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EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32 - ISABELLA BANK Corpisba_20191231xkxex32.htm
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EX-31.A - EXHIBIT 31.A - ISABELLA BANK Corpisba_20191231xkxex31a.htm
EX-23 - EXHIBIT 23 - ISABELLA BANK Corpisba_20191231xkxex23.htm
EX-21 - EXHIBIT 21 - ISABELLA BANK Corpisba_20191231xkxex21.htm
EX-14 - EXHIBIT 14 - ISABELLA BANK Corpisba_20191231xkxex14.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019
OR
¨
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: 0-18415
Isabella Bank Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Michigan
 
38-2830092
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
identification No.)
401 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (989) 772-9471
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
None
N/A
N/A
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock - No Par Value
(Title of Class)
Indicated by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    ¨  Yes    x  No
Indicated by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.     ¨  Yes    x  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.     x  Yes    ¨  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    x  Yes    ¨  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition 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
 
x
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨
 
Smaller reporting company
 
x
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
 
¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ¨  Yes    x  No
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $170,605,000 as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.
The number of common shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock (no par value) was 7,920,186 as of March 12, 2020.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
(Such documents are incorporated herein only to the extent specifically set forth in response to an item herein.)
Portions of the Isabella Bank Corporation Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 5, 2020 are incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K in response to Part III. The Isabella Bank Corporation Proxy Statement will be mailed on or before March 27, 2020.

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ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Table of Contents
PART I
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1B.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7A.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 8.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9A.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9B.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART III
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 10.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 11.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 12.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 13.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 14.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART IV
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 15.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 16.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
 
 

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Forward Looking Statements
This report contains certain forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder. We intend such forward looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are included in this statement for purposes of these safe harbor provisions. Forward looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to, changes in: interest rates, general economic conditions, federal or state tax laws, monetary and fiscal policy, the quality or composition of the loan or investment portfolio, demand for loan products, fluctuation in the value of collateral securing our loan portfolio, deposit flows, competition, cybersecurity risk, demand for financial services in our market area, and accounting principles, policies and guidelines. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Further information concerning our business, including additional factors that could materially affect our consolidated financial results, is included in our filings with the SEC.
Glossary of Acronyms and Abbreviations
The acronyms and abbreviations identified below may be used throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in our other SEC filings. You may find it helpful to refer back to this page while reading this report.
ACL: Allowance for credit losses
 
GAAP: U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
AFS: Available-for-sale
 
IFRS: International Financial Reporting Standards
ALLL: Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
IRR: Interest rate risk
AOCI: Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
ISDA: International Swaps and Derivatives Association
ASC: FASB Accounting Standards Codification
 
JOBS Act: Jumpstart our Business Startups Act
ASU: FASB Accounting Standards Update
 
LIBOR: London Interbank Offered Rate
ATM: Automated teller machine
 
N/A: Not applicable
BHC Act: Bank Holding Company Act of 1956
 
N/M: Not meaningful
CECL: Current expected credit losses
 
NASDAQ: NASDAQ Stock Market Index
CFPB: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
 
NASDAQ Banks: NASDAQ Bank Stock Index
CIK: Central Index Key
 
NAV: Net asset value
CRA: Community Reinvestment Act
 
NSF: Non-sufficient funds
DIF: Deposit Insurance Fund
 
OCI: Other comprehensive income (loss)
DIFS: Department of Insurance and Financial Services
 
OMSR: Originated mortgage servicing rights
Directors Plan: Isabella Bank Corporation and Related Companies Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors
 
OREO: Other real estate owned
Dividend Reinvestment Plan: Isabella Bank Corporation Stockholder Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
OTTI: Other-than-temporary impairment
Dodd-Frank Act: Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010
 
PBO: Projected benefit obligation
Exchange Act: Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
PCAOB: Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
FASB: Financial Accounting Standards Board
 
Rabbi Trust: A trust established to fund our Directors Plan
FDI Act: Federal Deposit Insurance Act
 
SEC: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
FDIC: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
 
SOX: Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
FFIEC: Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council
 
Tax Act: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted December 22, 2017
FRB: Federal Reserve Bank
 
TDR: Troubled debt restructuring
FHLB: Federal Home Loan Bank
 
XBRL: eXtensible Business Reporting Language
Freddie Mac: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
 
Yield Curve: U.S. Treasury Yield Curve
FTE: Fully taxable equivalent
 
 

3


PART I
Item 1. Business. (Dollars in thousands)
General
Isabella Bank Corporation is a registered financial services holding company that was incorporated in September 1988 under Michigan law. The Corporation's wholly owned subsidiary, Isabella Bank, has 30 banking offices located throughout Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Saginaw counties. The area includes significant agricultural production, manufacturing, retail, gaming and tourism, and several colleges and universities.
As used in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as well as in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, references to “the Corporation”, “Isabella”, “we”, “our”, “us”, and similar terms refer to the consolidated entity consisting of Isabella Bank Corporation and its subsidiary. References to Isabella Bank or the “Bank” refers to Isabella Bank Corporation’s subsidiary, Isabella Bank.
We are a community bank with a focus on providing high quality, personalized service at a fair price. We offer a broad array of banking and wealth management services to businesses, institutions, individuals and their families. We compete with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, mortgage brokers, finance companies, credit unions, retail brokerage firms, and other companies providing financial services.
Lending activities include loans for commercial and agricultural operations and real estate purposes, residential real estate loans, and consumer loans. We limit lending activities primarily to local markets and have not purchased any loans from the secondary market. We do not make loans to fund leveraged buyouts, have no foreign corporate or government loans, and have limited holdings of corporate debt securities. Our general lending philosophy is to limit concentrations to individuals and business segments. For additional information related to our lending strategies and policies, see “Note 4 – Loans and ALLL” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Deposit services offered include checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, direct deposits, cash management services, mobile and internet banking, electronic bill pay services, and automated teller machines. We also offer full service investment management, trust and estate services.
As of December 31, 2019, we had 358 full-time equivalent employees. We provide group life, health, accident, disability, and other insurance programs as well as a number of other employee benefit programs. None of our workforce is subject to collective bargaining agreements.
Available Information
Our SEC filings (including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Definitive Proxy Statements, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports) are available through our website (www.isabellabank.com). We will provide paper copies of our SEC reports free of charge upon request by a shareholder.
The SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding Isabella Bank Corporation (CIK #0000842517) and other issuers.
Supervision and Regulation
The earnings and growth of the banking industry are affected by the credit policies of monetary authorities, including the FRB. An important function of the FRB is to regulate the national supply of bank credit in order to combat recessions and respond to inflationary pressures. Among the instruments of monetary policy used by the FRB to implement these objectives are open market operations in U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency securities, changes in the discount rate on member bank borrowings, and changes in reserve requirements against member bank deposits. These methods are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth of bank loans, investments and deposits and also affect interest rates charged on loans or paid for deposits. The monetary policies of the FRB have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks and related financial service providers in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. The effect of such policies upon our future business and earnings cannot be predicted.
We, as a financial holding company, are regulated under the BHC Act, and are subject to the supervision of the FRB. We are registered as a financial services holding company with the FRB and are subject to reporting requirements and inspections and audits. Under FRB policy, we are expected to act as a source of financial strength to the Bank and to commit resources to support its subsidiaries. This support may be required at times when, in the absence of such FRB policy, it would not otherwise be required to provide support.

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Under Michigan law, if the capital of a Michigan state chartered bank has become impaired by losses or otherwise, the Commissioner of the DIFS may require that the deficiency in capital be met by assessment upon the bank’s shareholders. Each shareholder would be responsible for a pro rata share of the deficiency, based on the amount of capital stock held by each shareholder. If an assessment is not paid by any shareholder within 30 days of the date of notice to the shareholder, sale of their stock will occur in order to pay such assessment.
Any capital loans by a bank holding company to any of its subsidiary banks are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment. This priority would apply to guarantees of capital plans under the FDIC Improvement Act of 1991.
SOX contains important requirements for public companies in the area of financial disclosure and corporate governance. In accordance with Section 302(a) of SOX, written certifications by our principal executive, financial, and accounting officers are required. These certifications attest that our quarterly and annual reports filed with the SEC do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact (see the certifications filed as Exhibits 31 (a) and (b) to this Form 10-K for such certification of consolidated financial statements and other information for this 2019 Form 10-K). We have also implemented a program designed to comply with Section 404 of SOX, which included the identification of significant processes and accounts, documentation of the design effectiveness over process and entity level controls, and testing of the operating effectiveness of key controls. See Item 9A. Controls and Procedures for our evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.
Certain additional information concerning regulatory guidelines for capital adequacy and other regulatory matters is presented herein under the caption “Capital” in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in “Note 10 – Off-Balance-Sheet Activities, Commitments and Other Matters” and “Note 11 – Minimum Regulatory Capital Requirements” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Isabella Bank
The Bank is supervised and regulated by DIFS and the FRB. These agencies and federal and state laws extensively regulate various aspects of the banking business including, among other things, permissible types and amounts of loans, investments and other activities, capital adequacy, branching, interest rates on loans and deposits, and the safety and soundness of banking practices.
Our deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the DIF of the FDIC and are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. The FDIC assesses insurance premiums based upon a financial ratios method that takes into account asset and capital levels and supervisory ratings.
Banking laws and regulations restrict transactions by insured banks owned by a bank holding company. These restrictions include loans to and certain purchases from the parent holding company, non-bank and bank subsidiaries of the parent holding company. Additional restrictions apply to principal shareholders, officers, directors and their affiliates, and investments by the subsidiary bank in the shares or securities of the parent holding company (or any of the other non-bank or bank affiliates), or acceptance of such shares or securities as collateral security for loans to any borrower.
The Bank is subject to legal limitations on the frequency and amount of dividends that can be paid to Isabella Bank Corporation. For example, a Michigan state chartered bank may not declare a cash dividend or a dividend in kind except out of net profits then on hand after deducting all losses and bad debts, and then only if it will have a surplus amounting to not less than 20% of its capital after the payment of the dividend. Moreover, a Michigan state chartered bank may not declare or pay any cash dividend or dividend in kind until the cumulative dividends on its preferred stock, if any, have been paid in full. Further, if the surplus of a Michigan state chartered bank is at any time less than the amount of its capital, before the declaration of a cash dividend or dividend in kind, it must transfer to surplus not less than 10% of its net profits for the preceding six months (in the case of quarterly or semi-annual dividends) or the preceding two consecutive six month periods (in the case of annual dividends).
The payment of dividends by Isabella Bank Corporation and the Bank is also affected by various regulatory requirements and policies, such as the requirement to keep adequate capital in compliance with regulatory guidelines. Federal laws impose further restrictions on the payment of dividends by insured banks that fail to meet specified capital levels. The FDIC may prevent an insured bank from paying dividends if the bank is in default of payment of any assessment due to the FDIC. In addition, payment of dividends by a bank may be prevented by the applicable federal regulatory authority if such payment is determined, by reason of the financial condition of such bank, to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. The FRB and the

5


FDIC have issued policy statements providing that bank holding companies and insured banks should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings. Additionally, the FRB Board of Governors requires a bank holding company to notify the FRB prior to increasing its cash dividend by more than 10% over the prior year.
The aforementioned regulations and restrictions may limit our ability to obtain funds from the Bank for our cash needs, including payment of dividends and operating expenses.
The activities and operations of the Bank are also subject to various federal and state laws and regulations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to various risks. These risks, if not managed correctly, could have a significant impact on our earnings, capital, share price, and ability to pay dividends. In order to effectively monitor and control the following risks, we utilize an enterprise risk model. We balance our strategic goals, including revenue and profitability objectives, with associated risks through the use of policies, systems, and procedures which have been adopted to identify, assess, control, monitor, and manage each risk area. We continually review the adequacy and effectiveness of these policies, systems, and procedures.
Our enterprise risk process covers each of the following areas.
Changes in credit quality and required allowance for loan and lease losses
To manage the credit risk arising from lending activities, our most significant source of credit risk, we maintain sound underwriting policies and procedures. We continuously monitor asset quality in order to manage our credit risk to determine the appropriateness of valuation allowances. These valuation allowances take into consideration various factors including, but not limited to, local, regional, and national economic conditions.
We maintain an ALLL to reserve for estimated incurred loan losses within our loan portfolio. The level of the ALLL reflects our evaluation of industry concentrations; specific credit risks; loan loss experience; loan portfolio quality; and economic, political and regulatory conditions. The determination of the appropriate level of the ALLL inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates, all of which may undergo material changes.
Changes in economic conditions
An economic downturn within our local markets, as well as downturns in the state, national, or global markets, could negatively impact household and corporate incomes. This could lead to decreased demand for both loan and deposit products and lead to an increase of customers who fail to pay interest or principal on their loans. We continually monitor key economic indicators in an effort to anticipate the possible effects of downturns in the local, regional, and national economies.
Our success depends primarily on the general economic conditions of the State of Michigan and the specific local markets in which we operate. Unlike banks that are more geographically diversified, we provide banking and financial services to customers located primarily in the Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Saginaw counties in Michigan. The local economic conditions in these areas have a significant impact on the demand for our products and services, as well as the ability of our customers to repay loans, the value of the collateral securing loans, and the stability of our deposit funding sources. A significant decline in general economic conditions, caused by inflation, recession, acts of terrorism, outbreak of hostilities or other international or domestic occurrences, a health crisis, unemployment, changes in securities markets or other factors could impact these local economic conditions and, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Interest rate risk
IRR results from the timing differences in the maturity or repricing frequency of a financial institution’s interest earning assets and its interest bearing liabilities. We monitor the potential effects of changes in interest rates through simulations and gap analyses. To help mitigate the effects of changes in interest rates, we make significant efforts to stagger projected cash flows and maturities of interest sensitive assets and liabilities.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from our inability to meet our obligations when they come due without incurring unacceptable costs. Liquidity risk includes the inability to manage unplanned changes in funding sources, or failure to address changes in market conditions that affect the ability to liquidate assets quickly and with minimal loss in value. We

6


have significant borrowing capacity through correspondent banks and the ability to sell certain investments to fund potential cash shortages, which we may use to help mitigate this risk.
The value of investment securities may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in the market
A volatile, illiquid market or decline in credit quality could require us to recognize an OTTI loss related to the investment securities held in our portfolio. We consider many factors in determining whether an OTTI exists including the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than cost, the investment credit rating, and the probability that the issuer will be unable to pay the amount when due. The presence of these factors could lead to impairment charges. These risks are mitigated by the fact that we do not intend to sell the security in an unrealized loss position and it is more likely than not that we will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.
Operational risk
Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people, and systems, or external events and includes reputation risk and transaction risk. Reputation risk is managed by developing and retaining marketplace confidence in handling customers’ financial transactions in an appropriate manner and protecting our safety and soundness. Transaction risk includes losses from fraud, error, the inability to deliver products or services, and loss or theft of information. Transaction risk also encompasses product development and delivery, transaction processing, information technology systems, and the internal control environment.
To minimize potential losses due to operational risks, we have established a robust system of internal controls that is regularly tested by our internal audit department in conjunction with the services of certified public accounting firms who assist in performing such internal audit work. The focus of these internal audit procedures is to verify the validity and appropriateness of various transactions, processes, and controls. The results of these procedures are reported to our Audit Committee.
The adoption of, violations of, or nonconformance with laws, rules, regulations, or prescribed practices
The financial services industry and public companies are extensively regulated and must meet regulatory standards set by the FDIC, DIFS, FRB, FASB, SEC, PCAOB, CFPB, and other regulatory bodies. Federal and state laws and regulations are designed primarily to protect deposit insurance funds and consumers, and not necessarily to benefit our shareholders. The nature, extent, and timing of the adoption of significant new laws, changes in existing laws, or repeal of existing laws may have a material impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, the effect of which is impossible to predict at this time.
Our compliance department annually assesses the adequacy and effectiveness of our processes for controlling and managing our principal compliance risks.
Changes to the financial services industry as a result of regulatory changes or actions, or significant litigation
The financial services industry is extensively regulated by state and federal regulation that governs almost all aspects of our 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. The impact of any changes to laws and regulations or other actions by regulatory agencies may negatively impact us or our ability to increase the value of our 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 appropriateness of an institution’s ALLL. Future regulatory changes or accounting pronouncements may increase our regulatory capital requirements or adversely affect our regulatory capital levels. Additionally, actions by regulatory agencies or significant litigation against us could require the dedication of significant time and resources to defend our business and may lead to penalties.
We may not adjust to changes in the financial services industry
Our financial performance depends in part on our ability to maintain and grow our core deposit customer base and expand our financial services to our existing and new customers. The increasingly competitive environment is, in part, a result of 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 our products and services. Financial services and products are also constantly changing. Our financial performance is dependent upon customer demand for our products and services, our ability to develop and offer competitive financial products and services, and our ability to adapt to enhancements in financial technology.

7


We may be required to recognize an impairment of goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the amounts paid to acquire subsidiaries over the fair value of their net assets at the date of acquisition. The majority of the recorded goodwill is related to acquisitions of other banks, which were subsequently merged into Isabella Bank. If it is determined that the goodwill is impaired, we must write-down the goodwill by the amount of the impairment.
We may face pressure from purchasers of our residential mortgage loans to repurchase loans sold or reimburse purchasers for losses related to such loans
We generally sell the fixed rate long-term residential mortgage loans we originate to the secondary market. The purchasers of residential mortgage loans, such as government sponsored entities, increased their efforts to require sellers of residential mortgage loans to either repurchase loans previously sold, or reimburse the purchasers for losses incurred on foreclosed loans due to actual or alleged failure to strictly conform to the terms of the contract.
Consumers may decide not to use banks to complete their financial transactions
Technology and other changes are allowing customers to complete financial transactions without the involvement of banks. For example, consumers can now pay bills and transfer funds directly without banks. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries in financial transactions could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and income generated from those deposits.
Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client or customer information, whether through cyber attacks, breach of computer systems or other means
Our products, services and systems are accessed through critical company or third-party operations. This involves the storage, processing and transmission of sensitive data, including proprietary or confidential data, regulated data, and personal information of employees and customers. Successful breaches, employee wrongdoing, or human or technological error could result in unauthorized access to, disclosure, modification, misuse, loss, or destruction of company, customer, or other third party data or systems. Examples include theft of sensitive, regulated, or confidential data including personal information; loss of access to critical data or systems through ransomware, destructive attacks or other means; and business delays, service or system disruptions or denials of service.
Cybersecurity incidents have increased in number and severity and it is expected that these trends will continue. Should we, or third parties we do business with, fall victim to successful cyber attacks or experience other cybersecurity incidents, including the loss of personally identifiable customer or other sensitive data, the result could severely damage our reputation, expose us to the risks of litigation and liability, disrupt our operations and increase cybersecurity or other insurance premiums.
We have cybersecurity insurance, in the event a cybersecurity attack were to occur, covering expenses related to notification, credit monitoring, investigation, crisis management, public relations, and legal advice. In addition, we maintain insurance to cover restoration of data, certain physical damage or third-party injuries caused by potential cybersecurity incidents. However, damage and claims arising from such incidents may not be covered or may exceed the amount of any insurance available. Insurance policies are reviewed annually in detail.
A strong reputation is vital and requires utmost protection. An operating incident, significant cybersecurity disruption, or other adverse event may have a negative impact on our reputation which could make it more difficult for us to compete successfully for new opportunities, obtain necessary regulatory approvals, or severely reduce consumer demand for our products.
Our estimates and assumptions may be incorrect
Our consolidated financial statements conform with GAAP, which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Estimates are based on information available to us at the time the estimates are made. Actual results could differ from estimates. For further discussion regarding significant accounting estimates, see “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Disruption of infrastructure
Our operations depend upon our technological and physical infrastructure, including our equipment and facilities. Extended disruption of our vital infrastructure by fire, power loss, natural disaster, telecommunications failure, computer hacking and viruses, or other events outside of our control, could have a significant impact on our operations. We have developed and tested disaster recovery plans for all significant aspects of our operations.

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Anti-takeover provisions
Our articles of incorporation include anti-takeover provisions that require a two-thirds majority vote to approve a sale of the Corporation. Additionally, changes to our articles of incorporation must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of our shareholders. These provisions may make our stock less attractive to potential shareholders.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2. Properties.
Our executive offices are located at 401 North Main Street in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. In addition to this location, we own 29 branches, two operations centers, our previous main office building and vacant land. We also lease property in Saginaw, Michigan which serves as a full-service branch. Our facilities' current, planned, and best use is for conducting our current activities, with the exception of our previous main office location which is vacant. We continually monitor and assess the need for expansion and/or improvement of all facilities. In our opinion, each facility has sufficient capacity and is in good condition.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
We are not involved in any material legal proceedings. We are involved in ordinary, routine litigation incidental to our business; however, no such routine proceedings are expected to result in any material adverse effect on our consolidated operations, earnings, financial condition, or cash flows.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.

9


PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Common Stock and Dividend Information
Our authorized common stock consists of 15,000,000 shares, of which 7,910,804 shares are issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2019. As of that date, there were 3,035 shareholders of record.
Our common stock is traded in the over-the-counter market.  Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQX market tier of the OTC Markets Group Inc.’s ("OTC Markets") electronic quotation system (www.otcmarkets.com) under the symbol “ISBA”.  Other trades in our common stock occur in privately negotiated transactions from time to time of which we may have little or no information.
We have reviewed the information available as to the range of reported high and low bid quotations, including high and low bid information as reported by OTC Markets. The following table sets forth our compilation of that information for the periods indicated. Price information obtained from OTC Markets reflects inter-dealer prices, without retail mark up, mark down, or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The following compiled data is provided for information purposes only and should not be viewed as indicative of the actual or market value of our common stock.

Number of
Common Shares
 
Sale Price
 
Low
 
High
2019
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
83,313

 
$
22.25

 
$
24.50

Second Quarter
192,402

 
22.25

 
23.75

Third Quarter
138,808

 
22.01

 
23.45

Fourth Quarter
224,864

 
22.25

 
24.80

 
639,387

 
 
 
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
65,782

 
$
26.11

 
$
28.25

Second Quarter
78,922

 
26.25

 
27.25

Third Quarter
86,032

 
26.05

 
27.65

Fourth Quarter
73,364

 
22.50

 
27.00

 
304,100

 
 
 
 
The following table sets forth the cash dividends paid for the quarters indicated:

Per Share
 
2019
 
2018
First Quarter
$
0.26

 
$
0.26

Second Quarter
0.26

 
0.26

Third Quarter
0.26

 
0.26

Fourth Quarter
0.27

 
0.26

Total
$
1.05

 
$
1.04

We have adopted and publicly announced a common stock repurchase plan. The plan was last amended on December 23, 2019, to allow for the repurchase of an additional 250,000 shares of common stock after that date. These authorizations do not have expiration dates. As shares are repurchased under this plan, they are retired with the status of authorized, but unissued, shares.

