks within the various markets where the Company operates, as well as internet banks and other Fintech companies. The Company also faces competition from many other types of financial institutions, including savings and loan associations, credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies and other financial intermediaries. The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. Banks, securities firms and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting) and merchant banking. The Company competes with these institutions both in attracting deposits and in making new loans. Technology has lowered barriers to entry into the market and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Many of the Company’s competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures, such as credit unions that are not subject to federal income tax. Due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than the Company can.

 

Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other external events could significantly impact the Company’s business.

 

Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other adverse external events could have a significant impact on the Company’s ability to conduct business. Such events could affect the stability of the Company’s deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue and/or cause the Company to incur additional expenses.

 

The Company relies on dividends from the Bank for most of its revenue.

 

The Company is a separate and distinct legal entity from the Bank. It receives substantially all of its revenue from dividends from the Bank. These dividends are the principal source of funds to pay cash dividends on the Company’s common stock. Various federal and/or state laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that the Bank may pay to the Company. If the Bank is unable to pay dividends to the Company, the Company may not be able to pay cash dividends on its common stock. The earnings of the Bank have been the principal source of funds to pay cash dividends to shareholders. Over the long-term, cash dividends to shareholders are dependent upon earnings, as well as capital requirements, regulatory restraints and other factors affecting the Company and the Bank.

 

Additional risks and uncertainties could have a negative effect on financial performance.

 

Additional factors could have a negative effect on the financial performance of the Company and the Company’s common stock. Some of these factors are financial market conditions, changes in financial accounting and reporting standards, new litigation or changes in existing litigation, regulatory actions and losses.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Page | 16

 

 

Item 2.

Properties

 

The offices of the Company as of February 28, 2018, were as follows:

 

Company’s main office:
     109 East Division, Sparta, Michigan
     Office is owned by the Bank and comprises 24,000 square feet.

 

Bank’s branch office:
     416 West Division, Sparta, Michigan
     Office is leased by the Bank and comprises 3,000 square feet.

 

Bank’s branch office:
     4170 - 17 Mile Road, Cedar Springs, Michigan
     Office is owned by the Bank and comprises 3,000 square feet.

 

Bank’s branch office:
     6795 Courtland Drive, Rockford, Michigan
     Office is owned by the Bank and comprises 2,400 square feet.

 

Bank’s branch office:
     5050 Alpine Avenue NW, Comstock Park, Michigan
     Office is owned by the Bank and comprises 2,400 square feet.

 

Bank’s branch office:
     450 West Muskegon, Kent City, Michigan
     Office is owned by the Bank and comprises 27,300 square feet.

 

Bank’s branch office:
     3069 Slocum Road, Ravenna, Michigan
     Office is owned by the Bank and comprises 4,800 square feet.

 

Bank’s branch office:
     5475 East Apple Avenue, Muskegon, Michigan
     Office is owned by the Bank and comprises 4,800 square feet.

 

Bank’s branch office:
     661 West Randall, Coopersville, Michigan
     Office is owned by the Bank and comprises 2,700 square feet.

 

Bank’s branch office:
     10 West Main Street, Grant, Michigan
     Office is owned by the Bank and comprises 4,800 square feet.

 

Bank’s branch office:
     246 West River Valley Drive, Newaygo, Michigan
     Office is owned by the Bank and comprises 2,600 square feet.

 

Bank’s branch office:
     1423 West Main Street, Fremont, Michigan
     Office is owned by the Bank and comprises 1,600 square feet.

 

Bank’s loan production office:
     237 Fulton West, Grand Rapids, Michigan
     Office is leased by the Bank and comprises 1,800 square feet.

 

The Company believes that the offices are suitable and adequate for future needs and are in good condition. The Company’s management believes all offices are adequately covered by property insurance.

 

Page | 17

 

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

As of December 31, 2017, there were no significant pending legal proceedings to which the Company or the Bank is a party or to which any of their properties were subject, except for legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, pending legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition of the Company.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 

PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Stock Information

 

Several brokers trade ChoiceOne’s common shares in the OTC Pink marketplace. There is no well-established public trading market for the shares and trading activity is infrequent. ChoiceOne’s trading volume and recent share price information can be viewed under the symbol ’COFS’ on certain financial websites.

 

The range of high and low bid prices for shares of common stock for each quarterly period during the past two years is as follows:

 

   2017   2016 
   Low   High   Low   High 
First Quarter  $21.43   $23.33   $21.27   $22.67 
Second Quarter   21.67    23.99    21.05    22.71 
Third Quarter   21.95    23.55    20.97    22.61 
Fourth Quarter   22.03    24.10    20.57    22.86 

 

The prices listed above are over-the-counter market quotations reported to ChoiceOne by its market makers. The over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices without retail markup, markdown or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. As of February 28, 2018, the average bid price for shares of ChoiceOne common stock was $24.65.

 

As of February 28, 2018, there were 678 shareholders of record of ChoiceOne common stock.

 

The following table summarizes the quarterly cash dividends declared per share of common stock during 2017 and 2016:

 

   2017   2016 
First Quarter  $0.16   $0.16 
Second Quarter   0.17    0.16 
Third Quarter   0.17    0.16 
Fourth Quarter   0.17    0.16 
     Total  $0.67   $0.64 

 

ChoiceOne’s principal source of funds to pay cash dividends is the earnings and dividends paid by the Bank. The Bank is restricted in its ability to pay cash dividends under current banking regulations. See Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of these restrictions. Based on information presently available, management expects ChoiceOne to declare and pay regular quarterly cash dividends in 2018, although the amount of the quarterly dividends will be dependent on market conditions and ChoiceOne’s requirements for cash and capital, among other things.

 

On October 25, 2017, the Company issued 542 shares of common stock to its directors pursuant to the Directors’ Stock Purchase Plan for an aggregate cash price of $13,000. The Company relied on the exemption contained in Section 4(6) of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with these sales.

 

Page | 18

 

 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

           Total Number   Maximum 
           of Shares   Number of 
           Purchased as   Shares that 
  Total Number   Average   Part of a   May Yet be 
   of Shares   Price Paid   Publicly   Purchased 
Period  Purchased   per Share   Announced Plan   Under the Plan 
                 
October 1 - October 31, 2017                    
Employee Transactions      $          
Repurchase Plan      $        20,424 
November 1 - November 30, 2017                    
Employee Transactions (1)   587   $23.00          
Repurchase Plan (2)   5,000   $23.00    5,000    15,424 
December 1 - December 31, 2017                    
Employee Transactions      $          
Repurchase Plan      $        15,424 

 

(1)Shares submitted for cancellation to satisfy tax withholding obligations that occur upon the vesting of restricted units. The value of the shares delivered or withheld is determined by the applicable stock compensation plan.

(2)The Company purchased 5,000 shares of its own common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, there were 15,424 shares remaining that may yet be purchased under approved plans or programs. The repurchase plan was adopted and announced on July 26, 2007. There is no stated expiration date. The plan authorized the repurchase of up to 100,000 shares.

 

The information under Item 12 of this report regarding equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Page | 19

 

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
Selected Financial Data

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)                    
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
For the year                         
Net interest income  $20,563   $19,343   $18,362   $17,863   $17,596 
Provision for loan losses   485        100    100    300 
Noninterest income   7,811    7,881    7,702    6,802    6,245 
Noninterest expense   19,334    18,972    18,276    16,794    16,664 
Income before income taxes   8,555    8,252    7,688    7,771    6,877 
Income tax expense   2,387    2,162    1,945    2,076    1,783 
Net income   6,168    6,090    5,743    5,695    5,094 
Cash dividends declared   2,317    2,231    2,170    1,945    1,780 
                          
Per share                         
Basic earnings  $1.79   $1.76   $1.67   $1.65   $1.48 
Diluted earnings   1.78    1.76    1.66    1.64    1.47 
Cash dividends declared   0.67    0.64    0.63    0.56    0.51 
Shareholders’ equity (at year end)   22.20    20.72    20.18    19.12    17.79 
                          
Average for the year                         
Securities  $177,125   $173,119   $152,361   $142,361   $133,704 
Gross loans   388,609    357,880    342,382    330,355    312,798 
Deposits   525,445    479,670    443,972    422,737    410,462 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   22,830    26,049    19,989    14,555    7,415 
Shareholders’ equity   75,026    72,134    68,439    64,143    61,317 
Assets   629,748    586,299    551,762    526,669    502,333 
                          
At year end                         
Securities  $159,158   $177,955   $163,323   $145,706   $139,832 
Gross loans   398,785    369,000    349,304    346,113    315,966 
Deposits   539,853    512,386    474,696    434,828    418,127 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   20,268    12,301    11,332    18,363    6,392 
Shareholders’ equity   76,550    71,698    69,842    66,190    61,558 
Assets   646,544    607,371    567,746    549,640    514,575 
                          
Selected financial ratios                         
Return on average assets   0.98%   1.04%   1.04%   1.08%   1.01%
Return on average shareholders’ equity   8.22    8.44    8.39    8.88    8.31 
Cash dividend payout as a percentage of net income   37.57    36.63    37.79    34.15    34.93 
Shareholders’ equity to assets (at year end)   11.84    11.80    12.30    12.04    11.96 

  

Page | 20

 

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion is designed to provide a review of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of ChoiceOne, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Summary
Net income for 2017 was $6,168,000, which represented a $78,000 or 1% increase from 2016. The growth in net income resulted primarily from an increase in net interest income in 2017 compared to 2016, which was partially offset by a higher provision for loan losses and higher noninterest expense. The effect of $39.8 million of growth in average earning assets in 2017 compared to 2016 was partially offset by a 5 basis point decrease in the rate earned on average earning assets. A combination of an increase in net charge-offs in 2017 compared to the prior year and loan growth in 2017 caused ChoiceOne to recognize $485,000 in provision expense for loan losses in 2017 compared to no provision in 2016. ChoiceOne had $185,000 in net loan charge-offs in 2017, compared to net loan recoveries of $83,000 in 2016. A decline in noninterest income of $70,000 in 2017 compared to 2016 was mainly caused by a decrease in gains on sales of loans and net losses on sales of securities in 2017 in contrast to net gains recognized in 2016. This was offset by a $908,000 gain on the sale of a portion of ChoiceOne’s investment book of business discussed further in the noninterest income section below. The increase of $362,000 in noninterest expense in 2017 compared to the prior year was primarily due to higher salaries and benefits expense as well as increased occupancy expense and professional fees.

 

Net income for 2016 was $6,090,000, which represented a $347,000 or 6% increase from 2015. The growth in net income resulted primarily from an increase in interest income in 2016 compared to 2015, which was partially offset by higher noninterest expense. The effect of $34.6 million of growth in average earning assets in 2016 compared to 2015 was partially offset by an 8 basis point decrease in the rate earned on average assets. Net loan charge-offs continued to be low in 2016, which allowed for no provision expense for loan losses in 2016 compared to $100,000 in 2015. ChoiceOne had $83,000 in net loan recoveries in 2016, compared to net loan charge-offs of $79,000 in 2015. Growth in noninterest income of $179,000 in 2016 compared to 2015 was mainly caused by higher gains on sales of loans. The increase of $696,000 in noninterest expense in 2016 compared to the prior year was primarily due to higher salaries and benefits.

 

Dividends
Cash dividends of $2,317,000 or $0.67 per common share were declared in 2017, compared to $2,231,000 or $0.64 per common share in 2016 and $2,170,000 or $0.63 per common share in 2015. The dividend yield on ChoiceOne’s common stock was 2.86% as of year-end 2017, compared to 2.86% in 2016 and 2.77% in 2015. The cash dividend payout as a percentage of net income was 38% in 2017, compared to 37% in 2016 and 38% in 2015. In addition, a 5% stock dividend was paid on May 31, 2017, which caused $3,779,000 to be transferred from retained earnings to paid-in capital.

 

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Table 1 – Average Balances and Tax-Equivalent Interest Rates

 

   Year ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
(Dollars in thousands)  Average           Average           Average         
   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate 
Assets:                                    
Loans (1) (2)  $388,609   $17,974    4.63%  $357,880   $16,518    4.62%  $342,382   $15,982    4.67%
Taxable securities (3)   122,150    2,371    1.94    118,787    2,171    1.83    102,550    1,783    1.74 
Nontaxable securities (1)   54,975    2,142    3.90    54,332    2,190    4.03    49,952    2,156    4.32 
Other   9,465    102    1.08    4,231    21    0.49    5,753    14    0.25 
Interest-earning assets   575,199    22,589    3.93    535,230    20,900    3.91    500,637    19,935    3.98 
Noninterest-earning assets (4)   54,549              51,069              51,125           
Total assets  $629,748             $586,299             $551,762           
                                              
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:                                             
Interest-bearing demand deposits  $208,049   $385    0.18%  $196,662   $253    0.13%  $165,767   $226    0.14%
Savings deposits   76,107    14    0.02    73,118    20    0.03    67,826    26    0.04 
Certificates of deposit   104,936    790    0.75    86,042    517    0.60    94,891    625    0.66 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   22,830    276    1.21    26,049    171    0.66    19,989    83    0.41 
Other   5,661    13    0.23    8,372    8    0.10    18,156    30    0.17 
Interest-bearing liabilities   417,583    1,478    0.36    390,243    969    0.25    366,629    990    0.27 
Demand deposits   136,353              123,848              115,488           
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities   786              74              1,206           
Total liabilities   554,722              514,165              483,323           
Shareholders’ equity   75,026              72,134              68,439           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $629,748             $586,299             $551,762           
                                              
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)-interest spread        21,111    3.57%        19,931    3.66%        18,944    3.71%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)        (548)             (591)             (582)     
Net interest income       $20,563             $19,340             $18,362      
Net interest income as a percentage of earning assets (tax-equivalent basis)             3.67%             3.72%             3.78%

 

(1)Interest on nontaxable securities and loans has been adjusted to a fully tax-equivalent basis to facilitate comparison to the taxable interest-earning assets. The adjustment uses an incremental tax rate of 34% for the years presented.

(2)Interest on loans included net origination fees charged on loans of approximately $1,003,000, $1,054,000, and $957,000 in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

(3)Interest on taxable securities includes dividends on Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock.

(4)Noninterest-earning assets include loans on a nonaccrual status, which averaged approximately $1,486,000, $2,416,000, and $2,145,000 in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

 

Page | 22

 

Table 2 – Changes in Tax-Equivalent Net Interest Income

 

   Year ended December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2017 Over 2016   2016 Over 2015 
   Total   Volume   Rate   Total   Volume   Rate 
Increase (decrease) in interest income (1)                              
Loans (2)  $1,456   $1,421   $35   $536   $717   $(181)
Taxable securities   200    63    137    388    293    95 
Nontaxable securities (2)   (48)   26    (74)   34    182    (148)
Other   81    41    40    8    (4)   12 
Net change in interest income   1,689    1,551    138    966    1,188    (222)
                               
Increase (decrease) in interest expense (1)                              
Interest-bearing demand deposits   132    16    116    27    40    (13)
Savings deposits   (6)   1    (7)   (6)   2    (8)
Certificates of deposit   273    127    146    (108)   (56)   (52)
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   105    (23)   128    88    30    58 
Other   5    (4)   9    (22)   (12)   (10)
Net change in interest expense   509    117    392    (21)   4    (25)
Net change in tax-equivalent net interest income  $1,180   $1,434   $(254)  $987   $1,184   $(197)

  

(1)The volume variance is computed as the change in volume (average balance) multiplied by the previous year’s interest rate. The rate variance is computed as the change in interest rate multiplied by the previous year’s volume (average balance). The change in interest 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)Interest on tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a fully tax-equivalent basis using an incremental tax rate of 34% for the years presented.

