U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549 FORM 10-Q [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006 [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _______________ to ____________. Commission File No. 000-26719 MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) <TABLE> <S> <C> Michigan 38-3360865 (State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification No.) incorporation or organization) </TABLE> <TABLE> <S> <C> 310 LEONARD STREET, NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) </TABLE> (616) 406-3000 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No --- --- Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large Accelerated filer Accelerated filer X Non-Accelerated filer --- --- --- Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No X --- --- At May 8, 2006, there were 8,000,633 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION INDEX <TABLE> <CAPTION> Page No. -------- <S> <C> PART I. Financial Information Item 1. Financial Statements Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 2006 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2005.................. 1 Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income - Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 (Unaudited) and March 31, 2005 (Unaudited)........................................ 2 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 (Unaudited) and March 31, 2005 (Unaudited)........................................ 3 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 (Unaudited) and March 31, 2005 (Unaudited)........................................ 4 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)............... 5 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations............................... 15 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk... 23 Item 4. Controls and Procedures...................................... 25 PART II. Other Information Item 1. Legal Proceedings............................................ 26 Item 1A. Risk Factors................................................ 26 Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.. 26 Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities.............................. 26 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.......... 27 Item 5. Other Information............................................ 27 Item 6. Exhibits..................................................... 27 Signatures </TABLE>
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION PART I- FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS <TABLE> <CAPTION> March 31, December 31, 2006 2005 -------------- -------------- (Unaudited) <S> <C> <C> ASSETS Cash and due from banks $ 38,247,000 $ 36,208,000 Short-term investments 389,000 545,000 -------------- -------------- Total cash and cash equivalents 38,636,000 36,753,000 Securities available for sale 118,103,000 112,961,000 Securities held to maturity (fair value of $64,179,000 at March 31, 2006 and $62,850,000 at December 31, 2005) 62,179,000 60,766,000 Federal Home Loan Bank stock 7,887,000 7,887,000 Total loans and leases 1,612,351,000 1,561,812,000 Allowance for loan and lease losses (20,995,000) (20,527,000) -------------- -------------- Total loans and leases, net 1,591,356,000 1,541,285,000 Premises and equipment, net 29,885,000 30,206,000 Bank owned life insurance policies 28,360,000 28,071,000 Accrued interest receivable 9,374,000 8,274,000 Other assets 11,194,000 12,007,000 -------------- -------------- Total assets $1,896,974,000 $1,838,210,000 ============== ============== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Deposits Noninterest-bearing $ 114,880,000 $ 120,828,000 Interest-bearing 1,367,339,000 1,298,524,000 -------------- -------------- Total deposits 1,482,219,000 1,419,352,000 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 67,956,000 72,201,000 Federal funds purchased 6,600,000 9,600,000 Federal Home Loan Bank advances 130,000,000 130,000,000 Subordinated debentures 32,990,000 32,990,000 Other borrowed money 2,791,000 2,347,000 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 15,508,000 16,595,000 -------------- -------------- Total liabilities 1,738,064,000 1,683,085,000 Shareholders' equity Preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued 0 0 Common stock, no par value: 20,000,000 shares authorized; 7,976,829 shares outstanding at March 31, 2006 and 7,590,526 shares outstanding at December 31, 2005 160,648,000 148,533,000 Retained earnings 0 8,000,000 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1,738,000) (1,408,000) -------------- -------------- Total shareholders' equity 158,910,000 155,125,000 -------------- -------------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $1,896,974,000 $1,838,210,000 ============== ============== </TABLE> See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 1.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) <TABLE> <CAPTION> Three Months Three Months Ended Ended March 31, March 31, 2006 2005 ------------ ------------ <S> <C> <C> Interest income Loans and leases, including fees $28,727,000 $19,772,000 Investment securities 2,237,000 1,887,000 Federal funds sold 132,000 44,000 Short-term investments 3,000 2,000 ----------- ----------- Total interest income 31,099,000 21,705,000 Interest expense Deposits 13,485,000 7,440,000 Short-term borrowings 601,000 338,000 Federal Home Loan Bank advances 1,315,000 857,000 Long-term borrowings 599,000 415,000 ----------- ----------- Total interest expense 16,000,000 9,050,000 ----------- ----------- NET INTEREST INCOME 15,099,000 12,655,000 Provision for loan and lease losses 1,225,000 725,000 ----------- ----------- NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES 13,874,000 11,930,000 Noninterest income Service charges on accounts 316,000 338,000 Net gain on sales of securities 0 0 Net gain on sales of commercial loans 29,000 0 Other income 898,000 872,000 ----------- ----------- Total noninterest income 1,243,000 1,210,000 Noninterest expense Salaries and benefits 4,765,000 4,159,000 Occupancy 830,000 518,000 Furniture and equipment 522,000 288,000 Other expense 1,889,000 1,885,000 ----------- ----------- Total noninterest expenses 8,006,000 6,850,000 ----------- ----------- INCOME BEFORE FEDERAL INCOME TAX EXPENSE 7,111,000 6,290,000 Federal income tax expense 2,182,000 1,928,000 ----------- ----------- NET INCOME $ 4,929,000 $ 4,362,000 =========== =========== COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $ 4,599,000 $ 3,502,000 =========== =========== Basic earnings per share $ 0.62 $ 0.55 =========== =========== Diluted earnings per share $ 0.61 $ 0.54 =========== =========== Cash dividends per share $ 0.12 $ 0.10 =========== =========== Average basic shares outstanding 7,974,180 7,944,969 =========== =========== Average diluted shares outstanding 8,101,081 8,098,461 =========== =========== </TABLE> See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 2.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) <TABLE> <CAPTION> Accumulated Other Total Retained Comprehensive Shareholders' Common Stock Earnings Income (Loss) Equity ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2005 $131,010,000 $ 10,475,000 $ 132,000 $141,617,000 Employee stock purchase plan, 436 shares 17,000 17,000 Dividend reinvestment plan, 864 shares 33,000 33,000 Stock option exercises, 23,621 shares 225,000 225,000 Stock tendered for stock option exercises, 4,125 shares (172,000) (172,000) Cash dividends ($0.10 per share) (721,000) (721,000) Comprehensive income: Net income for the period from January 1, 2005 through March 31, 2005 4,362,000 4,362,000 Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of reclassifications and tax effect (860,000) (860,000) ------------ Total comprehensive income 3,502,000 ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2005 $131,113,000 $ 14,116,000 $ (728,000) $144,501,000 ============ ============ =========== ============ BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2006 $148,533,000 $ 8,000,000 $(1,408,000) $155,125,000 Payment of 5% stock dividend 12,014,000 (12,018,000) (4,000) Employee stock purchase plan, 794 shares 29,000 29,000 Dividend reinvestment plan, 565 shares 21,000 21,000 Stock option exercises, 7,974 shares 95,000 95,000 Stock tendered for stock option exercises, 2,558 shares (95,000) (95,000) Stock option expense 51,000 51,000 Cash dividends ($0.12 per share) (911,000) (911,000) Comprehensive income: Net income for the period from January 1, 2006 through March 31,2006 4,929,000 4,929,000 Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of reclassifications and tax effect (330,000) (330,000) ------------ Total comprehensive income 4,599,000 ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2006 $160,648,000 $ 0 $(1,738,000) $158,910,000 ============ ============ =========== ============ </TABLE> See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 3.