10


The following table provides information for the unaudited three month period ended December 31, 2019, with respect to our common stock repurchase plan:

Common Shares Repurchased
 
Total Number of Common Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or Program
 
Maximum Number of Common Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
Number
 
Average Price
Per Common Share
 
 
Balance, September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
75,398

October 1 - 31
5,445

 
$
22.59

 
5,445

 
69,953

November 1 - 30
27,796

 
23.89

 
27,796

 
42,157

December 1 - 23
24,011

 
24.32

 
24,011

 
18,146

Additional Authorization (250,000 shares)

 

 

 
268,146

December 24 - 31
20,240

 
24.31

 
20,240

 
247,906

Balance, December 31
77,492

 
$
24.04

 
77,492

 
247,906

Information concerning securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans appears under Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

11


Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Results of Operations (Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
The following table outlines the results of operations and provides certain key performance measures as of, and for the years ended, December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
67,306

 
$
63,864

 
$
58,413

Interest expense
17,861

 
15,631

 
12,494

Net interest income
49,445

 
48,233

 
45,919

Provision for loan losses
30

 
978

 
253

Noninterest income
8,039

 
10,981

 
10,840

Noninterest expenses
43,050

 
42,852

 
40,253

Federal income tax expense (1)
1,380

 
1,363

 
3,016

Net income
$
13,024

 
$
14,021

 
$
13,237

PER SHARE
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings
$
1.65

 
$
1.78

 
$
1.69

Diluted earnings
$
1.61

 
$
1.74

 
$
1.65

Dividends
$
1.05

 
$
1.04

 
$
1.02

Tangible book value
$
20.45

 
$
18.68

 
$
18.63

Quoted market value
 
 
 
 
 
High
$
24.80

 
$
28.25

 
$
29.95

Low
$
22.01

 
$
22.50

 
$
27.60

Close (2)
$
24.31

 
$
22.56

 
$
28.25

Common shares outstanding (2)
7,910,804

 
7,870,969

 
7,857,293

PERFORMANCE RATIOS
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average total assets
0.72
%
 
0.77
%
 
0.75
%
Return on average shareholders' equity
6.25
%
 
7.26
%
 
6.75
%
Return on average tangible shareholders' equity
8.17
%
 
9.74
%
 
9.04
%
Net interest margin yield (FTE) (1)
3.07
%
 
2.98
%
 
3.04
%
BALANCE SHEET DATA (2)
 
 
 
 
 
Gross loans
$
1,186,570

 
$
1,128,707

 
$
1,091,519

AFS securities
$
429,839

 
$
494,834

 
$
548,730

Total assets
$
1,814,198

 
$
1,842,502

 
$
1,813,130

Deposits
$
1,313,851

 
$
1,292,693

 
$
1,265,258

Borrowed funds
$
275,999

 
$
340,299

 
$
344,878

Shareholders' equity
$
210,182

 
$
195,519

 
$
194,905

Gross loans to deposits
90.31
%
 
87.31
%
 
86.27
%
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (2)
 
 
 
 
 
Loans sold with servicing retained
$
259,375

 
$
259,481

 
$
266,789

Assets managed by our Investment and Trust Services Department
$
436,181

 
$
447,487

 
$
478,146

Total assets under management
$
2,509,754

 
$
2,549,470

 
$
2,558,065

ASSET QUALITY (2)
 
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loans to gross loans
0.55
%
 
0.65
%
 
0.31
%
Nonperforming assets to total assets
0.39
%
 
0.42
%
 
0.20
%
ALLL to gross loans
0.67
%
 
0.74
%
 
0.71
%
CAPITAL RATIOS (2)
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity to assets
11.59
%
 
10.64
%
 
10.75
%
Tier 1 leverage
9.01
%
 
8.72
%
 
8.54
%
Common equity tier 1 capital
12.56
%
 
12.58
%
 
12.23
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital
12.56
%
 
12.58
%
 
12.23
%
Total risk-based capital
13.18
%
 
13.26
%
 
12.86
%
(1) Calculations are based on a federal income tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 34% for 2017.
(2) At end of year

12


The following table outlines our interim results of operations and key performance measures as of, and for the unaudited periods ended:

Quarter to Date
 
December 31
2019
 
September 30
2019
 
June 30
2019
 
March 31
2019
 
December 31
2018
 
September 30
2018
 
June 30
2018
 
March 31
2018
Total interest income
$
16,849

 
$
17,161

 
$
16,815

 
$
16,481

 
$
16,611

 
$
16,419

 
$
15,713

 
$
15,121

Total interest expense
4,492

 
4,550

 
4,527

 
4,292

 
4,258

 
4,231

 
3,741

 
3,401

Net interest income
12,357

 
12,611

 
12,288

 
12,189

 
12,353

 
12,188

 
11,972

 
11,720

Provision for loan losses
(18
)
 
193

 
(179
)
 
34

 
342

 
(76
)
 
328

 
384

Noninterest income
(725
)
 
3,274

 
3,011

 
2,479

 
2,865

 
2,878

 
2,740

 
2,498

Noninterest expenses
10,892

 
10,620

 
10,749

 
10,789

 
10,870

 
11,087

 
10,788

 
10,107

Federal income tax expense (benefit)
(140
)
 
630

 
541

 
349

 
476

 
359

 
263

 
265

Net income
$
898

 
$
4,442

 
$
4,188

 
$
3,496

 
$
3,530

 
$
3,696

 
$
3,333

 
$
3,462

PER SHARE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings
$
0.12

 
$
0.56

 
$
0.53

 
$
0.44

 
$
0.45

 
$
0.47

 
$
0.42

 
$
0.44

Diluted earnings
0.11

 
0.55

 
0.52

 
0.43

 
0.44

 
0.46

 
0.41

 
0.43

Dividends
0.27

 
0.26

 
0.26

 
0.26

 
0.26

 
0.26

 
0.26

 
0.26

Quoted market value (1)
24.31

 
22.30

 
23.25

 
23.75

 
22.56

 
26.75

 
26.65

 
27.40

Tangible book value
20.45

 
20.65

 
20.17

 
19.47

 
18.68

 
19.44

 
19.36

 
19.16

(1) At end of period

13


Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION FINANCIAL REVIEW
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
The following is management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations. This discussion and analysis is intended to provide a better understanding of the consolidated financial statements and statistical data included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Executive Summary
We reported net income of $13,024 and earnings per common share of $1.65 for the year ended December 31, 2019. Net income and earnings per common share for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $14,021 and $1.78, respectively. Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased $3,442 when compared to 2018 primarily as the result of a combination of improved yields and growth in our loan portfolio, which totaled $57,863 during 2019. Interest expense on deposits and borrowings increased $2,230 for the year ended December 31, 2019 when compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to higher interest rates. Net interest income increased by $1,212 for the year ended December 31, 2019 in comparison to 2018. The provision for loan losses decreased by $948, primarily as the result of improvement in credit quality. Noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2019 decreased $2,942 when compared to 2018 primarily as a result of a $3,566 reduction in our joint venture investment in Corporate Settlement Solutions, LLC (“CSS”) due to CSS' recorded impairment of intangible assets (see discussion below). Noninterest income in 2019 also included an increase in debit card transaction fee income, gains related to the sale of loans, and gains related to foreclosed assets. Noninterest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 exceeded noninterest expenses in 2018 by $198. Expenses related to our employee incentive plans account for a portion of the increase in noninterest expenses, which was partially offset by an FDIC assessment credit, reduced audit and consulting fees, and ongoing cost control initiatives. These initiatives include managing capital expenditures, vendor costs, and staffing levels.
In 2008, we merged the assets of our wholly owned subsidiary, IBT Title and Insurance Agency, Inc. (“IBT Title”) into a 50/50 joint venture with Corporate Title Agency, LLC, a third-party business based in Traverse City, Michigan, to form CSS.  The purpose of the joint venture was to help IBT Title expand its service area and to take advantage of economies of scale.  As a 50% owner of the membership units of this entity, we account for our investment under the equity method of accounting, and our share of income and loss from the joint venture is included in noninterest income. As of December 31, 2008, we had a recorded investment of $6,905 in CSS, which was included in equity securities without readily determinable fair values on our balance sheet.  During the second half of 2019, a new line of business was proposed by the General Manager of CSS which did not interest us as it was unrelated to the Bank's core business. Subsequently, the General Manager of CSS elected to have a company valuation performed during the fourth quarter of 2019 for purposes of investor planning, and the independent valuation identified that CSS’ intangible assets required an impairment of $7,133.  As a 50% owner of the membership units of CSS, we recognized the reduced value of our investment which resulted in a reduction to income of $3,566 in the fourth quarter of 2019. While we continually analyze all investments, there are no current plans to change our ownership or investment in CSS.
As of December 31, 2019, total assets and assets under management were $1,814,198 and $2,509,754, respectively. Assets under management include loans sold and serviced of $259,375 and assets managed by our Investment and Trust Services Department of $436,181, in addition to assets on our consolidated balance sheet. As a result of the flat yield curve that has existed for over a year, the opportunity to identify new investment securities for purchase at an acceptable yield has been minimal. Therefore, our securities portfolio has declined $64,995 since December 31, 2018. Based on strategic objectives, we utilized this available cash flow to reduce higher-cost funding sources and other borrowings as they mature, resulting in a decline in total assets as of December 31, 2019 when compared to December 31, 2018. Loans outstanding as of December 31, 2019 totaled $1,186,570. During 2019, gross loans increased $57,863 which was largely driven by growth in our commercial loan portfolio. Total deposits increased $21,158 during the year, primarily due to increases in savings and trust related deposits, and totaled $1,313,851 as of December 31, 2019. All regulatory capital ratios for the Bank exceeded the minimum thresholds to be considered a “well capitalized” institution.
Our net yield on interest earning assets (FTE) was 3.07% for 2019 which is an improvement from 2.98% for 2018. Management has implemented various initiatives which, over time, are expected to continue to improve our net yield on interest earning assets. These initiatives included transitioning a larger percentage of assets from lower yielding investment securities to higher yielding loan opportunities, continued growth of the loan portfolio, reduced reliance on borrowings and brokered deposits, and enhanced pricing strategies related to loan and deposit products. While the current interest rate environment may slow this pace of improvement, we are actively committed to increasing earnings and shareholder value

14


through growth in our loan portfolio while maintaining strong underwriting standards, growth in our investment and trust services, increasing our presence within our geographical footprint, and managing operating costs.
Recent Legislation
The Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 had, and is expected to continue to have, a negative impact on our operating results. The Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB which made significant changes in the regulation of financial institutions aimed at strengthening the oversight of the federal government over the operation of the financial services sector and increasing the protection of consumers. Recent regulations issued by the CFPB regarding consumer lending, including residential mortgage lending, have increased our compensation expenses and this trend is expected to continue.
On July 2, 2013, the FRB published revised BASEL III Capital standards for banks. The rules redefined what is included or deducted from equity capital, changed risk weighting for certain on and off-balance sheet assets, increased the minimum required equity capital to be considered well capitalized, and introduced a capital cushion buffer. The rules, which were gradually phased in between 2015 and 2019, did not have a material impact on the Corporation but does require us to hold more capital than we have historically.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was enacted. The law established a flat corporate federal statutory income tax rate of 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and eliminated the corporate alternative minimum tax. The new tax law provided for a wide array of changes with only some having a direct impact on our federal income tax expense. Some of these changes included, but were not limited to, the following items: limits to the deduction for net interest expense; immediate expense (for tax purposes) for certain qualified depreciable assets; elimination or reduction of certain deductions related to meals and entertainment expenses; and limits to the deductibility of deposit insurance premiums.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts reported in management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for 2018 and 2017 have been reclassified to conform with the 2019 presentation. Other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets were increased by $5,195 as of December 31, 2018 to reclassify pension and income tax related liabilities (pension: $3,470, income taxes: $1,725). This resulted in a $5,195 increase in total assets and total liabilities as of December 31, 2018. All other balances and ratios were not materially impacted.
Subsequent Events
We evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued. Events or transactions occurring after December 31, 2019, but prior to the date the consolidated financial statements were issued, include anticipated proceeds from the redemption of a corporate owned life insurance policy. For additional information, refer to “Note 22 – Subsequent Events” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Other
We have not received any notices of regulatory actions as of March 13, 2020.

15


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our significant accounting policies are set forth in “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Of these significant accounting policies, we consider our policies regarding the ALLL, acquisition intangibles and goodwill, the determination of the fair value and assessment of OTTI of investment securities, and equity securities without readily determinable fair values related to our joint venture investment in CSS to be our most critical accounting policies.
The ALLL requires our most subjective and complex judgment. Changes in economic conditions and other external factors can have a significant impact on the ALLL and, therefore, the provision for loan losses and results of operations. We have developed policies and procedures for assessing the appropriateness of the ALLL, recognizing that this process requires a number of assumptions and estimates with respect to our loan portfolio. Our assessments may be impacted in future periods by changes in economic conditions, and the discovery of information with respect to borrowers which is not known to us at the time of the issuance of the consolidated financial statements. For additional discussion concerning our ALLL and related matters, see “Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses” and “Note 4 – Loans and ALLL” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require that we determine the fair value of the assets and liabilities of an acquired entity, and record the fair value on the date of acquisition. We employ a variety of measures in the determination of the fair value, including the use of discounted cash flow analysis, market appraisals, and projected future revenue streams. For certain items that we believe we have the appropriate expertise to determine the fair value, we may choose to use our own calculations of the value. In other cases, where the value is not easily determined, we consult with independent experts to determine the fair value of the identified asset or liability. Once valuations have been adjusted, the net difference between the price paid for the acquired entity and the net value of assets acquired on our balance sheet, including identifiable intangibles, is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition intangibles and goodwill are qualitatively evaluated to determine if it is more likely than not that the carrying balance is impaired on at least an annual basis.
AFS securities are carried at fair value with changes in the fair value included as a component of other comprehensive income. Declines in the fair value of AFS securities below their cost that are other-than-temporary are reflected as realized losses in the consolidated statements of income. We evaluate AFS securities for indications of losses that are considered other-than-temporary, if any, on a regular basis. The market values for most AFS investment securities are typically obtained from outside sources and applied to individual securities within the portfolio. Municipal securities for which no readily determinable market values are available are priced using fair value curves which most closely match the securities' characteristics.
Our joint venture investment in CSS was made in the 1st quarter of 2008 and is included in equity securities without readily determinable fair values on our consolidated balance sheets. We are not the managing entity of CSS but do appoint 50% of the Board of Directors of CSS. As a 50% investor of the membership units, we account for our investment in this entity under the equity method of accounting. The General Manager of CSS, through the normal course of business, chose to evaluate operations of the company and obtained an independent, third-party valuation of the company during the fourth quarter of 2019. As a result of this valuation, CSS recognized an impairment related to intangible assets as of December 31, 2019. Accordingly, we reduced our investment in CSS and as such, our recorded investment in CSS as of December 31, 2019 relied on assumptions and use of estimates pursuant to the valuation obtained.

16


Average Balances, Interest Rates, and Net Interest Income
The following schedules present the daily average amount outstanding for each major category of interest earning assets, non-earning assets, interest bearing liabilities, and noninterest bearing liabilities for the last three years. These schedules also present an analysis of interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated. All interest income is reported on a FTE basis using a federal income tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 34% in 2017. Loans in nonaccrual status, for the purpose of the following computations, are included in the average loan balances. FRB and FHLB restricted equity holdings are included in other interest earning assets.

Year Ended December 31
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
Average
Balance
 
Tax
Equivalent
Interest
 
Average
Yield /
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Tax
Equivalent
Interest
 
Average
Yield /
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Tax
Equivalent
Interest
 
Average
Yield /
Rate
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
$
1,162,210

 
$
54,192

 
4.66
%
 
$
1,120,021

 
$
49,229

 
4.40
%
 
$
1,040,630

 
$
43,537

 
4.18
%
Taxable investment securities (1)
296,758

 
7,185

 
2.42
%
 
341,095

 
8,294

 
2.43
%
 
361,783

 
8,564

 
2.37
%
Nontaxable investment securities
169,049

 
6,380

 
3.77
%
 
191,281

 
7,115

 
3.72
%
 
202,375

 
9,126

 
4.51
%
Fed funds sold
64

 
2

 
2.48
%
 
4

 

 
%
 
663

 
5

 
0.75
%
Other
38,549

 
1,199

 
3.11
%
 
28,255

 
1,062

 
3.76
%
 
19,423

 
737

 
3.79
%
Total earning assets
1,666,630

 
68,958

 
4.14
%
 
1,680,656

 
65,700

 
3.91
%
 
1,624,874

 
61,969

 
3.81
%
NONEARNING ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
(8,256
)
 
 
 
 
 
(8,094
)
 
 
 
 
 
(7,607
)
 
 
 
 
Cash and demand deposits due from banks
20,057

 
 
 
 
 
19,770

 
 
 
 
 
19,309

 
 
 
 
Premises and equipment
27,035

 
 
 
 
 
28,349

 
 
 
 
 
28,933

 
 
 
 
Accrued income and other assets
108,073

 
 
 
 
 
95,359

 
 
 
 
 
106,848

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
1,813,539

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,816,040

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,772,357

 
 
 
 
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing demand deposits
$
230,570

 
$
305

 
0.13
%
 
$
229,411

 
$
267

 
0.12
%
 
$
213,648

 
$
232

 
0.11
%
Savings deposits
388,821

 
2,572

 
0.66
%
 
361,743

 
1,698

 
0.47
%
 
356,963

 
1,091

 
0.31
%
Time deposits
429,745

 
8,731

 
2.03
%
 
454,916

 
7,296

 
1.60
%
 
433,562

 
5,486

 
1.27
%
Borrowed funds
304,888

 
6,253

 
2.05
%
 
344,352

 
6,370

 
1.85
%
 
352,400

 
5,685

 
1.61
%
Total interest bearing liabilities
1,354,024

 
17,861

 
1.32
%
 
1,390,422

 
15,631

 
1.12
%
 
1,356,573

 
12,494

 
0.92
%
NONINTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
237,675

 
 
 
 
 
224,777

 
 
 
 
 
208,988

 
 
 
 
Other
13,337

 
 
 
 
 
7,597

 
 
 
 
 
10,641

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity
208,503

 
 
 
 
 
193,244

 
 
 
 
 
196,155

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
1,813,539

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,816,040

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,772,357

 
 
 
 
Net interest income (FTE)
 
 
$
51,097

 
 
 
 
 
$
50,069

 
 
 
 
 
$
49,475

 
 
Net yield on interest earning assets (FTE)
 
 
 
 
3.07
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.98
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.04
%
(1) Includes taxable AFS securities and equity securities
Net interest income is the amount by which interest income on earning assets exceeds the interest expense on interest bearing liabilities. Net interest income is influenced by changes in the balance and mix of assets and liabilities, as well as market interest rates. We exert some control over these factors; however, FRB monetary policy and competition have a significant

17


impact. For analytical purposes, net interest income is adjusted to an FTE basis by including the income tax savings from interest on tax exempt loans and nontaxable investment securities, thus making year to year comparisons more meaningful. The FTE adjustment is based on a federal income tax rate of 21% for 2019 and 2018 and 34% for 2017.
Volume and Rate Variance Analysis
The following table sets forth the effect of volume and rate changes on interest income and expense for the periods indicated. For the purpose of this table, changes in interest due to volume and rate were determined as follows:
Volume—change in volume multiplied by the previous period's FTE rate.
Rate—change in the FTE rate multiplied by the previous period's volume.
All interest income presented in the table below is reported on a FTE basis using a federal income tax rate of 21% for 2019 and 2018 and 34% for 2017. The change in interest due to both volume and rate has been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.
 
2019 Compared to 2018 
 Increase (Decrease) Due to
 
2018 Compared to 2017 
 Increase (Decrease) Due to

Volume
 
Rate
 
Net
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Net
Changes in interest income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
$
1,898

 
$
3,065

 
$
4,963

 
$
3,423

 
$
2,269

 
$
5,692

Taxable investment securities
(1,074
)
 
(35
)
 
(1,109
)
 
(499
)
 
229

 
(270
)
Nontaxable investment securities
(838
)
 
103

 
(735
)
 
(479
)
 
(1,532
)
 
(2,011
)
Fed Funds Sold

 
2

 
2

 

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Other
342

 
(205
)
 
137

 
332

 
(7
)
 
325

Total changes in interest income
328

 
2,930

 
3,258

 
2,777

 
954

 
3,731

Changes in interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing demand deposits
1

 
37

 
38

 
18

 
17

 
35

Savings deposits
135

 
739

 
874

 
15

 
592

 
607

Time deposits
(422
)
 
1,857

 
1,435

 
281

 
1,529

 
1,810

Borrowed funds
(771
)
 
654

 
(117
)
 
(132
)
 
817

 
685

Total changes in interest expense
(1,057
)
 
3,287

 
2,230

 
182

 
2,955

 
3,137

Net change in interest margin (FTE)
$
1,385

 
$
(357
)
 
$
1,028

 
$
2,595

 
$
(2,001
)
 
$
594

The flattening of the yield curve and rising deposit rates continues to place pressure on our net interest margin. Despite this pressure, we experienced improvement as a result of improved loan yields and a decline in higher-cost deposits and borrowings.
 
Average Yield / Rate for the Three Month Periods Ended:

December 31
2019
 
September 30
2019
 
June 30
2019
 
March 31
2019
 
December 31
2018
Total earning assets
4.13
%
 
4.23
%
 
4.15
%
 
4.05
%
 
4.03
%
Total interest bearing liabilities
1.34
%
 
1.35
%
 
1.33
%
 
1.25
%
 
1.23
%
Net yield on interest earning assets (FTE)
3.06
%
 
3.13
%
 
3.06
%
 
3.02
%
 
3.02
%
 
Quarter to Date Net Interest Income (FTE)

December 31
2019
 
September 30
2019
 
June 30
2019
 
March 31
2019
 
December 31
2018
Total interest income (FTE)
$
17,245

 
$
17,567

 
$
17,231

 
$
16,915

 
$
17,005

Total interest expense
4,492

 
4,550

 
4,527

 
4,292

 
4,258

Net interest income (FTE)
$
12,753

 
$
13,017

 
$
12,704

 
$
12,623

 
$
12,747


18


Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
The viability of any financial institution is ultimately determined by its management of credit risk. Loans represent our single largest concentration of risk. The ALLL is our estimation of incurred losses within the existing loan portfolio. We allocate the ALLL throughout the loan portfolio based on our assessment of the underlying risks associated with each loan segment. Our assessments include allocations based on specific impairment valuation allowances, historical charge-offs, internally assigned credit risk ratings, and past due and nonaccrual balances. A portion of the ALLL is not allocated to any one loan segment, but is instead a representation of other qualitative risks that reflect the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.
The following table summarizes our charge-offs, recoveries, provision for loan losses, and ALLL balances as of, and for the unaudited three month periods ended:

December 31
2019
 
September 30
2019
 
June 30
2019
 
March 31
2019
 
December 31
2018
Total charge-offs
$
334

 
$
143

 
$
333

 
$
138

 
$
253

Total recoveries
122

 
82

 
151

 
127

 
186

Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)
212

 
61

 
182

 
11

 
67

Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans outstanding
0.02
 %
 
0.01
%
 
0.02
 %
 
%
 
0.01
%
Provision for loan losses
$
(18
)
 
$
193

 
$
(179
)
 
$
34

 
$
342

Provision for loan losses to average loans outstanding
 %
 
0.02
%
 
(0.02
)%
 
%
 
0.03
%
ALLL
$
7,939

 
$
8,169

 
$
8,037

 
$
8,398

 
$
8,375

ALLL as a % of loans at end of period
0.67
 %
 
0.69
%
 
0.68
 %
 
0.73
%
 
0.74
%
The following table summarizes our charge-off and recovery activity for the years ended December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
ALLL at beginning of period
$
8,375

 
$
7,700

 
$
7,400

 
$
7,400

 
$
10,100

Charge-offs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
143

 
575

 
263

 
57

 
89

Agricultural
240

 
51

 
2

 

 
45

Residential real estate
99

 
151

 
200

 
574

 
397

Consumer
466

 
324

 
306

 
285

 
373

Total charge-offs
948

 
1,101

 
771

 
916

 
904

Recoveries
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
123

 
325

 
449

 
445

 
474

Agricultural
3

 
3

 
4

 
95

 
75

Residential real estate
189

 
261

 
206

 
287

 
220

Consumer
167

 
209

 
159

 
224

 
206

Total recoveries
482

 
798

 
818

 
1,051

 
975

Provision for loan losses
30

 
978

 
253

 
(135
)
 
(2,771
)
ALLL at end of period
$
7,939

 
$
8,375

 
$
7,700

 
$
7,400

 
$
7,400

Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)
$
466

 
$
303

 
$
(47
)
 
$
(135
)
 
$
(71
)
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans outstanding
0.04
%
 
0.03
%
 
%
 
(0.01
)%
 
(0.01
)%
ALLL as a% of loans at end of period
0.67
%
 
0.74
%
 
0.71
%
 
0.73
 %
 
0.87
 %

19


While we have experienced fluctuations in credit quality indicators in recent periods, credit quality remains strong. Overall, our level of required reserve is modest, in comparison to peer banks, due to strong credit quality indicators, low historical loss factors, and a low amount of net charge-offs. The following table illustrates our changes within the two main components of the ALLL as of:

December 31
2019
 
September 30
2019
 
June 30
2019
 
March 31
2019
 
December 31
2018
ALLL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
1,114

 
$
1,333

 
$
1,479

 
$
1,509

 
$
1,938

Collectively evaluated for impairment
6,825

 
6,836

 
6,558

 
6,889

 
6,437

Total
$
7,939

 
$
8,169

 
$
8,037

 
$
8,398

 
$
8,375

ALLL to gross loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
0.09
%
 
0.11
%
 
0.13
%
 
0.13
%
 
0.17
%
Collectively evaluated for impairment
0.58
%
 
0.58
%
 
0.55
%
 
0.60
%
 
0.57
%
Total
0.67
%
 
0.69
%
 
0.68
%
 
0.73
%
 
0.74
%
The level of the ALLL is appropriate as of December 31, 2019. We closely monitor overall credit quality indicators and our policies and procedures related to the analysis of the ALLL to ensure that the ALLL remains at an appropriate level.
For further discussion of the allocation of the ALLL, see “Note 4 – Loans and ALLL” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Loans Past Due and Loans in Nonaccrual Status
Fluctuations in past due and nonaccrual status loans can have a significant impact on the ALLL. To determine the potential impact, and corresponding estimated losses, we analyze our historical loss trends on loans past due greater than 30 days and nonaccrual status loans for indications of additional deterioration.

Total Past Due and Nonaccrual Loans as of December 31
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Commercial
$
2,477

 
$
2,722

 
$
2,518

 
$
3,347

 
$
1,015

Agricultural
4,285

 
5,377

 
2,367

 
1,251

 
1,232

Residential real estate
4,572

 
3,208

 
4,881

 
2,716

 
2,520

Consumer
71

 
105

 
70

 
115

 
31

Total
$
11,405

 
$
11,412

 
$
9,836

 
$
7,429

 
$
4,798

Total past due and nonaccrual loans to gross loans
0.96
%
 
1.01
%
 
0.90
%
 
0.74
%
 
0.56
%
Past due and nonaccrual status loans, as a percentage of gross loans, have improved over the last year and continue to be at low levels as a result of strong repayment performance. A summary of loans past due and in nonaccrual status, including the composition of the ending balance of nonaccrual status loans by type, is included in “Note 4 – Loans and ALLL” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
We have taken a proactive approach to avoid foreclosures on borrowers who are willing to work with us in modifying their loans, thus making them more affordable. This approach has permitted certain borrowers to develop a payment structure that will allow them to continue making payments in lieu of foreclosure. The modifications have been successful for us and our customers as very few of the modified loans have resulted in foreclosures. The majority of new modifications result in terms that satisfy our criteria for continued interest accrual. TDRs that have been placed in nonaccrual status may be placed back on accrual status after six months of continued performance and achievement of current payment status.
We restructure debt with borrowers who due to financial difficulties are unable to service their debt under the original terms. We may extend the amortization period, reduce interest rates, allow interest only payment structures, forgive principal, forgive interest, or grant a combination of these modifications. Typically, the modifications are for a period of three years or less. There were no TDRs that were government sponsored as of December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018.