 

Net Interest Income

Tax-equivalent net interest income increased $1,180,000 in 2017 compared to 2016. The increase was attributed to an increase of $40.0 million in interest-earning assets, which was partially offset by a 5 basis point decrease in the rate earned on these assets and a 9 basis point increase in interest bearing liabilities. ChoiceOne’s net interest spread declined 9 basis points in 2017 compared to 2016.

 

The average balance of loans increased $30.7 million in 2017 compared to 2016. Most of the increase resulted from growth of $12.7 million in commercial real estate loans and $8.3 million of commercial and industrial loans. Partially offsetting the effect of the loan growth was a 4 basis point decrease in the average rate earned on loans. Tax-equivalent interest income on loans increased $1.5 million in 2017 compared to the prior year. The average balance of total securities increased by $4.0 million in 2017 compared to 2016 as securities were purchased to provide earning assets growth. Interest income from securities increased $152,000 in 2017 compared to the prior year.

 

The average balance of interest-bearing demand deposits increased $11.4 million in 2017 compared to 2016. The effect of this increase and a 4 basis point increase in the average rate paid caused interest expense to be $132,000 higher in 2017 than in the prior year. The effect of the $3.0 million increase in average savings deposits was partially offset by a 2 basis point decline in the average rate paid. The average balance of certificates of deposit was $18.9 million higher in 2017 than in the prior year. The average balance increase plus the impact of a 9 basis point increase in the average rate paid caused interest expense to grow $273,000. A $3.2 million decline in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank advances, partially offset by an 80 basis point increase in the average rate paid, caused interest expense to increase $105,000 in 2017 compared to the prior year.

 

ChoiceOne’s tax-equivalent net interest income spread was 3.57% for 2017 and 3.66% for 2016. The decline in the net interest income spread resulted from the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased more in 2017 than the average rate earned on interest-earning assets.

 

Tax-equivalent net interest income increased $987,000 in 2016 compared to 2015. The increase was attributed to an increase of $34.6 million in interest-earning assets and a decrease of 2 basis points on interest-bearing liabilities, which were partially offset by an 8 basis point decline in the average rate on interest-earning assets. ChoiceOne’s net interest spread declined 5 basis points in 2016 compared to 2015 as general market rates had more of a downward effect on assets than liabilities.

 

Page | 23

 

 

The average balance of loans increased $15.5 million in 2016 compared to 2015. Most of the increase resulted from growth of $13.6 million in commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loans. Partially offsetting the loan growth was a 5 basis point decrease in the average rate earned on loans, which caused tax-equivalent interest income on loans to increase $536,000 in 2016 compared to the prior year. The average balance of total securities increased by $20.6 million in 2016 compared to 2015 as securities were purchased to provide earning assets growth. This growth in the average balance was partially offset by a lower average rate earned on securities; however, interest income from securities still increased $422,000 in 2016 compared to the prior year.

 

The average balance of interest-bearing demand deposits increased $30.9 million in 2016 compared to 2015. The effect of this increase, partially offset by a 1 basis point decline in the average rate paid, caused interest expense to be $27,000 higher in 2016 than in the prior year. The effect of the $5.3 million increase in average savings deposits was more than offset by a 1 basis point decline in average rate paid which caused a $6,000 decrease in interest expense in 2016 compared to the prior year. The average balance of certificates of deposit was $8.8 million lower in 2016 than in the prior year. The average balance decrease plus the effect of a 6 basis point decline in the average rate paid caused interest expense on certificates of deposit to fall $108,000 in 2016 compared to 2015. A $6.1 million increase in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and a 25 basis point increase in the average rate paid caused interest expense to increase $88,000 in 2016 compared to the prior year. The growth experienced in non-interest bearing demand deposits and savings deposits was primarily due to depositors choosing the liquidity afforded by this type of deposit as compared to certificates of deposit or nonbank investments.

 

ChoiceOne’s net interest income spread was 3.66% for 2016 and 3.71% for 2015. The continuation of low general market interest rates in both 2015 and 2016 caused the reduction in rates for both assets and liabilities.

 

Page | 24

 

 

Provision and Allowance For Loan Losses

 

Table 3 – Provision and Allowance For Loan Losses

 

(Dollars in thousands)                    
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of year  $4,277   $4,194   $4,173   $4,735   $5,852 
Charge-offs:                         
Agricultural                   88 
Commercial and industrial   439    37    30    1    122 
Real estate - commercial               665    858 
Real estate - construction                    
Real estate - residential   43    102    140    133    732 
Consumer   253    218    291    273    351 
Total   735    357    461    1,072    2,151 
                          
Recoveries:                         
Agricultural           1    20    6 
Commercial and industrial   21    31    64    119    337 
Real estate - commercial   258    89    47    48    84 
Real estate - construction   40                 
Real estate - residential   62    171    149    44    132 
Consumer   169    149    121    179    175 
Total   550    440    382    410    734 
                          
Net charge-offs (recoveries)   185    (83)   79    662    1,417 
                          
Provision for loan losses (1)   485        100    100    300 
                          
Allowance for loan losses at end of year  $4,577   $4,277   $4,194   $4,173   $4,735 
                          
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of:                         
Total loans as of year end   1.15%   1.16%   1.20%   1.21%   1.50%
Nonaccrual loans, accrual loans past due 90 days or more and troubled debt restructurings   108%   84%   76%   63%   62%
Ratio of net charge-offs (recoveries) to average total loans outstanding during the year   0.05%   (0.02)%   0.02%   0.20%   0.45%
Loan recoveries as a percentage of prior year’s charge-offs   154%   95%   36%   19%   29%

 

The provision for loan losses was $485,000 in 2017 compared to $0 in 2016. The increase to provision during the year was partly due to net charge-offs occurring in 2017 in contrast to net recoveries experienced in 2016. The increase was also caused by loan growth during 2017. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans decreased slightly from 1.16% as of the end of 2016 to 1.15% as of the end of 2017. The coverage ratio of the allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans increased from 84% as of December 31, 2016 to 108% as of December 31, 2017. ChoiceOne had $302,000 of specific allowance allocations for problem loans as of the end of 2017, compared to $403,000 as of the prior year end. Specific allowance amounts have been allocated where the fair values of loans were considered to be less than their carrying values. ChoiceOne obtains valuations on collateral dependent loans when the loan is considered by management to be impaired and uses the valuation amounts in the determination of fair value. Management believes the specific reserves allocated to certain problem loans at the end of 2017 and 2016 were reasonable based on the circumstances surrounding each particular borrower.

 

Page | 25

 

 

The following schedule presents an allocation of the allowance for loan losses to the various loan categories as of the years ended December 31:

 

(Dollars in thousands)                    
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Agricultural  $506   $433   $420   $186   $178 
Commercial and industrial   1,001    688    586    527    562 
Real estate - commercial   1,761    1,438    1,030    1,641    1,842 
Real estate - construction   35    62    46    9    12 
Real estate - residential   726    1,013    1,388    1,193    1,626 
Consumer   262    305    297    184    192 
Unallocated   286    338    427    433    323 
Total allowance for loan losses  $4,577   $4,277   $4,194   $4,173   $4,735 

  

The increase in the allowance allocation to commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans was due to growth in these categories and an increase in the inherent risk. The decline in the allocation to residential real estate loans was caused by lower historical charge-off levels. Changes in historical charge-off levels and environmental factors affected all loan categories.

 

Management maintains the allowance at a level that it believes adequately provides for losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Such losses are estimated by a variety of factors, including specific examination of certain borrowing relationships and consideration of historical losses incurred on certain types of credits. Current economic conditions and collateral values affect loss estimates. Management focuses on early identification of problem credits through ongoing reviews by management and the independent loan review function. Based on the current state of the economy and a recent review of the loan portfolio, management believes that the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2017 was adequate. As charge-offs, changes in the level of nonperforming loans, and changes within the composition of the loan portfolio occur, the provision and allowance for loan losses will be reviewed by the Bank’s management and adjusted as necessary.

 

Noninterest Income

Total noninterest income decreased $70,000 in 2017 compared to 2016. Customer service charges increased $79,000 in 2017 due to higher overdraft and debit card fees. Gains on loan sales declined $483,000 in 2017 compared to 2016 as mortgage sales volume was lower in 2017 than in 2016. This was primarily due to higher interest rates and a relatively low inventory of homes available for sale in ChoiceOne’s primary markets. The large decline in gain on sales of securities was caused by ChoiceOne’s decision in the fourth quarter of 2017 to sell securities to support the funding of loan growth and decrease the bank’s dependence on wholesale borrowings due to increases in interest rates. As a result, ChoiceOne sold approximately $35 million in securities and recorded a fourth quarter loss of $457,000 on the sale. Management believes this decision will be accretive to income in 2018 and recognizing the losses during 2017 resulted in beneficial tax treatment. A gain of $908,000 was recognized upon the sale of a portion of ChoiceOne’s investment book of business during the fourth quarter of 2017. This sale was the primary reason for the decrease in insurance and investment commissions from 2016 to 2017. The increase in other noninterest income from 2016 to 2017 was primarily due to a $61,000 improvement in income from ChoiceOne’s investment in a title insurance agency.

 

Total noninterest income increased $179,000 in 2016 compared to 2015. Customer service charges decreased $27,000 in 2016 compared to the prior year due to a slight decline in service charges on checking accounts. A decrease in insurance and investment commissions of $51,000 in 2016 compared to 2015 was caused by lower commission income from sales of REIT investments during 2016 compared to 2015. Gains on sales of loans increased $332,000 in 2016 compared to 2015 as longer-term mortgage rates declined causing a positive impact on mortgage volume. Net gains on sales of securities increased $51,000 as opportunities to harvest gains on the securities portfolio increased in the low interest rate environment that existed during most of 2016. Net losses on sales of other assets were $80,000 lower in 2016 than in the prior year as write-downs of values of other real estate properties and losses on sales of properties were lower in 2016 than in 2015. Earnings on life insurance policies were $295,000 lower in 2016 than 2015 as the result of a death benefit received on a former employee’s life insurance policy in 2015.

 

Noninterest Expense

Total noninterest expense increased $362,000 in 2017 compared to 2016. Salaries and benefits increased $267,000 in 2017 compared to the prior year due to higher costs related to salaries, stock-based compensation, and health insurance. Occupancy and equipment expense grew $308,000 in 2017 compared to the prior year primarily as a result of costs related to remodeling expenses to ChoiceOne’s headquarters in Sparta, Michigan which was completed in 2017. Expense was also affected by a full year’s cost of two new ATM locations that were added during 2016. Professional fees increased $231,000 in 2017 compared to 2016 due in part to higher legal fees related to the sale of the investment book of business and costs associated with the search, purchase, and branch application process on two additional branches that are scheduled to be opened in 2018. Intangible amortization expense was $0 in 2017 as the related intangible assets were fully amortized by the end of 2016. The decrease in other noninterest expense in 2017 compared to the prior year was caused in part by lower recruiting expense and by lower FDIC insurance expense due to a reduced FDIC assessment rate after the Deposit Insurance Fund reached a 1.15% reserve threshold on June 30, 2016.

 

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Total noninterest expense increased $696,000 in 2016 compared to 2015. Salaries and benefits increased $709,000 in 2016 compared to the prior year due to higher costs related to salaries, stock-based compensation, commissions, and health insurance. Occupancy and equipment expense grew $192,000 in 2016 compared to the prior year primarily as a result of costs related to the lease of the loan production office than began in early 2016 and the lease of two new ATM locations that were added during 2016. Data processing expense decreased $47,000 as expenses related to Internet banking were lower in 2016 than in the prior year. Intangible amortization expense decreased by $69,000 in 2016 compared to 2015 as intangible assets were fully amortized by the end of 2016. FDIC insurance expense decreased in the last two quarters of 2016 due to a reduced FDIC assessment rate after the Deposit Insurance Fund reached a 1.15% reserve threshold on June 30, 2016.

 

Income Taxes

In the fourth quarter of 2017, ChoiceOne adjusted its net deferred tax asset for the impact of the lower corporate income tax rate which will be effective beginning in 2018. This adjustment caused the recognition of $206,000 of income tax expense, increasing tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the same time period in 2016. The reduction of the corporate income tax rate will have a positive effect on net income in future periods. Overall, income taxes increased $225,000 in 2017 compared to 2016. The effective tax rate was 28% in 2017, compared to 26% in 2016 and 25% in 2015. Income taxes increased $217,000 in 2016 compared to 2015. The increase in income taxes during 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily due to the adjustment of the deferred tax asset. The increase in tax expense in 2016 was caused by higher income before taxes.

 

Financial Condition

 

Summary
Total assets were $646.5 million as of December 31, 2017, which represented an increase of $39.2 million or 6.5% from the end of 2016. Securities available for sale decreased $18.8 million during 2017 due to the sale of securities in the fourth quarter of 2017. Net loans increased $29.5 million in 2017, with most of the increase occurring in commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. The increase of $300,000 in the allowance for loan losses resulted from provision for loan losses in 2017 required as a result of loan growth and higher net charge-offs in the current year compared to 2016. Total deposits increased $27.5 million in 2017 due to growth in checking deposits, savings deposits, and certificates of deposit.

 

Securities

The Bank’s securities available for sale balances as of December 31 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2017   2016 
U.S. Government and federal agency  $35,126   $59,052 
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds   1,960    4,072 
State and municipal   100,048    88,973 
Mortgage-backed   9,820    7,789 
Corporate   5,151    7,041 
Foreign debt       4,400 
Equity securities   3,392    2,883 
Asset-backed securities   94    178 
Total  $155,591   $174,388 

 

The securities available for sale portfolio decreased $18.8 million from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017. The decline in the securities balance was caused by the sale of $35 million of securities in the fourth quarter of 2017. Approximately $15.2 million in various securities were called or matured in 2017, which was partially offset by securities purchases. Principal payments for municipal and mortgage-backed securities totaling $2.4 million were received during 2017. The Bank’s Investment Committee continues to monitor the portfolio and purchases securities as it considers prudent. Also, certain securities are sold under agreements to repurchase and management plans to continue this practice as a low-cost source of funding.

 

Equity securities included a money market preferred security (MMP) and a trust preferred security totaling $1.5 million, and common stock of $1.9 million as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, equity securities included an MMP and trust preferred security totaling $1.5 million, and common stock of $1.4 million.

 

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Loans

The Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31 was as follows:            

           

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2017   2016 
Agricultural  $48,464   $44,614 
Commercial and industrial   104,386    96,088 
Consumer   24,513    21,596 
Real estate - commercial   123,487    110,762 
Real estate - construction   6,613    6,153 
Real estate - residential   91,322    89,787 
    Total loans  $398,785   $369,000 

 

The loan portfolio (excluding loans held for sale and loans to other financial institutions) increased $29.8 million from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017. Economic factors in ChoiceOne’s market are continuing to improve in most industry sectors. Residential mortgage loans volume was lower in 2017 mainly due to higher interest rates and a relatively low inventory of homes available for sale in ChoiceOne’s primary markets. Growth experienced in the commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loan categories was due in part to calling efforts by ChoiceOne’s loan officers.

 

The Bank entered into an agreement at the beginning of 2017 to provide a line of credit to facilitate funding of residential mortgage loan originations at other financial institutions. The loans are short-term in nature and are designed to provide funding for the time period between the loan origination and its subsequent sale in the secondary market. As of December 31, 2017 the balance of the line of credit was $6.8 million.

 

Information regarding impaired loans can be found in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report. In addition to its review of the loan portfolio for impaired loans, management also monitors various nonperforming loans. Nonperforming loans are comprised of (1) loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis; (2) loans, not included in nonaccrual loans, which are contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments; and (3) loans, not included in nonaccrual or past due 90 days or more, which are considered troubled debt restructurings. Troubled debt restructurings consist of loans where the terms have been modified to assist the borrowers in making their payments. The modifications can include capitalization of interest onto the principal balance, reduction in interest rate, and extension of the loan term.