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) <TABLE> <CAPTION> Three Months Three Months Ended Ended March 31, March 31, 2006 2005 ------------ ------------ <S> <C> <C> CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $ 4,929,000 $ 4,362,000 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities Depreciation and amortization 785,000 490,000 Provision for loan and lease losses 1,225,000 725,000 Net gain on sales of commercial loans (29,000) 0 Stock option expense 51,000 0 Net change in: Accrued interest receivable (1,100,000) (1,239,000) Bank owned life insurance policies (289,000) (236,000) Other assets 867,000 (1,129,000) Accrued expenses and other liabilities (1,087,000) 839,000 ------------ ------------ Net cash from operating activities 5,352,000 3,812,000 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Loan and lease originations and payments, net (51,267,000) (57,900,000) Purchases of: Securities available for sale (8,133,000) (15,756,000) Securities held to maturity (1,428,000) (4,895,000) Federal Home Loan Bank stock 0 (224,000) Proceeds from: Maturities, calls and repayments of available for sale securities 2,488,000 5,510,000 Maturities, calls and repayments of held to maturity securities 0 201,000 Purchases of premises and equipment, net (330,000) (2,378,000) ------------ ------------ Net cash from investing activities (58,670,000) (75,442,000) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net increase in deposits 62,867,000 130,836,000 Net increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements to repurchase (4,245,000) 3,891,000 Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased (3,000,000) (15,000,000) Proceeds from new Federal Home Loan Bank advances 15,000,000 20,000,000 Maturities of Federal Home Loan Bank advances (15,000,000) (15,000,000) Net increase in other borrowed money 444,000 307,000 Employee stock purchase plan 29,000 17,000 Dividend reinvestment plan 21,000 33,000 Stock option exercises, net 0 53,000 Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares on stock dividend (4,000) 0 Payment of cash dividend (911,000) (721,000) ------------ ------------ Net cash from financing activities 55,201,000 124,416,000 ------------ ------------ Net change in cash and cash equivalents 1,883,000 52,786,000 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 36,753,000 20,811,000 ------------ ------------ CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 38,636,000 $ 73,597,000 ============ ============ Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 14,302,000 $ 7,726,000 Federal income tax 1,000,000 325,000 </TABLE> See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 4.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation: The unaudited financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2006 include the consolidated results of operations of Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. These subsidiaries include Mercantile Bank of Michigan ("our bank"), our bank's three subsidiaries, Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company, LLC ("our mortgage company"), Mercantile Bank Real Estate Co., LLC ("our real estate company"), and Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. ("our insurance center"). These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K and do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for a complete presentation of our financial condition and results of operations. In the opinion of management, the information reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are necessary in order to make the financial statements not misleading and for a fair presentation of the results of operations for such periods. The results for the period ended March 31, 2006 should not be considered as indicative of results for a full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. Mercantile Bank Capital Trust I ("the trust"), a business trust formed by Mercantile Bank Corporation, sold 16,000 trust preferred securities at $1,000.00 per trust preferred security in a September 2004 offering. The trust sold an additional 16,000 trust preferred securities at $1,000.00 per trust preferred security in a December 2004 offering. Mercantile Bank Corporation issued subordinated debentures to the trust in exchange for the proceeds of the offerings. The debentures and related debt issuance costs represent the sole assets of the trust. Under current accounting guidance, FASB Interpretation No. 46, as revised in December 2003, the trust is not consolidated. Accordingly, Mercantile Bank Corporation does not report the securities issued by the trust as liabilities, but instead reports as liabilities the subordinated debentures issued by Mercantile Bank Corporation and held by the trust, as these are not eliminated in consolidation. The effect of not consolidating the trust does not significantly change the amounts reported as Mercantile Bank Corporation's assets, liabilities, equity or interest expense. Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share is based on weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options. Options for 55,203 shares were antidilutive and were not included in determining diluted earnings per share for the three month period ended March 31,2006. Stock Dividend: All per share amounts and average shares outstanding have been adjusted for all periods presented to reflect the 5% stock dividend that will be distributed on May 16, 2006. The Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity reflects a transfer from retained earnings to common stock for the fair value of the shares distributed to the extent of available retained earnings. (Continued) 5.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses: The allowance for loan and lease losses ("allowance") is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses, increased by the provision for loan and lease losses and recoveries, and decreased by charge-offs. Management estimates the allowance balance required based on past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, and economic conditions. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans and leases, but the entire allowance is available for any loan or lease that, in management's judgment, should be charged-off. Loan and lease losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan or lease balance is confirmed. A loan or lease is impaired when full payment under the loan or lease terms is not expected. Impairment is evaluated in aggregate for smaller-balance loans of similar nature such as residential mortgage, consumer and credit card loans, and on an individual loan basis for other loans. If a loan or lease is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan or lease is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan's or lease's existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Loans and leases are evaluated for impairment when payments are delayed, typically 30 days or more, or when serious deficiencies are identified within the credit relationship. Stock Options: Stock option plans are used to reward directors and employees and provide them with additional equity interest. Stock options granted to non-employee directors are at 125% of the market price on the date of grant, fully vest after five years and expire ten years from the date of grant. Stock options granted to employees are granted at the market price on the date of grant, generally fully vest after one year and expire ten years from the date of grant. Stock options granted to non-executive employees during 2005 vested about three weeks after being granted. At March 31, 2006, there were 243,380 shares authorized for future option grants. Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation expense using the intrinsic value method as required by APB Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and as permitted by SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." No compensation cost for stock options was reflected in net income for 2005, as all options granted had an exercise price equal to the market price of the underlying common stock at date of grant. On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), which requires measurement of compensation cost for all stock-based awards be based on the grant-date fair value and recognition of compensation cost over the service period of stock-based awards, which is usually the same as the vesting period. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model, which is consistent with the Company's valuation methodology previously utilized for options in the footnote disclosures required under SFAS No. 123. The fair value of stock option grants will also be determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The Company has adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective method, which provides for no retroactive application to prior periods and no cumulative adjustment to equity accounts. It also provides for expense recognition, for both new and existing stock-based awards, as the required services are rendered. SFAS No. 123(R) also amends SFAS No. 95 "Statement of Cash Flows," and requires tax benefits relating to excess stock-based compensation deductions be presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows as financing cash inflows. (Continued) 6.