20


Losses associated with TDRs, if any, are included in the estimation of the ALLL during the quarter in which a loan is identified as a TDR, and we review the analysis of the ALLL estimation each reporting period thereafter to ensure its continued appropriateness.
The following table provides a roll-forward of TDRs for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019:

Accruing Interest
 
Nonaccrual
 
Total
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Balance
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Balance
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Balance
January 1, 2018
147

 
$
23,284

 
13

 
$
2,913

 
160

 
$
26,197

New modifications
27

 
6,623

 
18

 
1,733

 
45

 
8,356

Principal advances (payments)

 
(1,456
)
 

 
(714
)
 

 
(2,170
)
Loans paid off
(35
)
 
(4,361
)
 
(7
)
 
(819
)
 
(42
)
 
(5,180
)
Partial charge-offs

 

 

 
(39
)
 

 
(39
)
Balances charged-off

 

 
(1
)
 
(7
)
 
(1
)
 
(7
)
Transfers to OREO

 

 
(1
)
 
(206
)
 
(1
)
 
(206
)
Transfers to accrual status
1

 
520

 
(1
)
 
(520
)
 

 

Transfers to nonaccrual status
(7
)
 
(1,210
)
 
7

 
1,210

 

 

December 31, 2018
133

 
23,400

 
28

 
3,551

 
161

 
26,951

New modifications
11

 
4,491

 

 

 
11

 
4,491

Principal advances (payments)

 
(1,295
)
 

 
(382
)
 

 
(1,677
)
Loans paid off
(25
)
 
(3,319
)
 
(15
)
 
(1,596
)
 
(40
)
 
(4,915
)
Partial charge-offs

 

 

 
(65
)
 

 
(65
)
Transfers to OREO

 

 
(1
)
 
(48
)
 
(1
)
 
(48
)
Transfers to accrual status
9

 
1,219

 
(9
)
 
(1,219
)
 

 

Transfers to nonaccrual status
(6
)
 
(3,302
)
 
6

 
3,302

 

 

December 31, 2019
122

 
$
21,194

 
9

 
$
3,543

 
131

 
$
24,737

The following table summarizes our TDRs as of December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017

Accruing
Interest
 
Nonaccrual
 
Total
 
Accruing
Interest
 
Nonaccrual
 
Total
 
Accruing
Interest
 
Nonaccrual
 
Total
Current
$
20,847

 
$
507

 
$
21,354

 
$
21,794

 
$
2,673

 
$
24,467

 
$
21,234

 
$

 
$
21,234

Past due 30-59 days
346

 

 
346

 
899

 

 
899

 
1,778

 
805

 
2,583

Past due 60-89 days
1

 

 
1

 
707

 

 
707

 
219

 
708

 
927

Past due 90 days or more

 
3,036

 
3,036

 

 
878

 
878

 
53

 
1,400

 
1,453

Total
$
21,194

 
$
3,543

 
$
24,737

 
$
23,400

 
$
3,551

 
$
26,951

 
$
23,284

 
$
2,913

 
$
26,197


2016
 
2015
 
Accruing
Interest
 
Nonaccrual
 
Total
 
Accruing
Interest
 
Nonaccrual
 
Total
Current
$
17,557

 
$
559

 
$
18,116

 
$
20,550

 
$
146

 
$
20,696

Past due 30-59 days
2,898

 
230

 
3,128

 
357

 

 
357

Past due 60-89 days
138

 

 
138

 
24

 

 
24

Past due 90 days or more

 

 

 

 
248

 
248

Total
$
20,593

 
$
789

 
$
21,382

 
$
20,931

 
$
394

 
$
21,325

Additional disclosures about TDRs are included in “Note 4 – Loans and ALLL” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

21


Impaired Loans
The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans as of December 31:
 
2019
 
2018

Recorded
Balance
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
Recorded
Balance
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Valuation
Allowance
TDRs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
$
5,325

 
$
5,643

 
$
15

 
$
6,507

 
$
6,840

 
$
437

Commercial other
1,156

 
1,156

 

 
1,713

 
1,713

 

Agricultural real estate
9,182

 
9,181

 
12

 
7,452

 
7,452

 
112

Agricultural other
4,421

 
4,421

 
14

 
5,288

 
5,331

 

Residential real estate senior liens
4,641

 
4,923

 
922

 
5,923

 
6,205

 
1,181

Residential real estate junior liens

 

 

 
12

 
12

 
2

Home equity lines of credit
12

 
312

 

 
47

 
347

 

Consumer secured

 

 

 
9

 
9

 

Total TDRs
24,737

 
25,636

 
963

 
26,951

 
27,909

 
1,732

Other impaired loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
153

 
216

 

 
256

 
318

 

Commercial other
1,231

 
1,231

 

 
1,423

 
1,530

 
6

Agricultural real estate
699

 
750

 

 
557

 
558

 

Agricultural other
538

 
538

 

 
1,001

 
1,000

 
20

Residential real estate senior liens
760

 
907

 
151

 
911

 
1,084

 
180

Home equity lines of credit
73

 
73

 

 

 

 

Total other impaired loans
3,454

 
3,715

 
151

 
4,148

 
4,490

 
206

Total impaired loans
$
28,191

 
$
29,351

 
$
1,114

 
$
31,099

 
$
32,399

 
$
1,938

We continue to devote considerable attention to identifying impaired loans and adjusting the net carrying value of these loans to their current net realizable values through the establishment of a specific reserve or the recording of a charge-off.
Additional disclosures related to impaired loans are included in “Note 4 – Loans and ALLL” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

22


Nonperforming Assets
The following table summarizes our nonperforming assets as of December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Nonaccrual status loans
$
6,535

 
$
7,260

 
$
3,027

 
$
1,060

 
$
792

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more

 
113

 
395

 
633

 

Total nonperforming loans
6,535

 
7,373

 
3,422

 
1,693

 
792

Foreclosed assets
456

 
355

 
291

 
231

 
421

Total nonperforming assets
$
6,991

 
$
7,728

 
$
3,713

 
$
1,924

 
$
1,213

Nonperforming loans as a % of total loans
0.55
%
 
0.65
%
 
0.31
%
 
0.17
%
 
0.09
%
Nonperforming assets as a % of total assets
0.39
%
 
0.42
%
 
0.20
%
 
0.11
%
 
0.07
%
The accrual of interest on commercial and agricultural loans, as well as residential real estate loans, is discontinued at the time a loan is 90 days or more past due unless the credit is well-secured and in the process of short-term collection. Upon transferring a loan to nonaccrual status, we perform an evaluation to determine the net realizable value of the underlying collateral. This evaluation is used to help determine if a charge-off is necessary. Consumer loans are typically charged-off no later than 180 days past due. Loans may be placed back on accrual status after six months of continued performance and achievement of current payment status. While the level of nonperforming loans has fluctuated in recent periods, it remains low relative to gross loans. Recent fluctuations in nonaccrual loans have been concentrated in our agricultural portfolio as a result of the challenges facing much of the agricultural industry.
The following table summarizes nonaccrual loans as of December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Commercial
1,621

 
1,757

 
729

 
4

 
211

Agricultural
4,285

 
4,949

 
1,950

 
533

 
146

Residential real estate
629

 
554

 
348

 
523

 
435

Total
$
6,535

 
$
7,260

 
$
3,027

 
$
1,060

 
$
792

Included in the nonaccrual loan balances above were loans also classified as TDR as of December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Commercial
$
390

 
$
160

 
$
729

 
$

 
$
86

Agricultural
3,048

 
3,391

 
1,950

 
405

 
146

Residential real estate
105

 

 
234

 
384

 
162

Total
$
3,543

 
$
3,551

 
$
2,913

 
$
789

 
$
394

Additional disclosures about nonaccrual status loans are included in “Note 4 – Loans and ALLL”of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

23


Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expenses
Significant noninterest income balances are highlighted in the following table for the years ended December 31:

 
 
 
 
Change
 
 
 
Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
$
 
%
 
2017
 
$
 
%
Service charges and fees
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ATM and debit card fees
$
3,239

 
$
2,888

 
$
351

 
12.15
 %
 
$
2,756

 
$
132

 
4.79
 %
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
2,328

 
2,276

 
52

 
2.28
 %
 
2,203

 
73

 
3.31
 %
Freddie Mac servicing fee
626

 
651

 
(25
)
 
(3.84
)%
 
671

 
(20
)
 
(2.98
)%
Net OMSR income (loss)
(170
)
 
25

 
(195
)
 
(780.00
)%
 
103

 
(78
)
 
(75.73
)%
Other fees for customer services
324

 
370

 
(46
)
 
(12.43
)%
 
280

 
90

 
32.14
 %
Total service charges and fees
6,347

 
6,210

 
137

 
2.21
 %
 
6,013

 
197

 
3.28
 %
Investment and Trust advisory fees
2,792

 
2,836

 
(44
)
 
(1.55
)%
 
2,607

 
229

 
8.78
 %
Earnings on corporate owned life insurance policies
764

 
742

 
22

 
2.96
 %
 
756

 
(14
)
 
(1.85
)%
Net gain on sale of mortgage loans
650

 
525

 
125

 
23.81
 %
 
647

 
(122
)
 
(18.86
)%
Net gains on foreclosed assets
162

 
49

 
113

 
230.61
 %
 
50

 
(1
)
 
(2.00
)%
Net gains on sale of AFS securities
6

 

 
6

 
N/M

 
142

 
(142
)
 
(100.00
)%
Net income (loss) on joint venture investment
(3,108
)
 
274

 
(3,382
)
 
N/M

 
164

 
110

 
67.07
 %
Other
426

 
345

 
81

 
23.48
 %
 
461

 
(116
)
 
(25.16
)%
Total noninterest income
$
8,039

 
$
10,981

 
$
(2,942
)
 
(26.79
)%
 
$
10,840

 
$
141

 
1.30
 %
Significant changes in noninterest income are detailed below:
ATM and debit card fees fluctuate from period to period based primarily on usage of ATM and debit cards. While we do not anticipate significant changes to our ATM and debit card fee structure, we do expect that fee income will continue to increase in 2020 as the usage of ATM and debit cards continues to increase.
OMSR income results are driven, in part, by changes in offering rates on residential mortgage loans, anticipated prepayments in the servicing-retained portfolio, and the volume of loans within the servicing-retained portfolio. As a result of these factors, OMSR income during 2020 could experience fluctuations and could vary from 2019 levels.
Net gain on sale of mortgage loans fluctuates primarily as the result of a change in the amount of loans sold, and the amount of loans sold can fluctuate based on balance sheet management strategy. As such, net gain on sale of mortgage loans will continue to fluctuate in 2020.
Net gains on foreclosed assets fluctuate from time to time and are based on the level of activity in foreclosures, properties owned, and changes in market values of properties owned. While we do not anticipate a significant change in activity or market values, net gains may continue to fluctuate in 2020 and may not exceed net gains in 2019.
We are continually analyzing our AFS securities portfolio for potential sale opportunities. Securities with unrealized gains or less than desirable yields may be sold for funding and profitability purposes. During 2017 and 2019, we identified $12,827 and $33,840, respectively, in securities that were desirable to be sold and recognized net gains with these sales of $142 and $6, respectively. We anticipate taking this same approach of analyzing our AFS securities portfolio for potential sale opportunities in 2020.
As a result of a valuation during the fourth quarter of 2019, CSS recognized a $7,133 impairment related to intangible assets as of December 31, 2019. Since we account for our investment in CSS under the equity method of accounting, we reduced our investment in CSS by $3,566 during the fourth quarter of 2019.
The fluctuations in all other income are spread throughout various categories, none of which are individually significant.

24


Significant noninterest expense balances are highlighted in the following table for the years ended December 31:

 
 
 
 
Change
 
 
 
Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
$
 
%
 
2017
 
$
 
%
Compensation and benefits
$
23,205

 
$
22,609

 
$
596

 
2.64
 %
 
$
21,525

 
$
1,084

 
5.04
 %
Furniture and equipment
5,866

 
6,055

 
(189
)
 
(3.12
)%
 
5,407

 
648

 
11.98
 %
Occupancy
3,418

 
3,263

 
155

 
4.75
 %
 
3,133

 
130

 
4.15
 %
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Audit, consulting, and legal fees
1,884

 
2,222

 
(338
)
 
(15.21
)%
 
2,017

 
205

 
10.16
 %
ATM and debit card fees
1,210

 
1,036

 
174

 
16.80
 %
 
1,181

 
(145
)
 
(12.28
)%
Donations and community relations
1,026

 
710

 
316

 
44.51
 %
 
657

 
53

 
8.07
 %
Loan underwriting fees
905

 
1,016

 
(111
)
 
(10.93
)%
 
556

 
460

 
82.73
 %
Director fees
788

 
858

 
(70
)
 
(8.16
)%
 
856

 
2

 
0.23
 %
Marketing costs
762

 
596

 
166

 
27.85
 %
 
568

 
28

 
4.93
 %
FDIC insurance premiums
211

 
726

 
(515
)
 
(70.94
)%
 
642

 
84

 
13.08
 %
All other
3,775

 
3,761

 
14

 
0.37
 %
 
3,711

 
50

 
1.35
 %
Total other
10,561

 
10,925

 
(364
)
 
(3.33
)%
 
10,188

 
737

 
7.23
 %
Total noninterest expenses
$
43,050

 
$
42,852

 
$
198

 
0.46
 %
 
$
40,253

 
$
2,599

 
6.46
 %
Significant changes in noninterest expenses are detailed below:
The compensation and benefits expense increase from 2018 to 2019 is primarily related to our employee incentive plans. The increase in 2018 from 2017 resulted significantly from a settlement with an insurance claim administrator in favor of Isabella Bank, which reduced 2017 benefits expense. Compensation and benefits expense in 2020 may not approximate 2019 levels as expenses related to our employee incentive plans fluctuate based on financial performance.
Furniture and equipment expense consists primarily of depreciation, services contracts and computer expenses.
Computer expense increased in 2018 due to data and system upgrades, additional network security costs, and one-time implementation costs and therefore, exceeded expenses in 2019 and 2017. Expenses in 2020 are expected to approximate 2019 levels.
Audit, consulting, and legal fees in 2018 included one-time charges related to income tax strategies. As a result, 2019 expenses were less than 2018 expenses. Audit, consulting, and legal fees are expected to approximate 2019 levels in 2020.
In 2018, we developed initiatives to increase ATM and debit card income which resulted in increased ATM and debit card expenses during 2018 and 2019. Expenses in 2017 included a one-time early termination fee with a card provider. ATM and debit card expenses are expected to approximate 2019 levels in 2020.
Donations and community relations increased during 2019 as a result of initiatives designed to deepen and strengthen our relationship with the communities in which we operate and serve which includes an expanded footprint. In addition to providing monetary contributions, some of these initiatives include volunteering our time, which is not a component of donations and community relations costs. Expenses in 2020 are expected to approximate 2019 levels.
Loan underwriting fees increased during the second half of 2018 and continued in the first quarter of 2019 as a result of new loan products, including first time home buyer and down payment assistance programs designed to generate residential mortgage growth. Loan underwriting fees in 2019 did not exceed 2018 levels based on the nature of products offered during 2019. Additionally, loan underwriting fees in 2020 are not expected to exceed 2019 levels.
As a result of an assessment credit of $440, received during the third quarter of 2019, FDIC insurance premiums declined in 2019 as compared to 2018 expenses. As such, FDIC insurance premiums are expected to increase in 2020 and approximate 2018 levels.
The fluctuations in all other expenses are spread throughout various categories, none of which are individually significant.

25


Analysis of Changes in Financial Condition
The following table shows the composition and changes in our balance sheet as of December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
Change

2019
 
2018
 
$
 
%
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
60,572

 
$
73,471

 
$
(12,899
)
 
(17.56
)%
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost of AFS securities
423,980

 
501,245

 
(77,265
)
 
(15.41
)%
Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities
5,859

 
(6,411
)
 
12,270

 
N/M

AFS securities
429,839

 
494,834

 
(64,995
)
 
(13.13
)%
Mortgage loans AFS
904

 
358

 
546

 
152.51
 %
Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross loans
1,186,570

 
1,128,707

 
57,863

 
5.13
 %
Less allowance for loan and lease losses
7,939

 
8,375

 
(436
)
 
(5.21
)%
Net loans
1,178,631

 
1,120,332

 
58,299

 
5.20
 %
Premises and equipment
26,242

 
27,815

 
(1,573
)
 
(5.66
)%
Corporate owned life insurance policies
28,455

 
27,733

 
722

 
2.60
 %
Accrued interest receivable
6,501

 
6,928

 
(427
)
 
(6.16
)%
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values
21,629

 
24,948

 
(3,319
)
 
(13.30
)%
Goodwill and other intangible assets
48,379

 
48,451

 
(72
)
 
(0.15
)%
Other assets
13,046

 
17,632

 
(4,586
)
 
(26.01
)%
TOTAL ASSETS
$
1,814,198

 
$
1,842,502

 
$
(28,304
)
 
(1.54
)%
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
$
1,313,851

 
$
1,292,693

 
$
21,158

 
1.64
 %
Borrowed funds
275,999

 
340,299

 
(64,300
)
 
(18.90
)%
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
14,166

 
13,991

 
175

 
1.25
 %
Total liabilities
1,604,016

 
1,646,983

 
(42,967
)
 
(2.61
)%
Shareholders’ equity
210,182

 
195,519

 
14,663

 
7.50
 %
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
1,814,198

 
$
1,842,502

 
$
(28,304
)
 
(1.54
)%
As shown above, total assets declined $28,304 since December 31, 2018, primarily driven by a decline in cash and cash equivalents and AFS securities which was partially offset by continued loan growth. In the current interest rate environment, we have elected to use excess funds and proceeds from the sale of AFS securities to lend and reduce borrowed funds. As a result, the investment portfolio declined due to sales and normal calls and maturities. We experienced a $57,863 increase in loans during 2019 which was largely driven by growth in our commercial loan portfolio.
A discussion of changes in balance sheet amounts by major categories follows:
Cash and cash equivalents
Included in cash and cash equivalents are funds held with the FRB which fluctuate from period to period. Cash levels continued to be elevated at December 31, 2019. During 2019, excess funds were used to pay maturing long-term borrowings and other short-term liabilities, which is expected to continue in 2020.
AFS securities
The primary objective of our investing activities is to provide for safety of the principal invested. Secondary considerations include providing earnings and liquidity while managing our overall exposure to changes in interest rates. The current flat yield curve encourages using excess funds to reduce higher-cost borrowings and therefore, AFS securities balances are not expected to rise significantly in the near term as a result of the current rate environment.

26


The following is a schedule of the carrying value of AFS securities as of December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
Government sponsored enterprises
$

 
$
170

 
$
216

States and political subdivisions
169,752

 
190,866

 
208,474

Auction rate money market preferred
3,119

 
2,554

 
3,049

Mortgage-backed securities
140,204

 
184,484

 
208,797

Collateralized mortgage obligations
116,764

 
116,760

 
128,194

Total
$
429,839

 
$
494,834

 
$
548,730

Excluding those holdings in government sponsored enterprises and municipalities within the State of Michigan, there were no investments in securities of any one issuer that exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity during 2019, 2018, and 2017. We have a policy prohibiting investments in securities that we deem unsuitable due to their inherent credit or market risks. Prohibited investments include stripped mortgage-backed securities, zero coupon bonds, nongovernment agency asset-backed securities, and structured notes. Our holdings in mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations include only government agencies and government sponsored agencies as we hold no investments in private label mortgage-backed securities or collateralized mortgage obligations.
The following is a schedule of maturities of AFS securities and their weighted average yields as of December 31, 2019. Weighted average yields have been computed on an FTE basis using a tax rate of 21%. Our auction rate money market preferred investments are long-term floating rate instruments. The issuers of auction rate securities generally have the right to redeem or refinance the debt. Because of their lack of contractual maturities, auction rate money market preferred stocks are not reported by a specific maturity group. Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are not reported by a specific maturity group due to their variable monthly payments. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
 
Maturing
 
 
 
 
 
Within
One Year
 
After One
Year But
Within
Five Years
 
After Five
Years But
Within
Ten Years
 
After
Ten Years
 
Securities with
Variable  Monthly
Payments or
Noncontractual
Maturities
 
Amount
 
Yield (%)
 
Amount
 
Yield (%)
 
Amount
 
Yield (%)
 
Amount
 
Yield (%)
 
Amount
 
Yield (%)
States and political subdivisions
$
29,091

 
3.09
 
$
72,332

 
3.35
 
$
39,875

 
3.75
 
$
28,454

 
4.08
 
$

 
Mortgage-backed securities

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
140,204

 
2.28
Collateralized mortgage obligations

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
116,764

 
2.38
Auction rate money market preferred

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
3,119

 
6.20
Total
$
29,091

 
3.09
 
$
72,332

 
3.35
 
$
39,875

 
3.75
 
$
28,454

 
4.08
 
$
260,087

 
2.37

27


Loans
Loans are the largest component of earning assets. The proper management of credit and market risk inherent in the loan portfolio is critical to our financial well-being. To control these risks, we have adopted strict underwriting standards which include lending limits to a single borrower, loan to collateral value limits, and a defined market area. We also monitor and limit loan concentrations to specific industries. We have no foreign loans and there were no concentrations greater than 10% of total loans that are not disclosed as a separate category in the following table.
The following table presents the composition of the loan portfolio for the years ended December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Commercial
$
700,941

 
$
659,529

 
$
634,759

 
$
575,664

 
$
448,381

Agricultural
116,920

 
127,161

 
128,269

 
126,492

 
115,911

Residential real estate
298,569

 
275,343

 
272,368

 
266,050

 
251,501

Consumer
70,140

 
66,674

 
56,123

 
42,409

 
34,699

Total
$
1,186,570

 
$
1,128,707

 
$
1,091,519

 
$
1,010,615

 
$
850,492

The following table presents the change in the loan portfolio categories for the years ended December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Commercial
$
41,412

 
6.28
 %
 
$
24,770

 
3.90
 %
 
$
59,095

 
10.27
%
Agricultural
(10,241
)
 
(8.05
)%
 
(1,108
)
 
(0.86
)%
 
1,777

 
1.40
%
Residential real estate
23,226

 
8.44
 %
 
2,975

 
1.09
 %
 
6,318

 
2.37
%
Consumer
3,466

 
5.20
 %
 
10,551

 
18.80
 %
 
13,714

 
32.34
%
Total
$
57,863

 
5.13
 %
 
$
37,188

 
3.41
 %
 
$
80,904

 
8.01
%
While the competition for commercial loan opportunities continues to be strong, we experienced growth in this segment of the portfolio during 2019. Contributing to our $41,412 growth in commercial loans was $23,730 in advances to mortgage brokers. We expect continued growth in the commercial loan portfolio in 2020 as we will continue to provide attractive and competitive loan products. Over the last 12 months, agricultural loans have declined; however, we do not expect this trend to continue into 2020. Residential real estate and consumer loans have experienced growth over the last year and continued growth is expected in 2020.

Equity securities without readily determinable fair values
Included in equity securities without readily determinable fair values are restricted securities, which are carried at cost, and our joint venture investment in CSS accounted for under the equity method of accounting. As of December 31, 2019, we reduced our investment in CSS by $3,566 as a result of an impairment recognized by CSS during the fourth quarter of 2019. For more information related to this investment, refer to “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”, “Note 6 – Investment in Joint Venture”, and “Note 18 – Fair Value” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Other assets
Other assets consist primarily of prepaid expenses, OMSR, and net deferred tax assets. Changes in deferred taxes and income taxes receivable have largely contributed to the $4,586 decline in other assets during 2019. For more information related to estimates and deferred taxes, refer to “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Note 16 – Federal Income Taxes” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

28


Deposits
Deposits are our primary source of funding. The following table presents the composition of the deposit portfolio as of December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
Noninterest bearing demand deposits
$
249,152

 
$
236,534

 
$
237,511

Interest bearing demand deposits
229,865

 
235,287

 
231,666

Savings deposits
427,215

 
387,252

 
342,815

Certificates of deposit
365,049

 
358,127

 
347,279

Brokered certificates of deposit
27,458

 
62,148

 
87,247

Internet certificates of deposit
15,112

 
13,345

 
18,740

Total
$
1,313,851

 
$
1,292,693

 
$
1,265,258

The following table presents the change in the deposit categories for the years ended December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Noninterest bearing demand deposits
$
12,618

 
5.33
 %
 
$
(977
)
 
(0.41
)%
Interest bearing demand deposits
(5,422
)
 
(2.30
)%
 
3,621

 
1.56
 %
Savings deposits
39,963

 
10.32
 %
 
44,437

 
12.96
 %
Certificates of deposit
6,922

 
1.93
 %
 
10,848

 
3.12
 %
Brokered certificates of deposit
(34,690
)
 
(55.82
)%
 
(25,099
)
 
(28.77
)%
Internet certificates of deposit
1,767

 
13.24
 %
 
(5,395
)
 
(28.79
)%
Total
$
21,158

 
1.64
 %
 
$
27,435

 
2.17
 %
While total deposits have fluctuated over the past year, we experienced growth in non-contractual deposits, such as noninterest bearing demand and savings deposits. This trend is expected to continue in 2020 as we anticipate continued growth in noninterest bearing demand and savings deposits. We also experienced marginal growth in certificates of deposit over the past year. Brokered certificates of deposit offer another source of funding and may fluctuate from period to period based on our funding needs, including changes in assets such as loans and investments. In recent periods, we used excess funds to reduce higher-cost deposits, such as brokered certificates of deposit and expect this trend to continue in 2020.
The remaining maturity of certificates of deposit of $250 or more as of December 31, 2019 was as follows:
Maturity

Within 3 months
$
22,626

Within 3 to 6 months
7,804

Within 6 to 12 months
17,014

Over 12 months
48,367

Total
$
95,811

Borrowed Funds
Borrowed funds include FHLB advances, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and federal funds purchased. The balance of borrowed funds fluctuates from period to period based on our funding needs that arise from changes in loans, investments, and deposits. To provide balance sheet growth, we may utilize borrowings and brokered deposits to fund earning assets. We had no fed funds purchased for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, or 2017. The following table presents borrowed funds balances for the years ended December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
FHLB advances
$
245,000

 
$
300,000

 
$
290,000

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase without stated maturity dates
30,999

 
40,299

 
54,878

Total
$
275,999

 
$
340,299

 
$
344,878


29


For additional disclosure related to borrowed funds, see “Note 9 – Borrowed Funds” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
Included in accrued interest payable and other liabilities are obligations related to our defined benefit pension plan and other employee benefits. For more information on the defined benefit pension plan and other employee benefits, see “Note 13 – Benefit Plans” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Contractual Obligations and Loan Commitments
We have various financial obligations, including contractual obligations and commitments related to deposits and borrowings, which may require future cash payments. We also have loan related commitments that may impact liquidity. The commitments include unused lines of credit, commercial and standby letters of credit, and commitments to grant loans. These commitments to grant loans include residential mortgage loans with the majority committed to be sold to the secondary market. Many of these commitments historically have expired without being drawn upon and do not necessarily represent our future cash requirements.
For additional disclosure related to Contractual Obligations and Loan Commitments, see “Note 10 – Off-Balance-Sheet Activities, Commitments and Other Matters” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Capital
Capital consists solely of common stock, retained earnings, and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We are authorized to raise capital through dividend reinvestment, employee and director stock purchases, and shareholder stock purchases. Pursuant to these authorizations, we issued 209,583 shares or $4,876 of common stock during 2019, and 261,693 shares or $6,864 of common stock in 2018. We also offer the Directors Plan in which participants purchase stock units through deferred fees, in lieu of cash payments. Pursuant to this plan, we increased shareholders’ equity by $523 and $612 during 2019 and 2018, respectively.
We have a publicly announced common stock repurchase plan. Pursuant to this plan, we repurchased 169,748 shares or $4,003 of common stock during 2019 and 248,017 shares or $7,007 during 2018. As of December 31, 2019, we were authorized to repurchase up to an additional 247,906 shares of common stock.
The FRB has established minimum risk-based capital guidelines. Pursuant to these guidelines, a framework has been established that assigns risk weights to each category of on and off-balance-sheet items to arrive at risk adjusted total assets. Regulatory capital is divided by the risk adjusted assets with the resulting ratio compared to the minimum standard to determine whether a corporation has adequate capital. On July 2, 2013, the FRB published revised BASEL III Capital standards for banks. The final rules redefined what is included or deducted from equity capital, changed risk weighting for certain on and off-balance sheet assets, increased the minimum required equity capital to be considered well capitalized, and introduced a capital conservation buffer. The rules, which were gradually phased in between 2015 and 2019, did not have a material impact on the Corporation but do require us to hold more capital than we have historically.