 

The balances of these nonperforming loans as of December 31 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2017   2016 
Loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis  $1,096   $1,983 
Loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest payments   258    229 
Loans considered troubled debt restructurings which are not included above   2,896    2,853 
Total  $4,250   $5,065 

 

Nonaccrual loans included $423,000 in agricultural loans, $222,000 in commercial and industrial loans, $15,000 in consumer loans, and $436,000 in residential real estate loans as of December 31, 2017. Nonaccrual loans included $482,000 in agricultural loans, $245,000 in commercial and industrial loans, $6,000 in consumer loans, $458,000 in commercial real estate loans, and $792,000 in residential real estate loans as of December 31, 2016. The primary reason for the decline in nonaccrual loans in 2017 was loan paydowns and two charge-offs related to commercial and industrial loans. Loans considered troubled debt restructurings which were not on a nonaccrual basis and were not 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest payments consisted of $24,000 in commercial and industrial loans, $556,000 in commercial real estate loans, $17,000 in consumer loans, and $2,299,000 in residential real estate loans at December 31, 2017, compared to $26,000 in commercial and industrial loans, $615,000 in commercial real estate loans, $20,000 in consumer loans, and $2,192,000 in residential real estate loans at December 31, 2016.

 

Management also maintains a list of loans that are not classified as nonperforming loans but where some concern exists as to the borrowers’ abilities to comply with the original loan terms. These loans totaled $3.6 million as of December 31, 2017, compared to $5.3 million as of December 31, 2016.

 

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Deposits and Other Funding Sources

 

The Bank’s deposit balances as of December 31 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2017   2016 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits  $151,462   $127,611 
Interest-bearing demand deposits   126,363    122,465 
Money market deposits   94,178    99,454 
Savings deposits   75,080    75,835 
Local certificates of deposit   82,598    79,108 
Brokered certificates of deposit   10,172    7,913 
Total deposits  $539,853   $512,386 

 

Total deposits increased $27.5 million from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017. The demand deposit categories as well as money market deposits and savings deposits grew $21.7 million as the Bank’s depositors valued liquid funds more than the interest rates paid on certificates of deposit. Local and brokered certificates of deposit also experienced some growth in 2017.

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase declined $765,000 during 2017 due to normal fluctuations in overnight balances in sweep repurchase accounts used by the Bank’s local clients. Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased $8.0 million from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 in order to assist with the funding of loan growth. A blanket collateral agreement covering agricultural real estate loans and residential real estate loans was pledged against all outstanding advances at the end of 2017. Approximately $28.2 million of additional advances were available as of December 31, 2017 based on the collateral pledged.

 

In 2018, management will continue to focus its marketing efforts toward growth in local deposits. If local deposit growth is insufficient to support asset growth, management believes that advances from the FHLB and brokered certificates of deposit can address corresponding funding needs.

 

Shareholders’ Equity

Total shareholders’ equity increased $4.9 million from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017. The growth in equity resulted from the retention of earnings in 2017 as net income exceeded dividends paid by $3.9 million. Accumulated other comprehensive income increased by $835,000 in 2017 principally as a result of available for sale securities moving from a net unrealized loss at the end of 2016 to a net unrealized gain as of the end of 2017.

 

Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements presents regulatory capital information for the Bank at the end of 2017 and 2016. Management will monitor these capital ratios during 2018 as they relate to asset growth and earnings retention. ChoiceOne’s Board of Directors and management do not plan to allow capital to decrease below those levels necessary to be considered “well capitalized” by regulatory guidelines. At December 31, 2017, the Bank was categorized as “well-capitalized.” On July 3, 2013, the FDIC Board of Directors approved the Regulatory Capital Interim Final Rule, implementing Basel III. This rule redefines Tier 1 capital as two components (Common Equity Tier 1 and Additional Tier 1), creates a new capital ratio (Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-based Capital Ratio) and implements a capital conservation buffer. It also revises the prompt corrective action thresholds and makes changes to risk weights for certain assets and off-balance-sheet exposures. Banks were required to transition into the new rule beginning on January 1, 2015. A 2.5% capital conservation buffer will be phased in over a period of four years beginning in 2016. Based on ChoiceOne’s capital levels and balance sheet composition at December 31, 2017, management believes implementation of the new rule will have no material impact on ChoiceOne’s capital needs.

 

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Table 4 – Contractual Obligations

 

The following table discloses information regarding the maturity of ChoiceOne’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2017:

 

   Payment Due by Period 
       Less           More 
       than   1 - 3   3 - 5   than 
(Dollars in thousands)  Total   1 year   Years   Years   5 Years 
                     
Time deposits  $92,770   $67,698   $18,712   $6,360   $ 
Repurchase agreements   7,148    7,148             
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   20,268    20,034    73    79    82 
Operating leases   760    117    241    251    152 
Other obligations   595    99    198    143    155 
  Total  $121,541   $95,096   $19,222   $6,833   $389 

  

Liquidity and Interest Rate Risk

Net cash from operating activities was $8.1 million for 2017 compared to $10.9 million for 2016. Lower net proceeds from loan sales was the main reason for the decrease. Cash used in investing activities was $18.3 million in 2017 compared to $41.5 million in 2016. The large year over year change was caused by sales of securities in 2017, the effect of which was partially offset by higher loan growth in 2017 than in 2016. Cash flows from financing activities were $32.2 million in 2017 compared to $34.2 million in the prior year.

 

ChoiceOne’s primary market risk exposure occurs in the form of interest rate risk. Liquidity risk also can have an impact but to a lesser extent. ChoiceOne’s business is transacted in U.S. dollars with no foreign exchange risk exposure. Agricultural loans comprise a relatively small portion of ChoiceOne’s total assets. Management believes that ChoiceOne’s exposure to changes in commodity prices is insignificant.

 

Management believes that the current level of liquidity is sufficient to meet the Bank’s normal operating needs. This belief is based upon the availability of deposits from both the local and national markets, maturities of securities, normal loan repayments, income retention, federal funds purchased lines of credit from correspondent banks, and advances available from the FHLB. Liquidity risk deals with ChoiceOne’s ability to meet its cash flow requirements. These requirements include depositors desiring to withdraw funds and borrowers seeking credit. Relatively short-term liquid funds exist in the form of lines of credit to purchase federal funds at correspondent banks. As of December 31, 2017, the amount of federal funds available for purchase from the Bank’s correspondent banks totaled approximately $63.0 million. ChoiceOne had no federal funds purchased at the end of 2017 or 2016. The Bank also has a line of credit secured by ChoiceOne’s commercial loans with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago for $82.5 million, which is designated for nonrecurring short-term liquidity needs. Longer-term liquidity needs may be met through local deposit growth, maturities of securities, normal loan repayments, advances from the FHLB, brokered certificates of deposit, and income retention. Approximately $28.2 million of borrowing capacity was available from the FHLB based on agricultural real estate loans and residential real estate loans pledged as collateral at year-end 2017. The acceptance of brokered certificates of deposit is not limited as long as the Bank is categorized as “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.

 

Critical Accounting Policies And Estimates

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations as well as disclosures found elsewhere in this report are based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the market value of securities, the amount of the allowance for loan losses, loan servicing rights, carrying value of goodwill, and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Securities

Securities available for sale may be sold prior to maturity due to changes in interest rates, prepayment risks, yield, availability of alternative investments, liquidity needs, credit rating changes, or other factors. Securities classified as available for sale are reported at their fair value with changes flowing through other comprehensive income. Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are considered to be “other than temporary” are recorded as losses in the income statement. In estimating whether a fair value decline is considered to be “other than temporary,” management considers the length of time and extent that the security’s fair value has been less than its carrying value, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the Bank’s ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

 

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Market values for securities available for sale are obtained from outside sources and applied to individual securities within the portfolio. The difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of securities is recorded as a valuation adjustment and reported net of tax effect in other comprehensive income.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses 

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb probable incurred losses inherent in the consolidated loan portfolio. Management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is an estimate based on reviews of individual loans, assessments of the impact of current economic conditions on the portfolio and historical loss experience of seasoned loan portfolios.

 

Management believes the accounting estimate related to the allowance for loan losses is a “critical accounting estimate” because (1) the estimate is highly susceptible to change from period to period because of assumptions concerning the changes in the types and volumes of the portfolios and current economic conditions and (2) the impact of recognizing an impairment or loan loss could have a material effect on the Company’s assets reported on the balance sheet as well as its net income.

 

Loan Servicing Rights

Loan servicing rights represent the estimated value of servicing loans that are sold with servicing retained by ChoiceOne and are initially recorded at estimated fair value. Servicing rights are expensed in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues. Management’s accounting treatment of loan servicing rights is estimated based on current prepayment speeds that are typically market driven.

 

Management believes the accounting estimate related to loan servicing rights is a “critical accounting estimate” because (1) the estimate is highly susceptible to change from period to period because of significant changes within long-term interest rates affecting the prepayment speeds for current loans being serviced and (2) the impact of recognizing an impairment loss could have a material effect on ChoiceOne’s net income. Management has obtained a third-party valuation of its loan servicing rights to corroborate its current carrying value at the end of each reporting period.

 

Goodwill

Generally accepted accounting principles require that the fair values of the assets and liabilities of an acquired entity be recorded at their fair value on the date of acquisition. The fair values are determined using both internal computations and information obtained from outside parties when deemed necessary. The net difference between the price paid for the acquired company and the net value of its balance sheet is recorded as goodwill. Accounting principles also require that goodwill be evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Under recently issued accounting pronouncements, ChoiceOne is permitted to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of equity is less than its carrying value. If the conclusion is that it is more likely than not that the fair value of equity is more than its carrying value, no further testing in the form of a quantitative assessment is necessary. If the conclusion is that it is more likely than not that the fair value of equity is less than its carrying value, then a two-step quantitative assessment test is performed to identify any potential goodwill impairment.

 

Management performed a qualitative assessment of goodwill as of September 30, 2017. The analysis was performed including evaluation of the share price, book value, and financial results of ChoiceOne as compared to the previous year. Additionally, industry and market conditions were evaluated and compared. Average deal prices in the Midwest of closed transactions have indicated increases in deal values to tangible common equity, deal values to earnings, and core deposit premiums when compared to the observed prices used in the last quantitative assessment of goodwill in 2016. Further, macro-economic trends have been on a positive trajectory recently and there have been no adverse legal, regulatory, contractual, political or other factors that have materially impacted ChoiceOne. Upon completion of the qualitative assessment, ChoiceOne believes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of ChoiceOne’s equity exceeds the carrying value at the assessment date and there is no further quantitative assessment necessary.

 

Taxes

Income taxes include both a current and deferred portion. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded to account for differences in the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses for financial reporting and tax purposes. Generally accepted accounting principles require that deferred tax assets be reviewed to determine whether a valuation allowance should be established using a “more likely than not” standard. Based on its review of ChoiceOne’s deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017, management determined that no valuation allowance was necessary.

 

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Interest rate risk is related to liquidity because each is affected by maturing assets and sources of funds. ChoiceOne’s Asset/Liability Management Committee (the “ALCO”) attempts to stabilize the interest rate spread and avoid possible adverse effects when unusual or rapid changes in interest rates occur. The ALCO uses a simulation model to measure the Bank’s interest rate risk. The model incorporates changes in interest rates on rate-sensitive assets and liabilities. The degree of rate sensitivity is affected by prepayment assumptions that exist in the assets and liabilities. One method the ALCO uses of measuring interest rate sensitivity is the ratio of rate-sensitive assets to rate-sensitive liabilities. An asset or liability is considered to be rate-sensitive if it matures or otherwise reprices within a given time frame.

 

Table 5 documents the maturity or repricing schedule for ChoiceOne’s rate-sensitive assets and liabilities for selected time periods:

 

Table 5 – Maturities and Repricing Schedule

 

   As of December 31, 2017 
(Dollars in thousands)  0 - 3   3 - 12   1 - 5   Over     
   Months   Months   Years   5 Years   Total 
Assets                    
Securities available for sale  $7,120   $17,332   $86,051   $45,089   $155,591 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock   1,994                1,994 
Federal Reserve Bank stock               1,573    1,573 
Loans held for sale   1,721                1,721 
Loans to other financial institutions   6,802                6,802 
Loans   118,651    93,922    165,208    21,004    398,785 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies               14,514    14,514 
Rate-sensitive assets  $136,288   $111,254   $251,258   $82,180   $580,980 
                          
Liabilities                         
Interest-bearing demand deposits  $126,363   $   $   $   $126,363 
Money market deposits   94,178                94,178 
Savings deposits   75,080                75,080 
Certificates of deposits   28,305    39,511    24,659    295    92,770 
Repurchase agreements   7,148                7,148 
Advances from FHLB   10,009    10,025    152    82    20,268 
Rate-sensitive liabilities  $341,083   $49,536   $24,811   $377   $415,807 
Rate-sensitive assets less rate-sensitive liabilities:                         
Asset (liability) gap for the period  $(204,795)  $61,718   $226,447   $81,803   $165,173 

 

Under this method, the ALCO measures interest rate sensitivity by focusing on the one-year repricing gap. ChoiceOne’s ratio of rate-sensitive assets to rate-sensitive liabilities that matured or repriced within a one-year time frame was 63% at December 31, 2017, compared to 68% at December 31, 2016. Table 5 above shows the entire balance of interest-bearing demand deposits, savings deposits, money market deposits, and overnight repurchase agreements in the shortest repricing term. Although these categories have the ability to reprice immediately, management has some control over the actual timing or extent of the changes in interest rates on these liabilities. The ALCO plans to continue to monitor the ratio of rate-sensitive assets to rate-sensitive liabilities on a quarterly basis in 2018. As interest rates change during 2018, the ALCO will attempt to match its maturing assets with corresponding liabilities to maximize ChoiceOne’s net interest income.

 

Another method the ALCO uses to monitor its interest rate sensitivity is to subject rate-sensitive assets and liabilities to interest rate shocks. At December 31, 2017, management used a simulation model to subject its assets and liabilities up to an immediate 400 basis point increase. The maturities of loans and mortgage-backed securities were affected by certain prepayment assumptions. Maturities for interest-bearing core deposits were based on an estimate of the period over which they would be outstanding. The maturities of advances from the FHLB were based on their contractual maturity dates. In the case of variable rate assets and liabilities, repricing dates were used to determine their values. The simulation model measures the effect of immediate interest rate changes on both net interest income and shareholders’ equity.

 

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Table 6 provides an illustration of hypothetical interest rate changes as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

Table 6 – Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates

 

   2017 
   Net       Market     
(Dollars in thousands)  Interest   Percent   Value of   Percent 
   Income   Change   Equity   Change 
Change in Interest Rate                    
400 basis point rise  $23,742    6%  $176,632    9%
300 basis point rise   23,409    5%   174,281    8%
200 basis point rise   23,064    3%   171,240    6%
100 basis point rise   22,704    2%   167,423    4%
Base rate scenario   22,336    %   161,760    %
100 basis point decline   20,987    -6%   145,174    -10%
200 basis point decline   19,769    -11%   122,923    -24%
300 basis point decline   19,206    -14%   109,403    -32%
400 basis point decline   18,805    -16%   108,928    -33%

 

   2016 
    Net         Market       
(Dollars in thousands)    Interest    Percent    Value of    Percent 
    Income    Change    Equity    Change 
Change in Interest Rate                    
400 basis point rise  $22,196    10%  $154,009    9%
300 basis point rise   21,684    7%   151,373    8%
200 basis point rise   21,177    5%   148,553    6%
100 basis point rise   20,638    2%   145,321    3%
Base rate scenario   20,203    %   140,761    %
100 basis point decline   19,097    -5%   124,886    -11%
200 basis point decline   18,072    -11%   103,937    -26%
300 basis point decline   17,476    -13%   94,215    -33%
400 basis point decline   17,122    -15%   93,864    -33%

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Bank was within its guidelines for immediate rate shocks up and down for all net interest income scenarios and for the up rate scenarios and the down 100 basis points scenario for the market value of shareholders’ equity. The Bank’s percent change in the 200, 300, and 400 basis points down scenarios for the market value of shareholders’ equity was slightly higher than the policy guidelines. As of December 31, 2016, the Bank was within its guidelines for immediate rate shocks up and down for both net interest income and the market value of shareholders’ equity. The ALCO plans to continue to monitor the effect of changes in interest rates on both net interest income and shareholders’ equity and will make changes in the duration of its rate-sensitive assets and rate-sensitive liabilities where necessary.