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) On March 29, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") published Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 107, which expressed the views of the Staff regarding interaction between SFAS No. 123(R) and certain SEC rules and regulations and provided the Staff's views regarding the valuation of stock-based payment arrangements for public companies. SAB No. 107 requires that stock-based compensation be classified in the same expense category as cash compensation. Accordingly, the Company has included stock-based compensation expense in salaries and employee benefits in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) had the following impact on reported amounts compared with amounts that would have been reported using the intrinsic value method under previous accounting. <TABLE> <CAPTION> Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 ------------------------------------- Using SFAS Previous 123(R) As Accounting Adjustments Reported ---------- ----------- ---------- <S> <C> <C> <C> Income before taxes $7,162,000 $(51,000) $7,111,000 Income taxes 2,182,000 0 2,182,000 ---------- -------- ---------- Net income $4,980,000 $(51,000) $4,929,000 ========== ======== ========== Basic earnings per share $ 0.62 $ -- $ 0.62 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.61 $ -- $ 0.61 </TABLE> The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if expense had been measured using the fair value expense had been recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). <TABLE> <CAPTION> Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 --------------------------------------- Pro Forma As As Pro Forma If Under Reported Adjustments SFAS 123(R) ---------- ----------- ------------ <S> <C> <C> <C> Income before taxes $6,290,000 $(94,000) $6,196,000 Income taxes 1,928,000 0 1,928,000 ---------- -------- ---------- Net income $4,362,000 $(94,000) $4,268,000 ========== ======== ========== Basic earnings per share $ 0.55 $ (0.01) $ 0.54 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.54 $ (0.01) $ 0.53 </TABLE> (Continued) 7.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) The following is activity under the stock option plans: <TABLE> <CAPTION> Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 --------------------------------- Weighted Average Exercise Shares Price -------- -------- <S> <C> <C> Outstanding at beginning of period $315,465 $21.84 Granted 0 NA Exercised 7,974 11.93 Forfeited 0 NA -------- ------ Outstanding at end of period $307,491 $22.09 ======== ====== Exercisable at end of period $264,813 $20.60 ======== ====== </TABLE> The aggregate intrinsic value of all options outstanding at March 31, 2006 was $4.7 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of all options that were exercisable at March 31, 2006 was $4.4 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the first three months of 2006 was $0.2 million. The weighted average fair value of the 2,479 stock options that vested during the first three months of 2006 was $10.90. Stock options outstanding as of March 31,2006: <TABLE> <CAPTION> Outstanding Exercisable -------------------------------- ------------------ Weighted Average Weighted Weighted Remaining Average Average Contractual Exercise Exercise Shares Life Price Shares Price ------- ----------- -------- ------- -------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> $4.00 - $9.00 17,253 1.5 Years $ 7.62 17,253 $ 7.62 $9.01 - $13.00 69,178 3.5 Years 9.38 69,178 9.38 $13.01 - $17.00 42,053 5.5 Years 13.66 34,416 13.07 $17.01 - $21.00 37,643 6.5 Years 16.94 37,643 16.94 $21.01 - $25.00 7,283 6.5 Years 21.19 0 NA $25.01 - $29.00 34,079 7.6 Years 27.94 34,079 27.94 $33.00 - $38.00 92,836 9.0 Years 36.53 72,244 36.46 $38.01 - $42.00 7,166 8.5 Years 42.29 0 NA ------- ------- Outstanding at end of period 307,491 6.3 Years $22.09 264,813 $20.60 ======= ======= </TABLE> (Continued) 8.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) The compensation cost yet to be recognized for stock option grants that have been awarded but not vested is $149,000 for the remainder of 2006, and $27,000, $17,000 and $8,000 for 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. 2. LOANS Our total loans at March 31, 2006 were $1,612.4 million compared to $1,561.8 million at December 31, 2005, an increase of $50.6 million, or 3.2%. The components of our outstanding balances at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, and percentage increase in loans from the end of 2005 to the end of the first quarter 2006 are as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> March 31, 2006 December 31, 2005 Percent ---------------------- ---------------------- Increase/ Balance % Balance % (Decrease) -------------- ----- -------------- ----- ---------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Real Estate: Construction and land development $ 242,411,000 15.0% $ 226,544,000 14.5% 7.0% Secured by 1-4 family properties 129,784,000 8.0 128,111,000 8.2 1.3 Secured by multi-family properties 36,475,000 2.3 30,114,000 2.0 21.1 Secured by nonresidential properties 742,003,000 46.0 714,963,000 45.8 3.8 Commercial 452,612,000 28.1 454,911,000 29.1 (0.5) Leases 1,475,000 0.1 1,786,000 0.1 (17.4) Consumer 7,591,000 0.5 5,383,000 0.3 41.0 -------------- ----- -------------- ----- ----- Total loans and leases $1,612,351,000 100.0% $1,561,812,000 100.0% 3.2% ============== ===== ============== ===== ===== </TABLE> 3. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES The following is a summary of the change in our allowance for loan and lease losses account for the three months ended March 31: <TABLE> <CAPTION> 2006 2005 ----------- ----------- <S> <C> <C> Balance at January 1 $20,527,000 $17,819,000 Charge-offs (780,000) (493,000) Recoveries 23,000 46,000 Provision for loan and lease losses 1,225,000 725,000 ----------- ----------- Balance at March 31 $20,995,000 $18,097,000 =========== =========== </TABLE> (Continued) 9.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 4. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET Premises and equipment are comprised of the following: <TABLE> <CAPTION> March 31, December 31, 2006 2005 ----------- ------------ <S> <C> <C> Land and improvements $ 7,202,000 $ 7,135,000 Buildings and leasehold improvements 18,638,000 18,450,000 Furniture and equipment 10,426,000 10,351,000 ----------- ----------- 36,266,000 35,936,000 Less: accumulated depreciation 6,381,000 5,730,000 ----------- ----------- Premises and equipment, net $29,885,000 $30,206,000 =========== =========== </TABLE> Depreciation expense amounted to $651,000 during the first quarter of 2006, compared to $374,000 in the first quarter of 2005. 5. DEPOSITS Our total deposits at March 31, 2006 were $1,482.2 million compared to $1,419.4 million at December 31, 2005, an increase of $62.9 million, or 4.4%. The components of our outstanding balances at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, and percentage increase in deposits from the end of 2005 to the end of the first quarter 2006 are as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> March 31, 2006 December 31, 2005 Percent ---------------------- ---------------------- Increase/ Balance % Balance % (Decrease) -------------- ----- -------------- ----- ---------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Noninterest-bearing demand $ 114,880,000 7.8 $ 120,828,000 8.5% (4.9)% Interest-bearing checking 35,971,000 2.4 39,792,000 2.8 (9.6) Money market 10,840,000 0.7 10,344,000 0.7 4.8 Savings 95,422,000 6.5 106,247,000 7.5 (10.2) Time, under $100,000 27,988,000 1.9 23,906,000 1.7 17.1 Time, $100,000 and over 236,035,000 15.9 155,401.000 11.0 51.9 -------------- ----- -------------- ----- ---- 521,136,000 35.2 456,518,000 32.2 14.2 Out-of-area time, under $100,000 79,756,000 5.3 80,048,000 5.6 (0.4) Out-of-area time, $100,000 and over 881,327,000 59.5 882,786,000 62.2 (0.2) -------------- ----- -------------- ----- ---- 961,083,000 64.8 962,834,000 67.8 (0.2) -------------- ----- -------------- ----- ---- Total deposits $1,482,219,000 100.0% $1,419,352,000 100.0% 4.4% ============== ===== ============== ===== ==== </TABLE> (Continued) 10.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 6. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS Information relating to our securities sold under agreements to repurchase follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> March 31, December 31, 2006 2005 ----------- ------------ <S> <C> <C> Outstanding balance at end of period $67,956,000 $72,201,000 Average interest rate at end of period 3.64% 3.31% Average balance during the period $69,397,000 $60,743,000 Average interest rate during the period 3.37% 2.63% Maximum month end balance during the period $74,218,000 $74,639,000 </TABLE> Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements) generally have original maturities of less than one year. Repurchase agreements are treated as financings and the obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as liabilities. Securities involved with the agreements are recorded as assets of our bank and are primarily held in safekeeping by correspondent banks. Repurchase agreements are offered principally to certain large deposit customers as uninsured deposit equivalent investments. 7. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES Our outstanding balances at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows. <TABLE> <CAPTION> March 31, December 31, 2006 2005 ------------ ------------ <S> <C> <C> Maturities April 2006 through May 2008, fixed rates from 2.64% to 4.99%, averaging 3.96% $120,000,000 $ Maturities in May 2006, floating rates tied to Libor indices, averaging 4.84% 10,000,000 Maturities January 2006 through May 2008, fixed rates from 2.13% to 4.92%, averaging 3.68% 120,000,000 Maturities in May 2006, floating rates tied to Libor indices, averaging 4.42% 10,000,000 ------------ ------------ $130,000,000 $130,000,000 ============ ============ </TABLE> Each advance is payable at its maturity date, and is subject to a prepayment fee if paid prior to the maturity date. The advances are collateralized by residential mortgage loans, first mortgage liens on multi-family residential property loans, first mortgage liens on commercial real estate property loans, and substantially all other assets of our bank, under a blanket lien arrangement. Our borrowing line of credit as of March 31, 2006 totaled $203.4 million, with availability approximating $61.7 million. (Continued) 11.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 7. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES (Continued) Maturities of currently outstanding FHLB advances during the next five years are: <TABLE> <S> <C> 2006 $85,000,000 2007 30,000,000 2008 15,000,000 2009 0 2010 0 </TABLE> 8. COMMITMENTS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK Our bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Loan commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by our bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized, if any, in the balance sheet. Our bank's maximum exposure to loan loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. Our bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Collateral, such as accounts receivable, securities, inventory, property and equipment, is generally obtained based on management's credit assessment of the borrower. If required, estimated loss exposure resulting from these instruments is expensed and recorded as a liability. The balance of the liability account was $0.5 million as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. A summary of the contractual amounts of our financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at March 31,2006 and December 31, 2005 follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> March 31, December 31, 2006 2005 ------------ ------------ <S> <C> <C> Commercial unused lines of credit $316,334,000 $303,115,000 Unused lines of credit secured by 1 - 4 family residential properties 30,053,000 27,830,000 Credit card unused lines of credit 7,931,000 7,971,000 Other consumer unused lines of credit 8,188,000 10,791,000 Commitments to extend credit 90,539,000 83,280,000 Standby letters of credit 57,060,000 59,058,000 ------------ ------------ $510,105,000 $492,045,000 ============ ============ </TABLE> (Continued) 12.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 9. REGULATORY MATTERS We are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors, and the regulators can lower classifications in certain cases. Failure to meet various capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that could have a direct material effect on our financial statements. The prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications, including well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If adequately capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. If undercapitalized, capital distributions are limited, as is asset growth and expansion, and plans for capital restoration are required. Our actual capital levels (dollars in thousands) and minimum required levels were: <TABLE> <CAPTION> Minimum Required to be Well Minimum Required Capitalized Under for Capital Prompt Corrective Actual Adequacy Purposes Action Regulations ---------------- ----------------- ------------------- Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> March 31, 2006 Total capital (to risk weighted assets) Consolidated $213,647 11.9% $143,486 8.0% $ NA NA Bank 210,218 11.7 143,400 8.0 179,250 10.0% Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets) Consolidated 192,652 10.7 71,743 4.0 NA NA Bank 189,223 10.6 71,700 4.0 107,550 6.0 Tier 1 capital (to average assets) Consolidated 192,652 10.3 74,878 4.0 NA NA Bank 189,223 10.1 74,826 4.0 93,533 5.0 </TABLE> (Continued) 13.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 9. REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued) <TABLE> <CAPTION> Minimum Required to be Well Minimum Required Capitalized Under for Capital Prompt Corrective Actual Adequacy Purposes Action Regulations ---------------- ----------------- ------------------ Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> December 31,2005 Total capital (to risk weighted assets) Consolidated $209,060 12.0% $139,337 8.0% $ NA NA Bank 205,642 11.8 139,158 8.0 173,947 10.0% Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets) Consolidated 188,533 10.8 69,669 4.0 NA NA Bank 185,115 10.6 69,579 4.0 104,368 6.0 Tier 1 capital (to average assets) Consolidated 188,533 10.5 72,163 4.0 NA NA Bank 185,115 10.3 72,100 4.0 90,124 5.0 </TABLE> Our consolidated capital levels as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 include the $32.0 million in trust preferred securities issued by the trust subject to certain limitations. Federal Reserve guidelines limit the amount of trust preferred securities which can be included in our Tier 1 capital to 25% of total Tier 1 capital. As of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, all $32.0 million of the trust preferred securities were included as Tier 1 capital. Our and our bank's ability to pay cash and stock dividends is subject to limitations under various laws and regulations and to prudent and sound banking practices. We declared s 5% stock dividend on April 11, 2006, that will be distributed on May 16, 2006 to record holders as of April 24, 2006. All earnings per share and dividend per share information have been adjusted for the 5% stock dividend. On January 10, 2006, we declared a $0.12 per share cash dividend on our common stock, which was paid on March 10, 2006 to record holders as of February 10, 2006. On April 11, 2006, we declared a $0.13 per share cash dividend on our common stock, which is payable on June 9, 2006 to record holders as of May 17, 2006. 10. BENEFIT PLANS We sponsor an employee stock purchase plan which allows employees to defer after-tax payroll dollars and purchase our stock, at market value, on a quarterly basis. We have registered 30,387 shares of common stock to be issued and purchased under the plan; however, the plan allows for shares to be purchased directly from us or on the open market. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, we issued 794 shares under the plan. (Continued) 14.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This report contains forward-looking statements that are based on management's beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy, and about our company. Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "intends," "is likely," "plans," "projects," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("Future Factors") that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events (whether anticipated or unanticipated), or otherwise. Future Factors include changes in interest rates and interest rate relationships; demand for products and services; the degree of competition by traditional and non-traditional competitors; changes in banking regulation; changes in tax laws; changes in prices, levies, and assessments; the impact of technological advances; governmental and regulatory policy changes; the outcomes of contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; changes in the national and local economies; and risk factors described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. These are representative of the Future Factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a preceding forward-looking statement. INTRODUCTION The following discussion compares the financial condition of Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, Mercantile Bank of Michigan ("our bank"), our bank's three subsidiaries Mercantile Bank Mortgage Company ("our mortgage company"), Mercantile Bank Real Estate Co., LLC ("our real estate company") and Mercantile Insurance Center, Inc. ("our insurance company"), at March 31, 2006 to December 31, 2005 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the interim consolidated financial statements and footnotes included therein. Unless the text clearly suggests otherwise, references in this report to "us," "we," "our" or "the company" include Mercantile Bank Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries referred to above. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES Generally accepted accounting principles are complex and require management to apply significant judgment to various accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. Management must use assumptions and estimates to apply these principles where actual measurements are not possible or practical. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited financial statements included in this report. For a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies, see footnotes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included on pages F-35 through F-40 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 (Commission file number 000-26719). Below is a discussion of our Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses policy. This policy is critical because it is highly dependent upon subjective or complex judgments, assumptions and estimates. Changes in such estimates may have a significant impact on the financial statements, and actual results may differ from those estimates. Management has reviewed the application of this policy with the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. 15.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses: The allowance for loan and lease losses ("allowance") is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses, increased by the provision for loan and lease losses and recoveries, and decreased by charge-offs. Management estimates the allowance balance required based on past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, and economic conditions. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans and leases, but the entire allowance is available for any loan or lease that, in management's judgment, should be charged-off. Loan and lease losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan or lease balance is confirmed. A loan or lease is impaired when full payment under the loan or lease terms is not expected. Impairment is evaluated in aggregate for smaller-balance loans of similar nature such as residential mortgage, consumer and credit card loans, and on an individual loan basis for other loans. If a loan or lease is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan or lease is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan's or lease's existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Loans and leases are evaluated for impairment when payments are delayed, typically 30 days or more, or when serious deficiencies are identified within the credit relationship. FINANCIAL CONDITION During the first three months of 2006, our assets increased from $1,838.2 million on December 31, 2005, to $1,897.0 million on March 31, 2006. This represents an increase in total assets of $58.8 million, or 3.2%. The asset growth was comprised primarily of a $50.1 million increase in net loans and a $6.6 million increase in securities. The growth in total assets was primarily funded by a $62.9 million increase in deposits, partially offset by a $4.2 million decrease in securities sold under agreements to repurchase ("repurchase agreements") and a $3.0 million decrease in federal funds purchased. Commercial loans and leases increased by $46.7 million during the first three months of 2006, and at March 31, 2006 totaled $1,475.0 million, or 91.5% of the total loan and lease portfolio. The continued significant concentration of the loan and lease portfolio in commercial loans and leases and the rapid growth of this portion of our lending business is consistent with our stated strategy of focusing a substantial amount of our efforts on "wholesale" banking. Corporate and business lending continues to be an area of expertise of our senior management team, and our commercial lenders have extensive commercial lending experience, with most having at least 10 years experience. Of each of the loan categories that we originate, commercial loans and leases are most efficiently originated and managed; thus limiting overhead costs by necessitating the attention of fewer full-time employees. Our commercial lending business generates the greatest amount of local deposits, and is our primary source of demand deposits. Residential mortgage loans and consumer loans increased an aggregate $3.9 million during the first three months of 2006. As of March 31, 2006, residential mortgage and consumer loans totaled a combined $137.4 million, or 8.5% of the total loan and lease portfolio. Although we plan to increase our noncommercial loan portfolios in future periods, given our wholesale banking strategy, we expect the commercial sector of the lending efforts and resultant assets to remain the dominant loan portfolio category. 16.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION Management believes the quality of our loan and lease portfolio remains strong. Net loan and lease charge-offs during the first three months of 2006 totaled $757,000, or 0.19% of average total loans and leases on an annualized basis. During the first quarter of 2005, net loan and lease charge-offs totaled $447,000, or 0.13% of average total loans and leases on an annualized basis. Nonperforming assets at March 31, 2006 totaled $8.8 million, or 0.46% of period-ending total assets. At March 31, 2005, nonperforming assets totaled $5.2 million, or 0.31% of period-ending total assets, while nonperforming assets at December 31, 2005 totaled $4.0 million, or 0.22% of period-ending total assets. Of the $4.8 million increase in nonperforming assets during the first quarter of 2006, approximately $2.6 million is attributable to eleven related loans that had been requested to finance the purchase of vacant residential real estate, where the purpose, collateral, and structure of the loans does not appear to coincide with what was portrayed to us in the loan application process. These loans have been placed on non-accrual. We are currently pursuing various legal remedies against the multiple parties to these transactions and expect the real estate collateral received in connection with the loans to eventually be liquidated as part of the collection process. While it is still early in the litigation and evaluation process, a portion of the allowance has been allocated to these specific credits based on the current assessment of the value of the collateral and the other collection avenues being pursued. We believe we have instilled a strong credit culture within our lending departments as it pertains to the underwriting and administration processes, which in part is reflected in our historical loan and lease charge-off and delinquency ratios. Over 98% of the loan and lease portfolio consists of loans extended directly to companies and individuals doing business and residing within our market area. The remaining portion is comprised of commercial loans participated with certain commercial banks outside the immediate area, which we underwrite using the same loan underwriting criteria as though our bank was the originating bank. Securities increased by $6.6 million during the first three months of 2006. Purchases during the first three months of 2006 totaled $9.6 million, while proceeds from maturities, calls and repayments of securities totaled $2.5 million. Our securities portfolio primarily consists of U.S. Government Agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government Agencies, investment-grade tax-exempt municipal securities and Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBI") stock. Cash and cash equivalents increased $1.9 million during the first three months of 2006, totaling $38.6 million on March 31, 2006. Cash and due from bank balances were up $2.0 million and short term investments were down $0.1 million. Our commercial lending and wholesale funding focus results in relatively large day-to-day fluctuations of our cash and cash equivalent balances. The average cash and cash equivalents during the first three months of 2006 equaled $49.1 million. Premises and equipment at March 31, 2006 equaled $29.9 million, a decrease of $0.3 million over the past three months. Purchases of premises and equipment during the first three months of 2006 totaled $0.3 million, while depreciation expense equaled $0.6 million. 17.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION Deposits increased $62.9 million during the first three months of 2006, totaling $1,482.2 million at March 31, 2006. Local deposits increased $64.6 million, while out-of-area deposits decreased $1.7 million. As a percent of total deposits, local deposits increased from 32.2% on December 31, 2005, to 35.2% at March 31, 2006. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits, comprising 7.8% of total deposits, decreased $5.9 million during the first three months of 2006. Savings deposits (6.5% of total deposits) decreased $10.8 million, interest-bearing checking accounts (2.4% of total deposits) decreased $3.8 million and money market deposit accounts (0.7% of total deposits) increased $0.5 million during the first three months of 2006. Local certificates of deposit, comprising 17.8% of total deposits, increased by $84.7 million during the first three months of 2006. The increase in local certificates of deposit is primarily attributable to increases in balances from municipalities and transfers of monies by consumer and commercial customers from savings accounts to certificate of deposit products, the latter of which reflecting that rates offered on certificates of deposit have risen at a faster pace than the rates offered on savings accounts. Out-of-area deposits decreased $1.7 million during the first three months of 2006, totaling $961.1 million at March 31, 2006. Out-of-area deposits consist primarily of certificates of deposit obtained from depositors located outside our market area and placed by deposit brokers for a fee, but also include certificates of deposit obtained from the deposit owners directly. Out-of-area deposits are utilized to support our asset growth, and are generally a lower cost source of funds when compared to the deposit interest rates that would have to be offered in the local market to generate a sufficient level of funds. During the first three months of 2006, rates paid on new out-of-area certificates of deposit were generally only slightly higher than rates paid on new certificates of deposit issued to local customers. Overhead costs associated with out-of-area deposits are considerably less than the overhead costs that would be incurred to administer a similar level of local deposits. Although local deposits generally have and are expected to increase as new business, governmental and consumer deposit relationships are established, our relatively high reliance on out-of-area deposits will likely continue. Repurchase agreements decreased by $4.2 million during the first three months of 2006, totaling $68.0 million as of March 31, 2006. As part of our sweep account program, collected funds from certain business noninterest-bearing checking accounts are invested into over-night interest-bearing repurchase agreements. Although not considered a deposit account and therefore not afforded federal deposit insurance, the repurchase agreements have characteristics very similar to that of our business checking deposit accounts. Federal funds purchased declined by $3.0 million during the first three months of 2006, totaling $6.6 million as of March 31, 2006. Advances obtained from the FHLBI totaled $130.0 million as of March 31, 2006, unchanged from December 31, 2005, as $15.0 million in new advances replaced the $15.0 million from maturing advances during the first quarter. The FHLBI advances are collateralized by residential mortgage loans, first mortgage liens on multi-family residential property loans, first mortgage liens on commercial real estate property loans, and substantially all other assets of our bank, under a blanket lien arrangement. Our borrowing line of credit as of March 31, 2006 totaled $203.4 million, with availability approximating $61.7 million. FHLBI advances, along with out-of-area deposits, are the primary components of our wholesale funding program. LIQUIDITY Liquidity is measured by our ability to raise funds through deposits, borrowed funds, capital or cash flow from the repayment of loans and securities. These funds are used to meet deposit withdrawals, maintain reserve requirements, fund loans and support our operations. Liquidity is primarily achieved through the growth of deposits (both local and out-of-area) and advances from the FHLBI, as well as liquid assets such as securities available for sale, matured securities, and federal funds sold. Asset and liability management is the process of managing the balance sheet to achieve a mix of earning assets and liabilities that maximizes profitability, while providing adequate liquidity. 