Effective January 1, 2015, the minimum standard for primary, or Tier 1, capital increased from 4.00% to 6.00%. The minimum standard for total capital is 8.00%. Also effective January 1, 2015 was the new common equity tier 1 capital ratio which had a minimum requirement of 4.50%. Beginning on January 1, 2016, the capital conservation buffer went into effect which increased the required levels. The following table sets forth the minimum percentages required under the Risk Based Capital guidelines and our ratios as of December 31:
 
2019
 
2018

Actual
 
Minimum Required - BASEL III
 
Required to be Considered Well Capitalized
 
Actual
 
Minimum Required - BASEL III
 
Required to be Considered Well Capitalized
Common equity tier 1 capital
12.56
%
 
7.000
%
 
6.500
%
 
12.58
%
 
6.375
%
 
6.500
%
Tier 1 capital
12.56
%
 
8.500
%
 
8.000
%
 
12.58
%
 
7.875
%
 
8.000
%
Total capital
13.18
%
 
10.500
%
 
10.000
%
 
13.26
%
 
9.875
%
 
10.000
%
Tier 1 leverage
9.01
%
 
4.000
%
 
5.000
%
 
8.72
%
 
4.000
%
 
5.000
%

30


There are no significant regulatory constraints placed on our capital. At December 31, 2019, the Bank exceeded minimum capital requirements. For further information regarding the Bank’s capital requirements, see “Note 11 – Minimum Regulatory Capital Requirements” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Fair Value
We utilize fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. AFS securities, cash flow hedge derivative instruments and certain liabilities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, we may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as mortgage loans AFS, impaired loans, goodwill, foreclosed assets, OMSR, and certain other assets and liabilities. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the application of lower of cost or market accounting or write downs of individual assets.
For further information regarding fair value measurements, see “Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Note 18 – Fair Value” of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Liquidity
Liquidity is monitored regularly by our Market Risk Committee, which consists of members of senior management. The committee reviews projected cash flows, key ratios, and liquidity available from both primary and secondary sources.
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents and unencumbered AFS securities. These categories totaled $291,190 or 16.05% of assets as of December 31, 2019 as compared to $256,583 or 13.93% as of December 31, 2018. The increase in the percentage of primary liquidity is a direct result of an increase in market deposits and a reduction in non-market funding which required collateralization. Liquidity is important for financial institutions because of their need to meet loan funding commitments, depositor withdrawal requests, and various other commitments including expansion of operations, investment opportunities, and payment of cash dividends. Based on these same factors, daily liquidity could vary significantly.
Deposit accounts are our primary source of funds. Our secondary sources include the ability to borrow from the FHLB, from the FRB, and through various correspondent banks in the form of federal funds purchased and a line of credit. These funding methods typically carry a higher interest rate than traditional market deposit accounts. In recent periods, we have elected to use excess funds and proceeds from the sale of AFS securities to reduce borrowings and other higher-cost funding sources. Some borrowed funds, including FHLB advances, FRB Discount Window advances, and repurchase agreements, require us to pledge assets, typically in the form of AFS securities or loans, as collateral. As of December 31, 2019, we had available lines of credit of $132,897.
The following table summarizes our sources and uses of cash for the years ended December 31:
 
2019
 
2018
 
$ Variance
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
23,303

 
$
21,963

 
$
1,340

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
15,480

 
6,517

 
8,963

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(51,682
)
 
14,143

 
(65,825
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(12,899
)
 
42,623

 
(55,522
)
Cash and cash equivalents January 1
73,471

 
30,848

 
42,623

Cash and cash equivalents December 31
$
60,572

 
$
73,471

 
$
(12,899
)
Market Risk
Our primary market risks are interest rate risk and liquidity risk. IRR is the exposure of our net interest income to changes in interest rates. IRR results from the difference in the maturity or repricing frequency of a financial institution's interest earning assets and its interest bearing liabilities. IRR is the fundamental method by which financial institutions earn income and create shareholder value. Excessive exposure to IRR could pose a significant risk to our earnings and capital.
The FRB has adopted a policy requiring banks to effectively manage the various risks that can have a material impact on safety and soundness. The risks include credit, interest rate, liquidity, operational, and reputational. We have policies, procedures, and internal controls for measuring and managing these risks. Specifically, our Funds Management policy and procedures include defining acceptable types and terms of investments and funding sources, liquidity requirements, limits on investments

31


in long-term assets, limiting the mismatch in repricing opportunities of assets and liabilities, and the frequency of measuring and reporting to our Board.
The primary technique to measure IRR is simulation analysis. Simulation analysis forecasts the effects on the balance sheet structure and net interest income under a variety of scenarios that incorporate changes in interest rates, the shape of yield curves, interest rate relationships, loan prepayments, and funding sources. These forecasts are compared against net interest income projected in a stable interest rate environment. While many assets and liabilities reprice either at maturity or in accordance with their contractual terms, several balance sheet components demonstrate characteristics that require an evaluation to more accurately reflect their repricing behavior. Key assumptions in the simulation analysis include prepayments on loans, probable calls of investment securities, changes in market conditions, loan volumes and loan pricing, deposit sensitivity, and customer preferences. These assumptions are inherently uncertain as they are subject to fluctuation and revision in a dynamic rate environment. As a result, the simulation analysis cannot precisely forecast the impact of rising and falling interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to many other factors, including changes in balance sheet components, interest rate changes, changes in market conditions, and management strategies. We regularly monitor our projected net interest income sensitivity to ensure that it remains within established limits.
Gap analysis, the secondary method to measure IRR, measures the cash flows and/or the earliest repricing of our interest bearing assets and liabilities. This analysis is useful for measuring trends in the repricing characteristics of the balance sheet. Significant assumptions are required in this process because of the embedded repricing options contained in assets and liabilities. Residential real estate and consumer loans allow the borrower to repay the balance prior to maturity without penalty, while commercial and agricultural loans may have prepayment penalties. The amount of prepayments is dependent upon many factors, including the interest rate of a given loan in comparison to the current offering rates, the level of sales of used homes, and the overall availability of credit in the market place. Generally, a decrease in interest rates will result in an increase in cash flows from these assets. A significant portion of our securities are callable or have prepayment options. The call and prepayment options are more likely to be exercised in a period of decreasing interest rates. Savings and demand accounts may generally be withdrawn on request without prior notice. The timing of cash flows from these deposits is estimated based on historical experience. Certificates of deposit have penalties that discourage early withdrawals.
We do not believe there has been a material change in the nature or categories of our primary market risk exposure, or the particular markets that present the primary risk of loss. We do not know of or expect there to be any material change in the general nature of our primary market risk exposure in the near term, and we do not expect to make material changes to our market risk methods in the near term. We may change those methods in the future to adapt to changes in circumstances or to implement new techniques.
Gap analysis is also utilized as a method to measure interest rate sensitivity. Interest rate sensitivity is determined by the amount of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities repricing within a specific time period, and their relative sensitivity to a change in interest rates. We strive to achieve reasonable stability in the net interest margin through periods of changing interest rates. One specific focus of interest rate sensitivity is the loan portfolio, primarily with commercial and agricultural loans. The following table shows the maturity of commercial and agricultural loans outstanding at December 31, 2019. Also provided are the amounts due after one year, classified according to the sensitivity to changes in interest rates.

1 Year
or Less
 
1 to 5
Years
 
Over 5
Years
 
Total
Commercial and agricultural
$
151,183

 
$
426,141

 
$
240,537

 
$
817,861

Interest sensitivity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans maturing after one year that have:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed interest rates
 
 
$
354,845

 
$
137,086

 
 
Variable interest rates
 
 
71,296

 
103,451

 
 
Total
 
 
$
426,141

 
$
240,537

 
 
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The information presented in the section captioned “Market Risk” in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is incorporated herein by reference.

32


Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The following consolidated financial statements accompanied by the report of our independent registered public accounting firm are set forth beginning on the following page of this report:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Supplementary data regarding quarterly results of operations is included in Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

33


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Isabella Bank Corporation
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Opinion on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Isabella Bank Corporation as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity, income, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). We also have audited Isabella Bank Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Isabella Bank Corporation as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion Isabella Bank Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on the COSO criteria.
Basis for Opinions
Isabella Bank Corporation’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on Isabella Bank Corporations consolidated financial statements and on Isabella Bank Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated 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 Isabella Bank Corporation 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material misstatement exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A corporation’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the corporation; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the corporation are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the corporation; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the corporation’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

34


Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/Rehmann Robson LLC

We have served as Isabella Bank Corporation's independent auditor since 1996.
Saginaw, Michigan
March 16, 2020

35


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)

December 31
 
2019
 
2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 
Cash and demand deposits due from banks
$
20,311

 
$
23,534

Interest bearing balances due from banks
40,261

 
49,937

Total cash and cash equivalents
60,572

 
73,471

AFS securities, at fair value
429,839

 
494,834

Mortgage loans AFS
904

 
358

Loans
 
 
 
Commercial
700,941

 
659,529

Agricultural
116,920

 
127,161

Residential real estate
298,569

 
275,343

Consumer
70,140

 
66,674

Gross loans
1,186,570

 
1,128,707

Less allowance for loan and lease losses
7,939

 
8,375

Net loans
1,178,631

 
1,120,332

Premises and equipment
26,242

 
27,815

Corporate owned life insurance policies
28,455

 
27,733

Accrued interest receivable
6,501

 
6,928

Equity securities without readily determinable fair values
21,629

 
24,948

Goodwill and other intangible assets
48,379

 
48,451

Other assets
13,046

 
17,632

TOTAL ASSETS
$
1,814,198

 
$
1,842,502

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Deposits
 
 
 
Noninterest bearing
$
249,152

 
$
236,534

Interest bearing demand deposits
229,865

 
235,287

Certificates of deposit under $250 and other savings
739,023

 
744,944

Certificates of deposit over $250
95,811

 
75,928

Total deposits
1,313,851

 
1,292,693

Borrowed funds
275,999

 
340,299

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
14,166

 
13,991

Total liabilities
1,604,016

 
1,646,983

Shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
Common stock — no par value 15,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 7,910,804 shares (including 27,069 shares held in the Rabbi Trust) in 2019 and 7,870,969 shares (including 16,673 shares held in the Rabbi Trust) in 2018
141,069

 
140,416

Shares to be issued for deferred compensation obligations
5,043

 
5,431

Retained earnings
62,099

 
57,357

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
1,971

 
(7,685
)
Total shareholders’ equity
210,182

 
195,519

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
1,814,198

 
$
1,842,502







The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

36


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Common Shares
Outstanding
 
Amount
 
Common Shares to be
Issued for
Deferred
Compensation
Obligations
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Totals
Balance, January 1, 2017
7,821,069

 
$
139,525

 
$
5,038

 
$
46,114

 
$
(2,778
)
 
$
187,899

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 
13,237

 
543

 
13,780

Reclassification resulting from the enactment of the Tax Act

 

 

 
367

 
(367
)
 

Issuance of common stock
220,510

 
6,177

 

 

 

 
6,177

Common stock transferred from the Rabbi Trust to satisfy deferred compensation obligations

 
176

 
(176
)
 

 

 

Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan

 

 
640

 

 

 
640

Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations

 
(420
)
 

 

 

 
(420
)
Common stock repurchased pursuant to publicly announced repurchase plan
(184,286
)
 
(5,181
)
 

 

 

 
(5,181
)
Cash dividends paid ($1.02 per common share)

 

 

 
(7,990
)
 

 
(7,990
)
Balance, December 31, 2017
7,857,293

 
140,277

 
5,502

 
51,728

 
(2,602
)
 
194,905

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 
14,021

 
(5,306
)
 
8,715

Adoption of ASU 2016-01

 

 

 
(223
)
 
223

 

Issuance of common stock
261,693

 
6,864

 

 

 

 
6,864

Common stock transferred from the Rabbi Trust to satisfy deferred compensation obligations

 
683

 
(683
)
 

 

 

Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan

 

 
612

 

 

 
612

Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations

 
(401
)
 

 

 

 
(401
)
Common stock repurchased pursuant to publicly announced repurchase plan
(248,017
)
 
(7,007
)
 

 

 

 
(7,007
)
Cash dividends paid ($1.04 per common share)

 

 

 
(8,169
)
 

 
(8,169
)
Balance, December 31, 2018
7,870,969

 
140,416

 
5,431

 
57,357

 
(7,685
)
 
195,519

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 
13,024

 
9,656

 
22,680

Issuance of common stock
209,583

 
4,876

 

 

 

 
4,876

Common stock transferred from the Rabbi Trust to satisfy deferred compensation obligations

 
911

 
(911
)
 

 

 

Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan

 

 
523

 

 

 
523

Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations

 
(1,131
)
 

 

 

 
(1,131
)
Common stock repurchased pursuant to publicly announced repurchase plan
(169,748
)
 
(4,003
)
 

 

 

 
(4,003
)
Cash dividends paid ($1.05 per common share)

 

 

 
(8,282
)
 

 
(8,282
)
Balance, December 31, 2019
7,910,804

 
$
141,069

 
$
5,043

 
$
62,099

 
$
1,971

 
$
210,182




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

37


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

Year Ended December 31
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
$
54,192

 
$
49,229

 
$
43,537

AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
7,185

 
8,239

 
8,410

Nontaxable
4,728

 
5,279

 
5,570

Federal funds sold and other
1,201

 
1,117

 
896

Total interest income
67,306

 
63,864

 
58,413

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
11,608

 
9,261

 
6,809

Borrowings
6,253

 
6,370

 
5,685

Total interest expense
17,861

 
15,631

 
12,494

Net interest income
49,445

 
48,233

 
45,919

Provision for loan losses
30

 
978

 
253

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
49,415

 
47,255

 
45,666

Noninterest income
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges and fees
6,347

 
6,210

 
6,013

Investment and Trust advisory fees
2,792

 
2,836

 
2,607

Earnings on corporate owned life insurance policies
764

 
742

 
756

Net gain on sale of mortgage loans
650

 
525

 
647

Net gains on foreclosed assets
162

 
49

 
50

Net gains on sale of AFS securities
6

 

 
142

Net income (loss) on joint venture investment
(3,108
)
 
274

 
164

Other
426

 
345

 
461

Total noninterest income
8,039

 
10,981

 
10,840

Noninterest expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
23,205

 
22,609

 
21,525

Furniture and equipment
5,866

 
6,055

 
5,407

Occupancy
3,418

 
3,263

 
3,133

Other
10,561

 
10,925

 
10,188

Total noninterest expenses
43,050

 
42,852

 
40,253

Income before federal income tax expense
14,404

 
15,384

 
16,253

Federal income tax expense
1,380

 
1,363

 
3,016

NET INCOME
$
13,024

 
$
14,021

 
$
13,237

Earnings per common share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.65

 
$
1.78

 
$
1.69

Diluted
$
1.61

 
$
1.74

 
$
1.65

Cash dividends per common share
$
1.05

 
$
1.04

 
$
1.02










The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

38


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)

Year Ended December 31
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Net income
$
13,024

 
$
14,021

 
$
13,237

Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
12,276

 
(7,229
)
 
289

Reclassification adjustment for net realized (gains) losses included in net income
(6
)
 

 
(142
)
Comprehensive income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit
12,270

 
(7,229
)
 
147

Tax effect (1)
(2,458
)
 
1,415

 
89

Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities, net of tax
9,812

 
(5,814
)
 
236

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments arising during the period
(256
)
 
33

 
43

Tax effect (1)
54

 
(7
)
 
(15
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of tax
(202
)
 
26

 
28

Change in unrecognized pension cost on defined benefit pension plan
 
 
 
 
 
Change in unrecognized pension cost arising during the period
(210
)
 
265

 
11

Reclassification adjustment for net periodic benefit cost included in net income
268

 
345

 
412

Net change in unrecognized pension cost
58

 
610

 
423

Tax effect (1)
(12
)
 
(128
)
 
(144
)
Change in unrealized pension cost, net of tax
46

 
482

 
279

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
9,656

 
(5,306
)
 
543

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
22,680

 
$
8,715

 
$
13,780

(1) 
See “Note 17 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)” in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements for tax effect reconciliation.



























The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

39


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)

Year Ended December 31
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
13,024

 
$
14,021

 
$
13,237

Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Undistributed earnings of equity securities without readily determinable fair values
3,320

 
(144
)
 
40

Provision for loan losses
30

 
978

 
253

Depreciation
2,908

 
2,940

 
2,902

Amortization of OMSR
307

 
218

 
340

Amortization of acquisition intangibles
72

 
96

 
119

Net amortization of AFS securities
1,784

 
1,873

 
2,144

Net unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities, at fair value

 
41

 

Net (gains) losses on sale of AFS securities
(6
)
 

 
(142
)
Net (gains) losses on sale of equity securities, at fair value

 
(1
)
 

Net gain on sale of mortgage loans
(650
)
 
(525
)
 
(647
)
Net gains on foreclosed assets
(162
)
 
(49
)
 
(50
)
Increase in cash value of corporate owned life insurance policies, net of expenses
(722
)
 
(707
)
 
(726
)
Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan
523

 
612

 
640

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
408

 
275

 
2,836

Origination of loans held-for-sale
(39,937
)
 
(29,242
)
 
(36,276
)
Proceeds from loan sales
40,041

 
30,969

 
37,179

Net changes in operating assets and liabilities which provided (used) cash:
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest receivable
427

 
135

 
(483
)
Other assets
1,299

 
115

 
799

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
637

 
358

 
(2,497
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
23,303

 
21,963

 
19,668

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Activity in AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
33,840

 

 
12,827

Maturities, calls, and principal payments
81,543

 
80,005

 
97,617

Purchases
(39,896
)
 
(35,211
)
 
(106,510
)
Sale of equity securities, at fair value

 
3,537

 

Net loan principal (originations) collections
(58,974
)
 
(37,958
)
 
(81,188
)
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed assets
706

 
450

 
322

Purchases of premises and equipment
(1,335
)
 
(2,305
)
 
(2,038
)
Purchases of FHLB Stock

 
(1,350
)
 
(1,800
)
Funding of low income housing tax credit investments
(404
)
 
(651
)
 
(932
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
15,480

 
6,517

 
(81,702
)

40


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
$
21,158

 
$
27,435

 
$
70,218

Net increase (decrease) in borrowed funds
(64,300
)
 
(4,579
)
 
7,184

Cash dividends paid on common stock
(8,282
)
 
(8,169
)
 
(7,990
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
4,876

 
6,864

 
6,177

Common stock repurchased
(4,003
)
 
(7,007
)
 
(5,181
)
Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations
(1,131
)
 
(401
)
 
(420
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(51,682
)
 
14,143

 
69,988

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(12,899
)
 
42,623

 
7,954

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
73,471

 
30,848

 
22,894

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
60,572

 
$
73,471

 
$
30,848

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
17,827

 
$
15,485

 
$
12,388

Income taxes paid
745

 
50

 
3,120

SUPPLEMENTAL NONCASH INFORMATION:
 
 
 
 
 
Transfers of loans to foreclosed assets
$
645

 
$
467

 
$
331



































The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

41


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CONSOLIDATION: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Isabella Bank Corporation, a financial services holding company, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Isabella Bank. All intercompany balances and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. References to “the Corporation”, “Isabella”, “we”, “our”, “us”, and similar terms refer to the consolidated entity consisting of Isabella Bank Corporation and its subsidiary. References to Isabella Bank or the “Bank” refers to Isabella Bank Corporation’s subsidiary, Isabella Bank.
For additional information, see “Note 19 – Related Party Transactions.”
NATURE OF OPERATIONS: Isabella Bank Corporation is a financial services holding company offering a wide array of financial products and services in several mid-Michigan counties. Our banking subsidiary, Isabella Bank, offers banking services through 30 locations, 24 hour banking services locally and nationally through shared automatic teller machines, 24 hour online banking, mobile banking, and direct deposits to businesses, institutions, individuals and their families. Lending services offered include commercial loans, agricultural loans, residential real estate loans, and consumer loans. Deposit services include interest and noninterest bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, direct deposits, cash management services, mobile and internet banking, electronic bill pay services, and automated teller machines. Other related financial products include trust and investment services, safe deposit box rentals, and credit life insurance. Active competition, principally from other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, mortgage brokers, finance companies, credit unions, and retail brokerage firms exists in all of our principal markets. Our results of operations can be significantly affected by changes in interest rates, changes in the local economic environment and changes in regulations.
USE OF ESTIMATES: In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting year. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the ALLL, the fair value of AFS investment securities, the valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets and equity securities without readily determinable fair values related to our ownership interest in Corporate Settlement Solutions, LLC (“CSS”).
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: Fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts such sales or transfers based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability. Assumptions are developed based on prioritizing information within a fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data, such as the reporting entity’s own data. We may choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates.
For assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, it is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements for those financial instruments for which there is an active market. In cases where the market for a financial asset or liability is not active, we include appropriate risk adjustments that market participants would make for nonperformance and liquidity risks when developing fair value measurements. Fair value measurements for assets and liabilities for which limited or no observable market data exists are accordingly based primarily upon estimates, are often calculated based on the economic and competitive environment, the characteristics of the asset or liability and other factors. Therefore, the results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability. Additionally, there may be inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique, and changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future values.
We utilize fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Investment securities AFS and derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, we may be required to record other assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, such as mortgage loans AFS, impaired loans, foreclosed assets, OMSR, goodwill, and certain other assets and liabilities. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the application of lower of cost or market accounting or write downs of individual assets.

42


Fair Value Hierarchy
Under fair value measurement and disclosure authoritative guidance, we group assets and liabilities measured at fair value into three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded, and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value, based on the prioritization of inputs in the valuation techniques. These levels are:
Level 1:
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
Level 2:
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
Level 3:
Valuation is generated from model based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Transfers between measurement levels are recognized at the end of reporting periods.
For further discussion of fair value considerations, refer to “Note 18 – Fair Value.”
SIGNIFICANT GROUP CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK: Most of our activities are conducted with customers located within the central Michigan area. A significant amount of our outstanding loans are secured by commercial and residential real estate. Other than these types of loans, there is no significant concentration to any other industry or any one customer.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and balances due from banks, federal funds sold, and other deposit accounts. Generally, federal funds sold are for a one day period. We maintain deposit accounts in various financial institutions which generally exceed federally insured limits or are not insured. We do not believe we are exposed to any significant interest, credit or other financial risk as a result of these deposits.
AFS SECURITIES: Purchases of investment securities are generally classified as AFS. However, we may elect to classify securities as either held to maturity or trading. Securities classified as AFS debt securities are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of the effect of deferred income taxes, excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. Included in AFS securities are auction rate money market preferred securities. These investments, for federal income tax purposes, have no federal income tax impact given the nature of the investments. Auction rate money market preferred securities are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the term of the securities. Realized gains and losses on the sale of AFS securities are determined using the specific identification method.
AFS securities are reviewed quarterly for possible OTTI. In determining whether an OTTI exists for debt securities, we assert that: (a) we do not have the intent to sell the security; and (b) it is more likely than not we will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. If these conditions are not met, we recognize an OTTI charge through earnings for the difference between the debt security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value, and such amount is included in noninterest income. For debt securities that do not meet the above criteria, and we do not expect to recover the security’s amortized cost basis, the security is considered other-than-temporarily impaired. For these debt securities, we separate the total impairment into the credit risk loss component and the amount of the loss related to market and other risk factors. In order to determine the amount of the credit loss for a debt security, we calculate the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows we expect to recover. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit risk is recognized in earnings and is included in noninterest income. The amount of the total OTTI related to other risk factors is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. For debt securities that have recognized OTTI through earnings, if through subsequent evaluation there is a significant increase in the cash flow expected, the difference between the amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted as interest income.
LOANS: Loans that we have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at their outstanding principal balance adjusted for any charge-offs, the ALLL, and any deferred fees or costs. Interest income on loans is accrued over the term of the loan based on the principal amount outstanding. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are capitalized and recognized as a component of interest income over the term of the loan using the appropriate yield methods.

