Isabella Bank Corporation - 10-K annual report 2019

Isabella Bank Corporation - 10-K annual report 2019

What is the market capitalization of a company?

DISCLAIMER

Contact

Links

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



¨	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.

Table of Contents

ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

Table of Contents



PART I		4

Item 1.	Business	4

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	6

Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	9

Item 2.	Properties	9

Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	9

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	9

PART II		10

Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	10

Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	12

Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	14

Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	32

Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	33

Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	83

Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	83

Item 9B.	Other Information	84

PART III		85

Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	85

Item 11.	Executive Compensation	85

Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	85

Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	86

Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	86

PART IV		87

Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	87

Item 16.	Form 10-K Summary	88

SIGNATURES		89

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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
	Number of Common Shares	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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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		%

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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	%

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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 Corporation’s 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.

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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		)

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.”

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents



	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

Table of Contents



	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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents


•	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.

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents



	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.

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents



	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).

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

Note 6 – Investment in Joint Venture

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

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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	)

Table of Contents



	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.

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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.

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

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

Note 18 – Fair Value



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.

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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.

⁽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

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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⁾
	14	Code of Conduct and Business Ethics
	21	Subsidiaries of the Registrant
	23	Consent of Rehmann Robson LLC, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
	31(a)	Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Executive Officer
	31(b)	Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Financial Officer
	32	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
	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**

Table of Contents



*		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.

Table of Contents

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)

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	Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

/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

/s/ Jae A. Evans

March 13, 2020

Jae A. Evans

President, Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)