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017, and 2016, the related statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

  

/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2006.  

  

Auburn Hills, Michigan
March 28, 2018

 

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ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

(Dollars in thousands)  December 31, 
   2017   2016 
Assets        
Cash and due from banks  $36,837   $14,809 
           
Securities available for sale (Note 2)   155,591    174,388 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock   1,994    1,994 
Federal Reserve Bank stock   1,573    1,573 
Loans held for sale   1,721    1,974 
Loans to other financial institutions   6,802     
Loans (Note 3)   398,785    369,000 
Allowance for loan losses (Note 3)   (4,577)   (4,277)
Loans, net   394,208    364,723 
           
 Premises and equipment, net (Note 5)   12,855    12,588 
 Other real estate owned, net (Note 7)   106    437 
 Cash value of life insurance policies   14,514    14,117 
 Goodwill (Note 6)   13,728    13,728 
 Other assets   6,615    7,040 
Total assets  $646,544   $607,371 
           
Liabilities          
Deposits – noninterest-bearing (Note 8)  $151,462   $127,611 
Deposits – interest-bearing (Note 8)   388,391    384,775 
Total deposits   539,853    512,386 
           
Repurchase agreements (Note 9)   7,148    7,913 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (Note 10)   20,268    12,301 
Other liabilities (Notes 11 and 13)   2,725    3,073 
Total liabilities   569,994    535,673 
           
Shareholders’ Equity (Note 20)          
Preferred stock; shares authorized: 100,000; shares outstanding: none        
Common stock and paid-in capital, no par value; shares authorized: 7,000,000; shares outstanding: 3,448,569 in 2017 and 3,277,944 in 2016 (Note 14)   50,290    46,299 
Retained earnings   26,023    25,997 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net   237    (598)
Total shareholders’ equity   76,550    71,698 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $646,544   $607,371 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Page | 35

 

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  Years ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
Interest income               
Loans, including fees  $17,964   $16,507   $15,971 
Securities:               
Taxable   2,556    2,334    1,939 
Tax exempt   1,419    1,450    1,428 
Other   102    21    14 
Total interest income   22,041    20,312    19,352 
                
Interest expense               
Deposits   1,189    790    877 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   276    171    83 
Other   13    8    30 
Total interest expense   1,478    969    990 
                
Net interest income   20,563    19,343    18,362 
Provision for loan losses (Note 3)   485        100 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   20,078    19,343    18,262 
                
Noninterest income               
Customer service charges   4,135    4,056    4,083 
Insurance and investment commissions   826    1,009    1,060 
Gains on sales of loans (Note 4)   1,265    1,748    1,416 
Net gains/(losses) on sales of securities (Note 2)   (280)   312    261 
Net gains/(losses) on sales and write-downs of other assets (Note 7)   26    (41)   (121)
Earnings on life insurance policies   398    356    651 
Gain on sale of investment book of business   908         
Other   533    441    352 
Total noninterest income   7,811    7,881    7,702 
                
Noninterest expense               
Salaries and benefits (Notes 13 and 14)   10,249    9,982    9,273 
Occupancy and equipment (Note 5)   2,896    2,588    2,396 
Data processing   2,279    2,273    2,320 
Professional fees   1,166    935    971 
Supplies and postage   399    385    413 
Advertising and promotional   298    222    253 
Intangible amortization (Note 6)       379    448 
FDIC insurance   200    238    288 
Other   1,847    1,970    1,914 
Total noninterest expense   19,334    18,972    18,276 
                
Income before income tax   8,555    8,252    7,688 
Income tax expense (Note 11)   2,387    2,162    1,945 
                
Net income  $6,168   $6,090   $5,743 
                
Basic earnings per share (Note 15)  $1.79   $1.76   $1.67 
Diluted earnings per share (Note 15)  $1.78   $1.76   $1.66 
Dividends declared per share  $0.67   $0.64   $0.63 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Page | 36

 

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Years ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
Net income  $6,168   $6,090   $5,743 
                
Other comprehensive income:               
Changes in net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale, net of tax expense (benefit) of $324, $(812), and $168 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively   628    (1,573)   324 
                
Reclassification adjustment for realized gain on sale of investment securities available for sale included in net income, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(95), $106, and $89 for the years  ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively   185    (206)   (172)
                
Change in adjustment for postretirement benefits, net of tax benefit (expense) of $9, $12, and $11 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively   (17)   (22)   (22)
                
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax   796    (1,801)   130 
                
Comprehensive income  $6,964   $4,289   $5,873 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Page | 37

 

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  Number of Shares   Common
Stock and
Paid in
Capital
   Retained
Earnings
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income/(Loss),
Net
   Total 
                     
Balance, January 1, 2015   3,295,834   $46,552   $18,565   $1,073   $66,190 
                          
Net income             5,743         5,743 
Other comprehensive income                  130    130 
Shares issued   13,310    206              206 
Shares repurchased   (16,200)   (371)             (371)
Change in ESOP repurchase obligation        (4)             (4)
Effect of employee stock purchases        15              15 
Stock compensation shares issued   2,284                    
Stock compensation expense        103              103 
Cash dividends declared ($0.63 per share)             (2,170)        (2,170)
                          
Balance, December 31, 2015   3,295,228   $46,501   $22,138   $1,203   $69,842 
                          
Net income             6,090         6,090 
Other comprehensive loss                  (1,801)   (1,801)
Shares issued   8,460    173              173 
Shares repurchased   (35,000)   (794)             (794)
Termination of ESOP repurchase obligation        127              127 
Effect of employee stock purchases        13              13 
Stock compensation shares issued   9,256                    
Stock compensation expense        279              279 
Cash dividends declared ($0.64 per share)             (2,231)        (2,231)
                          
Balance, December 31, 2016   3,277,944   $46,299   $25,997   $(598)  $71,698 
                          
Net income             6,168         6,168 
Other comprehensive income                  796    796 
Shares issued   8,776    149              149 
Shares repurchased   (8,800)   (203)             (203)
Effect of employee stock purchases        13              13 
Stock options exercised   1,463    13              13 
Stock-based compensation expense        240              240 
Restricted stock units issued   5,197                    
Stock dividend declared (5%)   163,989    3,779    (3,786)        (7)
Effect of tax law change on other comprehensive income             (39)   39     
Cash dividends declared ($0.67 per share)             (2,317)        (2,317)
                          
Balance, December 31, 2017   3,448,569   $50,290   $26,023   $237   $76,550 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Page | 38

 

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Years ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
Cash flows from operating activities:               
Net income  $6,168   $6,090   $5,743 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:               
Provision for loan losses   485        100 
Depreciation   1,389    1,078    986 
Amortization   1,061    1,531    1,497 
Compensation expense on employee and director stock purchases, stock options, and restricted stock units   317    380    118 
Net (gains)/losses on sales of securities   280    (312)   (261)
Gains on sales of loans   (1,265)   (1,748)   (1,416)
Loans originated for sale   (43,171)   (53,591)   (47,498)
Proceeds from loan sales   42,883    57,830    46,077 
Earnings on bank-owned life insurance   (398)   (356)   (347)
Earnings from death benefit           (304)
Proceeds on bank-owned life insurance           461 
(Gains)/losses on sales of other real estate owned   (18)   8    30 
Write-downs of other real estate owned           91 
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned   663    247    406 
Deferred federal income tax (benefit)/expense   62    (82)   (631)
Net change in:               
Other assets   417    (1,952)   (503)
Other liabilities   (783)   1,804    (571)
Net cash from operating activities   8,090    10,927    3,978 
                
Cash flows from investing activities:               
Sales of securities available for sale   57,628    15,317    25,876 
Maturities, prepayments and calls of securities available for sale   17,572    36,705    27,084 
Purchases of securities available for sale   (56,123)   (69,526)   (70,902)
Purchase of Federal Reserve Bank stock           (301)
Purchases or calls of FHLB stock       (380)   299 
Purchase of bank-owned life insurance policies       (1,500)    
Loan originations and payments, net   (35,723)   (20,274)   (3,678)
Additions to premises and equipment   (1,656)   (1,819)   (1,038)
Net cash from investing activities   (18,302)   (41,477)   (22,660)
                
Cash flows from financing activities:               
Net change in deposits   27,467    37,690    39,868 
Net change in repurchase agreements   (765)   (1,547)   (17,283)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances   212,500    311,017    194,575 
Payments on Federal Home Loan Bank advances   (204,533)   (310,048)   (201,606)
Issuance of common stock   98    85    206 
Repurchase of common stock   (203)   (794)   (371)
Cash dividends and fractional shares from stock dividend   (2,324)   (2,231)   (2,170)
Net cash from financing activities   32,240    34,172    13,219 
                
Net change in cash and cash equivalents   22,028    3,622    (5,463)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents   14,809    11,187    16,650 
                
Ending cash and cash equivalents  $36,837   $14,809   $11,187 
                
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:               
Cash paid for interest  $1,465   $984   $1,005 
Cash paid for income taxes   2,120    1,760    2,395 
Loans transferred to other real estate owned   314    661    408 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Page | 39

 

 

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Principles of Consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements include ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, ChoiceOne Bank (“the Bank”), and ChoiceOne Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ChoiceOne Insurance Agencies, Inc. (together referred to as “ChoiceOne”). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Nature of Operations 

The Bank is a full-service community bank that offers commercial, consumer, and real estate loans as well as traditional demand, savings and time deposits to both commercial and consumer clients in Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties in Michigan. Substantially all loans are secured by specific items of collateral including business assets, consumer assets, and real estate. Commercial loans are expected to be repaid from the cash flows from operations of businesses. Real estate loans are collateralized by either residential or commercial real estate.

 

The Insurance Agency is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. The Insurance Agency sells insurance policies such as life and health for both commercial and consumer clients. The Insurance Agency also offers alternative investment products such as annuities and mutual funds through a registered broker.

 

Together, the Bank and the Insurance Agency account for substantially all of ChoiceOne’s assets, revenues and operating income.

 

Use of Estimates

To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, ChoiceOne’s management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates associated with securities available for sale, the allowance for loan losses, other real estate owned, loan servicing rights, goodwill, and fair values of certain financial instruments are particularly susceptible to change.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are defined to include cash on hand, demand deposits with other banks, and federal funds sold. Cash flows are reported on a net basis for customer loan and deposit transactions, deposits with other financial institutions, and short-term borrowings with original terms of 90 days or less.

 

Securities

Securities are classified as available for sale because they might be sold before maturity. Securities classified as available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported separately in the accumulated other comprehensive income or loss section of shareholders’ equity, net of tax effect. Restricted investments in Federal Reserve Bank stock and Federal Home Loan Bank stock are carried at cost. Equity securities consist of investments in preferred stock, trust-preferred securities, and investments in common stock of other financial institutions. All equities are held at the holding company and are considered available for sale.

 

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments. Gains or losses on sales are recorded on the trade date based on the amortized cost of the security sold.

 

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. The evaluation of securities includes consideration given to the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions and whether ChoiceOne has the intent to sell the security or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, management may consider whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, or U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuer’s financial condition. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time.

 

When OTTI occurs, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether ChoiceOne intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If ChoiceOne intends to sell or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the OTTI shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment. If a security is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, but ChoiceOne does not intend to sell the security, only the credit portion of the estimated loss is recognized in earnings, with the other portion of the loss recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

Page | 40

 

 

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of unearned interest, deferred loan fees and costs, and an allowance for loan losses. Loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or market, on an aggregate basis.

 

Interest income on loans is reported on the interest method and includes amortization of net deferred loan fees and costs over the estimated loan term. Interest on loans is accrued based upon the principal balance outstanding. The accrual of interest is discontinued at the time at which commercial loans are 90 days past due unless the loan is secured by sufficient collateral and is in the process of collection. Interest on consumer or real estate secured loans is discontinued at the time at which the loan is 120 days past due unless the credit is secured by sufficient collateral and is in the process of collection. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed into nonaccrual status or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Interest accrued but not received is reversed against interest income when the loans are placed into nonaccrual status. Interest received on such loans is applied to principal until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual basis when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payment is reasonably assured.

 

Loans to Other Financial Institutions

Loans to other financial institutions are made for the purpose of providing a warehouse line of credit to facilitate funding of residential mortgage loan originations at other financial institutions. The loans are short-term in nature and are designed to provide funding for the time period between the loan origination and its subsequent sale in the secondary market. Revenue on loans to other financial institutions earn a share of interest income, determined by the contract, from when the loan is funded to when the loan is sold on the secondary market. Similar to loans held for sale these loans are excluded from the allowance for loan losses as the risk of default is minimal during the short time period held.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by loans charged off less any recoveries of charged off loans. Management estimates the allowance for loan losses balance required based on past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions, and other factors. Allocations of the allowance for loan losses may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance for loan losses is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. Loan losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collection of a loan balance is not possible.

 

The allowance for loan losses consists of general and specific components. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired or loans otherwise classified as substandard or doubtful.

 

A loan is impaired when full payment under the loan terms is not expected. Troubled debt restructuring of loans is undertaken to improve the likelihood that the loan will be repaid in full under the modified terms in accordance with a reasonable repayment schedule. All modified loans are evaluated to determine whether the loans should be reported as Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDR). A loan is a TDR when the Bank, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower by modifying a loan. To make this determination, the Bank must determine whether (a) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (b) the Bank granted the borrower a concession. This determination requires consideration of all facts and circumstances surrounding the modification. An overall general decline in the economy or some deterioration in a borrower’s financial condition does not automatically mean the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. Commercial loans are evaluated for impairment on an individual loan basis. If a loan is considered impaired or if a loan has been classified as a troubled debt restructured loan, a portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to the loan so that it is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans such as consumer and residential real estate mortgage loans are collectively evaluated for impairment and, accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.

 

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Land is carried at cost. Land improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 7 to 15 years. Building and related components are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 5 to 39 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated life or the lease term. Furniture and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 3 to 7 years. Fixed assets are periodically reviewed for impairment. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value.

 

Other Real Estate Owned

Real estate properties acquired in the collection of a loan are initially recorded at the lower of the Bank’s basis in the loans or fair value at acquisition establishing a new cost basis. Any reduction to fair value from the carrying value of the related loan is accounted for as a loan loss. After acquisition, a valuation allowance reduces the reported amount to the lower of the initial amount or fair value less costs to sell. Expenses to repair or maintain properties are included within other noninterest expenses. Gains and losses upon disposition and changes in the valuation allowance are reported net within noninterest income.

 

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Bank owned life insurance policies are stated at the current cash surrender value of the policy, or the policy death proceeds less any obligation to provide a death benefit to an insured’s beneficiaries  if that value is less than the cash surrender value. Increases in the asset value are recorded as earnings in other income.

 

Page | 41

 

 

Loan Servicing Rights 

Loan servicing rights represent the allocated value of servicing rights on loans sold with servicing retained. Servicing rights are expensed in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues. Impairment is evaluated based on the fair value of the rights, using groupings of the underlying loans as to interest rates and then, secondarily, as to geographic and prepayment characteristics. Servicing rights are initially recorded at estimated fair value and fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics when available or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Any impairment of a grouping is reported as a valuation allowance.