43


The accrual of interest on agricultural, commercial and mortgage loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days or more past due unless the credit is well secured and in the process of collection. Consumer loans are typically charged-off no later than 180 days past due. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed in nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. For loans that are placed on nonaccrual status or charged-off, all interest accrued in the current calendar year, but not collected, is reversed against interest income while interest accrued in prior calendar years, but not collected is charged against the ALLL. Interest income on loans in nonaccrual status is not recognized until qualifying for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. For impaired loans not classified as nonaccrual, interest income continues to be accrued over the term of the loan based on the principal amount outstanding.
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES: The ALLL is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectability of the loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
We evaluate the ALLL on a regular basis. Our periodic review of the collectability of loans considers historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
The ALLL consists of specific, general, and unallocated components. The specific component relates to loans that are deemed to be impaired. For such loans that are analyzed for specific allowance allocations, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows or collateral value, less costs to sell, of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current conditions. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that we believe affect our estimate of probable losses based on qualitative factors. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.
Loans may be classified as impaired if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
1.
There has been a charge-off of its principal balance;
2.
The loan has been classified as a TDR; or
3.
The loan is in nonaccrual status.
Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller-balance, homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.
LOANS HELD FOR SALE: Mortgage loans held for sale on the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or fair value as determined by aggregating outstanding commitments from investors or current investor yield requirements. Net unrealized losses, if any, would be recognized as a component of other noninterest expenses.
Mortgage loans held for sale are sold with the mortgage servicing rights retained by us. Gains or losses on sales of mortgage loans are recognized based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related mortgage loans sold.
TRANSFERS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS: Transfers of financial assets, including mortgage loans and participation loans, are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is determined to be surrendered when 1) the assets have been legally isolated from us, 2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of the right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and 3) we do not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Other than servicing, we have no substantive continuing involvement related to these loans.
SERVICING: Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets. We have no purchased servicing rights. For sales of mortgage loans, a portion of the cost of originating the loan is allocated to the servicing right based on relative fair value. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.

44


Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into tranches based on predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type, and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual tranche, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the tranche. If we later determine that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular tranche, a reduction of the valuation allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. The unpaid principal balance of mortgages serviced for others was $259,375 and $259,481 with capitalized servicing rights of $2,264 and $2,434 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which are included in other assets.
Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans for others. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned. We recorded servicing fee revenue of $626, $651, and $671 related to residential mortgage loans serviced for others during 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, which is included in other noninterest income.
FORECLOSED ASSETS: Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at the lower of our carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of transfer, establishing a new cost basis. Any write downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the ALLL. After foreclosure, property held for sale is carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less costs to sell. Impairment losses on property to be held and used are measured at the amount by which the carrying amount of property exceeds its fair value. Costs relating to holding these assets are expensed as incurred. We periodically perform valuations and any subsequent write downs are recorded as a charge to operations, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of a property to the lower of our carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Foreclosed assets of $456 and $355 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, are included in other assets.
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT: Land is carried at cost. Buildings and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation which is computed principally by the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 3 to 40 years. Major improvements are capitalized and appropriately amortized based upon the useful lives of the related assets or the expected terms of the leases, if shorter, using the straight-line method. Maintenance, repairs and minor alterations are charged to current operations as expenditures occur. We annually review these assets to determine whether carrying values have been impaired.
EQUITY SECURITIES WITHOUT READILY DETERMINABLE FAIR VALUES: Included in equity securities without readily determinable fair values are our holdings in FHLB stock and FRB stock as well as our joint venture investment in CSS. Our investment in CSS was made in 2008. We are not the managing entity of CSS and account for our investment under the equity method of accounting.
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values consist of the following holdings as of December 31:

2019
 
2018
FHLB Stock
$
15,050

 
$
15,050

Investment in joint venture
4,246

 
7,565

FRB Stock
1,999

 
1,999

Other
334

 
334

Total
$
21,629

 
$
24,948

For further discussion of our joint venture investment, refer to “Note 6 – Investment in Joint Venture.”
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN: At December 31, 2019, the Directors Plan had 205,004 shares eligible to be issued to participants, for which the Rabbi Trust held 27,069 shares. We had 220,171 shares to be issued at December 31, 2018, with 16,673 shares held in the Rabbi Trust. Compensation costs relating to share-based payment transactions are recognized as the services are rendered, with the cost measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued (see “Note 13 – Benefit Plans”).
CORPORATE OWNED LIFE INSURANCE: We have purchased life insurance policies on key members of management, partially for the purpose of funding certain post-retirement benefits. In the event of death of one of these individuals, we would receive a specified cash payment equal to the face value of the policy. Such policies are recorded at their cash surrender value, or the amount that can be realized on the balance sheet date. Increases in cash surrender value in excess of single premiums paid are reported as other noninterest income.

45


Of the purchased life insurance policies, we hold post retirement benefits with a present value estimated to be $2,875 and $2,751 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which is included in accrued interest payable and other liabilities. The expenses associated with these policies totaled $125, $0, and $577 for 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
ACQUISITION INTANGIBLES AND GOODWILL: We previously acquired branch facilities and related deposits in business combinations accounted for as a purchase. The acquisitions included amounts related to the valuation of customer deposit relationships (core deposit intangibles). Core deposit intangibles arising from acquisitions are included in goodwill and other intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated lives and evaluated for potential impairment on at least an annual basis. Goodwill, which represents the excess of the purchase price over identifiable assets, is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment on at least an annual basis. Acquisition intangibles and goodwill are typically qualitatively evaluated to determine if it is more likely than not that the carrying balance is impaired. If it is determined that the carrying balance is more likely than not to be impaired, we perform a cash flow valuation to determine the extent of the potential impairment. This valuation method requires a significant degree of our judgment. In the event the projected undiscounted net operating cash flows for these intangible assets are less than the carrying value, the asset is recorded at fair value as determined by the valuation model.
OFF BALANCE SHEET CREDIT RELATED FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: In the ordinary course of business, we have entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under credit card arrangements, commercial lines of credit, home equity lines of credit, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded only when funded.
REVENUE RECOGNITION: Our revenue is comprised primarily of interest income, service charges and fees, gains on the sale of loans and AFS securities, earnings on corporate owned life insurance policies, and other noninterest income. Other noninterest income is typically service and performance driven in nature and comprised primarily of investment and trust advisory fees. We recognize revenue, excluding interest income and other income specifically scoped out, in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers. Revenue is recognized when our performance obligation has been satisfied according to our contractual obligation.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES: Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax assets or liabilities are determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax basis on the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. Valuation allowances are established, where necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Income tax expense is the tax payable or refundable for the year plus or minus the change during the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was enacted. The law established a flat corporate federal statutory income tax rate of 21%. In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, the effect of income tax law changes on deferred taxes was recognized as a component of income tax expense related to continuing operations in the period in which the law was enacted. As such, federal income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 reflects the effect of the tax rate change on net deferred tax assets and liabilities (see “Note 16 – Federal Income Taxes” and “Note 17 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)”).
We analyze our filing positions in the jurisdictions where we are required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. We also treat interest and penalties attributable to income taxes, to the extent they arise, as a component of our noninterest expenses.
DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN: We maintain a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, which was curtailed effective March 1, 2007. The service cost component of the defined benefit pension plan is included in “compensation and benefits” on the consolidated statements of income and is funded consistent with the requirements of federal laws and regulations. All other costs related to the defined benefit pension plan are included in “other” noninterest expenses on the consolidated statements of income. The current benefit obligation is included in "accrued interest payable and other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets. Inherent in the determination of defined benefit pension costs are assumptions concerning future events that will affect the amount and timing of required benefit payments under the plan. These assumptions include demographic assumptions such as mortality, a discount rate used to determine the current benefit obligation and a long-term expected rate of return on plan assets. Net periodic benefit cost includes the interest cost based on the assumed discount rate, an expected return on plan assets based on an actuarially derived market-related value of assets, and amortization of unrecognized net actuarial gains or losses. Actuarial gains and losses result from experience different from that assumed and from changes in assumptions (excluding asset gains and losses not yet reflected in market-related value). Amortization of actuarial gains and losses is included as a component of net periodic defined benefit pension cost.
For additional information, see “Note 13 – Benefit Plans.”

46


MARKETING COSTS: Marketing costs are expensed as incurred (see “Note 15 – Other Noninterest Expenses”).
RECLASSIFICATIONS: Certain amounts reported in the 2018 and 2017 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 2019 presentation. Other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets were increased by $5,195 as of December 31, 2018 to reclassify pension and income tax related liabilities (pension: $3,470, income taxes: $1,725). This resulted in a $5,195 increase in total assets and total liabilities as of December 31, 2018. All other balances and ratios were not materially impacted.
Note 2 – Accounting Standards Updates
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates
ASU No. 2016-02: “Leases (Topic 842)”
In February 2016, ASU No. 2016-02 was issued to create Topic 842 - Leases which requires recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for leases previously classified as operating leases. Accounting guidance is for both lessee and lessor accounting. Under lessee accounting, a lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term.
For finance leases, a lessee is required to do the following: 1) recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in the statement of financial position; 2) recognize interest on the lease liability separately from amortization of the right-of-use asset in the statement of comprehensive income; and 3) classify repayments of the principal portion of the lease liability within financing activities and payments of interest on the lease liability and variable lease payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. For operating leases, a lessee is required to do the following: 1) recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in the statement of financial position; 2) recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term on a generally straight-line basis; and 3) classify all cash payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows.
The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from that applied under previous GAAP. The new authoritative guidance was effective on January 1, 2019. We reviewed our lease agreements to determine the appropriate treatment under this guidance. These changes resulted in the recognition of a $72 operating lease asset and liability on the consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 which was restated prospectively. Given the current insignificant impact to our operating results, further financial statement disclosures were not considered necessary as of December 31, 2019.
Pending Accounting Standards Updates
ASU No. 2016-13: “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”
In June 2016, ASU No. 2016-13 was issued and updated the measurement for credit losses for AFS debt securities and assets measured at amortized cost which include loans, trade receivables, and any other financial assets with the contractual right to receive cash. Current GAAP requires an “incurred loss” methodology for recognizing credit losses that delays recognition until it is probable a loss has been incurred. Under the incurred loss approach, entities are limited to a probable initial recognition threshold when credit losses are measured under GAAP; an entity generally only considers past events and current conditions in measuring the incurred loss.
Under the new guidance, the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP is replaced with a methodology that reflects current expected credit losses (CECL). This methodology requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to calculate credit loss estimates. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. An entity must use judgment in determining the relevant information and estimation methods that are appropriate in its circumstances which applies to assets measured either collectively or individually.
The update allows an entity to revert to historical loss information that is reflective of the contractual term (considering the effect of prepayments) for periods that are beyond the time frame for which the entity is able to develop reasonable and supportable forecasts. In addition, the disclosures of credit quality indicators in relation to the amortized cost of financing receivables, a current disclosure requirement, are further disaggregated by year of origination (or vintage). The vintage information will be useful for financial statement users to better assess changes in underwriting standards and credit quality trends in asset portfolios over time and the effect of those changes on credit losses.

47


Overall, the update will allow entities the ability to measure expected credit losses without the restriction of incurred or probable losses that exist under current GAAP. For users of the financial statements, the update requires disclosure of 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. The new authoritative guidance was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 for select filers. Effective October 16, 2019, the FASB approved changes to the implementation date of this guidance for some filers. As a small reporting company, as defined by the SEC, our implementation date was delayed from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2023. Early adoption continues to be permissible under the revised implementation date; currently we have no plans for early adoption. This guidance may have a significant impact on our operations and financial statement disclosures as well as that of the banking industry as a whole.
We have invested a considerable amount of effort toward this guidance and will continue to invest considerable effort until our implementation date. A committee was formed and is accountable for timely and accurate adoption of the guidance. A service provider that has focused on the ALLL for more than 10 years and serves hundreds of financial institutions has been engaged to provide us with education, advisory, and software solutions exclusively related to the ACL. We will run parallel processes which will help to ensure we are ready to calculate, review, and report the ACL by the required implementation date.
ASU No. 2018-13: “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement”
In August 2018, ASU No. 2018-13 was issued and provided an updated framework related to fair value disclosures. For entities required to make disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements, the update provides disclosure modifications which include the removal, modification and addition of specific disclosure requirements.
The new authoritative guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and will impact our financial statement disclosures.
ASU No. 2018-14: “Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Pension Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans”
In August 2018, ASU No. 2018-14 was issued and provided an updated framework related to defined benefit plans. For employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans, the update provides disclosure modifications which include the removal of six specific requirements, the addition of two specific requirements and clarification to existing requirements.
Disclosure additions include 1) the weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans and other plans with promised interest crediting rates; 2) an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. Clarification items relate to 1) the projected benefit obligation (PBO) and fair value of plan assets for plans with PBOs in excess of plan assets; and 2) the accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) and fair value of plan assets for plans with ABOs in excess of plan assets.
The new authoritative guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted, and will likely impact our financial statement disclosures.
ASU No. 2018-15: “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract”
In August 2018, ASU No. 2018-15 was issued and provided guidance on the accounting for implementation, setup, and other upfront costs (collectively referred to as implementation costs) for entities that are a customer in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract. The guidance also provides clarification on requirements to capitalize implementation costs and the required accounting for expenses related to capitalization of implementation costs.
The new authoritative guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Based on prospective approach, we will review future arrangements to determine the appropriate treatment under this guidance. These changes are not expected to have a significant impact on our operating results or financial statement disclosures upon adoption.

48


Note 3 – AFS Securities
The amortized cost and fair value of AFS securities, with gross unrealized gains and losses, are as follows as of December 31:
 
2019

Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
States and political subdivisions
$
165,005

 
$
4,747

 
$

 
$
169,752

Auction rate money market preferred
3,200

 

 
81

 
3,119

Mortgage-backed securities
139,831

 
933

 
560

 
140,204

Collateralized mortgage obligations
115,944

 
1,007

 
187

 
116,764

Total
$
423,980

 
$
6,687

 
$
828

 
$
429,839

 
2018

Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Government sponsored enterprises
$
172

 
$

 
$
2

 
$
170

States and political subdivisions
188,992

 
2,125

 
251

 
190,866

Auction rate money market preferred
3,200

 

 
646

 
2,554

Mortgage-backed securities
189,688

 
76

 
5,280

 
184,484

Collateralized mortgage obligations
119,193

 
71

 
2,504

 
116,760

Total
$
501,245

 
$
2,272

 
$
8,683

 
$
494,834

The amortized cost and fair value of AFS securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2019 are as follows:
 
Maturing
 
Securities with Variable Monthly Payments or Noncontractual Maturities
 
 

Due in
One Year
or Less
 
After One
Year But
Within
Five Years
 
After Five
Years But
Within
Ten Years
 
After
Ten Years
 
 
Total
States and political subdivisions
$
28,932

 
$
70,795

 
$
38,342

 
$
26,936

 
$

 
$
165,005

Auction rate money market preferred

 

 

 

 
3,200

 
3,200

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 
139,831

 
139,831

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

 

 

 
115,944

 
115,944

Total amortized cost
$
28,932

 
$
70,795

 
$
38,342

 
$
26,936

 
$
258,975

 
$
423,980

Fair value
$
29,091

 
$
72,332

 
$
39,875

 
$
28,454

 
$
260,087

 
$
429,839

Expected maturities for government sponsored enterprises and states and political subdivisions may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
As the auction rate money market preferred investments have continual call dates, they are not reported by a specific maturity group. Because of their variable monthly payments, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are not reported by a specific maturity group.
A summary of the sales activity of AFS securities during the years ended December 31 is displayed in the following table.
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Proceeds from sales of AFS securities
$
33,840

 
$

 
$
12,827

Realized gains (losses)
$
6

 
$

 
$
142

Applicable income tax expense (benefit) (1)
$
1

 
$

 
$
48

(1) Calculations are based on a federal income tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 34% in 2017.

49


The following information pertains to AFS securities with gross unrealized losses at December 31 aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position.
 
2019
 
Less Than Twelve Months
 
Twelve Months or More
 
 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
States and political subdivisions
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Auction rate money market preferred

 

 
81

 
3,119

 
81

Mortgage-backed securities
3

 
3,974

 
557

 
49,701

 
560

Collateralized mortgage obligations
43

 
20,262

 
144

 
13,309

 
187

Total
$
46

 
$
24,236

 
$
782

 
$
66,129

 
$
828

Number of securities in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
9

 
 
 
19

 
28

 
2018
 
Less Than Twelve Months
 
Twelve Months or More
 
 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
Government sponsored enterprises
$

 
$

 
$
2

 
$
170

 
$
2

States and political subdivisions
83

 
14,732

 
168

 
15,090

 
251

Auction rate money market preferred

 

 
646

 
2,554

 
646

Mortgage-backed securities
896

 
43,485

 
4,384

 
124,253

 
5,280

Collateralized mortgage obligations
199

 
21,886

 
2,305

 
87,929

 
2,504

Total
$
1,178

 
$
80,103

 
$
7,505

 
$
229,996

 
$
8,683

Number of securities in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
66

 
 
 
102

 
168

The reduction in unrealized losses on our AFS securities portfolio resulted from recent decreases in intermediate-term and long-term benchmark interest rates.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we conducted an analysis to determine whether any AFS securities currently in an unrealized loss position should be identified as other-than-temporarily impaired. Such analyses considered, among other factors, the following criteria:
Has the value of the investment declined more than what is deemed to be reasonable based on a risk and maturity adjusted discount rate?
Is the investment credit rating below investment grade?
Is it probable the issuer will be unable to pay the amount when due?
Is it more likely than not that we will have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis?
Has the duration of the investment been extended?
Based on our analysis, which included the criteria outlined above and the fact that we have asserted that we do not have to sell any AFS securities in an unrealized loss position, we do not believe that the values of any AFS securities are other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, with the exception of one municipal bond previously identified which had no activity during the period.

50


Note 4 – Loans and ALLL
We grant commercial, agricultural, residential real estate, and consumer loans to customers situated primarily in Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Saginaw counties in Michigan. The ability of the borrowers to honor their repayment obligations is often dependent upon the real estate, agricultural, manufacturing, retail, gaming, tourism, higher education, and general economic conditions of this region. Substantially all of our consumer and residential real estate loans are secured by various items of property, while commercial loans are secured primarily by real estate, business assets, and personal guarantees. A portion of loans are unsecured.
Loans that we have the intent and ability to hold in our portfolio are reported at their outstanding principal balance adjusted for any charge-offs, the ALLL, and any deferred fees or costs. Interest income is accrued over the term of the loan based on the principal amount outstanding. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are capitalized and recognized as a component of interest income over the term of the loan using the appropriate amortization methods.
The accrual of interest on commercial and agricultural loans, as well as residential real estate loans, is discontinued at the time a loan is 90 days or more past due unless the credit is well-secured and in the process of short-term collection. Upon transferring a loan to nonaccrual status, we perform an evaluation to determine the net realizable value of the underlying collateral. This evaluation is used to help determine if a charge-off is necessary. Consumer loans are typically charged-off no later than 180 days past due. Past due status is based on the contractual term of the loan. In all cases, a loan is placed in nonaccrual status or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.
When a loan is placed in nonaccrual status or charged-off, all interest accrued in the current calendar year, but not collected, is reversed against interest income while interest accrued in prior calendar years, but not collected, is charged against the ALLL. Loans may be returned to accrual status after six months of continuous performance and achievement of current payment status.
Commercial and agricultural loans include loans for commercial real estate, commercial operating loans, advances to mortgage brokers, farmland and agricultural production, and loans to states and political subdivisions. Repayment of these loans is dependent upon the successful operation and management of a business. We minimize our risk by limiting the amount of direct credit exposure to any one borrower to $15,000. Borrowers with direct credit needs of more than $15,000 may be serviced through the use of loan participations with other commercial banks. Commercial and agricultural real estate loans commonly require loan-to-value limits of 80% or less. Depending upon the type of loan, past credit history, and current operating results, we may require the borrower to pledge accounts receivable, inventory, property, or equipment. Personal guarantees are generally required from the owners of closely held corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. In addition, we may require annual financial statements, prepare cash flow analyses, and review credit reports.
We entered into a mortgage purchase program in 2016 with a financial institution where we participate in advances to mortgage brokers (“advances”). The mortgage brokers originate residential mortgage loans with the intent to sell them on the secondary market. We participate in the advance to the mortgage broker, which is secured by the underlying mortgage loan, until it is ultimately sold on the secondary market. As such, the average life of each participated advance is approximately 20-30 days. Funds from the sale of the loan are used to pay off our participation in the advance to the mortgage broker. We classify these advances as commercial loans and include the outstanding balance in commercial loans on our consolidated balance sheets. Under the participation agreement, we committed to a maximum outstanding aggregate amount of $50,000. The difference between our outstanding balance and the maximum outstanding aggregate amount is classified as “Unfunded commitments under lines of credit” in the “Contractual Obligations and Loan Commitments” section of the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this report.
We offer adjustable rate mortgages, construction loans, and fixed rate residential real estate loans which have amortization periods up to a maximum of 30 years. We consider the anticipated direction of interest rates, balance sheet duration, the sensitivity of our balance sheet to changes in interest rates, our liquidity needs, and overall loan demand to determine whether or not to sell fixed rate loans to Freddie Mac.
Our lending policies generally limit the maximum loan-to-value ratio on residential real estate loans to 100% of the lower of the appraised value of the property or the purchase price. Private mortgage insurance is typically required on loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of 80% unless the loan qualifies for government guarantees.