18.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION Our liquidity strategy is to fund earning asset growth with deposits, repurchase agreements and FHLBI advances and to maintain an adequate level of short- and medium-term investments to meet typical daily loan and deposit activity. Although deposit and repurchase agreement growth from depositors located in our market area has generally consistently increased, this growth has not been sufficient to meet the substantial loan growth and provide monies for additional investing activities. To assist in providing the additional needed funds, we have regularly obtained monies from wholesale funding sources. Wholesale funds, comprised of certificates of deposit from customers outside our market area and advances from the FHLBI, totaled $1,091.1 million, or 64.9% of combined deposits and borrowed funds as of March 31, 2006. As of December 31, 2005, wholesale funds totaled $1,092.8 million, or 67.4% of combined deposits and borrowed funds. Reliance on wholesale funds is expected to continue due to our anticipated future asset growth. As a member of the FHLBI, our bank has access to the FHLBI's borrowing programs. At March 31, 2006, advances from the FHLBI totaled $130.0 million, unchanged from the amount outstanding at December 31, 2005. Based on available collateral at March 31, 2006, our bank could borrow an additional $61.7 million. Our bank has the ability to borrow money on a daily basis through correspondent banks via established unsecured federal funds purchased lines, totaling $62.0 million as of March 31,2006. The average balance of federal funds purchased during the first three months of 2006 equaled $2.2 million, compared to a $12.0 million average federal funds sold position during the same time period. In addition to typical loan funding and deposit flow, we must maintain liquidity to meet the demands of certain unfunded loan commitments and standby letters of credit. As of March 31, 2006, our bank had a total of $453.0 million in unfunded loan commitments and $57.1 million in unfunded standby letters of credit. Of the total unfunded loan commitments, $362.5 million were commitments available as lines of credit to be drawn at any time as customers' cash needs vary, and $90.5 million were for loan commitments expected to close and become funded within the next three to six months. We monitor fluctuations in loan balances and commitment levels, and include such data in managing overall liquidity. CAPITAL RESOURCES Shareholders' equity is a noninterest-bearing source of funds that provides support for asset growth. Shareholders' equity increased by $3.7 million during the first three months of 2006, from $155.1 million on December 31, 2005, to $158.8 million at March 31, 2006. The increase is primarily attributable to net income of $4.9 million recorded during the first quarter of 2006. Shareholders' equity was negatively impacted during the first quarter of 2006 by the payment of cash dividends totaling $0.9 million and a $0.3 million mark-to-market adjustment for available for sale securities as defined in SFAS No. 115. Shareholders' equity also increased $0.1 million from the issuance of new shares of common stock resulting from our dividend reinvestment plan, employee stock purchase plan and stock option exercises. We are subject to regulatory capital requirements primarily administered by federal bank regulatory agencies. Failure to meet the various capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that could have a direct material effect on the financial statements. The capital ratios of the company and our bank as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 are disclosed under Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 19.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION Our and our bank's ability to pay cash and stock dividends is subject to limitations under various laws and regulations and to prudent and sound banking practices. We declared a 5% stock dividend on April 11, 2006, that will be distributed on May 16, 2006 to record holders as of April 24, 2006. All earnings per share and dividend per share information have been adjusted for the 5% stock dividend. On January 10, 2006, we declared a $0.12 per share cash dividend on our common stock, which was paid on March 10, 2006 to record holders as of February 10, 2006. On April 11, 2006, we declared a $0.13 per share cash dividend on our common stock, which is payable on June 9, 2006 to record holders as of May 17,2006. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Net income for the first quarter of 2006 was $4.9 million ($0.62 per basic share and $0.61 per diluted share), which represents a 13.0% increase over net income of $4.4 million ($0.55 per basic share and $0.54 per diluted share) recorded during the first quarter of 2005. The improvement in net income is primarily the result of higher net interest income and greater operating efficiency, which more than offset a higher provision expense. Interest income during the first quarter of 2006 was $31.1 million, an increase of 43.3% over the $21.7 million earned during the first quarter of 2005. The growth in interest income is primarily attributable to the growth in earning assets and an increasing interest rate environment. During the first three months of 2006, earning assets averaged $1,778.7 million, $266.8 million higher than the average earning assets of $1,511.9 million during the same time period in 2005. Average loans were up $236.3 million and securities increased $25.9 million. Also positively impacting the growth in interest income was the increased yield on earning assets. During the first three months of 2006 and 2005, earning assets had a weighted average rate (tax equivalent-adjusted basis) of 7.16% and 5.89%, respectively. With approximately 70% of our total loans and leases tied to the prime rate, our asset yield has benefited from recent increases in the prime rate. Between June 30, 2004 and March 31, 2006, the Federal Open Market Committee raised the target federal funds rate by a total of 375 basis points, with the prime rate increasing by the same magnitude. Interest expense during the first quarter of 2006 was $16.0 million, an increase of 76.8% over the $9.1 million expensed during the first quarter of 2005. The growth in interest expense is primarily attributable to an increase in interest-bearing liabilities necessitated by asset growth and a higher interest rate environment. During the first three months of 2006, interest-bearing liabilities averaged $1,588.4 million, $252.6 million higher than the average interest-bearing liabilities of $1,335.8 million during the same time period in 2005. Average interest-bearing deposits were up $237.4 million, FHLBI advances increased $8.0 million and short-term borrowings increased $6.4 million. Adding to the increased interest expense was the rise in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. During the first three months of 2006 and 2005, interest-bearing liabilities had a weighted average rate of 4.09% and 2.75%, respectively. The higher weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities is primarily due to the increase in market interest rates. Net interest income during the first quarter of 2006 was $15.1 million, an increase of 19.3% over the $12.7 million earned during the first quarter of 2005. The increase in net interest income was due to the growth in earning assets and improved net interest margin. The net interest margin increased from 3.46% during the first three months of 2005 to 3.51% during the first three months of 2006, primarily reflecting the overall positive impact of the recent increasing interest rate environment. Our earning assets, led by the relatively high level of floating rate loans tied to the prime rate, have generally repriced faster than our interest-bearing liabilities, led by our relatively high level of fixed rate certificates of deposit. 20.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION The following table sets forth certain information relating to our consolidated average interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the first quarter of 2006 and 2005. Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average daily balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the period presented. Tax-exempt securities interest income and yield have been computed on a tax equivalent basis using a marginal tax rate of 35%. Securities interest income was increased by $296,000 and $261,000 in the first quarter of 2006 and 2005, respectively, for this adjustment. <TABLE> <CAPTION> Quarters ended March 31, ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2006 2005 ------------------------------- ------------------------------- Average Average Average Average Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate ---------- -------- ------- ---------- -------- ------- (dollars in thousands) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> ASSETS Loans and leases $1,581,618 $28,727 7.37% $1,345,336 $19,772 5.96% Investment securities 184,736 2,533 5.48 158,860 2,148 5.41 Federal funds sold 11,953 132 4.42 7,036 44 2.51 Short-term investments 387 3 3.52 659 2 1.31 ---------- ------- ---------- ------- Total interest - earning assets 1,778,694 31,395 7.16 1,511,891 21,966 5.89 Allowance for loan and lease losses (20,894) (18,150) Other assets 114,145 98,023 ---------- ---------- Total assets $1,871.945 $1.591.764 ========== ========== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Interest-bearing deposits $1,348,407 $13,485 4.06% $1,111,026 $ 7,440 2.72% Short-term borrowings 71,627 601 3.40 65,274 338 2.10 Federal Home Loan Bank advances 132,778 1,315 4.02 124,778 857 2.75 Long-term borrowings 35,549 599 6.83 34,732 415 4.78 ---------- ------- ---------- ------- Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,588,361 16,000 4.09 1,335,810 9,050 2.75 Noninterest-bearing deposits 110,859 103,864 Other liabilities 15,824 8,921 Shareholders' equity 156,901 143,169 ---------- ------- ---------- ------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $1.871.945 $1.591.764 ========== ========== Net interest income $15.395 $12.916 ======= ======= Net interest rate spread 3.07% 3.14% ==== ==== Net interest rate spread on average assets 3.34 3.29 ==== ==== Net interest margin on earning assets 3.51 3.46 ==== ==== </TABLE> 21.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION Provisions to the allowance during the first quarter of 2006 were $1.2 million, compared to the $0.7 million that was expensed during the first quarter of 2005. The increase primarily reflects the higher volume of net loan charge-offs, which was partially offset by a lower volume of loan and lease growth. Net loan and lease charge-offs of $757,000 were recorded during the first three months of 2006, compared to net loan and lease charge-offs of $447,000 during the same time period in 2005. Loan and lease growth during the first quarter of 2006 was $50.5 million, compared to loan and lease growth of $57.5 million during the same time period in 2005. The allowance, as a percentage of total loans and leases outstanding, was 1.30% as of March 31, 2006, compared to 1.32% at March 31, 2005. In each accounting period, the allowance is adjusted to the amount believed necessary to maintain the allowance at adequate levels. Through the loan review and credit departments, we attempt to allocate specific portions of the allowance based on specifically identifiable problem loans and leases. The evaluation of the allowance is further based on, although not limited to, consideration of the internally prepared Allowance Analysis, composition of the loan and lease portfolio, third party analysis of the administration processes and loan and lease portfolio, and general economic conditions. In addition, the rapid growth of the loan and lease portfolio is taken into account. The Allowance Analysis, used since the inception of our bank and completed monthly, applies reserve allocation factors to outstanding loan and lease balances to calculate an overall allowance dollar amount. For commercial loans and leases, which continue to comprise a vast majority of our loan and lease portfolio, reserve allocation factors are based upon the loan ratings as determined by our loan rating paradigm that is administered by our loan review function. For retail loans, reserve allocation factors are based upon the type of credit. Adjustments for specific loan relationships, including impaired loans, are made on a case-by-case basis. The reserve allocation factors are primarily based on the experience of senior management making similar loans in the same community for almost 20 years. The Allowance Analysis is reviewed regularly by senior management and the Board of Directors and is adjusted periodically based upon identifiable trends and experience. Noninterest income during the first quarter of 2006 was $1.24 million, an increase of 2.7% over the $1.21 million earned during the first quarter of 2005. Service charge income on deposits and repurchase agreements decreased $22,000 (6.5%) during the first quarter of 2006, primarily reflecting an increase in the earnings credit rate which was only partially offset by an increase in new accounts opened during the last twelve months. There were no major changes in the other fee income categories when comparing the first quarter of 2006 with the first quarter of 2005. Noninterest expense during the first quarter of 2006 was $8.0 million, an increase of 16.9% over the $6.9 million expensed during the first quarter of 2005. Employee salary and benefit expenses were $0.6 million higher during the first quarter of 2006 than the level expensed during the same time period in 2005, primarily reflecting the hiring of additional staff and merit annual pay raises. The level of full-time equivalent employees increased from 212 at the end of the first quarter in 2005 to 275 at the end of the first quarter in 2006, an increase of 29.7%. During the first quarter of 2005, we expensed $0.6 million for the non-lender bonus program; during the first quarter of 2006, no expense was recorded for the non-lender bonus program, the latter reflecting management's assessment of the likelihood of achieving a 15% growth in net income for all of 2006. Occupancy and furniture and equipment costs increased $0.5 million during the first quarter of 2006 over the level expensed during the same time period of 2005, primarily reflecting the opening of our new main office during the second quarter of 2005 and the opening of our new leased facilities in Lansing and Ann Arbor during the third quarter of 2005. General overhead costs remained relatively unchanged from the first quarter of 2005 to the first quarter of 2006. While additional expenses were required to administer the significantly increased asset base, these increases were offset by the absence of a $0.3 million expense that was incurred during the first quarter of 2005 relating to an accrual for the estimated exposure for an unfunded commercial letter of credit. 22.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION Monitoring and controlling noninterest costs, while at the same time providing high quality service to customers, is a key component to our business strategy. While the dollar volume of noninterest costs has increased, the rate of growth has been lower than the rate of increase in net interest income and noninterest income. Noninterest expenses increased by $1.2 million during the first quarter of 2006 over the amount expensed during the first quarter of 2005; however, net revenues (net interest income plus noninterest income) increased at a substantially higher level of $2.5 million during the same time period. The efficiency ratio, a banking industry standardized calculation that attempts to reflect the utilization of overhead costs, improved from 49.4% during the first quarter of 2005 to 49.0% during the first quarter of 2006. Federal income tax expense was $2.2 million during the first three months of 2006, an increase of 13.2% over the $1.9 million expensed during the same time period in 2005. The increase is primarily due to the higher level of net income before federal income tax. Our effective tax rate was 30.6% in both periods. ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Our primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk and, to a lesser extent, liquidity risk. All of our transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars with no specific foreign exchange exposure. We have only limited agricultural-related loan assets and therefore have no significant exposure to changes in commodity prices. Any impact that changes in foreign exchange rates and commodity prices would have on interest rates is assumed to be insignificant. Interest rate risk is the exposure of our financial condition to adverse movements in interest rates. We derive our income primarily from the excess of interest collected on our interest-earning assets over the interest paid on our interest-bearing liabilities. The rates of interest we earn on our assets and owe on our liabilities generally are established contractually for a period of time. Since market interest rates change over time, we are exposed to lower profitability if we cannot adapt to interest rate changes. Accepting interest rate risk can be an important source of profitability and shareholder value; however, excessive levels of interest rate risk could pose a significant threat to our earnings and capital base. Accordingly, effective risk management that maintains interest rate risk at prudent levels is essential to our safety and soundness. Evaluating the exposure to changes in interest rates includes assessing both the adequacy of the process used to control interest rate risk and the quantitative level of exposure. Our interest rate risk management process seeks to ensure that appropriate policies, procedures, management information systems and internal controls are in place to maintain interest rate risk at prudent levels with consistency and continuity. In evaluating the quantitative level of interest rate risk, we assess the existing and potential future effects of changes in interest rates on our financial condition, including capital adequacy, earnings, liquidity and asset quality. We use two interest rate risk measurement techniques. The first, which is commonly referred to as GAP analysis, measures the difference between the dollar amounts of interest sensitive assets and liabilities that will be refinanced or repriced during a given time period. A significant repricing gap could result in a negative impact to our net interest margin during periods of changing market interest rates. The following table depicts our GAP position as of March 31,2006 (dollars in thousands): 23.