 

Goodwill 

Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment will be recognized in the period identified.

 

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments 

Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet financing needs of customers. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

 

Employee Benefit Plans 

ChoiceOne’s 401(k) plan allows participants to make contributions to their individual accounts under the plan in amounts up to the IRS maximum. Employer matching contributions from ChoiceOne to its 401(k) plan are discretionary. ChoiceOne also allows retired employees to participate in its health insurance plan. Employees who have attained age 55 and completed at least ten years of service to ChoiceOne are eligible to participate as a retiree until they are eligible for Medicare. These post-retirement benefits are accrued during the years in which the employee provides service.

 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan 

Dividends on Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”) shares are recorded as a reduction of retained earnings. Upon distribution of shares to a participant, the participant has the right to require the Company to purchase his or her shares at fair value in accordance with the terms and conditions of the ESOP. As such, these shares are not classified in shareholders’ equity as permanent equity. Effective January 1, 2016, ChoiceOne terminated the ESOP and transferred shares held by the ESOP to the 401(k) plan.

 

Income Taxes 

Income tax expense is the sum of the current year income tax due and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

Earnings Per Share 

Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) is based on weighted-average common shares outstanding. The weighted-average number of shares used in the computation of basic and diluted EPS includes shares allocated to the ESOP. Diluted EPS further assumes issue of any dilutive potential common shares issuable under stock options or restricted stock units granted.

 

Page | 42

 

 

Comprehensive Income 

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income or loss. Other comprehensive income or loss includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and changes in the funded status of post-retirement plans, net of tax, which are also recognized as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income was as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Years ended December 31, 
   2017   2016 
         
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities  $169   $(1,063)
Unrecognized gains on post-retirement benefits   132    157 
Tax effect   (64)   308 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  $237   $(598)

 

Loss Contingencies 

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe that there are any such matters that may have a material effect on the financial statements as of December 31, 2017.

 

Cash Restrictions 

Cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of $810,000 and $621,000 was required to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The balance in excess of the amount required was interest-bearing as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company values share-based stock option awards granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company recognizes compensation expense for its awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award (straight-line attribution method), ensuring that the amount of compensation cost recognized at any date at least equals the portion of the grant-date fair value of the award that is vested at that time. Compensation costs related to stock options granted are disclosed in Note 14.

 

ChoiceOne has granted restricted stock units to a select group of employees under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. Restricted stock units vest in three annual installments on each of the next three anniversaries of the grant date. Certain additional vesting provisions apply. Each unit, once vested, is settled by delivery of one share of ChoiceOne common stock.

 

Dividend Restrictions

Banking regulations require the maintenance of certain capital levels and may limit the amount of dividends that may be paid by the Bank to ChoiceOne (see Note 20).

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, which are more fully documented in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

 

Operating Segments

While ChoiceOne’s management monitors the revenue streams of various products and services for the Bank and Insurance Agency, operations and financial performance are evaluated on a company-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the financial service operations are considered by management to be aggregated into one reportable operating segment.

 

Page | 43

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU establishes a comprehensive revenue recognition standard for virtually all industries under U.S. GAAP, including those that previously followed industry-specific guidance such as the real estate, construction and software industries. The revenue standard’s core principle is built on the contract between a vendor and a customer for the provision of goods and services. It attempts to depict the exchange of rights and obligations between the parties in the pattern of revenue recognition based on the consideration to which the vendor is entitled. To accomplish this objective, the standard requires five basic steps: (i) identify the contract with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The ASU does not apply to financial instruments. The ASU is effective for public entities for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (therefore, for the year ending December 31, 2018 for ChoiceOne). Early implementation is not allowed for public companies. Management is currently assessing the impact to the ChoiceOne’s consolidated financial statements but does not expect these changes to have a significant effect on the financial statements.

 

The FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The ASU covers various changes to the accounting, measurement, and disclosure related to certain financial instruments. The most significant change included in the update is the requirement for certain equity investments (excluding investments that are consolidated or accounted for under the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. An entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost, minus impairment. When a qualitative assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values indicates that impairment exists, an entity is required to measure the investment at fair value. The update also eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. The new standard is effective for ChoiceOne for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within this fiscal year. Management has assessed the expected impact and does not believe it will have a significant impact on ChoiceOne’s consolidated financial statements.

 

The FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. The new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. As ChoiceOne owns most of its branch locations, the impact of this ASU is not expected to be material.

 

The FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU provides financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date by replacing the incurred loss impairment methodology in current generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The new guidance attempts to reflect an entity’s current estimate of all expected credit losses and broadens the information that an entity must consider in developing its expected credit loss estimate for assets measured either collectively or individually to include forecasted information, as well as past events and current conditions. There is no specified method for measuring expected credit losses, and an entity may apply methods that reasonably reflect its expectations of the credit loss estimate. Although an entity may still use its current systems and methods for recording the allowance for credit losses, under the new rules, the inputs used to record the allowance for credit losses generally will need to change to appropriately reflect an estimate of all expected credit losses and the use of reasonable and supportable forecasts. Additionally, credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities will have to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and for interim periods within those years. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this new ASU on its consolidated financial statements which may be significant.

 

FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.  This ASU changes generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to require premiums on purchased callable debt securities to be amortized to the earliest call date.  Previous GAAP allowed entities to amortize to contractual maturity or to call date.  The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted.  As the Company has consistently amortized premiums on its purchased callable debt securities to the earliest call date, the Company has elected to early adopt this ASU effective January 1, 2017.  There was no impact of adoption of this ASU by the Company.

 

Reclassifications
Certain amounts presented in prior year consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 

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Note 2 – Securities

 

The fair value of securities available for sale and the related gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31 were as follows:

 

   2017 
       Gross   Gross     
(Dollars in thousands)  Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
U.S. Government and federal agency  $35,518   $   $(392)  $35,126 
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds   1,991        (31)   1,960 
State and municipal   99,609    910    (471)   100,048 
Mortgage-backed   9,943    8    (131)   9,820 
Corporate   5,184    2    (35)   5,151 
Equity securities   3,083    309        3,392 
Asset-backed securities   95        (1)   94 
Total  $155,423   $1,229   $(1,061)  $155,591 

 

   2016 
         Gross     Gross      
(Dollars in thousands)   Amortized    Unrealized    Unrealized    Fair 
    Cost    Gains    Losses    Value 
U.S. Government and federal agency  $59,864   $34   $(846)  $59,052 
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds   4,111        (39)   4,072 
State and municipal   89,169    748    (944)   88,973 
Mortgage-backed   7,925    19    (155)   7,789 
Corporate   7,069    12    (40)   7,041 
Foreign debt   4,514        (114)   4,400 
Equity securities   2,617    266        2,883 
Asset-backed securities   182        (4)   178 
Total  $175,451   $1,079   $(2,142)  $174,388 

 

Information regarding sales of securities available for sale for the year ended December 31 follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)                    
    2017    2016    2015      
Proceeds from sales of securities  $57,628   $15,317   $25,876      
Gross realized gains   184    312    261      
Gross realized losses   464    0    0      

 

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Contractual maturities of securities available for sale at December 31, 2017 were as follows:

           

(Dollars in thousands)  Amortized   Fair 
   Cost   Value 
Due within one year  $27,715   $27,490 
Due after one year through five years   68,760    68,786 
Due after five years through ten years   43,556    43,654 
Due after ten years   2,366    2,449 
Total debt securities   142,397    142,379 
Mortgage-backed securities   9,943    9,820 
Equity securities   3,083    3,392 
Total  $155,423   $155,591 

  

Various securities were pledged as collateral for securities sold under agreements to repurchase and participation in a program that provided Community Reinvestment Act credits. The carrying amount of securities pledged as collateral at December 31 was as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016 
Securities pledged for securities sold under agreements to repurchase  $9,902   $13,186 
Security pledged for Community Reinvestment Act credits   262    250 
Total  $10,164   $13,436 

 

The fair value of securities pledged to secure repurchase agreements may decline, and the Company may be required to provide additional collateral. The Company manages this risk by pledging securities with fair values in excess of the repurchase liability.

 

Securities with unrealized losses at year-end 2017 and 2016, aggregated by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in an unrealized loss position, were as follows:

 

   2017 
   Less than 12 months   More than 12 months   Total 
(Dollars in thousands)  Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
   Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
U.S. Government and federal agency  $20,297   $(190)  $9,798   $(202)  $30,095   $(392)
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds   1,960    (31)           1,960    (31)
State and municipal   38,887    (319)   6,889    (152)   45,776    (471)
Mortgage-backed   8,481    (104)   838    (27)   9,319    (131)
Corporate   2,471    (17)   687    (18)   3,158    (35)
Asset-backed securities           94    (1)   94    (1)
Total temporarily impaired  $72,096   $(661)  $18,306   $(400)  $90,402   $(1,061)

                               
   2016 
   Less than 12 months   More than 12 months   Total 
(Dollars in thousands)   Fair    Unrealized    Fair    Unrealized     Fair    Unrealized 
    Value    Losses    Value    Losses    Value    Losses 
U.S. Government and federal agency  $46,283   $(846)  $   $   $46,283   $(846)
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds   4,072    (39)           4,072    (39)
State and municipal   47,832    (944)           47,832    (944)
Mortgage-backed   5,980    (150)   251    (5)   6,231    (155)
Corporate   2,838    (40)           2,838    (40)
Foreign debt   4,400    (114)           4,400    (114)
Asset-backed securities           178    (4)   178    (4)
Total temporarily impaired  $111,405   $(2,133)  $429   $(9)  $111,834   $(2,142)

 

ChoiceOne evaluates all securities on a quarterly basis to determine whether unrealized losses are temporary or other than temporary. Consideration is given to the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of ChoiceOne to retain its investment in the issue for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value of amortized cost basis. Management believed that unrealized losses as of December 31, 2017 were temporary in nature and were caused primarily by changes in interest rates, increased credit spreads, and reduced market liquidity and were not caused by the credit status of the issuer. No other than temporary impairments were recorded in 2017 or 2016.

 

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At December 31, 2017, there were 154 securities with an unrealized loss, compared to 196 securities with an unrealized loss as of December 31, 2016. The decrease in the number of securities in an unrealized loss position was due to the sale of $35.0 million in securities during the fourth quarter of 2017.

 

Note 3 – Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31 was as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2017   2016 
Agricultural  $48,464   $44,614 
Commercial and industrial   104,386    96,088 
Consumer   24,513    21,596 
Real estate - commercial   123,487    110,762 
Real estate - construction   6,613    6,153 
Real estate - residential   91,322    89,787 
Loans, gross   398,785    369,000 
Allowance for loan losses   (4,577)   (4,277)
Loans, net  $394,208   $364,723 

 

ChoiceOne manages its credit risk through the use of its loan policy and its loan approval process and by monitoring of loan credit performance. The loan approval process for commercial loans involves individual and group approval authorities. Individual authority levels are based on the experience of the lender. Group authority approval levels can consist of an internal loan committee that includes the Bank’s President or Senior Lender and other loan officers for loans that exceed individual approval levels, or a loan committee of the Board of Directors for larger commercial loans. Most consumer loans are approved by individual loan officers based on standardized underwriting criteria, with larger consumer loans subject to approval by the internal loan committee.

 

Ongoing credit review of commercial loans is the responsibility of the loan officers. ChoiceOne’s internal credit committee meets at least monthly and reviews loans with payment issues and loans with a risk rating of 5, 6, or 7. Risk ratings of commercial loans are reviewed periodically and adjusted if needed. ChoiceOne’s consumer loan portfolio is primarily monitored on an exception basis. Loans where payments are past due are turned over to the Bank’s collection department, which works with the borrower to bring payments current or take other actions when necessary. In addition to internal reviews of credit performance, ChoiceOne contracts with a third party for independent loan review that monitors the loan approval process and the credit quality of the loan portfolio.

 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses and balances in the loan portfolio were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)                            
   Agricultural   Commercial
and Industrial
   Consumer   Commercial
Real Estate
   Construction
Real Estate
   Residential
Real Estate
   Unallocated   Total 
2017                                        
Allowance for Loan Losses                                        
Beginning balance  $433   $688   $305   $1,438   $62   $1,013   $338   $4,277 
Charge-offs       (439)   (253)           (43)       (735)
Recoveries       21    169    258    40    62        550 
Provision   73    731    41    65    (67)   (306)   (52)   485 
Ending balance  $506   $1,001   $262   $1,761   $35   $726   $286   $4,577 
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $   $26   $3   $49   $   $224   $   $302 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $506   $975   $259   $1,712   $35   $502   $286   $4,275 
                                         
Loans                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment  $423   $124   $36   $778   $   $2,779        $4,140 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   48,041    104,262    24,477    122,709    6,613    88,543         394,645 
Ending balance  $48,464   $104,386   $24,513   $123,487   $6,613   $91,322        $398,785 

 

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(Dollars in thousands)

  Agricultural  Commercial
and Industrial
  Consumer  Commercial
Real Estate
  Construction
Real Estate
  Residential
Real Estate
  Unallocated  Total
                         
2016                                        
Allowance for Loan Losses                                        
Beginning balance  $420   $586   $297   $1,030   $46   $1,388   $427   $4,194 
Charge-offs       (37)   (218)           (102)       (357)
Recoveries       31    149    89        171        440 
Provision   13    108    77    319    16    (444)   (89)    
Ending balance  $433   $688   $305   $1,438   $62   $1,013   $338   $4,277 
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $3   $11   $2   $91   $   $296   $   $403 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $430   $677   $303   $1,347   $62   $717   $338   $3,874 
                                         
Loans                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment  $526   $301   $28   $1,073   $   $2,983       $4,911 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   44,088    95,787    21,568    109,689    6,153    86,804        364,089 
Ending balance  $44,614   $96,088   $21,596   $110,762   $6,153   $89,787       $369,000 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

  Agricultural  Commercial
and Industrial
  Consumer  Commercial
Real Estate
  Construction
Real Estate
  Residential
Real Estate
  Unallocated  Total
2015                        
Allowance for Loan Losses                        
Beginning balance  $186   $527   $184   $1,641   $9   $1,193   $433   $4,173 
Charge-offs       (30)   (291)           (140)       (461)
Recoveries   1    64    121    47        149        382 
Provision   233    25    283    (658)   37    186    (6)   100 
Ending balance  $420   $586   $297   $1,030   $46   $1,388   $427   $4,194 
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $3   $15   $1   $191   $   $296   $   $506 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $417   $571   $296   $839   $46   $1,092   $427   $3,688 
                                         
Loans                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment  $50   $192   $24   $2,790   $   $2,529       $5,585 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   40,182    94,155    20,066    94,946    5,390    88,980        343,719 
Ending balance  $40,232   $94,347   $20,090   $97,736   $5,390   $91,509       $349,304 

 

The process to monitor the credit quality of ChoiceOne’s loan portfolio includes tracking (1) the risk ratings of business loans, (2) the level of classified business loans, and (3) delinquent and nonperforming consumer loans. Business loans are risk rated on a scale of 1 to 8. A description of the characteristics of the ratings follows:

 

Risk ratings 1 and 2: These loans are considered pass credits. They exhibit good to exceptional credit risk and demonstrate the ability to repay the loan from normal business operations.

 

Risk rating 3: These loans are considered pass credits. They exhibit acceptable credit risk and demonstrate the ability to repay the loan from normal business operations.

 

Risk rating 4: These loans are considered watch credits. They have potential developing weaknesses that, if not corrected, may cause deterioration in the ability of the borrower to repay the loan. While a loss is possible for a loan with this rating, it is not anticipated.

  

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Risk rating 5: These loans are considered special mention credits. Loans in this risk rating are considered to be inadequately protected by the net worth and debt service coverage of the borrower or of any pledged collateral. These loans have well defined weaknesses that may jeopardize the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. If the weaknesses are not corrected, loss of principal and interest could be probable.