51


Underwriting criteria for residential real estate loans generally include:
Evaluation of the borrower’s ability to make monthly payments.
Evaluation of the value of the property securing the loan.
Ensuring the payment of principal, interest, taxes, and hazard insurance does not exceed 28% of a borrower’s gross income.
Ensuring all debt servicing does not exceed 40% of income.
Verification of acceptable credit reports.
Verification of employment, income, and financial information.
Appraisals are performed by independent appraisers and are reviewed for appropriateness. Generally, mortgage loan requests are reviewed by our mortgage loan committee or through a secondary market underwriting system; loans in excess of $1,000 require the approval of our Internal Loan Committee, the Executive Loan Committee, the Board of Directors’ Loan Committee, or the Board of Directors.
Consumer loans include secured and unsecured personal loans. Loans are amortized for a period of up to 15 years based on the age and value of the underlying collateral. The underwriting emphasis is on a borrower’s perceived intent and ability to pay rather than collateral value. No consumer loans are sold to the secondary market.
The ALLL is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the ALLL when we believe the uncollectability of the loan balance is probable. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ALLL.
The ALLL is evaluated on a regular basis for appropriateness. Our periodic review of the collectability of a loan considers historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
The primary factors behind the determination of the level of the ALLL are specific allocations for impaired loans, historical loss percentages, as well as unallocated components. Specific allocations for impaired loans are primarily determined based on the difference between the loan’s outstanding balance and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. Historical loss allocations are calculated at the loan class and segment levels based on a migration analysis of the loan portfolio, with the exception of advances to mortgage brokers, over the preceding five years. With no historical losses on advances to mortgage brokers, there is no allocation in the commercial segment displayed in the following tables. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.
A summary of changes in the ALLL and the recorded investment in loans by segments follows:

Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Year Ended December 31, 2019
 
Commercial
 
Agricultural
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
January 1, 2019
$
2,563

 
$
775

 
$
1,992

 
$
857

 
$
2,188

 
$
8,375

Charge-offs
(143
)
 
(240
)
 
(99
)
 
(466
)
 

 
(948
)
Recoveries
123

 
3

 
189

 
167

 

 
482

Provision for loan losses
(629
)
 
96

 
(35
)
 
364

 
234

 
30

December 31, 2019
$
1,914

 
$
634

 
$
2,047

 
$
922

 
$
2,422

 
$
7,939

 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Year Ended December 31, 2018

Commercial
 
Agricultural
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
January 1, 2018
$
1,706

 
$
611

 
$
2,563

 
$
900

 
$
1,920

 
$
7,700

Charge-offs
(575
)
 
(51
)
 
(151
)
 
(324
)
 

 
(1,101
)
Recoveries
325

 
3

 
261

 
209

 

 
798

Provision for loan losses
1,107

 
212

 
(681
)
 
72

 
268

 
978

December 31, 2018
$
2,563

 
$
775

 
$
1,992

 
$
857

 
$
2,188

 
$
8,375


52



Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans
 
As of December 31, 2019
 
Commercial
 
Agricultural
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
ALLL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
15

 
$
26

 
$
1,073

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,114

Collectively evaluated for impairment
1,899

 
608

 
974

 
922

 
2,422

 
6,825

Total
$
1,914

 
$
634

 
$
2,047

 
$
922

 
$
2,422

 
$
7,939

Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
7,865

 
$
14,840

 
$
5,486

 
$

 
 
 
$
28,191

Collectively evaluated for impairment
693,076

 
102,080

 
293,083

 
70,140

 
 
 
1,158,379

Total
$
700,941

 
$
116,920

 
$
298,569

 
$
70,140

 
 
 
$
1,186,570


Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans
 
As of December 31, 2018
 
Commercial
 
Agricultural
 
Residential Real Estate
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
ALLL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
443

 
$
132

 
$
1,363

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,938

Collectively evaluated for impairment
2,120

 
643

 
629

 
857

 
2,188

 
6,437

Total
$
2,563

 
$
775

 
$
1,992

 
$
857

 
$
2,188

 
$
8,375

Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
9,899

 
$
14,298

 
$
6,893

 
$
9

 
 
 
$
31,099

Collectively evaluated for impairment
649,630

 
112,863

 
268,450

 
66,665

 
 
 
1,097,608

Total
$
659,529

 
$
127,161

 
$
275,343

 
$
66,674

 
 
 
$
1,128,707

The following tables display the credit quality indicators for commercial and agricultural credit exposures based on internally assigned credit risk ratings as of December 31:
 
2019
 
Commercial
 
Agricultural
 
 

Real Estate
 
Other
 
Advances to Mortgage Brokers
 
Total
 
Real Estate
 
Other
 
Total
 
Total
Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 - Excellent
$

 
$
390

 
$

 
$
390

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
390

2 - High quality
2,582

 
8,844

 

 
11,426

 
1,452

 
99

 
1,551

 
12,977

3 - High satisfactory
109,737

 
42,858

 
35,523

 
188,118

 
16,765

 
6,769

 
23,534

 
211,652

4 - Low satisfactory
377,198

 
94,847

 

 
472,045

 
42,798

 
20,861

 
63,659

 
535,704

5 - Special mention
15,372

 
3,470

 

 
18,842

 
7,165

 
3,754

 
10,919

 
29,761

6 - Substandard
4,874

 
3,625

 

 
8,499

 
9,136

 
3,836

 
12,972

 
21,471

7 - Vulnerable
390

 
1,231

 

 
1,621

 
2,711

 
1,574

 
4,285

 
5,906

8 - Doubtful

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 - Loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
510,153

 
$
155,265

 
$
35,523

 
$
700,941

 
$
80,027

 
$
36,893

 
$
116,920

 
$
817,861


53


 
2018
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Agricultural
 
 

Real Estate
 
Other
 
Advances to Mortgage Brokers
 
Total
 
Real Estate
 
Other
 
Total
 
Total
Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 - Excellent
$
21

 
$
31

 
$

 
$
52

 
$
51

 
$
28

 
$
79

 
$
131

2 - High quality
4,564

 
13,473

 

 
18,037

 
2,729

 
613

 
3,342

 
21,379

3 - High satisfactory
127,573

 
43,199

 
11,793

 
182,565

 
18,325

 
7,039

 
25,364

 
207,929

4 - Low satisfactory
344,920

 
84,634

 

 
429,554

 
46,636

 
19,344

 
65,980

 
495,534

5 - Special mention
12,847

 
5,287

 

 
18,134

 
10,520

 
5,624

 
16,144

 
34,278

6 - Substandard
7,428

 
2,002

 

 
9,430

 
6,343

 
4,960

 
11,303

 
20,733

7 - Vulnerable
334

 
1,423

 

 
1,757

 
2,716

 
2,233

 
4,949

 
6,706

8 - Doubtful

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 - Loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
497,687

 
$
150,049

 
$
11,793

 
$
659,529

 
$
87,320

 
$
39,841

 
$
127,161

 
$
786,690

Internally assigned credit risk ratings are reviewed, at a minimum, when loans are renewed or when management has knowledge of improvements or deterioration of the credit quality of individual credits. Descriptions of the internally assigned credit risk ratings for commercial and agricultural loans are as follows:
1. EXCELLENT – Substantially Risk Free
Credit has strong financial condition and solid earnings history, characterized by:
High liquidity, strong cash flow, low leverage.
Unquestioned ability to meet all obligations when due.
Experienced management, with management succession in place.
Secured by cash.
2. HIGH QUALITY – Limited Risk
Credit with sound financial condition and a positive trend in earnings supplemented by:
Favorable liquidity and leverage ratios.
Ability to meet all obligations when due.
Management with successful track record.
Steady and satisfactory earnings history.
If loan is secured, collateral is of high quality and readily marketable.
Access to alternative financing.
Well defined primary and secondary source of repayment.
If supported by guaranty, the financial strength and liquidity of the guarantor(s) are clearly evident.
3. HIGH SATISFACTORY – Reasonable Risk
Credit with satisfactory financial condition and further characterized by:
Working capital adequate to support operations.
Cash flow sufficient to pay debts as scheduled.
Management experience and depth appear favorable.
Loan performing according to terms.
If loan is secured, collateral is acceptable and loan is fully protected.

54


4. LOW SATISFACTORY – Acceptable Risk
Credit with bankable risks, although some signs of weaknesses are shown:
Would include most start-up businesses.
Occasional instances of trade slowness or repayment delinquency – may have been 10-30 days slow within the past year.
Management’s abilities are apparent yet unproven.
Weakness in primary source of repayment with adequate secondary source of repayment.
Loan structure generally in accordance with policy.
If secured, loan collateral coverage is marginal.
To be classified as less than satisfactory, only one of the following criteria must be met.
5. SPECIAL MENTION – Criticized
Credit constitutes an undue and unwarranted credit risk but not to the point of justifying a classification of substandard. The credit risk may be relatively minor yet constitutes an unwarranted risk in light of the circumstances surrounding a specific loan:
Downward trend in sales, profit levels, and margins.
Impaired working capital position.
Cash flow is strained in order to meet debt repayment.
Loan delinquency (30-60 days) and overdrafts may occur.
Shrinking equity cushion.
Diminishing primary source of repayment and questionable secondary source.
Management abilities are questionable.
Weak industry conditions.
Litigation pending against the borrower.
Loan may need to be restructured to improve collateral position or reduce payments.
Collateral or guaranty offers limited protection.
Negative debt service coverage, however the credit is well collateralized and payments are current.
6. SUBSTANDARD – Classified
Credit is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged. There is a distinct possibility we will implement collection procedures if the loan deficiencies are not corrected. Any commercial loan placed in nonaccrual status will be rated “7” or worse. In addition, the following characteristics may apply:
Sustained losses have severely eroded the equity and cash flow.
Deteriorating liquidity.
Serious management problems or internal fraud.
Original repayment terms liberalized.
Likelihood of bankruptcy.
Inability to access other funding sources.
Reliance on secondary source of repayment.
Litigation filed against borrower.
Interest non-accrual may be warranted.
Collateral provides little or no value.

55


Requires excessive attention of the loan officer.
Borrower is uncooperative with loan officer.
7. VULNERABLE – Classified
Credit is considered “Substandard” and warrants placing in nonaccrual status. Risk of loss is being evaluated and exit strategy options are under review. Other characteristics that may apply:
Insufficient cash flow to service debt.
Minimal or no payments being received.
Limited options available to avoid the collection process.
Transition status, expect action will take place to collect loan without immediate progress being made.
8. DOUBTFUL – Workout
Credit has all the weaknesses inherent in a “Substandard” loan with the added characteristic that collection and/or liquidation is pending. The possibility of a loss is extremely high, but its classification as a loss is deferred until liquidation procedures are completed, or reasonably estimable. Other characteristics that may apply:
Normal operations are severely diminished or have ceased.
Seriously impaired cash flow.
Original repayment terms materially altered.
Secondary source of repayment is inadequate.
Survivability as a “going concern” is impossible.
Collection process has begun.
Bankruptcy petition has been filed.
Judgments have been filed.
Portion of the loan balance has been charged-off.
9. LOSS – Charge-off
Credit is considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification is for charged-off loans but does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value. These loans are further characterized by:
Liquidation or reorganization under Bankruptcy, with poor prospects of collection.
Fraudulently overstated assets and/or earnings.
Collateral has marginal or no value.
Debtor cannot be located.
Over 120 days delinquent.

56


Our primary credit quality indicator for residential real estate and consumer loans is the individual loan’s past due aging. The following tables summarize the past due and current loans for the entire loan portfolio as of December 31:
 
2019
 
Accruing Interest
and Past Due:
 
 
 
Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
 
 
 
 

30-59
Days
 
60-89
Days
 
90 Days
or More
 
Nonaccrual
 
 
Current
 
Total
Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
$
139

 
$
30

 
$

 
$
390

 
$
559

 
$
509,594

 
$
510,153

Commercial other
531

 
156

 

 
1,231

 
1,918

 
153,347

 
155,265

Advances to mortgage brokers

 

 

 

 

 
35,523

 
35,523

Total commercial
670

 
186

 

 
1,621

 
2,477

 
698,464

 
700,941

Agricultural
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agricultural real estate

 

 

 
2,711

 
2,711

 
77,316

 
80,027

Agricultural other

 

 

 
1,574

 
1,574

 
35,319

 
36,893

Total agricultural

 

 

 
4,285

 
4,285

 
112,635

 
116,920

Residential real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior liens
3,463

 
258

 

 
557

 
4,278

 
253,894

 
258,172

Junior liens
65

 

 

 

 
65

 
5,766

 
5,831

Home equity lines of credit
157

 

 

 
72

 
229

 
34,337

 
34,566

Total residential real estate
3,685

 
258

 

 
629

 
4,572

 
293,997

 
298,569

Consumer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Secured
68

 

 

 

 
68

 
66,547

 
66,615

Unsecured
3

 

 

 

 
3

 
3,522

 
3,525

Total consumer
71

 

 

 

 
71

 
70,069

 
70,140

Total
$
4,426

 
$
444

 
$

 
$
6,535

 
$
11,405

 
$
1,175,165

 
$
1,186,570


57


 
2018
 
Accruing Interest
and Past Due:
 
 
 
Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
 
 
 
 

30-59
Days
 
60-89
Days
 
90 Days
or More
 
Nonaccrual
 
 
Current
 
Total
Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
$
60

 
$

 
$

 
$
334

 
$
394

 
$
497,293

 
$
497,687

Commercial other
277

 
628

 

 
1,423

 
2,328

 
147,721

 
150,049

Advances to mortgage brokers

 

 

 

 

 
11,793

 
11,793

Total commercial
337

 
628

 

 
1,757

 
2,722

 
656,807

 
659,529

Agricultural
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agricultural real estate
428

 

 

 
2,716

 
3,144

 
84,176

 
87,320

Agricultural other

 

 

 
2,233

 
2,233

 
37,608

 
39,841

Total agricultural
428

 

 

 
4,949

 
5,377

 
121,784

 
127,161

Residential real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior liens
2,254

 
203

 
113

 
554

 
3,124

 
233,438

 
236,562

Junior liens
2

 
6

 

 

 
8

 
6,001

 
6,009

Home equity lines of credit
76

 

 

 

 
76

 
32,696

 
32,772

Total residential real estate
2,332

 
209

 
113

 
554

 
3,208

 
272,135

 
275,343

Consumer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Secured
95

 

 

 

 
95

 
62,721

 
62,816

Unsecured
10

 

 

 

 
10

 
3,848

 
3,858

Total consumer
105

 

 

 

 
105

 
66,569

 
66,674

Total
$
3,202

 
$
837

 
$
113

 
$
7,260

 
$
11,412

 
$
1,117,295

 
$
1,128,707

Impaired Loans
Loans may be classified as impaired if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
1.
There has been a charge-off of its principal balance (in whole or in part);
2.
The loan has been classified as a TDR; or
3.
The loan is in nonaccrual status.
Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and agricultural loans by comparing the loan’s outstanding balance to the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller-balance, homogeneous residential real estate and consumer loans are collectively evaluated for impairment by comparing the loan’s unpaid principal balance to the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate.

58


We do not recognize interest income on impaired loans in nonaccrual status. For impaired loans not classified as nonaccrual, interest income is recognized daily, as earned, according to the terms of the loan agreement and the principal amount outstanding. The following summarizes information pertaining to impaired loans as of, and for the years ended, December 31:

2019

Recorded Balance
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Valuation Allowance
 
Average Recorded Balance
 
Interest Income Recognized
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
$
517

 
$
635

 
$
15

 
$
2,044

 
$
61

Commercial other

 

 

 
10

 

Agricultural real estate
1,509

 
1,509

 
12

 
1,091

 
100

Agricultural other
1,355

 
1,355

 
14

 
832

 
55

Residential real estate senior liens
5,401

 
5,830

 
1,073

 
6,210

 
114

Residential real estate junior liens

 

 

 
11

 

Total impaired loans with a valuation allowance
8,782

 
9,329

 
1,114

 
10,198

 
330

Impaired loans without a valuation allowance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
4,961

 
5,224

 
 
 
4,247

 
91

Commercial other
2,387

 
2,387

 
 
 
2,697

 
46

Agricultural real estate
8,372

 
8,422

 
 
 
7,404

 
171

Agricultural other
3,604

 
3,604

 
 
 
4,623

 
258

Home equity lines of credit
85

 
385

 
 
 
58

 
6

Consumer secured

 

 
 
 
5

 

Total impaired loans without a valuation allowance
19,409

 
20,022

 


 
19,034

 
572

Impaired loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
7,865

 
8,246

 
15

 
8,998

 
198

Agricultural
14,840

 
14,890

 
26

 
13,950

 
584

Residential real estate
5,486

 
6,215

 
1,073

 
6,279

 
120

Consumer

 

 

 
5

 

Total impaired loans
$
28,191

 
$
29,351

 
$
1,114

 
$
29,232

 
$
902


59


 
2018

Recorded Balance
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Valuation Allowance
 
Average Recorded Balance
 
Interest Income Recognized
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
$
3,969

 
$
4,211

 
$
437

 
$
4,589

 
$
129

Commercial other
12

 
12

 
6

 
1,040

 
55

Agricultural real estate
392

 
392

 
112

 
606

 
50

Agricultural other
44

 
44

 
20

 
168

 
46

Residential real estate senior liens
6,834

 
7,289

 
1,361

 
7,545

 
126

Residential real estate junior liens
12

 
12

 
2

 
25

 

Total impaired loans with a valuation allowance
11,263

 
11,960

 
1,938

 
13,973

 
406

Impaired loans without a valuation allowance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
2,794

 
2,947

 
 
 
2,728

 
74

Commercial other
3,124

 
3,231

 
 
 
1,533

 
43

Agricultural real estate
7,618

 
7,618

 
 
 
7,559

 
585

Agricultural other
6,244

 
6,287

 
 
 
4,636

 
279

Home equity lines of credit
47

 
347

 
 
 
64

 
5

Consumer secured
9

 
9

 
 
 
12

 

Total impaired loans without a valuation allowance
19,836

 
20,439

 
 
 
16,532

 
986

Impaired loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
9,899

 
10,401

 
443

 
9,890

 
301

Agricultural
14,298

 
14,341

 
132

 
12,969

 
960

Residential real estate
6,893

 
7,648

 
1,363

 
7,634

 
131

Consumer
9

 
9

 

 
12

 

Total impaired loans
$
31,099

 
$
32,399

 
$
1,938

 
$
30,505

 
$
1,392

We had committed to advance $175 and $542 in additional funds to be disbursed in connection with impaired loans, which includes TDRs, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
A loan modification is considered to be a TDR when the modification includes terms outside of normal lending practices to a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulties.
Typical concessions granted include, but are not limited to:
1.
Agreeing to interest rates below prevailing market rates for debt with similar risk characteristics.
2.
Extending the amortization period beyond typical lending guidelines for loans with similar risk characteristics.
3.
Agreeing to an interest only payment structure and delaying principal payments.
4.
Forgiving principal.
5.
Forgiving accrued interest.
To determine if a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, factors we consider include:
1.
The borrower is currently in default on any of their debt.
2.
The borrower would likely default on any of their debt if the concession is not granted.
3.
The borrower’s cash flow is insufficient to service all of their debt if the concession is not granted.
4.
The borrower has declared, or is in the process of declaring, bankruptcy.
5.
The borrower is unlikely to continue as a going concern (if the entity is a business).

60


The following is a summary of information pertaining to TDRs granted in the years ended December 31:
 
2019
 
2018

Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment
 
Post-Modification Recorded Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment
 
Post-Modification Recorded Investment
Commercial other
3

 
$
1,188

 
$
1,188

 
4

 
$
1,360

 
$
1,360

Agricultural other
7

 
3,286

 
3,286

 
31

 
6,318

 
6,295

Residential real estate
1

 
17

 
17

 
10

 
701

 
701

Total
11

 
$
4,491

 
$
4,491

 
45

 
$
8,379

 
$
8,356

The following table summarizes the nature of the concessions we granted to borrowers in financial difficulty in the years ended December 31:
 
2019
 
2018

Below Market Interest Rate
 
Below Market Interest Rate and Extension of Amortization Period
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Below Market Interest Rate and Extension of Amortization Period
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Recorded Investment
Commercial other

 
$

 
3

 
$
1,188

 
1

 
$
174

 
3

 
$
1,186

Agricultural other
2

 
1,189

 
5

 
2,097

 
18

 
2,625

 
13

 
3,693

Residential real estate

 

 
1

 
17

 
3

 
203

 
7

 
498

Total
2

 
$
1,189

 
9

 
$
3,302

 
22

 
$
3,002

 
23

 
$
5,377

We did not restructure any loans by forgiving principal or accrued interest during 2019 or 2018.
Based on our historical loss experience, losses associated with TDRs are not significantly different than other impaired loans within the same loan segment. As such, TDRs, including TDRs that have been modified in the past 12 months that subsequently defaulted, are analyzed in the same manner as other impaired loans within their respective loan segment.
We had no loans that defaulted in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, which were modified within 12 months prior to the default date.
The following is a summary of TDR loan balances as of December 31:
 
2019
 
2018
TDRs
$
24,737

 
$
26,951

Note 5 – Premises and Equipment
A summary of premises and equipment at December 31 follows:

2019
 
2018
Land
$
6,336

 
$
6,336

Buildings and improvements
30,257

 
30,100

Furniture and equipment
35,121

 
34,825

Total
71,714

 
71,261

Less: accumulated depreciation
45,472

 
43,446

Premises and equipment, net
$
26,242

 
$
27,815

Depreciation expense amounted to $2,908, $2,940, and $2,902 in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

61


Note 6 – Investment in Joint Venture
In 2008, we merged the assets of our wholly owned subsidiary, IBT Title and Insurance Agency, Inc. (“IBT Title”) into a 50/50 joint venture with Corporate Title Agency, LLC, a third-party business based in Traverse City, Michigan, to form CSS.  The purpose of the joint venture was to help IBT Title expand its service area and to take advantage of economies of scale.  As a 50% owner of the membership units of this entity, we account for our investment under the equity method of accounting, and our share of income and loss from the joint venture is included in noninterest income.
The following tables provide financial information for CSS.
Condensed Balance Sheets

December 31
 
2019
 
2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
2,054

 
$
1,844

Escrow funds
1,659

 
3,337

Accounts receivable
1,823

 
1,629

Premises and equipment
562

 
466

Goodwill
2,010

 
3,063

Title plants
132

 
6,212

Other assets
878

 
1,010

TOTAL ASSETS
$
9,118

 
$
17,561

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Escrow funds payable
$
1,659

 
$
3,337

Notes payable
416

 
465

Other liabilities
200

 
211

Members' equity
6,843

 
13,548

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
9,118

 
$
17,561

Condensed Statements of Income

Year Ended December 31
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Income
 
 
 
 
 
Title premiums and other fees
$
3,645

 
$
3,013

 
$
3,533

Property reports
2,046

 
1,822

 
1,425

Appraisals
9,370

 
9,526

 
9,121

Other income
2,898

 
2,871

 
2,318

Total income
17,959

 
17,232

 
16,397

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of services
 
 
 
 
 
Property reports
$
1,101

 
$
1,029

 
$
821

Appraisals
7,372

 
7,466

 
7,152

Other
2,607

 
2,307

 
2,029

Compensation and benefits
4,203

 
4,138

 
4,391

Occupancy and equipment
836

 
804

 
739

Impairment of goodwill and title plants
7,133

 

 

Other
988

 
1,024

 
960

Total expenses
24,240

 
16,768

 
16,092

Net (loss) income
$
(6,281
)
 
$
464

 
$
305


62


CSS is a limited liability company.  Therefore, federal taxable income and deductions are passed through to the members, and no provision for federal income taxes is reflected in the condensed statements of income. During the second half of 2019, a new line of business was proposed by the CSS General Manager which did not interest us as it was unrelated to the Bank's core business. Subsequently, the General Manager of CSS chose to have a company valuation performed during the fourth quarter of 2019 for purposes of investor planning, and the independent, third-party valuation identified that CSS’ intangible assets required an impairment of $7,133. As a 50% owner of the membership units of CSS, we recognized the reduced value of our investment which resulted in a reduction to income of $3,566 in the fourth quarter of 2019. While we continually analyze all investments, there are no current plans to change our ownership or investment in CSS.
Note 7 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The carrying amount of goodwill was $48,282 at December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Identifiable intangible assets were as follows as of December 31:
 
2019
 
Gross
Intangible
Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Intangible
Assets
Core deposit premium resulting from acquisitions
$
5,579

 
$
5,482

 
$
97

 
2018
 
Gross
Intangible
Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Intangible
Assets
Core deposit premium resulting from acquisitions
$
5,579

 
$
5,410

 
$
169

Amortization expense associated with identifiable intangible assets was $72, $96, and $119 in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
Estimated amortization expense associated with identifiable intangibles for each of the next five years succeeding December 31, 2019, and thereafter is as follows:

Estimated Amortization Expense
2020
$
48

2021
29

2022
15

2023
2

2024
2

Thereafter
1

Total
$
97

Note 8 – Deposits
Scheduled annual maturities of time deposits for each of the next five years, and thereafter, are as follows:

Scheduled Maturities of Time Deposits
2020
$
173,677

2021
114,036

2022
68,950

2023
30,805

2024
18,314

Thereafter
1,837

Total
$
407,619

Interest expense on time deposits greater than $250 was $2,001 in 2019, $1,280 in 2018 and $825 in 2017.

63


Note 9 – Borrowed Funds
Borrowed funds consist of the following obligations at December 31:
 
2019
 
2018

Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
FHLB advances
$
245,000

 
2.32
%
 
$
300,000

 
2.20
%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase without stated maturity dates
30,999

 
0.09
%
 
40,299

 
0.11
%
Total
$
275,999

 
2.07
%
 
$
340,299

 
1.95
%
FHLB advances are collateralized by a blanket lien on all qualified 1-4 family residential real estate loans, specific AFS securities, and FHLB stock.
The following table lists the maturities and weighted average interest rates of FHLB advances as of December 31:
 
2019
 
2018

Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
Fixed rate due 2019
$

 
%
 
$
100,000

 
1.94
%
Fixed rate due 2020
55,000

 
2.18
%
 
55,000

 
2.18
%
Fixed rate due 2021
50,000

 
1.91
%
 
50,000

 
1.91
%
Variable rate due 2021 (1)
10,000

 
2.20
%
 
10,000

 
2.93
%
Fixed rate due 2022
20,000

 
1.97
%
 
20,000

 
1.97
%
Fixed rate due 2023
45,000

 
2.97
%
 
35,000

 
3.17
%
Fixed rate due 2024
55,000

 
2.68
%
 
20,000

 
2.96
%
Fixed rate due 2026
10,000

 
1.17
%
 
10,000

 
1.17
%
Total
$
245,000

 
2.32
%
 
$
300,000

 
2.20
%
(1) Hedged advance (see “Derivative Instruments” section below)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are classified as secured borrowings and are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The securities underlying the agreements have a carrying value and a fair value of $31,020 and $40,316 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Such securities remain under our control. We may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of underlying securities.
Securities sold under repurchase agreements without stated maturity dates, federal funds purchased, and FRB Discount Window advances generally mature within one to four days from the transaction date. We had no FRB Discount Window advances for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The following table provides a summary of securities sold under repurchase agreements without stated maturity dates and federal funds purchased at December 31:
 
2019
 
2018
 
Maximum Month End Balance
 
Average Balance
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate During the Period
 
Maximum Month End Balance
 
Average Balance
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate During the Period
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase without stated maturity dates
$
37,441

 
$
31,406

 
0.10
%
 
$
63,133

 
$
38,036

 
0.10
%
Federal funds purchased
7,070

 
687

 
2.60
%
 
16,200

 
3,741

 
1.90
%
We had pledged AFS securities and 1-4 family residential real estate loans in the following amounts at December 31:

2019
 
2018
Pledged to secure borrowed funds
$
368,310

 
$
431,430

Pledged to secure repurchase agreements
31,020

 
40,316

Pledged for public deposits and for other purposes necessary or required by law
59,537

 
58,107

Total
$
458,867

 
$
529,853


64


AFS securities pledged to repurchase agreements without stated maturity dates consisted of the following at December 31:

2019
 
2018
States and political subdivisions
$
31,020

 
$
23,268

Mortgage-backed securities

 
10,736

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 
6,312

Total
$
31,020

 
$
40,316

AFS securities pledged to repurchase agreements are monitored to ensure the appropriate level is collateralized. In the event of maturities, calls, significant principal repayments, or significant decline in market values, we have an adequate level of AFS securities available to pledge to satisfy required collateral.
As of December 31, 2019, we had the ability to borrow up to an additional $132,897, based on assets pledged as collateral. We had no investment securities that were restricted to be pledged for specific purposes.
Derivative Instruments
We have entered into interest rate swaps to manage exposure to interest rate risk and variability in cash flows. The interest rate swaps, associated with our variable rate borrowings, are designated upon inception as cash flow hedges of forecasted interest payments. We have entered into LIBOR-based interest rate swaps that involve the receipt of variable amounts in exchange for fixed rate payments, in effect converting variable rate debt to fixed rate debt.
Cash flow hedges are assessed for effectiveness using regression analysis. The effective portion of changes in fair value are recorded in OCI and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same period in which the related interest on the variable rate borrowings affects earnings. In the event that a portion of the changes in fair value were determined to be ineffective, the ineffective amount would be recorded in earnings.
The following tables provide information on derivatives related to variable rate borrowings as of December 31:
 
2019

Pay Rate
 
Receive Rate
 
Remaining Life (Years)
 
Notional Amount
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flow Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
1.56
%
 
3-Month LIBOR
 
1.3
 
$
10,000

 
Other Assets
 
$
67

 
2018
 
Pay Rate
 
Receive Rate
 
Remaining Life (Years)
 
Notional Amount
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flow Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
1.56
%
 
3-Month LIBOR
 
2.3
 
$
10,000

 
Other Assets
 
$
323

Derivatives contain an element of credit risk which arises from the possibility that we will incur a loss as a result of a counterparty failing to meet its contractual obligations. Credit risk is minimized through counterparty collateral, transaction limits and monitoring procedures. We also manage dealer credit risk by entering into interest rate derivatives only with primary and highly rated counterparties, the use of ISDA master agreements, and the use of counterparty limits. We do not anticipate any losses from failure of interest rate derivative counterparties to honor their obligations.