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION <TABLE> <CAPTION> Within Three to One to After Three Twelve Five Five Months Months Years Years Total -------- --------- --------- -------- ---------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Assets: Commercial loans and leases (1) $845,082 $ 57,969 $ 527,100 $ 44,825 $1,474,976 Residential real estate loans 60,663 3,548 51,762 13,811 129,784 Consumer loans 1,206 596 3,204 2,585 7,591 Investment securities (2) 9,620 415 32,943 145,191 188,169 Short-term investments 389 0 0 0 389 Allowance for loan and lease losses 0 0 0 (20,995) (20,995) Other assets 0 0 0 117,060 117,060 -------- --------- --------- -------- ---------- Total assets 916,960 62,528 615,009 302,477 1,896,974 Liabilities: Interest-bearing checking 35,971 0 0 0 35,971 Savings 95,422 0 0 0 95,422 Money market accounts 10,840 0 0 0 10,840 Time deposits less than $100,000 32,365 36,970 38,409 0 107,744 Time deposits $100,000 and over 304,399 507,727 305,236 0 1,117,362 Short-term borrowings 74,556 0 0 0 74,556 FHLB advances 35,000 70,000 25,000 0 130,000 Long-term borrowings 35,781 0 0 0 35,781 Noninterest-bearing checking 0 0 0 114,880 114,880 Other liabilities 0 0 0 15,508 15,508 -------- --------- --------- -------- ---------- Total liabilities 624,334 614,697 368,645 130,388 1,738,064 Shareholders' equity 158,910 158,910 -------- --------- --------- -------- ---------- Total sources of funds 624,334 614,697 368,645 289,298 1,896,974 -------- --------- --------- -------- ---------- Net asset (liability) GAP $292,626 $(552,169) $ 246,364 $ 13,179 ======== ========= ========= ======== Cumulative GAP $292,626 $(259,543) $ (13,179) ======== ========= ========= Percent of cumulative GAP to total assets 15.4% (l3.7)% (0.7)% ======== ========= ========= </TABLE> (1) Floating rate loans that are currently at interest rate ceilings are treated as fixed rate loans and are reflected using maturity date and not repricing frequency. (2) Mortgage-backed securities are categorized by average life calculations based upon prepayment trends as of March 31, 2006. The second interest rate risk measurement we use is commonly referred to as net interest income simulation analysis. We believe that this methodology provides a more accurate measurement of interest rate risk than the GAP analysis, and therefore, serves as our primary interest rate risk measurement technique. The simulation model assesses the direction and magnitude of variations in net interest income resulting from potential changes in market interest rates. Key assumptions in the model include prepayment speeds on various loan and investment assets; cash flows and maturities of interest sensitive assets and liabilities; and changes in market conditions impacting loan and deposit volume and pricing. These assumptions are inherently uncertain, subject to fluctuation and revision in a dynamic environment; therefore, the model cannot precisely estimate net interest income or exactly predict the impact of higher or lower interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes and changes in market conditions and our strategies, among other factors. 24.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION We conducted multiple simulations as of March 31, 2006, whereby it was assumed that changes in market interest rates occurred ranging from up 200 basis points to down 200 basis points in equal quarterly instalments over the next twelve months. The following table reflects the suggested impact on our net interest income over the next twelve months, which are well within our policy parameters established to manage and monitor interest rate risk. <TABLE> <CAPTION> Dollar Change In Percent Change In Interest Rate Scenario Net Interest Income Net Interest Income - ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------- <S> <C> <C> Interest rates down 200 basis points $(4,755,000) (7.6)% Interest rates down 100 basis points (3,591,000) (5.8) No change in interest rates (2,422,000) (3.9) Interest rates up 100 basis points (481,000) (0.8) Interest rates up 200 basis points 1,435,000 2.3 </TABLE> In addition to changes in interest rates, the level of future net interest income is also dependent on a number of other variables, including: the growth, composition and absolute levels of loans, deposits, and other earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; economic and competitive conditions; potential changes in lending, investing, and deposit gathering strategies; client preferences; and other factors. ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES As of March 31,2006, an evaluation was performed under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2006. There have been no significant changes in our controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting. 25.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. From time to time, we may be involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to our business. In our opinion, we are not a party to any current legal proceedings that are material to our financial condition, either individually or in the aggregate. ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those previously disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS. On January 12, 2006, we issued 1,846 shares of our common stock to one of our employees upon his exercise of employee stock options issued under our 1997 Employee Stock Option Plan. We received a weighted average exercise price of $9,658 per share aggregating $17,829 for these shares. The exercise price for these shares was substantially paid by the employee delivering to us common stock of the company that he already owned having an aggregate value of $17,797, with the difference paid in cash. On February 8, 2006, we issued 2,364 shares of our common stock to one of our employees upon his exercise of employee stock options issued under our 1997 Employee Stock Option Plan. We received a weighted average exercise price of $10,174 per share aggregating $24,051 for these shares. The exercise price for these shares was substantially paid by the employee delivering to us common stock of the company that he already owned having an aggregate value of $24,031, with the difference paid in cash. The shares issued under the 1997 Employee Stock Option Plan were issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 based on Section 4(2) of that Act, and Regulation D issued under that Act. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities <TABLE> <CAPTION> (c) Total Number of (a) Total Shares Purchased as (d) Maximum Number of Number of (b) Average Part of Publicly Shares that May Yet Shares Price Paid Announced Plans or Be Purchased Under Period Purchased Per Share Programs the Plans or Programs - ------------- --------- ----------- ------------------- --------------------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> January 1-31 1,465 $37.93 0 0 February 1-28 668 35.98 0 0 March 1 - 31 424 36.36 0 0 Total 2,558 37.16 0 0 </TABLE> The shares shown in column (a) above as having been purchased were acquired from three of our employees when they used shares of common stock that they already owned to pay part of the exercise price when exercising stock options issued under our employee stock option plans. ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES. Not applicable. 26.
MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. Not applicable. ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION. Not applicable. ITEM 6. EXHIBITS <TABLE> <CAPTION> EXHIBIT NO. EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION - ----------- ------------------- <S> <C> 3.1 Our Articles of Incorporation are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 3.2 Our Amended and Restated Bylaws dated as of January 16, 2003 are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Commission File No. 333-103376) that became effective on February 21, 2003 31 Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications 32.1 Section 1350 Chief Executive Officer Certification 32.2 Section 1350 Chief Financial Officer Certification </TABLE> 27.
SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on May 8,2006. MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION By: /s/ Gerald R. Johnson Jr. ------------------------------------ Gerald R. Johnson, Jr. Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) By: /s/ Charles E. Christmas ------------------------------------ Charles E. Christmas Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
EXHIBIT INDEX <TABLE> <CAPTION> EXHIBIT NO. EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION - ----------- ------------------- <S> <C> 3.1 Our Articles of Incorporation are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 3.2 Our Amended and Restated Bylaws dated as of January 16, 2003 are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Commission File No. 333-103376) that became effective on February 21, 2003 31 Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications 32.1 Section 1350 Chief Executive Officer Certification 32.2 Section 1350 Chief Financial Officer Certification </TABLE>