 

Risk rating 6: These loans are considered substandard credits. These loans have well defined weaknesses, the severity of which makes collection of principal and interest in full questionable. Loans in this category may be placed on nonaccrual status.

 

Risk rating 7: These loans are considered doubtful credits. Some loss of principal and interest has been determined to be probable. The estimate of the amount of loss could be affected by factors such as the borrower’s ability to provide additional capital or collateral. Loans in this category are on nonaccrual status. No loans are classified as risk rating 7 and the category has been removed from the table below.

 

Risk rating 8: These loans are considered loss credits. They are considered uncollectible and will be charged off against the allowance for loan losses. No loans are classified as risk rating 8 and the category has been removed from the table below.

 

Information regarding the Bank’s credit exposure as of December 31 was as follows:

 

Corporate Credit Exposure - Credit Risk Profile By Creditworthiness Category 

                   
(Dollars in thousands)  Agricultural  Commercial and Industrial  Commercial Real Estate
   2017  2016  2017  2016  2017  2016
Risk ratings 1 and 2  $14,813   $12,005   $13,491   $12,135   $8,227   $8,013 
Risk rating 3   22,721    23,852    63,366    56,714    78,868    59,343 
Risk rating 4   10,199    7,505    26,943    25,895    33,429    39,641 
Risk rating 5   308    726    491    1,267    1,533    1,867 
Risk rating 6   423    526    95    77    1,430    1,898 
   $48,464   $44,614   $104,386   $96,088   $123,487   $110,762 

 

Consumer Credit Exposure - Credit Risk Profile Based On Payment Activity

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Consumer  Construction Real Estate  Residential Real Estate
   2017  2016  2017  2016  2017  2016
Performing  $24,497   $21,590   $6,613   $6,153   $90,629   $88,767 
Nonperforming   1                257    229 
Nonaccrual   15    6            436    791 
   $24,513   $21,596   $6,613   $6,153   $91,322   $89,787 

 

Included within the loan categories above were loans in the process of foreclosure. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, loans in the process of foreclosure totaled $131,000 and $282,000, respectively.

 

Loans are classified as performing when they are current as to principal and interest payments or are past due on payments less than 90 days. Loans are classified as nonperforming when they are past due 90 days or more as to principal and interest payments or are considered a troubled debt restructuring.

 

The following schedule provides information on loans that were considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) that were modified during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Bank may agree to modify the terms of a loan in order to improve the Bank’s ability to collect amounts due. These modifications may include reduction of the interest rate, extension of the loan term, or in some cases, reduction of the principal balance.

 

   December 31, 2017  December 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands)  Number of
Loans
  Pre-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
  Post-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
  Number of
Loans
  Pre-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
  Post-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Agricultural      $   $    1   $105   $105 
Residential real estate   3    296    296    2    155    155 
    3   $296   $296    3   $260   $260 

 

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The pre-modification and post-modification outstanding recorded investment represents amounts as of the date of loan modification. If a difference exists between the pre-modification and post-modification outstanding recorded investment, it represents impairment recognized 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. If no difference exists, a loss is not expected to be incurred based on an assessment of the borrower’s expected cash flows.

 

The following schedule provides information on TDRs as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 where the borrower was past due with respect to principal and/or interest for 30 days or more during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 that had been modified during the 12-month period prior to the default. Loans modified in a TDR may already be on nonaccrual status and partial charge-offs have in some cases already been taken against the outstanding loan balance. As a result, loans modified in a TDR for the Bank may have the financial effect of increasing the specific allowance associated with the loan. The allowance for impaired loans that have been modified in a TDR is measured based on the estimated fair value of the collateral, less any selling costs, if the loan is collateral dependent or on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. Management exercises significant judgement in developing these estimates.

 

At December 31, 2017 the Corporation had no commitments to lend additional funds to the related debtors whose terms have been modified in a TDR.:

             
   With Payment Defaults During the Following Periods
   December 31, 2017  December 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands)  Number
of Loans
  Recorded
Investment
  Number
of Loans
  Recorded
Investment
Commercial real estate      $    1   $105 

 

Impaired loans by loan category as of December 31 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

  Recorded
Investment
  Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  Related
Allowance
  Average
Recorded
Investment
  Interest
Income
Recognized
2017               
With no related allowance recorded                         
Agricultural  $423   $455   $   $322   $ 
Commercial and industrial               103     
Consumer                    
Commercial real estate   127    258        110     
Residential real estate   115    126        106    4 
Subtotal   665    839        641    4 
With an allowance recorded                         
Agricultural               121     
Commercial and industrial   124    124    26    177    1 
Consumer   36    36    3    33    1 
Commercial real estate   651    734    49    826    34 
Residential real estate   2,664    2,690    224    2,522    110 
Subtotal   3,475    3,584    302    3,679    146 
Total                         
Agricultural   423    455        443     
Commercial and industrial   124    124    26    280    1 
Consumer   36    36    3    33    1 
Commercial real estate   778    992    49    936    34 
Residential real estate   2,779    2,816    224    2,628    114 
Total  $4,140   $4,423   $302   $4,320   $150 

 

 

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       Unpaid       Average   Interest 
(Dollars in thousands)  Recorded   Principal   Related   Recorded   Income 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance   Investment   Recognized 
2016                         
With no related allowance recorded                         
Agricultural  $482   $485   $   $220   $13 
Commercial and industrial   206    207        91    3 
Consumer               1     
Commercial real estate   342    939        925    2 
Residential real estate   301    292        167    5 
Subtotal   1,331    1,923        1,404    23 
With an allowance recorded                         
Agricultural   44    44    3    72    3 
Commercial and industrial   95    95    11    218     
Consumer   28    28    2    24    2 
Commercial real estate   731    804    91    1,281    33 
Residential real estate   2,682    2,711    296    2,672    108 
Subtotal   3,580    3,682    403    4,267    146 
Total                         
Agricultural   526    529    3    292    16 
Commercial and industrial   301    302    11    309    3 
Consumer   28    28    2    25    2 
Commercial real estate   1,073    1,743    91    2,206    35 
Residential real estate   2,983    3,003    296    2,839    113 
Total  $4,911   $5,605   $403   $5,671   $169 

 

       Unpaid       Average   Interest 
(Dollars in thousands)  Recorded   Principal   Related   Recorded   Income 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance   Investment   Recognized 
2015                         
With no related allowance recorded                         
Agricultural  $   $   $   $   $ 
Commercial and industrial   74    103        25     
Consumer               2     
Commercial real estate   1,540    1,540        1,061    11 
Residential real estate   13    13        191     
Subtotal   1,627    1,656        1,279    11 
With an allowance recorded                         
Agricultural   50    50    3    62    (6)
Commercial and industrial   118    118    15    44    1 
Consumer   24    24    1    34    3 
Commercial real estate   1,250    1,755    191    2,002    64 
Residential real estate   2,516    2,516    296    2,425    86 
Subtotal   3,958    4,463    506    4,567    148 
Total                         
Agricultural   50    50    3    62    (6)
Commercial and industrial   192    221    15    69    1 
Consumer   24    24    1    36    3 
Commercial real estate   2,790    3,295    191    3,063    75 
Residential real estate   2,529    2,529    296    2,616    86 
Total  $5,585   $6,119   $506   $5,846   $159 

 

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An aging analysis of loans by loan category as of December 31 follows:

 

           Loans                 
   Loans   Loans   Past Due               Loans 
   Past Due   Past Due   Greater               90 Days Past 
(Dollars in thousands)  30 to 59   60 to 89   Than 90       Loans Not   Total   Due and 
   Days (1)   Days (1)   Days (1)   Total (1)   Past Due   Loans   Accruing 
2017                                   
Agricultural  $   $   $83   $83   $48,381   $48,464   $ 
Commercial and industrial   20            20    104,366    104,386     
Consumer   142    38    1    181    24,332    24,513     
Commercial real estate   95    58    69    222    123,265    123,487     
Construction real estate                   6,613    6,613     
Residential real estate   585    272    296    1,153    90,169    91,322    258 
   $842   $368   $449   $1,659   $397,126   $398,785   $258 
                                    
2016                                   
Agricultural  $   $   $   $   $44,614   $44,614   $ 
Commercial and industrial       30    245    275    95,813    96,088     
Consumer   99    2    6    107    21,489    21,596     
Commercial real estate           260    260    110,502    110,762     
Construction real estate                   6,153    6,153     
Residential real estate   1,027    109    646    1,782    88,005    89,787    229 
   $1,126   $141   $1,157   $2,424   $366,576   $369,000   $229 

 

(1) Includes nonaccrual loans

 

Nonaccrual loans by loan category as of December 31 as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2017   2016 
Agricultural  $423   $482 
Commercial and industrial       245 
Consumer   15    6 
Commercial real estate   222    458 
Construction real estate        
Residential real estate   436    792 
   $1,096   $1,983 

 

Note 4 – Mortgage Banking

 

Activity in secondary market loans during the year was as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016   2015 
Loans originated for resale, net of principal payments  $43,171   $53,591   $47,498 
Proceeds from loan sales   42,883    57,830    46,077 
Net gains on sales of loans held for sale   1,265    1,748    1,416 
Loan servicing fees, net of amortization   155    159    113 

 

Net gains on sales of loans held for sale include capitalization of loan servicing rights. Loans serviced for others are not reported as assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of these loans were $122.5 million and $103.6 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Bank maintains custodial escrow balances in connection with these serviced loans; however, such escrows were immaterial at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

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Activity for loan servicing rights (included in other assets) was as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)            
   2017   2016   2015 
Balance, beginning of year  $697   $378   $489 
Capitalized   443    491    49 
Amortization   (232)   (172)   (160)
Balance, end of year  $908   $697   $378 

 

The fair value of loan servicing rights was $1,402,000 and $1,029,000 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Consequently, a valuation allowance was not necessary at year-end 2017 or 2016. The fair value of servicing rights at December 31, 2017 was determined using a discount rate of 6.29% and prepayment speeds ranging from 7% to 14%. The fair value of servicing rights at December 31, 2016 was determined using a discount rate of 5.82% and prepayment speeds ranging from 10% to 19%.

 

Note 5 – Premises and Equipment

 

As of December 31, premises and equipment consisted of the following:

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2017   2016 
Land and land improvements  $5,560   $5,869 
Leasehold improvements   38    38 
Buildings   13,290    12,052 
Furniture and equipment   5,932    5,394 
Total cost   24,820    23,353 
Accumulated depreciation   (11,965)   (10,765)
Premises and equipment, net  $12,855   $12,588 

 

Depreciation expense was $1,389,000, $1,078,000, and $986,000 for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

The Bank leases certain branch properties, a loan production office, and automated-teller machine locations in its normal course of business. Rent expense totaled $99,000, $99,000, and $53,000 for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Rent commitments under non-cancelable operating leases were as follows, before considering renewal options that generally are present (dollars in thousands):

 

2018   $117 
2019    119 
2020    122 
2021    124 
2022    127 
Thereafter    152 
Total    $760 

 

Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill

There were no changes in the goodwill balance in 2017 or 2016. ChoiceOne evaluates goodwill annually for impairment. Accounting pronouncements allow a company to first perform a qualitative assessment for goodwill prior to a quantitative assessment (Step 1 assessment). If the results of the qualitative assessment indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, then a quantitative assessment must be performed. If not, there is no further assessment required.

 

ChoiceOne engaged an outside consulting firm to assist management in performing its annual evaluation of goodwill for impairment as of June 30, 2016. The following steps were used in the valuation: determination of the reporting unit, determination of the appropriate standard of value, determination of the appropriate level of value, calculation of fair value, and comparison of the fair value computed to the equity carrying value. It was determined that the relevant reporting unit to be valued was ChoiceOne Bank. The standard of value used in the valuation was fair value as determined by generally accepted accounting principles. The appropriate level of value was determined to be the controlling interest level. The appraisal methodology used to calculate the fair value included the income approach, which was a discounted cash flow value based on projected earnings capacity. The income approach used a discount rate of 11.50%, a growth assumption of 5.0% for assets, and an assumption of cost savings of 20% of noninterest expense as a result of synergies and cost reductions from a change in control. The appraisal methodology also included the market approach, which was based on price-to-earnings multiples, price-to-tangible book value ratios, and core deposit premiums for selected bank sale transactions. The asset approach was also an approach that was reviewed, but it was not used in determining the fair value since it did not render a control level indication of value. The results from the valuation approaches were used to calculate an estimate of the fair value of ChoiceOne’s equity, which was compared to the carrying value of equity to determine whether the Step 1 test under generally accepted accounting principles that govern the valuation of goodwill was passed. The goodwill analysis determined that the fair value of ChoiceOne’s equity exceeded the carrying value by 31%. Based on this assessment, management believed that there was no indication of goodwill impairment at June 30, 2016. Based on the testing performed and a review of factors that might impact ChoiceOne’s stock value on September 30, 2017, no impairment of goodwill was deemed to exist as of December 31, 2017.

 

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Acquired Intangible Assets

Information for acquired intangible assets at December 31 follows:

 

   2017   2016 
   Gross       Gross     
   Carrying   Accumulated   Carrying   Accumulated 
(Dollars in thousands)  Amount   Amortization   Amount   Amortization 
                 
Core deposit intangible  $   $   $4,134   $4,134 
Other intangible assets           348    348 
Totals  $   $   $4,482   $4,482 

 

The core deposit intangible and other intangible assets were being amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years. Intangible assets were reviewed for impairment on a quarterly basis. These intangible assets were fully amortized as of the end of 2016 and will have no carrying value on the balance sheet going forward. Aggregate amortization expense was $0 in 2017, $379,000 in 2016, and $448,000 in 2015.

 

Note 7 – Other Real Estate Owned

 

Other real estate owned represents residential and commercial properties primarily owned as a result of loan collection activities and is reported net of a valuation allowance. Activity within other real estate owned was as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016   2015 
             
Balance, beginning of year  $437   $31   $150 
Transfers from loans   314    661    408 
Proceeds from sales   (663)   (247)   (406)
Gains/(losses) on sales   18    (8)   (30)
Write-downs           (91)
Balance, end of year  $106   $437   $31 

 

Included in the balances above were residential real estate mortgage loans of $106,000, $291,000, and $31,000 as of December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, and $146,000 of commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2016.

 

Note 8 – Deposits

 

Deposit balances as of December 31 consisted of the following:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016 
         
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits  $151,462   $127,611 
Interest-bearing demand deposits   126,363    122,465 
Money market deposits   94,178    99,454 
Savings deposits   75,080    75,835 
Local certificates of deposit   82,598    79,108 
Brokered certificates of deposit   10,172    7,913 
Total deposits  $539,853   $512,386 

 

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Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit at December 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)      
       
2018   $67,698 
2019    13,411 
2020    5,301 
2021    6,059 
2022    301 
Total    $92,770 

 

The Bank had certificates of deposit issued in denominations of $250,000 or greater totaling $29.8 million and $22.2 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Bank held $10.2 million in brokered certificates of deposit at December 31, 2017, compared to $7.9 million at December 31, 2016. In addition, the Bank had $2.0 million of certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively, that had been issued through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS). Although certificates of deposit issued through CDARS are issued to local customers, this type of deposit is classified as brokered deposits for regulatory purposes.