65


Note 10 – Off-Balance-Sheet Activities, Commitments and Other Matters
Credit-Related Financial Instruments
We are party to credit related financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk. These financial instruments are entered into in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and IRR in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contractual or notional amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement we have in a particular class of financial instrument.
The following table summarizes our credit related financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk as of December 31:

2019
 
2018
Unfunded commitments under lines of credit
$
202,871

 
$
199,652

Commercial and standby letters of credit
4,575

 
1,723

Commitments to grant loans
20,778

 
13,225

Total
$
228,224

 
$
214,600

Unfunded commitments under lines of credit are commitments for possible future extensions of credit to existing customers. These commitments may expire without being drawn upon and do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Advances to mortgage brokers are also included in unfunded commitments under lines of credit. The unfunded commitment amount is the difference between our outstanding balances and maximum outstanding aggregate amount.
Commitments to grant loans are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The amount of collateral obtained, if it is deemed necessary, is based on management's credit evaluation of the customer. Commitments to grant loans include residential mortgage loans that may be committed to be sold to the secondary market.
Commercial and standby letters of credit are conditional commitments we issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing, and similar transactions. These commitments to extend credit and letters of credit generally mature within one year. The credit risk involved in these transactions is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. We evaluate each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary upon the extension of credit, is based on our credit evaluation of the borrower. While we consider standby letters of credit to be guarantees, the amount of the liability related to such guarantees on the commitment date is not significant and a liability related to such guarantees is not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets.
Our exposure to credit-related loss in the event of nonperformance by the counter parties to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit could be up to the contractual notional amount of those instruments. We use the same credit policies as we do for extending loans to customers. No significant losses are anticipated as a result of these commitments.
Derivative Loan Commitments
Mortgage loan commitments are referred to as derivative loan commitments if the loan that will result from exercise of the commitment will be held for sale upon funding. We enter into commitments to fund residential mortgage loans at specific times in the future, with the intention that these loans will subsequently be sold in the secondary market. A mortgage loan commitment binds us to lend funds to a potential borrower at a specified interest rate within a specified period of time, generally up to 60 days after inception of the rate lock.
Outstanding derivative loan commitments expose us to the risk that the price of the loans arising from the exercise of the loan commitment might decline from the inception of the rate lock to funding of the loan due to increases in mortgage interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these loan commitments decreases. Conversely, if interest rates decrease, the value of these loan commitments increase. The notional amount of undesignated interest rate lock commitments was $618 and $1,088 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Forward Loan Sale Commitments
To protect against the price risk inherent in derivative loan commitments, we utilize both “mandatory delivery” and “best efforts” forward loan sale commitments to mitigate the risk of potential decreases in the values of loan that would result from the exercise of the derivative loan commitments.

66


With a “mandatory delivery” contract, we commit to deliver a certain principal amount of mortgage loans to an investor at a specified price on or before a specified date. If we fail to deliver the amount of mortgages necessary to fulfill the commitment by the specified date, we are obligated to pay a “pair-off” fee, based on then current market prices, to the investor to compensate the investor for the shortfall.
With a “best efforts” contract, we commit to deliver an individual mortgage loan of a specified principal amount and quality to an investor if the loan to the underlying borrower closes. Generally, the price the investor will pay the seller for an individual loan is specified prior to the loan being funded (e.g. on the same day the lender commits to lend funds to a potential borrower).
We expect that these forward loan sale commitments will experience changes in fair value opposite to the change in fair value of derivative loan commitments. The notional amount of undesignated forward loan sale commitments was $1,332 and $1,089 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The fair value of these forward loan sale commitments was $1,353 and $1,109 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The fair values of the rate lock loan commitments related to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held for sale and the forward loan sale commitments are deemed insignificant by management and, accordingly, are not recorded in our consolidated financial statements.
Other Matters
Banking regulations require us to maintain cash reserve balances in currency or deposits with the FRB. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the reserve balances amounted to $1,341 and $1,220, respectively. Additionally, correspondent banks may require us to maintain minimum cash reserve balances. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the reserve balances related to correspondent banks amounted to $400.
Banking regulations limit the transfer of assets in the form of dividends, loans, or advances from the Bank to the Corporation. At December 31, 2019, substantially all of the Bank’s assets were restricted from transfer to the Corporation in the form of loans or advances. Bank dividends are the principal source of funds for the Corporation. Payment of dividends without regulatory approval is limited to the current year’s retained net income plus retained net income for the preceding two years, less any required transfers to common stock. At January 1, 2020, the amount available to the Corporation for dividends from the Bank, without regulatory approval, was approximately $20,300.
Note 11 – Minimum Regulatory Capital Requirements
The Corporation (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the FRB and the FDIC. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by the FRB and the FDIC that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on our financial statements. Under regulatory capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, we must meet specific capital guidelines that include quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, capital, and certain off-balance-sheet items, as calculated under regulatory accounting standards. Our capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the FRB and the FDIC about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require us to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total capital, tier 1 capital, and common equity tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined). We believe, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, that we met all capital adequacy requirements.
The FRB has established minimum risk-based capital guidelines. Pursuant to these guidelines, a framework has been established that assigns risk weights to each category of on and off-balance-sheet items to arrive at risk adjusted total assets. Regulatory capital is divided by the risk adjusted assets with the resulting ratio compared to the minimum standard to determine whether a corporation has adequate capital. On July 2, 2013, the FRB published revised BASEL III Capital standards for banks. The final rules redefine what is included or deducted from equity capital, changes risk weighting for certain on and off-balance sheet assets, increases the minimum required equity capital to be considered well capitalized, and introduces a capital cushion buffer. The rules, which were gradually phased in between 2015 and 2019, did not have a material impact on the Corporation but does require us to hold more capital than we have historically.
Effective January 1, 2015, the minimum standard for primary, or Tier 1, capital increased from 4.00% to 6.00%. The minimum standard for total capital is 8.00%. Also effective January 1, 2015 was the new common equity tier 1 capital ratio which had a minimum requirement of 4.50%. Beginning on January 1, 2016 the capital conservation buffer went into effect which increased the required levels each year through 2019.

67


As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the most recent notifications from the FRB and the FDIC categorized us as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, Common Equity Tier 1, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following tables. There were no conditions or events since the notifications that we believe have changed our categories. Our actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the table.
 
Actual
 
Minimum
Capital
Requirement
 
Minimum To Be Well
Capitalized Under Prompt
Corrective Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isabella Bank
$
150,093

 
11.86
%
 
$
88,587

 
7.000
%
 
$
82,260

 
6.50
%
Consolidated
159,794

 
12.56
%
 
89,090

 
7.000
%
 
 N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isabella Bank
150,093

 
11.86
%
 
107,570

 
8.500
%
 
101,243

 
8.00
%
Consolidated
159,794

 
12.56
%
 
108,180

 
8.500
%
 
 N/A

 
N/A

Total capital to risk weighted assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isabella Bank
158,032

 
12.49
%
 
132,881

 
10.500
%
 
126,554

 
10.00
%
Consolidated
167,733

 
13.18
%
 
133,635

 
10.500
%
 
 N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 capital to average assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isabella Bank
150,093

 
8.54
%
 
70,288

 
4.00
%
 
87,861

 
5.00
%
Consolidated
159,794

 
9.01
%
 
70,945

 
4.00
%
 
 N/A

 
N/A

 
Actual
 
Minimum
Capital
Requirement
 
Minimum To Be Well
Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isabella Bank
$
143,429

 
11.75
%
 
$
77,826

 
6.375
%
 
$
79,352

 
6.50
%
Consolidated
154,705

 
12.58
%
 
78,431

 
6.375
%
 
 N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isabella Bank
143,429

 
11.75
%
 
96,138

 
7.875
%
 
97,664

 
8.00
%
Consolidated
154,705

 
12.58
%
 
96,885

 
7.875
%
 
 N/A

 
N/A

Total capital to risk weighted assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isabella Bank
151,804

 
12.43
%
 
120,554

 
9.875
%
 
122,080

 
10.00
%
Consolidated
163,080

 
13.26
%
 
121,491

 
9.875
%
 
 N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 capital to average assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isabella Bank
143,429

 
8.07
%
 
71,085

 
4.000
%
 
88,856

 
5.00
%
Consolidated
154,705

 
8.72
%
 
70,996

 
4.000
%
 
 N/A

 
N/A


68


Note 12 – Computation of Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per common share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share includes additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Potential common shares that may be issued relate solely to outstanding shares in the Directors Plan, see "Note 13 – Benefit Plans."
Earnings per common share have been computed based on the following for the years ended December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
Average number of common shares outstanding for basic calculation
7,909,794

 
7,872,077

 
7,841,451

Average potential effect of common shares in the Directors Plan (1)
185,248

 
200,771

 
192,286

Average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share
8,095,042

 
8,072,848

 
8,033,737

Net income
$
13,024

 
$
14,021

 
$
13,237

Earnings per common share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.65

 
$
1.78

 
$
1.69

Diluted
$
1.61

 
$
1.74

 
$
1.65

(1) Exclusive of shares held in the Rabbi Trust
Note 13 – Benefit Plans
401(k) Plan
We have a 401(k) plan in which substantially all employees are eligible to participate. Employees may contribute up to 100% of their compensation subject to certain limits based on federal tax laws. The plan was amended in 2013 to provide a matching safe harbor contribution for all eligible employees equal to 100% of the first 5.0% of an employee's compensation contributed to the Plan during the year. Employees are 100% vested in the safe harbor matching contributions.
For 2019, 2018 and 2017, expenses attributable to the Plan were $764, $743, and $713, respectively.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
We maintain a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, which was curtailed effective March 1, 2007. As a result of the curtailment, future salary increases are no longer considered (the projected benefit obligation is equal to the accumulated benefit obligation), and plan benefits are based on years of service and the individual employee’s five highest consecutive years of compensation out of the last ten years of service through March 1, 2007.
Changes in the projected benefit obligation and plan assets during each year, the funded status of the plan, and the net amount recognized in our consolidated balance sheets using an actuarial measurement date of December 31, are summarized as follows during the years ended December 31:

2019
 
2018
Change in benefit obligation
 
 
 
Benefit obligation, January 1
$
9,412

 
$
11,381

Interest cost
378

 
388

Actuarial loss (gain)
1,216

 
(1,194
)
Benefits paid, including plan expenses
(797
)
 
(1,163
)
Benefit obligation, December 31
10,209

 
9,412

Change in plan assets
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets, January 1
7,765

 
9,469

Investment return (loss)
1,384

 
(541
)
Contributions

 

Benefits paid, including plan expenses
(797
)
 
(1,163
)
Fair value of plan assets, December 31
8,352

 
7,765

Deficiency in funded status at December 31, included on the consolidated balance sheets in accrued interest payable and other liabilities
$
(1,857
)
 
$
(1,647
)

69



2019
 
2018
Change in accrued pension benefit costs
 
 
 
Accrued benefit cost at January 1
$
(1,647
)
 
$
(1,912
)
Contributions

 

Net periodic benefit cost
(268
)
 
(345
)
Net change in unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service cost
58

 
610

Accrued pension benefit cost at December 31
$
(1,857
)
 
$
(1,647
)
We have recorded the funded status of the plan in our consolidated balance sheets. We adjust the underfunded status in a liability account to reflect the current funded status of the plan. Any gains or losses that arise during the year but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows for the years ended December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
Interest cost on benefit obligation
$
378

 
$
388

 
$
444

Expected return on plan assets
(452
)
 
(554
)
 
(546
)
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial net loss
214

 
242

 
279

Settlement loss
128

 
269

 
235

Net periodic benefit cost
$
268

 
$
345

 
$
412

During 2019, 2018 and 2017, settlement losses of $128, $269 and $235 were recognized in connection with lump-sum benefit distributions, respectively. Many plan participants elect to receive their retirement benefit payments in the form of lump-sum settlements. Pro rata settlement losses, which can occasionally occur as a result of these lump-sum distributions, are recognized only in years when the total of such distributions exceed the sum of the service and interest expense components of net periodic benefit cost.
Accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2019 includes net unrecognized pension costs before income taxes of $3,412, of which $23 is expected to be amortized into benefit cost during 2020.
The actuarial assumptions used in determining the benefit obligation are as follows for the years ended December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
Discount rate
3.07
%
 
4.11
%
 
3.48
%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
6.00
%
 
6.00
%
 
6.00
%
The actuarial weighted average assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension costs are as follows for the years ended December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
Discount rate
4.11
%
 
3.48
%
 
3.96
%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
6.00
%
 
6.00
%
 
6.00
%
As a result of the curtailment of the Plan, there is no rate of compensation increase considered in the above assumptions.
The expected long-term rate of return is an estimate of anticipated future long-term rates of return on plan assets as measured on a market value basis. Factors considered in arriving at this assumption include:
Historical long-term rates of return for broad asset classes.
Actual past rates of return achieved by the plan.
The general mix of assets held by the plan.
The stated investment policy for the plan.
The selected rate of return is net of anticipated investment related expenses.

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Pension Plan Assets
Our overall investment strategy is to moderately grow the portfolio by investing 50% of the portfolio in equity securities and 50% in fixed income securities. This strategy is designed to generate a long-term rate of return of 6.00%.  Equity securities primarily consist of the S&P 500 Index with a smaller allocation to the Small Cap and International Index.  Fixed income securities are invested in the Bond Market Index.  The Plan has appropriate assets invested in short-term investments to meet near term benefit payments.
The asset mix and the sector weighting of the investments are determined by our benefits committee, which is comprised of members of our management. To manage the Plan, we retain a third party investment advisor to conduct consultations. We review the performance of the advisor at least annually.
The fair values of our pension plan assets by asset category were as follows as of December 31:
 
2019
 
2018

Total
 
(Level 2)
 
Total
 
(Level 2)
Short-term investments
$
218

 
$
218

 
$
98

 
$
98

Common collective trusts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed income
3,823

 
3,823

 
2,924

 
2,924

Equity investments
4,311

 
4,311

 
4,743

 
4,743

Total
$
8,352

 
$
8,352

 
$
7,765

 
$
7,765

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
Short-term investments: Shares of a money market portfolio valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Common collective trusts: These investments are public investment securities valued using the NAV provided by a third party investment advisor. The NAV is quoted on a private market that is not active; however, the unit price is based on underlying investments which are traded on an active market.
We anticipate contributions to the Plan in 2020 to approximate net contribution costs.
The components of projected net periodic benefit cost are as follows for the year ending:

December 31, 2020
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
$
306

Expected return on plan assets
(488
)
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial net loss
205

Net periodic benefit cost
$
23

Estimated future benefit payments are as follows for the next ten years:
 
 
Estimated Benefit Payments
2020
 
$
466

2021
 
459

2022
 
462

2023
 
460

2024
 
454

2025 - 2029
 
2,465

Directors Plan
Pursuant to the terms of the Directors Plan, our directors are required to invest at least 25% of their board fees in our common stock. These stock investments can be made either through deferred fees or through the purchase of shares through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Deferred fees, under the Directors Plan, are converted on a quarterly basis into stock units of our common stock based on the fair value of a share of our common stock as of the relevant valuation date. Stock units credited to

71


a participant’s account are eligible for stock and cash dividends as declared. Dividend Reinvestment Plan shares are purchased pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
Distribution of deferred fees from the Directors Plan occurs when the participant retires from the Board or upon the occurrence of certain other events. The participant is eligible to receive a distribution in the form of shares of our common stock of all of the stock units that are then in his or her account, and any unconverted cash will be converted to and rounded up to whole shares of stock and distributed, as well. The Directors Plan does not allow for cash settlement, and therefore, such share-based payment awards qualify for classification as equity. We may use authorized but unissued shares or purchase shares of common stock on the open market to meet our obligations under the Directors Plan.
We maintain the Rabbi Trust to fund the Directors Plan. The Rabbi Trust is an irrevocable grantor trust to which we may contribute assets for the limited purpose of funding a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. Although we may not use the assets of the Rabbi Trust for any purpose other than meeting our obligations under the Directors Plan, the assets of the Rabbi Trust remain subject to the claims of our creditors and are included in the consolidated financial statements. We may contribute cash or common stock to the Rabbi Trust from time to time for the sole purpose of funding the Directors Plan. The Rabbi Trust will use any cash that we contribute to purchase shares of our common stock on the open market. Shares held in the Rabbi Trust are included in the calculation of earnings per share.
The components of shares eligible to be issued under the Directors Plan were as follows as of December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
Eligible
Shares
 
Market
Value
 
Eligible
Shares
 
Market
Value
Unissued
177,935

 
$
4,326

 
203,498

 
$
4,591

Shares held in Rabbi Trust
27,069

 
658

 
16,673

 
376

Total
205,004

 
$
4,984

 
220,171

 
$
4,967

Cash Incentive Plans
We provide cash incentive plans to reward employees above and beyond their base salaries when our performance and operating profitability exceed established annual targets. Incentives are also awarded for achievement of personal performance goals. Expenses related to this plan for 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $1,070, $500, and $454, respectively.
Stock Award Incentive Plan
We maintain an equity incentive plan for the purpose of promoting growth and operating profitability, as well as attracting and retaining executive officers of outstanding competence, through ownership of equity. Stock may be granted to specified individuals subject to certain conditions, and transfer of shares granted under the plan is restricted. Expenses related to this plan for 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $171, $45, and $38, respectively.
Other Employee Benefit Plans
We maintain nonqualified defined contribution retirement plans to provide supplemental retirement benefits to specified participants. Expenses related to these programs for 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $355, $356, and $473, respectively. Expenses are recognized over the participants’ expected years of service.
We maintain a self-funded medical plan under which we are responsible for the first $75 per year of claims made by a covered family. Expenses are accrued based on estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred and our experience. Expenses were $2,445 in 2019, $2,695 in 2018 and $2,324 in 2017.
Note 14 – Revenue
Our revenue is comprised primarily of interest income, service charges and fees, gains on the sale of loans and AFS securities, earnings on corporate owned life insurance policies, and other noninterest income. Other noninterest income is typically service and performance driven in nature and comprised primarily of investment and trust advisory fees. We recognize revenue, excluding interest income, in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers. Revenue is recognized when our performance obligation has been satisfied according to our contractual obligation.
We record receivables when revenue is unpaid and collectability is reasonably assured. Accounts receivable balances primarily represent amounts due from customers for which revenue has been recognized. Accounts receivable balances are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets in accrued interest receivable and other assets. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018

72


and 2017, we satisfied our performance obligations pursuant to contracts with customers. As a result, we have not recorded any contract assets or liabilities. We estimate no returns or allowances for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Our contracts with customers define our performance obligations with clearly established pricing which did not require us to allocate or disaggregate revenue by performance obligation. A summary of revenue recognized for each major category of contracts with customers, subject to ASC 606, is as follows for the years ended December 31:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Debit card income
$
2,667

 
$
2,487

 
$
2,435

Trust service fees
2,269

 
2,134

 
1,928

Investment advisory fees
523

 
702

 
679

Service charges and fees related to deposit accounts
317

 
332

 
343

A large portion of our revenue consists of interest income which is not subject to the requirements set forth in ASC 606.
Note 15 – Other Noninterest Expenses
A summary of expenses included in other noninterest expenses is as follows for the years ended December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
Audit, consulting, and legal fees
$
1,884

 
$
2,222

 
$
2,017

ATM and debit card fees
1,210

 
1,036

 
1,181

Donations and community relations
1,026

 
710

 
657

Loan underwriting fees
905

 
1,016

 
556

Director fees
788

 
858

 
856

Marketing costs
762

 
596

 
568

FDIC insurance premiums
211

 
726

 
642

All other
3,775

 
3,761

 
3,711

Total other
$
10,561

 
$
10,925

 
$
10,188

Note 16 – Federal Income Taxes
Components of the consolidated provision for federal income taxes are as follows for the years ended December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
Currently payable
$
972

 
$
1,088

 
$
180

Deferred expense
408

 
275

 
2,836

Income tax expense
$
1,380

 
$
1,363

 
$
3,016


In 2017, we implemented tax strategies which resulted in changes to our federal income tax components, as illustrated above. These strategies, which were primarily related to premises and equipment, significantly decreased our taxes currently payable and led to an increase in our level of alternative minimum tax. Changes in these deferred tax components are displayed in the deferred tax assets and liabilities table on the following page.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was enacted. The law established a flat corporate federal statutory income tax rate of 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and eliminated the corporate alternative minimum tax. The new tax law provided for a wide array of changes with only some having a direct impact on our federal income tax expense. Some of these changes included, but were not limited to, the following items: limits to the deduction for net interest expense; immediate expense (for tax purposes) for certain qualified depreciable assets; elimination or reduction of certain deductions related to meals and entertainment expenses; and limits to the deductibility of deposit insurance premiums.
In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, the effect of income tax law changes on deferred taxes are recognized as a component of income tax expense related to continuing operations in the period in which the law was enacted. As such, federal income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 reflects the effect of the tax rate change on net deferred tax assets and liabilities. This requirement also applies to items initially recognized in other comprehensive income. In January 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-02 which allowed for the "stranded" tax effects in AOCI to be reclassified to retained earnings rather

73


than income tax expense. We early adopted this guidance and applied this accounting alternative in our consolidated statements of changes in shareholders equity as of December 31, 2017.
The reconciliation of the provision for federal income taxes and the amount computed at the federal statutory tax rate of income before federal income tax expense is as follows for the year ended December 31:

2019
 
2018
 
2017
Income taxes at statutory rate
$
3,025

 
$
3,231

 
$
5,526

Effect of nontaxable income
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income on tax exempt municipal securities
(990
)
 
(1,106
)
 
(1,889
)
Earnings on corporate owned life insurance policies
(160
)
 
(148
)
 
(247
)
Deferred tax adjustment resulting from the statutory rate reduction pursuant to the Tax Act

 

 
319

Other
283

 
231

 
34

Total effect of nontaxable income
(867
)
 
(1,023
)
 
(1,783
)
Effect of nondeductible expenses
108

 
113

 
149

Effect of tax credits
(984
)
 
(958
)
 
(876
)
Unrecognized deferred tax benefit on joint venture investment
98

 

 

Federal income tax expense
$
1,380

 
$
1,363

 
$
3,016

The loss recognized during the fourth quarter of 2019 related to our joint venture investment in CSS is unlikely to reverse in the foreseeable future. As such, we did not record a deferred tax asset related to our investment in CSS as of December 31, 2019.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for federal income tax purposes. Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, measured at the 21% statutory rate, included in other assets and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are as follows as of December 31:

2019
 
2018
Deferred tax assets
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
$
1,255

 
$
1,304

Deferred directors’ fees
1,615

 
1,667

Employee benefit plans
77

 
81

Core deposit premium and acquisition expenses
742

 
752

Net unrecognized actuarial losses on pension plan
717

 
729

Net unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities

 
1,211

Life insurance death benefit payable
497

 
497

Alternative minimum tax

 
710

Other
771

 
716

Total deferred tax assets
5,674

 
7,667

Deferred tax liabilities
 
 
 
Prepaid pension cost
327

 
383

Premises and equipment
1,859

 
1,548

Accretion on securities
37

 
41

Core deposit premium and acquisition expenses
872

 
946

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities
1,247

 

Net unrealized gains on derivative instruments
14

 
68

Other
1,157

 
1,696

Total deferred tax liabilities
5,513

 
4,682

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
$
161

 
$
2,985


74


We are subject to U.S. federal income tax; however, we are no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2016. There are no material uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in our consolidated financial statements. We do not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase in the next twelve months.
We recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. We do not have any amounts accrued for interest and penalties at December 31, 2019 and 2018 and we are not aware of any claims for such amounts by federal income tax authorities.
Note 17 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI includes net income as well as unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, on AFS securities and derivative instruments, as well as changes in the funded status of our defined benefit pension plan. Unrealized gains and losses and changes in the funded status of the pension plan, net of tax, are excluded from net income, and are reflected as a direct charge or credit to shareholders’ equity. Comprehensive income (loss) and the related components are disclosed in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
The following table provides a roll-forward of the changes in AOCI by component for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 (net of tax):

Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) on
AFS
Securities
 
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) on Derivative Instruments
 
Change in Unrecognized Pension Cost on Defined
Benefit
Pension Plan
 
Total
Balance, January 1, 2017
$
30

 
$
164

 
$
(2,972
)
 
$
(2,778
)
OCI before reclassifications
289

 
43

 
11

 
343

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(142
)
 

 
412

 
270

Subtotal
147

 
43

 
423

 
613

Tax effect
89

 
(15
)
 
(144
)
 
(70
)
OCI, net of tax
236

 
28

 
279

 
543

One-time non-cash tax rate adjustment due to the Tax Act
125

 
38

 
(530
)
 
(367
)
Balance, December 31, 2017
391

 
230

 
(3,223
)
 
(2,602
)
OCI before reclassifications
(7,229
)
 
33

 
265

 
(6,931
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI

 

 
345

 
345

Subtotal
(7,229
)
 
33

 
610

 
(6,586
)
Tax effect
1,415

 
(7
)
 
(128
)
 
1,280

OCI, net of tax
(5,814
)
 
26

 
482

 
(5,306
)
Adoption of ASU 2016-01
223

 

 

 
223

Balance, December 31, 2018
(5,200
)
 
256

 
(2,741
)
 
(7,685
)
OCI before reclassifications
12,276

 
(256
)
 
(210
)
 
11,810

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(6
)
 

 
268

 
262

Subtotal
12,270

 
(256
)
 
58

 
12,072

Tax effect
(2,458
)
 
54

 
(12
)
 
(2,416
)
OCI, net of tax
9,812

 
(202
)
 
46

 
9,656

Balance, December 31, 2019
$
4,612

 
$
54

 
$
(2,695
)
 
$
1,971

Included in OCI for the year ended December 31, 2017 are changes in unrealized gains and losses related to auction rate money market preferred stocks and preferred stocks, or equity securities. Changes in unrealized gains and losses related to equity securities were not included in OCI after the adoption of ASU 2016-01, effective January 1, 2018. Auction rate money market preferred stocks, for federal income tax purposes, have no deferred federal income taxes related to unrealized gains or losses given the nature of the investments.
In accordance with the Tax Act, the effect of income tax law changes on deferred taxes also applies to items recognized in other comprehensive income. In January 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-02 which allowed for the "stranded" tax effects in AOCI to be reclassified to retained earnings rather than income tax expense. We early adopted this guidance and applied this accounting alternative in our consolidated statements of changes in shareholders equity as of December 31, 2017.