 

Note 9 – Repurchase Agreements

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are advances to the Bank by customers or another bank. These agreements are direct obligations of the Bank and are secured by securities held in safekeeping at a correspondent bank. Repurchase agreements with Bank customers mature daily. Information regarding repurchase agreements follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016 
         
Outstanding balance at December 31  $7,148   $7,913 
Average interest rate at December 31   0.05%   0.05%
Average balance during the year  $4,958   $7,762 
Average interest rate during the year   0.05%   0.05%
Maximum month end balance during the year  $8,440   $10,539 

 

Repurchase agreements accounted for as secured borrowings as of December 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

   Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements 
(Dollars in thousands)  Overnight and 
   Continuous 
U.S. Government agencies  $9,901 
Total securities   9,901 
Unsecured borrowings    
Total borrowings  $9,901 

 

Note 10 – Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

 

At December 31, advances from the FHLB were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016 
         
Maturity of November 2024 with fixed interest rate of 3.98%  $268   $301 
Maturities ranging from January 2018 to April 2018, fixed interest rates ranging from 1.25% to 1.39%, with a weighted average of 1.32%   20,000     
Maturities ranging from January 2017 to March 2017, fixed interest rates ranging from 0.81% to 0.88%, with a weighted average of 0.86%       12,000 
Total advances outstanding at year-end  $20,268   $12,301 

 

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Fees are charged on fixed rate advances that are paid prior to maturity. No fixed rate advances were paid prior to maturity in 2017 or 2016. Advances were secured by agricultural loans and residential real estate loans with a carrying value of approximately $95.1 million and $92.3 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Based on this collateral, the Bank was eligible to borrow an additional $28 million at year-end 2017.

 

The scheduled maturities of advances from the FHLB at December 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)      
       
2018   $20,034 
2019    36 
2020    37 
2021    39 
2022    40 
Thereafter    82 
Total   $20,268 

 

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Note 11 – Income Taxes

 

Information as of December 31 and for the year follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)         
   2017    2016    2015  
Provision for Income Taxes               
Current federal income tax expense  $2,325   $2,244   $2,576 
Deferred federal income tax expense/(benefit)   62    (82)   (631)
    Income tax expense  $2,387   $2,162   $1,945 
                
Reconciliation of Income Tax Provision to Statutory Rate               
Income tax computed at statutory federal rate of 34%  $2,909   $2,806   $2,614 
Tax exempt interest income   (486)   (496)   (488)
Tax exempt earnings on bank-owned life insurance   (135)   (121)   (221)
Deferred tax adjustment related to reduction in U.S. federal statutory income tax rate   206         
Other items   (107)   (27)   40 
    Income tax expense  $2,387   $2,162   $1,945 
                
    Effective income tax rate   28%   26%   25%

 

(Dollars in thousands)      
       
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities  2017    2016  
Deferred tax assets:          
     Allowance for loan losses  $961   $1,454 
     Unrealized losses on securities available for sale       361 
     Deferred compensation   125    232 
     Stock compensation   55    67 
     Loan costs/fees deferred   45    84 
     Other   123    272 
          Total deferred tax assets   1,309    2,470 
           
Deferred tax liabilities:          
     Depreciation   644    1,181 
     Loan servicing rights   191    238 
     Unrealized gains on securities available for sale   35     
     Other   106    243 
          Total deferred tax liabilities   976    1,662 
          Net deferred tax asset   $333   $808 

  

On December 22, 2017, H.R. 1, commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law. The Tax Act reduced the corporate income tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and changed certain other provisions. Accounting guidance required the Company to remeasure its deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the date of the Tax Act’s enactment using the new effective tax rate. The effect of the remeasurement is recognized in income tax expense in the year of enactment. The Company recorded $206,000 in additional income tax expense in 2017 as a result of the remeasurement of its net deferred tax asset.

 

Concurrent with the enactment of the Tax Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which allows companies to recognize the cumulative impact of the income tax effects triggered by the enactment of the Tax Act over a period of up to twelve months in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. The Company will apply SAB 118 and will continue to refine the measurement of its net deferred tax asset balance during the preparation of its 2017 tax return as additional guidance and information becomes available.

 

Page | 57

 

 

Note 12 – Related Party Transactions

 

Loans to executive officers, directors and their affiliates were as follows at December 31:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2017    2016  
       
Balance, beginning of year  $12,906   $10,234 
New loans   2,909    6,797 
Repayments   (3,043)   (4,125)
Effect of changes in related parties   (6,295)    
Balance, end of year  $6,477   $12,906 

 

Deposits from executive officers, directors and their affiliates were $8.1 million and $14.7 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Note 13 – Employee Benefit Plans

 

401(k) Plan

The 401(k) plan allows employees to contribute to their individual accounts under the plan amounts up to the IRS maximum. Matching company contributions to the plan are discretionary. Expense for matching company contributions under the plan was $189,000, $180,000, and $168,000 in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Through December 31, 2015, employees participated in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”). ChoiceOne could make discretionary contributions to the ESOP. Shares of ChoiceOne common stock were allocated to participants based on relative compensation earned and compensation expense was recorded when allocated. Dividends on allocated shares increased the participant accounts. Participants became fully vested upon completing six years of qualifying service. Participants received the shares at the end of employment. A participant could require stock received to be repurchased by ChoiceOne at any time. ChoiceOne did not contribute to the ESOP nor was any expense recorded in 2017, 2016, or 2015. Effective January 1, 2016, ChoiceOne terminated the ESOP and transferred shares held by the ESOP to the 401(k) plan and ChoiceOne no longer has a mandatory obligation to repurchase shares from the 401(k) plan.

 

Shares held by the ESOP as of December 31 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands, except for share data)  2017    2016    2015
          
Shares allocated to participants           5,355
Shares unallocated           
Total shares of ChoiceOne stock held by ESOP           5,355
               
Fair value of allocated shares, subject to repurchase obligation, recorded in other liabilities  $   $   $127

 

Post-retirement Benefits Plan

ChoiceOne maintains an unfunded post-retirement health care plan, which permits employees (and their dependents) the ability to participate upon retirement from ChoiceOne. ChoiceOne does not pay any portion of the health care premiums charged to its retired participants. A liability has been accrued for the obligation under this plan. ChoiceOne incurred a negative post-retirement benefit expense of $14,000 in 2017, a negative benefit expense of $18,000 in 2016, and a benefit expense of $2,000 in 2015. The post-retirement obligation liability was $160,000 as of December 31, 2017 and $148,000 as of December 31, 2016.

 

Deferred Compensation Plans

A deferred director compensation plan covers former directors, which was acquired by ChoiceOne in 2006. Under the plan, ChoiceOne pays each former director the amount of director fees deferred plus interest at rates ranging from 5.50% to 5.84% over various periods as elected by each director. The payout periods range from one month to ten years beginning with the individual’s termination of service. A liability has been accrued for the obligation under this plan. ChoiceOne incurred deferred compensation plan expense of $7,000, $7,000, and $12,000 in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The deferred compensation liability was $103,000 as of December 31, 2017 and $138,000 as of December 31, 2016.

 

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A supplemental executive retirement plan covers four former executive officers. Under the plan, ChoiceOne pays these individuals a specific amount of compensation over a 15-year period commencing upon early retirement age (as defined in the plan) or normal retirement age (as defined in the plan). A liability has been accrued for the obligation under this plan. The effective interest rate used for the accrual for the retirement liability is based on long-term interest rates. Slightly higher long-term interest rates during 2016 and 2017 caused a slight decrease in plan expense in the two years compared to 2015. ChoiceOne incurred deferred compensation plan expense of $12,000, $19,000, and $32,000 in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Liabilities related to the supplemental executive retirement plan of $492,000 and $558,000 were outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

 

Note 14 - Stock Based Compensation

 

Options to buy stock have been granted to key employees to provide them with additional equity interests in ChoiceOne. Compensation expense in connection with stock options granted during 2017, 2016, or 2015 was $49,000 in 2017, $71,000 in 2016, and $0 in 2015. The Amended and Restated Executive Stock Incentive Plan under which the stock options were granted expired in 2012. The Stock Incentive Plan of 2012 was approved by the Company’s shareholders at the Annual Meeting held on April 25, 2012. The new plan provides for the issuance of up to 100,000 shares of common stock. At December 31, 2017, there were 16,850 shares available for future grants.

 

A summary of stock options activity is as follows:

  

   2017
   Shares  Weighted
average
exercise price
       
Options outstanding, beginning of year   32,000   $22.69
Options granted prior to stock dividend   15,000    23.00
Options exercised prior to stock dividend   1,000    13.50
Options forfeited or expired prior to stock dividend       
Options outstanding prior to stock dividend   46,000   $22.99
          
Options outstanding after 5% stock dividend on May 31, 2017   48,300   $21.90
Options exercised after stock dividend   1,050    12.86
Options outstanding at December 31   47,250   $22.10
          
Options exercisable at December 31   30,183   $22.32

 

   2016  2015
   Shares  Weighted
average
exercise price
  Shares  Weighted
average
exercise price
             
Options outstanding, beginning of year   40,750   $21.69    20,250   $16.65
Options granted           30,000    23.30
Options exercised   8,000    17.95    9,500    16.03
Options forfeited or expired   750    18.85        
Options outstanding, end of year   32,000   $22.69    40,750   $21.69
                    
Options exercisable at December 31   22,000   $22.69    18,250   $19.70

 

The exercise prices for options outstanding and exercisable at the end of 2017 ranged from $21.90 to $22.19 per share. The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding and exercisable at the end of 2017 was approximately 8.1 years.

 

The intrinsic value of all outstanding in-the-money stock options and exercisable in-the-money stock options was $81,000 and $50,000 respectively, at December 31, 2017. The aggregate intrinsic values of outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2017 were calculated based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on December 31, 2017 of $23.80 per share less the exercise price.

 

Page | 59

 

 

Information pertaining to options outstanding at December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

Exercise price of stock options:  Number of
options
outstanding
at year-end
  Number of
options
exercisable
at year-end
  Average
remaining
contractual
life (in years)
$21.90    15,750    3,933    9.29
$22.19    31,500    26,250    7.96

 

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. ChoiceOne uses historical data to estimate the volatility of the market price of ChoiceOne stock and employee terminations within the valuation model. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. As of December 31, 2017, there was $18,000 in unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options issued in 2017.

 

The fair value of stock options granted during 2017 was $32,000, which was determined using the following weighted-average assumptions as of the grant date.

 

Risk-free interest rate   2.62%
Expected option life   5.75 years 
Expected stock price volatility   13.56%
Dividend yield   3.32%
Fair value of options granted per share   $2.13 

 

ChoiceOne has granted restricted stock units to a select group of employees under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. Restricted stock units vest in three annual installments on each of the next three anniversaries of the grant date. Certain additional vesting provisions apply. Each restricted stock unit, once vested, is settled by delivery of one share of ChoiceOne common stock. ChoiceOne recognized compensation expense of $191,000, $207,000, and $103,000 in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, in connection with restricted stock units for current participants during these years. At December 31, 2017, there were 18,060 restricted stock units outstanding with an approximate stock value of $430,000 based on ChoiceOne’s December 31, 2017 stock price. At December 31, 2016, there were 14,933 restricted stock units outstanding with an approximate stock value of $355,000 based on ChoiceOne’s December 31, 2016 stock price. Unrecognized compensation expense as of December 31, 2017 based on the stock price at time of award was approximately $254,000.

 

Note 15 - Earnings Per Share 

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)         
   2017    2016    2015
Basic              
Net income  $6,168   $6,090   $5,743
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding   3,448,777    3,451,464    3,453,761
               
Basic earnings per common shares  $1.79   $1.76   $1.67
               
Diluted              
Net income  $6,168   $6,090   $5,743
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding   3,448,777    3,451,464    3,453,761
Plus dilutive stock options and restricted stock units   8,062    5,221    8,321
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding and potentially dilutive shares   3,456,839    3,456,685    3,462,082
               
Diluted earnings per common share  $1.78   $1.76   $1.66

 

*Per share amounts have been adjusted for the 5% stock dividend on May 31, 2017.

 

There were no stock options that were considered anti-dilutive to earnings per share as of December 31, 2017. There were 30,000 stock options that were considered anti-dilutive to earnings per share as of December 31, 2016, and there were 30,000 stock options as of December 31, 2015 considered to be anti-dilutive to earnings per share.

 

Page | 60

 

 

Note 16 – Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company  

       
Condensed Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands)  December 31,
   2017  2016
Assets      
  Cash  $1,249   $516
  Securities available for sale   3,607    3,406
  Other assets   188    151
  Investment in ChoiceOne Bank   71,570    67,698
       Total assets  $76,614   $71,771
          
Liabilities         
    Other liabilities  $64   $73
            Total liabilities   64    73
          
Shareholders’ equity   76,550    71,698
      Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $76,614   $71,771

 

(Dollars in thousands) 

Years Ended December 31, 

   2017  2016  2015
Interest and dividends from ChoiceOne Bank  $3,042   $3,161   $3,579
Interest and dividends from other securities   55    52    26
Gains on sales of securities   1        
Total income   3,098    3,213    3,605
Other expenses   123    133    137
               
Income before income tax and equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary   2,975    3,080    3,468
Income tax benefit   73    39    44
Income before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary   3,048    3,119    3,512
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary   3,120    2,971    2,231
Net income  $6,168   $6,090   $5,743

 

Page | 61

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Years Ended December 31,
   2017  2016  2015
Cash flows from operating activities:               
Net income  $6,168   $6,090   $5,743 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:               
    Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary   (3,120)   (2,971)   (2,231)
    Amortization   19    20    11 
    Net expense of restricted stock units   304    367    103 
    Net gain on sale of securities   (1)        
    Changes in other assets   (37)   (68)   71 
    Changes in other liabilities   (39)   (1)   4 
         Net cash from operating activities   3,294    3,437    3,701 
                
Cash flows from investing activities:               
Sales of securities   334         
Purchases of securities   (466)   (1,126)   (1,029)
    Net cash from investing activities   (132)   (1,126)   (1,029)
                
Cash flows from financing activities:               
Issuance of common stock   98    85    206 
Repurchase of common stock   (203)   (794)   (371)
Cash dividends paid   (2,324)   (2,231)   (2,170)
Net cash from financing activities   (2,429)   (2,940)   (2,335)
                
Net change in cash   733    (629)   337 
Beginning cash   516    1,145    808 
Ending cash  $1,249   $516   $1,145 

  

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Note 17 – Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments as of the dates indicated were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

  Carrying
Amount
  Estimated
Fair Value
  Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
December 31, 2017                        
Assets                        
Cash and due from banks  $36,837   $36,837   $36,837   $   $
Securities available for sale   155,591    155,591    1,892    140,301    13,398
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock   3,567    3,567        3,567    
Loans held for sale   1,721    1,773        1,773    
Loans to other financial institutions   6,802    6,802         6,802     
Loans, net   394,208    394,819            394,819
Accrued interest receivable   2,146    2,146        2,146    
                         
Liabilities                        
Noninterest-bearing deposits   151,462    151,462        151,462    
Interest-bearing deposits   388,391    387,343        387,343    
Repurchase agreements   7,148    7,148        7,148    
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   20,268    20,271        20,271    
Accrued interest payable   49    49        49    
                         
December 31, 2016                        
Assets                        
Cash and due from banks  $14,809   $14,809   $14,809   $   $
Securities available for sale   174,388    174,388    1,383    157,902    15,103
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock   3,567    3,567        3,567    
Loans held for sale   1,974    2,044        2,044    
Loans, net   364,723    365,780            365,780
Accrued interest receivable   2,007    2,007        2,007    
                         
Liabilities                        
Noninterest-bearing deposits   127,611    127,611        127,611    
Interest-bearing deposits   384,775    383,879        383,879    
Repurchase agreements   7,913    7,913        7,913    
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   12,301    12,323        12,323    
Accrued interest payable   35    35        35    

 

The estimated fair values approximate the carrying amounts for all financial instruments except those described later in this paragraph. The methodology for determining the estimated fair value for securities available for sale is described in Note 18. The estimated fair value for loans is based on the rates charged at December 31 for new loans with similar maturities, applied until the loan is assumed to reprice or be paid. The allowance for loan losses is considered to be a reasonable estimate of discount for credit quality concerns. The estimated fair value of deposits is based on comparing the average rate paid on deposits compared to the three month Libor rate which is assumed to be the replacement value of these deposits. At December 31, 2017, all average rates were lower than the three month Libor rate causing fair values to be higher than carrying amounts. The estimated fair values for time deposits and FHLB advances are based on the rates paid at December 31 for new deposits or FHLB advances, applied until maturity. The estimated fair values for other financial instruments and off-balance sheet loan commitments are considered nominal.

 

Page | 63

 

 

 

 

Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements

 

The following tables present information about the Bank’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and the valuation techniques used by the Bank to determine those fair values.

 

In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Bank has the ability to access.

 

Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs use other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. These Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and other inputs such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

 

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs, including inputs that are available in situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the related asset or liability.

 

In instances where inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels in the above fair value hierarchy, fair value measurements in their entirety are categorized based on the lowest level input that is significant to the valuation. The Bank’s assessment of the significance of particular inputs to these fair value measurements requires judgment and considers factors specific to each asset or liability.

 

There were no liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2016 or December 31, 2017. Disclosures concerning assets measured at fair value are as follows:

 

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Balance at
   (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  Date Indicated  
Investment Securities, Available for Sale - December 31, 2017                    
U. S. Government and federal agency  $   $35,126   $   $35,126 
U. S. Treasury notes and bonds       1,960        1,960 
State and municipal       88,150    11,898    100,048 
Mortgage-backed       9,820        9,820 
Corporate       5,151        5,151 
Equity securities   1,892        1,500    3,392 
Asset backed securities       94        94 
Total  $1,892   $140,301   $13,398   $155,591 
                     
Investment Securities, Available for Sale - December 31, 2016                    
U. S. Government and federal agency  $   $59,052   $   $59,052 
U. S. Treasury notes and bonds       4,072        4,072 
State and municipal       75,370    13,603    88,973 
Mortgage-backed       7,789        7,789 
Corporate       7,041        7,041 
Foreign debt       4,400        4,400 
Equity securities   1,383        1,500    2,883 
Asset backed securities       178        178 
Total  $1,383   $157,902  $15,103   $174,388 

 

Page | 64

 

 

Securities classified as available for sale are generally reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. ChoiceOne’s external investment advisor obtained fair value measurements from an independent pricing service that uses matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs). The fair value measurements considered observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows and the bonds’ terms and conditions, among other things. Securities classified in Level 2 included U.S. Government and federal agency securities, U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, state and municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds, foreign debt, and asset backed securities. The Company classified certain state and municipal securities and corporate bonds, and equity securities as Level 3. Based on the lack of observable market data, estimated fair values were based on the observable data available and reasonable unobservable market data.

 

Changes in Level 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

(Dollars in thousands)  2017   2016 
Investment Securities, Available for Sale          
Balance, January 1  $15,103   $11,799 
Total realized and unrealized gains included in income        
Total unrealized gains/(losses) included in other comprehensive income   196    (307)
Net purchases, sales, calls, and maturities   (1,901)   3,611 
Net transfers into Level 3        
Balance, December 31  $13,398   $15,103 

 

Of the Level 3 assets that were still held by the Bank at December 31, 2017, the net unrealized gain for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 was $196,000 compared to a $307,000 unrealized loss as of December 31, 2016, which is recognized in other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets. A total of $3.2 million and $6.7 million of Level 3 securities were purchased in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair value of positions classified as Level 3 assets and liabilities. As a result, the unrealized gains and losses for these assets and liabilities presented in the tables above may include changes in fair value that were attributable to both observable and unobservable inputs.

 

Available for sale investment securities categorized as Level 3 assets consist of bonds issued by local municipalities and a trust-preferred security. The Bank estimates the fair value of these assets based on the present value of expected future cash flows using management’s best estimate of key assumptions, including forecasted interest yield and payment rates, credit quality and a discount rate commensurate with the current market and other risks involved.

 

The Bank also has assets that under certain conditions are subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are not normally measured at fair value, but can be subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as impairment. Disclosures concerning assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are as follows:

 

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Balances at
Dates
  Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
   Indicated  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)
Impaired Loans                    
December 31, 2017  $4,140   $   $   $4,140 
December 31, 2016  $4,911   $   $   $4,911 
                     
Other Real Estate                    
December 31, 2017  $106   $   $   $106 
December 31, 2016  $437   $   $   $437 

 

Page | 65

 

  

Impaired loans categorized as Level 3 assets consist of non-homogeneous loans that are considered impaired. The Bank estimates the fair value of the loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows using management’s best estimate of key assumptions. These assumptions include future payment ability, timing of payment streams, and estimated realizable values of available collateral (typically based on outside appraisals). The changes in fair value consisted of charge-downs of impaired loans that were posted to the allowance for loan losses and write-downs of other real estate owned that were posted to a valuation account. The fair value of other real estate owned was based on appraisals or other reviews of property values, adjusted for estimated costs to sell.

 

Note 19 – Off-Balance Sheet Activities

 

Some financial instruments, such as loan commitments, credit lines, letters of credit, and overdraft protection, are issued to meet customers’ financing needs. These are agreements to provide credit or to support the credit of others, as long as conditions established in the contract are met, and usually have expiration dates. Commitments may expire without being used. Off-balance sheet risk to credit loss exists up to the face amount of these instruments, although material losses are not anticipated. The same credit policies are used to make such commitments as are used for loans, including obtaining collateral at exercise of the commitment.

 

The contractual amount of financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk was as follows at December 31:

 

   2017  2016
(Dollars in thousands)   Fixed
Rate
    Variable
Rate
    Fixed
Rate
    Variable
Rate
                    
Unused lines of credit and letters of credit  $9,033   $104,257   $9,219   $38,422
Commitments to fund loans (at market rates)   8,633    1,225    16,788    3,005

 

Commitments to fund loans are generally made for periods of 180 days or less. The fixed rate loan commitments have interest rates ranging from 4.25% to 7.00% and maturities ranging from 1 years to 30 years.

 

Note 20 – Regulatory Capital

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services Inc. and the Bank are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications, including well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. Depending upon the capital category to which an institution is assigned, the regulators’ corrective powers include:  prohibiting the acceptance of brokered deposits; requiring the submission of a capital restoration plan; placing limits on asset growth and restrictions on activities; requiring the institution to issue additional capital stock (including additional voting stock) or to be acquired; restricting transactions with affiliates; restricting the interest rate the institution may pay on deposits; ordering a new election of directors of the institution; requiring that senior executive officers or directors be dismissed; prohibiting the institution from accepting deposits from correspondent banks; requiring the institution to divest certain subsidiaries; prohibiting the payment of principal or interest on subordinated debt; and ultimately, appointing a receiver for the institution. At year-end 2017 and 2016, the Bank was categorized as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

 

Page | 66

 

 

 

Actual capital levels and minimum required levels for ChoiceOne Financial Services Inc. and the Bank were as follows:

 

                   Minimum Required 
                   to be Well 
           Minimum Required   Capitalized Under 
           for Capital   Prompt Corrective 
(Dollars in thousands)  Actual   Adequacy Purposes   Action Regulations 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
December 31, 2017                        
ChoiceOne Financial Services Inc.                              
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)  $67,155    13.9%  $38,761    8.0%    N/A      N/A  
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   62,584    12.9    21,803    4.5     N/A      N/A  
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   62,584    12.9    29,071    6.0     N/A      N/A  
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)   62,584    9.9    25,301    4.0     N/A      N/A  
                               
ChoiceOne Bank                              
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)  $62,393    12.9%  $38,555    8.0%  $48,194    10.0%
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   57,822    12.0    21,687    4.5    31,326    6.5 
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   57,822    12.0    28,917    6.0    38,555    8.0 
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)   57,822    9.2    25,156    4.0    31,445    5.0 
                               
December 31, 2016                              
ChoiceOne Financial Services Inc.                              
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)  $62,822    14.2%  $35,289    8.0%    N/A      N/A  
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   58,568    13.3    19,850    4.5     N/A      N/A  
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   58,568    13.3    26,467    6.0     N/A      N/A  
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)   58,568    9.9    23,641    4.0     N/A      N/A  
                               
ChoiceOne Bank                              
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)  $58,963    13.4%  $35,119    8.0%  $43,899    10.0%
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   54,709    12.5    19,754    4.5    28,534    6.5 
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   54,709    12.5    26,339    6.0    35,119    8.0 
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)   54,709    9.3    23,504    4.0    29,380    5.0 

 

Banking regulations limit capital distributions by state-chartered banks. Generally, capital distributions are limited to undistributed net income for the current and prior two years. At December 31, 2017, approximately $8.3 million was available for ChoiceOne Bank to pay dividends to ChoiceOne Financial Services Inc. ChoiceOne’s ability to pay dividends to shareholders is dependent on the payment of dividends from the Bank, which is restricted by state law and regulations.

 

On July 3, 2013, the FDIC Board of Directors approved the Regulatory Capital Interim Final Rule, implementing Basel III.  This rule redefines Tier 1 capital as two components (Common Equity Tier 1 and Additional Tier 1), creates a new capital ratio (Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-based Capital Ratio) and implements a capital conservation buffer.  It also revises the prompt corrective action thresholds and makes changes to risk weights for certain assets and off-balance-sheet exposures.  Banks were required to transition into the new rule beginning on January 1, 2015.

 

Page | 67

 

 

Note 21 – Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) 

                     
       Net       Earnings Per Share 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  Interest   Interest   Net       Fully 
   Income   Income   Income   Basic   Diluted 
2017                    
First Quarter  $5,161   $4,855   $1,446   $0.42   $0.42 
Second Quarter   5,425    5,077    1,635    0.47    0.47 
Third Quarter   5,624    5,238    1,720    0.50    0.50 
Fourth Quarter   5,831    5,393    1,367    0.40    0.39 
                          
2016                         
First Quarter  $4,921   $4,680   $1,274   $0.37   $0.37 
Second Quarter   5,037    4,789    1,445    0.41    0.41 
Third Quarter   5,168    4,931    1,683    0.49    0.49 
Fourth Quarter   5,186    4,943    1,688    0.49    0.49 

 

Per share amounts have been adjusted for a 5% stock dividend paid out on May 31, 2017.

 

There were no significant fluctuations in the quarterly financial data in 2016 or 2017. The growth in net income that occurred in 2017 was due to an increase in interest income offset by an increase in interest expense.

 

Page | 68

 

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on and as of the time of that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and principal financial officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods.

 

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting that is designed to produce reliable financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles. The system of internal control over financial reporting as it relates to the financial statements is evaluated for effectiveness by management and tested for reliability through a program of internal audits. Actions are taken to correct potential deficiencies as they are identified. Any system of internal control, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility that a control can be circumvented or overridden and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Management’s assessment is based on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting as described in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, its system of internal control over financial reporting was effective and meets the criteria of the “Internal Control – Integrated Framework.” This annual report is not required to include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.

 

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2017 that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

 

None.

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

The information under the captions “ChoiceOne’s Board of Directors and Executive Officers,” “Related Matters – Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Corporate Governance” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 23, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for Executive Officers and Senior Financial Officers, which applies to the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as well as all other senior financial and accounting officers. The Code of Ethics is posted on the Company’s website at “www.choiceone.com.” The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of the Code of Ethics by posting such information on its website at “www.choiceone.com.

 

Page | 69

 

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

The information under the captions “Executive Compensation” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 23, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

The information under the caption “Ownership of ChoiceOne Common Stock” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 23, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The following table presents information regarding the equity compensation plans both approved and not approved by shareholders at December 31, 2017:

                
   Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
   Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
   Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
 
   (a)   (b)   (c) 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders   86,410   $12.15    49,975 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders   —      —      9,321 
Total   86,410   $12.15    59,296 

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders include the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012, the Amended and Restated Executive Stock Incentive Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. 16,850 shares remain available for future issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012 and 28,772 shares remain available for future issuance under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, in each case other than upon the exercise of outstanding stock options. No further future issuances of shares are permitted under the Amended and Restated Executive Stock Incentive Plan other than upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.

 

The Directors’ Stock Purchase Plan is the only equity compensation plan not approved by security holders. The plan is designed to provide directors of the Company the option of receiving their fees in the Company’s common stock. Directors who elect to participate in the plan may elect to contribute to the plan twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five or one hundred percent of their board of director fees and one hundred percent of their director committee fees earned as directors of the Company. Contributions to the plan are made by the Company on behalf of each electing participant. Plan participants may terminate their participation in the plan at any time by written notice of withdrawal to the Company. Participants will cease to be eligible to participate in the plan when they cease to serve as directors of the Company. Shares are distributed to participants on a quarterly basis. The plan provides for issuance of a maximum of 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to adjustments for certain changes in the capital structure of the Company. New issuances of up to 9,321 shares may be made under this plan.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

The information under the captions “Related Matters - Transactions with Related Persons” and “Corporate Governance” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 23, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The information under the caption “Related Matters - Independent Certified Public Accountants” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 23, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a) (1) Financial Statements.  The following financial statements and independent auditors’ reports are filed as part of this report:
   
  Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2016.
   
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.
   
 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

   
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.
   
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.
   
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
   
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm dated March 28, 2018.
   
  (2)

Financial Statement Schedules. None.

 

Exhibit Document
   
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.  Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
3.2 Bylaws of the Registrant as currently in effect and any amendments thereto.  Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
4 Advances, Pledge and Security Agreement between ChoiceOne Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis.  Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.1 Change in Control Agreement with Kelly J. Potes. (1)  Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended March 31, 2016.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.2 Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. (1)
   
10.3

Amended and Restated Executive Stock Incentive Plan. (1) Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2016. Here incorporated by reference.

   
10.4

Directors’ Stock Purchase Plan. (1) Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2016. Here incorporated by reference.

   
10.5 Former Valley Ridge Executive Employee Salary Continuation Agreements, as amended. (1)  Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.6 Former Valley Ridge Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan and Agreement. (1)  Previously filed as an exhibit to the ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Here incorporated by reference.

 

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10.7

Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (1) Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2016. Here incorporated by reference.

   
21 Subsidiaries of ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
   
23 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
   
24 Powers of Attorney.
   
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
   
31.2 Certification of Treasurer.
   
32 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.
   
101.1

Interactive Data File.

 

 

 

(1) This agreement is a management contract or compensation plan or arrangement to be filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K.

 

Copies of any exhibits will be furnished to shareholders upon written request. Requests should be directed to: Thomas L. Lampen, Treasurer, ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc., 109 East Division, Sparta, Michigan, 49345.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

    ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.    
         
By:   /s/ Kelly J. Potes   March 29, 2018
    Kelly J. Potes
Chief Executive Officer
   

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

/s/ Kelly J. Potes   Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
  March 29, 2018
     Kelly J. Potes      
         
/s/ Thomas L. Lampen   Treasurer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
  March 29, 2018
     Thomas L. Lampen      
         
*/s/ Paul L. Johnson   Chairman of the Board and Director   March 29, 2018
     Paul L. Johnson      
         
*/s/ Greg L Armock   Director   March 29, 2018
     Greg L. Armock        
         
*/s/ James A. Bosserd    Director   March 29, 2018
     James A. Bosserd        
         
*/s/ Keith D. Brophy   Director   March 29, 2018
     Keith D. Brophy        
         
*/s/ Jack G. Hendon   Director   March 29, 2018
     Jack G. Hendon        
         
*/s/ Raymond A. Lanning   Director   March 29, 2018
     Raymond A. Lanning        
         
*/s/ Dennis C. Nelson    Director   March 29, 2018
     Dennis C. Nelson        
         
*/s/ Nels W. Nyblad    Director   March 29, 2018
     Nels W. Nyblad        
         
*/s/ Roxanne M. Page    Director   March 29, 2018
     Roxanne M. Page        
         

*By /s/ Thomas L. Lampen 

       
     Attorney-in-Fact        

  

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