75


A summary of the components of unrealized gains on AFS securities included in OCI follows for the years ended December 31:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017

Auction Rate Money Market Preferred Stocks
 
All Other AFS Securities
 
Total
 
Auction Rate Money Market Preferred Stocks
 
All Other AFS Securities
 
Total
 
Auction Rate Money Market Preferred and Preferred Stocks
 
All Other AFS securities
 
Total
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
$
565

 
$
11,711

 
$
12,276

 
$
(495
)
 
$
(6,734
)
 
$
(7,229
)
 
$
407

 
$
(118
)
 
$
289

Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income

 
(6
)
 
(6
)
 

 

 

 

 
(142
)
 
(142
)
Net unrealized gains (losses)
565

 
11,705

 
12,270

 
(495
)
 
(6,734
)
 
(7,229
)
 
407

 
(260
)
 
147

Tax effect (1)

 
(2,458
)
 
(2,458
)
 

 
1,415

 
1,415

 

 
89

 
89

Unrealized gains (losses), net of tax
$
565

 
$
9,247

 
$
9,812

 
$
(495
)
 
$
(5,319
)
 
$
(5,814
)
 
$
407

 
$
(171
)
 
$
236

(1) Calculations are based on a federal income tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 34% in 2017.
The following table details reclassification adjustments and the related affected line items in our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31:
Details about AOCI components
Amount
Reclassified from
AOCI
 
Affected Line Item in the
Consolidated
Statements of Income

2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
6

 
$

 
$
142

 
Net gains on sale of AFS securities
 
1

 

 
48

 
Federal income tax expense (1)
 
$
5

 
$

 
$
94

 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in unrecognized pension cost on defined benefit pension plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
268

 
$
345

 
$
412

 
Other noninterest expenses
 
56

 
72

 
140

 
Federal income tax expense (1)
 
$
212

 
$
273

 
$
272

 
Net income
(1) Calculations are based on a federal income tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 34% in 2017.

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Note 18 – Fair Value
Under fair value measurement and disclosure authoritative guidance, we group assets and liabilities measured at fair value into three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded, and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value, based on the prioritization of inputs in the valuation techniques. These levels are:
Level 1:
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
Level 2:
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
Level 3:
Valuation is generated from model based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Transfers between measurement levels are recognized at the end of reporting periods.
Fair value measurement requires the use of an exit price notion which may differ from entrance pricing. Generally, we believe our assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 or Level 2 approximate an exit price notion.
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies, key inputs, and an indication of the level of the fair value hierarchy in which the assets or liabilities are classified.
AFS securities: AFS securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Level 1 fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments. Level 2 fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss and liquidity assumptions. The values for Level 1 and Level 2 investment securities are generally obtained from an independent third party. On a quarterly basis, we compare the values provided to alternative pricing sources.
Loans: We do not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, loans are classified as impaired and a specific allowance for loan losses may be established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will be significantly different than the contractual terms of the original loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as impaired, we measure the estimated impairment. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans.
We review the net realizable values of the underlying collateral for collateral dependent impaired loans on at least a quarterly basis for all loan types.  To determine the collateral value, we utilize independent appraisals, broker price opinions, or internal evaluations.  We review these valuations to determine whether an additional discount should be applied given the age of market information that may have been considered as well as other factors such as costs to sell an asset if it is determined that the collateral will be liquidated in connection with the ultimate settlement of the loan. We use these valuations to determine if any specific reserves or charge-offs are necessary. We may obtain new valuations in certain circumstances, including when there has been significant deterioration in the condition of the collateral, if the foreclosure process has begun, or if the existing valuation is deemed to be outdated.

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The following tables list the quantitative fair value information about impaired loans as of:

December 31, 2019
Valuation Technique
Fair Value
Unobservable Input
 
Actual Range
 
 
Discount applied to collateral:
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
20% - 30%
 
 
Equipment
 
20% - 40%
Discounted value
$19,135
Cash crop inventory
 
40%
 
 
Livestock
 
30%
 
 
Other inventory
 
50%
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
25% - 50%

December 31, 2018
Valuation Technique
Fair Value
Unobservable Input
 
Actual Range
 
 
Discount applied to collateral:
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
20% - 30%
 
 
Equipment
 
20% - 40%
 
 
Cash crop inventory
 
30% - 40%
Discounted value
$20,045
Livestock
 
30%
 
 
Other inventory
 
45% - 50%
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
50%
 
 
Liquor license
 
75%
 
 
Furniture, fixtures & equipment
 
35% - 45%
Collateral discount rates may have ranges to accommodate differences in the age of the independent appraisal, broker price opinion, or internal evaluation.
Derivative instruments: Derivative instruments, consisting solely of interest rate swaps, are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges, when highly effective, are reported at fair value in other assets or other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in value recorded in OCI. Should the hedge no longer be considered effective, the ineffective portion of the change in fair value is recorded directly in earnings in the period in which the change occurs. The fair value of a derivative is determined by quoted market prices and model-based valuation techniques. As such, we classify derivative instruments as Level 2.
OMSR: OMSR (which are included in other assets) are subject to impairment testing. To test for impairment, we utilize a discounted cash flow analysis using interest rates and prepayment speed assumptions currently quoted for comparable instruments and discount rates. If the valuation model reflects a value less than the carrying value, OMSR are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance as determined by the model. As such, we classify OMSR subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2.
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values: Equity securities without readily determinable fair values include our holdings in FHLB stock and FRB stock as well as our ownership interest in CSS. As a 50% investor of the membership units in CSS, we account for our investment under the equity method of accounting. The General Manager of CSS, through the normal course of business, chose to evaluate its operations of the company and obtained an independent, third-party valuation of the company during the fourth quarter of 2019. As of December 31, 2019, our recorded investment in CSS relied on assumptions and use of estimates pursuant to the valuation. As such, we classify such equity securities instruments as Level 3 with the related impairment in 2019 a nonrecurring Level 3 fair value adjustment.
The preceding methods described may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Although we believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement.

78


Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value in their Entirety on a Recurring Basis
Disclosure of the estimated fair values of financial instruments, which differ from carrying values, often requires the use of estimates. In cases where quoted market values in an active market are not available, we use present value techniques and other valuation methods to estimate the fair values of our financial instruments. These valuation methods require considerable judgment and the resulting estimates of fair value can be significantly affected by the assumptions made and methods used.
The carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments not recorded at fair value in their entirety on a recurring basis were as follows as of December 31:
 
2019

Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
60,572

 
$
60,572

 
$
60,572

 
$

 
$

Mortgage loans AFS
904

 
925

 

 
925

 

Gross loans
1,186,570

 
1,170,370

 

 

 
1,170,370

Less allowance for loan and lease losses
7,939

 
7,939

 

 

 
7,939

Net loans
1,178,631

 
1,162,431

 

 

 
1,162,431

Accrued interest receivable
6,501

 
6,501

 
6,501

 

 

Equity securities without readily determinable fair values (1)
21,629

 
N/A

 

 

 

OMSR
2,264

 
2,264

 

 
2,264

 

LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits without stated maturities
906,232

 
906,232

 
906,232

 

 

Deposits with stated maturities
407,619

 
409,600

 

 
409,600

 

Borrowed funds
275,999

 
278,761

 

 
278,761

 

Accrued interest payable
860

 
860

 
860

 

 

 
2018
 
Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
73,471

 
$
73,471

 
$
73,471

 
$

 
$

Mortgage loans AFS
358

 
365

 

 
365

 

Gross loans
1,128,707

 
1,099,645

 

 

 
1,099,645

Less allowance for loan and lease losses
8,375

 
8,375

 

 

 
8,375

Net loans
1,120,332

 
1,091,270

 

 

 
1,091,270

Accrued interest receivable
6,928

 
6,928

 
6,928

 

 

Equity securities without readily determinable fair values (1)
24,948

 
N/A

 

 

 

OMSR
2,434

 
2,602

 

 
2,602

 

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits without stated maturities
859,073

 
859,073

 
859,073

 

 

Deposits with stated maturities
433,620

 
425,993

 

 
425,993

 

Borrowed funds
340,299

 
333,829

 

 
333,829

 

Accrued interest payable
826

 
826

 
826

 

 

(1) Due to the characteristics of equity securities without readily determinable fair values, they are not disclosed under a specific fair value hierarchy. When an impairment or write-down related to these securities is recorded, such amount would be classified as a nonrecurring Level 3 fair value adjustment.

79


Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value
The table below presents the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on December 31:
 
2019
 
2018

Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Recurring items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government-sponsored enterprises
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
170

 
$

 
$
170

 
$

States and political subdivisions
169,752

 

 
169,752

 

 
190,866

 

 
190,866

 

Auction rate money market preferred
3,119

 

 
3,119

 

 
2,554

 

 
2,554

 

Mortgage-backed securities
140,204

 

 
140,204

 

 
184,484

 

 
184,484

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations
116,764

 

 
116,764

 

 
116,760

 

 
116,760

 

Total AFS securities
429,839

 

 
429,839

 

 
494,834

 

 
494,834

 

Derivative instruments
67

 

 
67

 

 
323

 

 
323

 

Nonrecurring items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans (net of the ALLL)
19,135

 

 

 
19,135

 
20,045

 

 

 
20,045

OMSR
2,264

 

 

 
2,264

 
2,434

 

 

 
2,434

Investment in CSS
4,246

 

 

 
4,246

 
7,565

 

 

 
7,565

Foreclosed assets
456

 

 

 
456

 
355

 

 

 
355

Total
$
456,007

 
$

 
$
429,906

 
$
26,101

 
$
525,556

 
$

 
$
495,157

 
$
30,399

Percent of assets and liabilities measured at fair value
 
 
%
 
94.28
%
 
5.72
%
 
 
 
%
 
94.22
%
 
5.78
%
We recorded $111 and $0 through earnings related to fair value changes in foreclosed assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. We recorded an impairment related to OMSR of $214 and $0 through earnings for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. We recorded a reduction to our investment in CSS of $3,566 and $0 through earnings for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. We had no other assets or liabilities recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized through earnings, on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Note 19 – Related Party Transactions
In the ordinary course of business, we grant loans to principal officers and directors and their affiliates (including their families and companies in which they have 10% or more ownership). Annual activity consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:

2019
 
2018
Balance, January 1
$
3,343

 
$
4,335

New loans
1,584

 
1,184

Repayments
(1,232
)
 
(2,176
)
Balance, December 31
$
3,695

 
$
3,343

Total deposits of these principal officers and directors and their affiliates amounted to $5,137 and $5,029 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
From time to time, we make charitable donations to The Isabella Bank Foundation (the “Foundation”), which is a non-controlled nonprofit organization formed for the purpose of distributing charitable donations to recipient organizations generally located in the communities we serve. Our donations are recognized as expense when paid to the Foundation. The assets and transactions of the Foundation are not included in our consolidated financial statements.
Assets of the Foundation include cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, and shares of Isabella Bank Corporation common stock. The Foundation owned 44,350 shares of our common stock as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Such shares are included in the computation of dividends and earnings per share.

80


The following table displays total assets of, and our donations to, the Foundation as of, and for the years ended December 31:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Total assets
$
1,678

 
$
1,731

 
$
2,162

Donations
$
50

 
$

 
$

Note 20 – Operating Segments
Our reportable segments are based on legal entities that account for at least 10% of net operating results. The operations of the Bank as of December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 represent approximately 90% or more of our consolidated total assets and operating results. As such, no additional segment reporting is presented.
Note 21 – Parent Company Only Financial Information
Condensed Balance Sheets
 
December 31

2019
 
2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash on deposit at the Bank
$
1,360

 
$
2,499

Investments in subsidiaries
157,415

 
143,942

Premises and equipment
1,539

 
1,912

Other assets
49,887

 
51,674

TOTAL ASSETS
$
210,201

 
$
200,027

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Other liabilities
$
19

 
$
4,508

Shareholders' equity
210,182

 
195,519

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
210,201

 
$
200,027

Condensed Statements of Income
 
Year Ended December 31

2019
 
2018
 
2017
Income
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from subsidiaries
$
7,800

 
$
13,100

 
$
9,600

Interest income
7

 
1

 
2

Net income (loss) on CSS joint venture
(3,108
)
 
274

 
164

Other income

 
2,756

 
6,299

Total income
4,699

 
16,131

 
16,065

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits

 
4,132

 
5,196

Occupancy and equipment
59

 
513

 
1,779

Audit, consulting, and legal fees
477

 
774

 
824

Director fees
368

 
413

 
382

Other
1,165

 
796

 
1,887

Total expenses
2,069

 
6,628

 
10,068

Income before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
2,630

 
9,503

 
5,997

Federal income tax benefit
984

 
749

 
91

Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
3,614

 
10,252

 
6,088

Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
9,410

 
3,769

 
7,149

Net income
$
13,024

 
$
14,021

 
$
13,237



81


Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
Year Ended December 31

2019
 
2018
 
2017
Operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
13,024

 
$
14,021

 
$
13,237

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations
 
 
 
 
 
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
(9,410
)
 
(3,769
)
 
(7,149
)
Undistributed earnings of equity securities without readily determinable fair values
3,320

 
(144
)
 
40

Share-based payment awards under equity compensation plan
523

 
612

 
640

Depreciation
46

 
134

 
154

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
114

 
(31
)
 
792

Changes in operating assets and liabilities which provided (used) cash
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets
(285
)
 
1,237

 
42

Other liabilities
69

 
(937
)
 
(1,590
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
7,401

 
11,123

 
6,166

Investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
Maturities, calls, principal payments, and sales of AFS securities

 

 
249

Purchases of premises and equipment

 
(96
)
 
(113
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 
(96
)
 
136

Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends paid on common stock
(8,282
)
 
(8,169
)
 
(7,990
)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
4,876

 
6,864

 
6,177

Common stock repurchased
(4,003
)
 
(7,007
)
 
(5,181
)
Common stock purchased for deferred compensation obligations
(1,131
)
 
(401
)
 
(420
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(8,540
)
 
(8,713
)
 
(7,414
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(1,139
)
 
2,314

 
(1,112
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
2,499

 
185

 
1,297

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
1,360

 
$
2,499

 
$
185

On January 1, 2019, there was a transaction to restructure the Bank and the parent holding company for the purpose of better-organizing the entities for present and future needs.  The transaction is expected to produce future benefits for us in the form of reduced operational costs and better-managed risk.  Assets and liabilities transferred from the parent company to the Bank related primarily to capital assets, net deferred income tax asset, prepaid assets, employee benefits payable, accrued expenses, and a pension plan.  Effective January 1, 2019, employee compensation and benefit expenses are now recognized directly by the Bank, where expenses related to certain administrative functions were previously recognized by the parent holding company.  Similarly, expenses related to most capital assets are now recognized directly by the Bank. A portion of employee compensation and benefit expenses, as well as some expenses related to capital assets, are now recognized by the holding company through a management fee paid to the Bank.
Note 22 – Subsequent Events
We evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued. Events or transactions occurring after December 31, 2019, but prior to the date the consolidated financial statements were issued, include anticipated proceeds from the redemption of a corporate owned life insurance policy. Proceeds, from the death benefit on an insurance policy on the life of a former executive officer, are estimated at $500 and will be recognized as noninterest income during 2020.

82


Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2019, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2019, were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
We also conducted an evaluation of internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2019, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on this evaluation, we have concluded that there have been no such changes during the quarter ended December 31, 2019.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We are responsible for the preparation and integrity of our published consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, accordingly, include amounts based on judgments and estimates. We also prepared the other information included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K and are responsible for the accuracy and consistency with the consolidated financial statements.
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal control over financial reporting, which is intended to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the reliability of our consolidated financial statements. The system includes but is not limited to:
A documented organizational structure and division of responsibility;
Established policies and procedures, including a code of conduct to foster a strong ethical climate which is communicated throughout our Corporation;
Internal auditors that monitor the operation of the internal control system and report findings and recommendations to management and the Audit Committee;
Procedures for taking action in response to an internal audit finding or recommendation;
Regular reviews of our consolidated financial statements by qualified individuals; and
The careful selection, training and development of our people.
There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls. Also, the effectiveness of an internal control system may change over time. We have implemented a system of internal control that was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
We have assessed our internal control system in relation to criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (2013 framework) of the Treadway Commission.
Based upon these criteria, we believe that, as of December 31, 2019, our system of internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Rehmann Robson LLC ("Rehmann"), has audited our 2019 consolidated financial statements and our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019. Rehmann was given unrestricted access to all financial records and related data, including minutes of all meetings of stockholders, the Board of Directors and committees of the Board. Rehmann has issued an unqualified audit opinion on our 2019 consolidated financial

83


statements and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls as of December 31, 2019, as a result of the integrated audit.
Isabella Bank Corporation
By:
/s/ Jae A. Evans
Jae A. Evans
President, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
March 13, 2020
 
/s/ Neil M. McDonnell
Neil M. McDonnell
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
March 13, 2020
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.

84


PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
For information concerning our directors and certain executive officers, see “Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 5, 2020 (“Proxy Statement”) which is incorporated herein by reference.
For Information concerning our Audit Committee financial experts, see “Committees of the Board of Directors and Meeting Attendance” in the Proxy Statement which is incorporated herein by reference.
We have adopted a Code of Conduct and Business Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller. We shall provide to any person without charge upon request, a copy of our Code of Conduct and Business Ethics. Written requests should be sent to: Secretary, Isabella Bank Corporation, 401 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
For information concerning executive compensation, see “Executive Officers” and “Remuneration of Directors” in the Proxy Statement which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
For information concerning the security ownership of certain owners and management, see “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement which is incorporated herein by reference.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2019, with respect to compensation plans under which our common shares are authorized for issuance to directors, officers or employees in exchange for consideration in the form of goods or services.
Plan Category
Number of Securities
to be Issued
Upon Exercise of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants,
and Rights
(A)
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
of Outstanding
Options, Warrants,
and Rights
(B)
 
Number of  Securities
Remaining
Available for Future
Issuance Under Equity
Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in Column (A))
(C)
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
None

 
 

 
 

 
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred director compensation plan (1)
177,935

(3)
 

(5)
 

(6)
Stock Award Incentive Plan (2)
7,890

(4)
 

(5)
 

(6)
Total
185,825

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Pursuant to the terms of the Directors Plan, our directors are required to invest at least 25% of their board fees in our common stock. These stock investments can be made either through deferred fees or through the purchase of shares through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Deferred fees, under the Directors Plan, are converted on a quarterly basis into stock units of our common stock based on the fair value of a share of our common stock as of the relevant valuation date. Stock units credited to a participant’s account are eligible for stock and cash dividends as declared. Dividend Reinvestment Plan shares are purchased pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
Distribution of deferred fees from the Directors Plan occurs when the participant retires from the Board or upon the occurrence of certain other events. The participant is eligible to receive a distribution in the form of shares of our common stock of all of the stock units that are then in his or her account, and any unconverted cash will be converted to and rounded up to whole shares of stock and distributed, as well. The Directors Plan does not allow for cash settlement, and therefore, such share-based payment awards qualify for classification as equity. We may use authorized but unissued shares or purchase shares of common stock on the open market to meet our obligations under the Directors Plan.
(2) The Stock Award Incentive Plan is an equity-based bonus plan. Under the plan, we may award stock bonuses to the President and CEO, the CFO and the Bank President. The plan authorizes the issuance of vested stock to eligible employees worth up to 20% of the employee’s annualized base wages, on a calendar year basis. The plan imposes several conditions on

85


the issuance of stock awards and therefore, the stock awards are restricted. Awards are converted to shares upon payment to the participant based on the market value of our common stock on the date of award.
(3) As of December 31, 2019, the Directors Plan had 205,004 shares eligible to be distributed under the Directors Plan. The Rabbi Trust holds 27,069 shares for the benefit of participants pursuant to the Directors Plan.  Accordingly, such shares are not included in the number of securities issuable in column (A).
(4) This amount includes shares subject to outstanding incentive awards at the maximum amount of shares issuable under such awards.  However, payout of incentive awards is contingent on the individual and the Corporation reaching certain levels of performance.  If the performance criteria for these awards are not fully satisfied, the award recipient will receive less than the maximum number of shares eligible under these grants and may receive nothing from these grants. Additionally, this amount assumes the closing price of our common stock as of December 31, 2019 for purposes of the conversion from awards to stock.
(5) The Directors Plan and the Stock Award Incentive Plan do not have an exercise price.
(6) There is no maximum number of shares available for issuance under the Directors Plan and the Stock Award Incentive Plan.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
For information, see “Indebtedness of and Transactions with Management” and “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
For information concerning our principal accountant fees and services see “Fees for Professional Services Provided by Rehmann Robson LLC” and “Pre-approval Policies and Procedures” in our Proxy Statement which is incorporated herein by reference.

86


PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)
 
(1)
Financial Statements:  The following documents are filed as part of Item 8 of this report:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules: All schedules are omitted because they are neither applicable nor required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3)
See the exhibits listed below under Item 15(b):
 
 
 
 
(b)
 
The following exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are filed as part of this report:
 
 
 
 
 
 
3(a)
Amended Articles of Incorporation (1)
 
 
3(b)
Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (2)
 
 
3(c)
Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (3)
 
 
3(d)
Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (4)
 
 
3(e)
Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (7)
 
 
3(f)
Amended Bylaws (5)
 
 
3(g)
Amendment to Bylaws (6)
 
 
3(h)
Amendment to Bylaws (9)
 
 
3(i)
Amendment to Bylaws (10)
 
 
10(a)
Isabella Bank Corporation and Related Companies Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors* (8)
 
 
10(b)
Isabella Bank Corporation Split Dollar Plan* (12)
 
 
10(c)
Isabella Bank Corporation Retirement Bonus Plan* (11)
 
 
10(d)
Isabella Bank Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan* (13)
 
 
10(e)
Amendment to the Isabella Bank Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan* (14)
 
 
10(f)
Isabella Bank Corporation Stock Award Incentive Plan* (14)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Interactive Data File**
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Interactive Data File**
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Interactive Data File**
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Interactive Data File**
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Interactive Data File**
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Interactive Data File**

87


*
 
Management Contract or Compensatory Plan or Arrangement.
**
 
As provided by Rule 406T in Regulation S-T, this information is furnished and not filed for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Exchange Act
(1) 
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Isabella Bank Corporation Form 10-K, filed March 12, 1991, and incorporated herein by reference
(2) 
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Isabella Bank Corporation Form 10-K, filed March 26, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference.
(3) 
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 10-K, filed March 22, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.
(4) 
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 10-K, filed March 27, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.
(5) 
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 10-K, filed March 16, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.
(6) 
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed November 22, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
(7) 
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed May 16, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
(8) 
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed March 13, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.
(9) 
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed August 28, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.
(10) 
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed December 23, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.
(11) 
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed December 19, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
(12) 
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed March 31, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.
(13) 
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed April 27, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.
(14) 
 
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Isabella Bank Corporation Form 8-K, filed February 12, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
Not applicable.

88


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.
ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By:
 
/s/ Jae A. Evans
 
Date:
 
March 13, 2020
 
 
Jae A. Evans
 
 
 
 
 
 
President, Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Principal 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.
Signatures
 
Capacity
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Dr. Jeffrey J. Barnes
 
Director
 
March 13, 2020
Dr. Jeffrey J. Barnes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Jill Bourland
 
Director
 
March 13, 2020
Jill Bourland
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Jae A. Evans
 
President, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer), and Director
 
March 13, 2020
Jae A. Evans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ G. Charles Hubscher
 
Director
 
March 13, 2020
G. Charles Hubscher
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Thomas L. Kleinhardt
 
Director
 
March 13, 2020
Thomas L. Kleinhardt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ David J. Maness
 
Director
 
March 13, 2020
David J. Maness
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ W. Joseph Manifold
 
Director
 
March 13, 2020
W. Joseph Manifold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Neil M. McDonnell
 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
March 13, 2020
Neil M. McDonnell
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Sarah R. Opperman
 
Director
 
March 13, 2020
Sarah R. Opperman
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Vicki L. Rupp
 
Director
 
March 13, 2020
Vicki L. Rupp
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Jerome Schwind
 
Isabella Bank President and Director
 
March 13, 2020
Jerome Schwind
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Rhonda S. Tudor
 
Controller
 
March 13, 2020
Rhonda S. Tudor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Gregory V. Varner
 
Director
 
March 13, 2020
Gregory V. Varner
 
 
 
 

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