UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
   
  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018
   
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
   
  For the transition period from__________________ to __________________

 

Commission File Number:  000-19202

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Common Stock
(Title of Class)

 

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

 

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

 

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

Yes ☒   No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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). Yes ☒   No ☐

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☒
   

Non-accelerated filer ☐

 

Emerging growth company ☐

Smaller reporting company ☒

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐  No ☒   

 

As of June 30, 2018, the aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $87.2 million. This amount is based on an average bid price of $26.25 per share for the Registrant’s stock as of such date.

 

As of February 28, 2019, the Registrant had 3,617,629 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement of ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 22, 2019 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.

FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

 

Contents  

 

    Page
     
PART 1    
Item 1: Business 3
Item 1A: Risk Factors 13
Item 1B: Unresolved Staff Comments 17
Item 2: Properties 18
Item 3: Legal Proceedings 19
Item 4: Mine Safety Disclosures 19
     
PART II    
Item 5: Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 19
Item 6: Selected Financial Data 20
Item 7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition 21
Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 32
Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 34
Item 9: Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 70
Item 9A: Controls and Procedures 70
Item 9B: Other Information 70
     
PART III    
Item 10: Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 70
Item 11: Executive Compensation 71
Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 71
Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 71
Item 14: Principal Accountant Fees and Services 72
     
PART IV    
Item 15: Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 72
     
SIGNATURES   74

 

Page | 2

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This report and the documents incorporated into this report contain forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy, and ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “is likely,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “may,” “could,” “estimates,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Management’s determination of the provision and allowance for loan losses, the carrying value of goodwill, loan servicing rights and other real estate owned, and the fair value of investment securities (including whether any impairment on any investment security is temporary or other than temporary and the amount of any impairment) and management’s assumptions concerning pension and other postretirement benefit plans involve judgments that are inherently forward-looking. All of the information concerning interest rate sensitivity is forward-looking. All statements with references to future time periods are forward-looking. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“risk factors”) that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood, and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Furthermore, ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

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

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

General

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

 

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

 

The Bank’s primary market area lies within Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties in Michigan in the communities where the Bank’s offices are located. The Bank serves these markets through fourteen full-service offices. The Bank opened two full-service offices in 2018. The Company and the Bank have no foreign assets or income except for foreign debt securities.

 

At December 31, 2018, the Company had consolidated total assets of $670.5 million, net loans of $404.4 million, total deposits of $577.0 million and total shareholders’ equity of $80.5 million. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized consolidated net income of $7.3 million. The principal source of revenue for the Company and the Bank is interest and fees on loans. On a consolidated basis, interest and fees on loans accounted for 64%, 60%, and 59% of total revenues in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Interest on securities accounted for 14%, 13%, and 13% of total revenues in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. For more information about the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, see the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

 

Page | 3

 

 

Competition

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

 

Supervision and Regulation

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Page | 4

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

In order for the Company to maintain financial holding company status, both the Company and the Bank must be categorized as “well-capitalized” and “well-managed” under applicable regulatory guidelines. If the Company or the Bank ceases to meet these requirements, the Federal Reserve Board may impose corrective capital and/or managerial requirements and place limitations on the Company’s ability to conduct the broader financial activities permissible for financial holding companies. In addition, if the deficiencies persist, the Federal Reserve Board may require the Company to divest of the Bank. The Company and the Bank were both categorized as “well-capitalized” and “well-managed” as of December 31, 2018.

 

Page | 5

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Effects of Compliance With Environmental Regulations

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

 

Employees

As of February 28, 2019, the Company, the Bank and the Insurance Agency employed 174 employees, of which 141 were full-time employees. The Company, the Bank, and the Insurance Agency believe their overall relations with their employees are good.

 

Statistical Information

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

 

Page | 6

 

 

Securities Portfolio

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2018   2017   2016 
             
Equity securities  $2,847   $   $ 
                
U.S. Government and federal agency  $33,529   $35,126   $59,052 
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds   1,947    1,960    4,072 
State and municipal   103,928    100,048    88,973 
Mortgage-backed securities   21,575    9,820    7,789 
Corporate   5,102    5,151    7,041 
Foreign debt securities           4,400 
Equity securities       2,892    2,383 
Trust preferred securities   500    500    500 
Asset-backed securities   21    94    178 
Total  $166,602   $155,591   $174,388 

 

The Company did not hold investment securities from any one issuer at December 31, 2018, that were greater than 10% of the Company’s shareholders’ equity, exclusive of U.S. Government and U.S. Government agency securities.

 

Presented below is the fair value of securities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, a schedule of maturities of securities as of December 31, 2018, and the weighted average yields of securities as of December 31, 2018:

 

        Securities maturing within:                
                       Fair Value   Fair Value 
   Less than   1 Year -   5 Years -   More than   at Dec. 31,   at Dec. 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  1 Year   5 Years   10 Years   10 Years   2018   2017 
                               
U.S. Government and federal agency  $16,695   $12,897   $3,937   $   $33,529   $35,126 
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds       1,947            1,947    1,960 
State and municipal (1)   10,681    51,357    39,958    1,932    103,928    100,048 
Corporate   2,493    2,609            5,102    5,151 
Trust preferred securities   500                500    500 
Asset-backed securities   21                21    94 
Total debt securities   30,390    68,810    43,895    1,932    145,027    142,879 
                               
Mortgage-backed securities       12,610    8,965        21,575    9,820 
Equity securities (2)           886    1,961    2,847    2,892 
Total  $30,390   $81,420   $53,746   $3,893   $169,449   $155,591 

 

   Weighted average yields: 
   Less than   1 Year -   5 Years -   More than     
   1 Year   5 Years   10 Years   10 Years   Total 
U.S. Government and federal agency   2.20%   2.10%   2.71%   %   2.22%
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds       1.85            1.85 
State and municipal (1)   2.65    2.83    3.19    4.12    2.97 
Corporate   2.02    2.66            2.35 
Trust preferred securities   6.00                6.00 
Asset-backed securities   3.07                3.07 
Mortgage-backed securities       3.17    2.93        3.07 
Equity securities (2)           4.56        1.05 

 

(1) The yield is computed for tax-exempt securities on a fully tax-equivalent basis at an incremental tax rate of 21% for 2018.

(2) Equity securities are preferred and common stock that may or may not have a stated maturity.

 

Page | 7

 

 

Loan Portfolio

The Bank’s loan portfolio categorized by loan type (excluding loans held for sale and loans to other financial institutions) is presented below for the respective years ended December 31:

 

(Dollars in thousands)                    
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Agricultural  $49,109   $48,464   $44,614   $40,232   $41,098 
Commercial and industrial   91,406    104,386    96,088    94,347    88,062 
Consumer   24,382    24,513    21,596    20,090    20,752 
Real estate - commercial   139,453    123,487    110,762    97,736    99,807 
Real estate - construction   8,843    6,613    6,153    5,390    2,691 
Real estate - residential   95,880    91,322    89,787    91,509    93,703 
Total loans, gross  $409,073   $398,785   $369,000   $349,304   $346,113 

 

Maturities and Sensitivities of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates

The following schedule presents the maturities of loans (excluding residential real estate and consumer loans) as of December 31, 2018. All loans over one year in maturity (excluding residential real estate and consumer loans) are also presented classified according to the sensitivity to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2018.

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Less than   1 Year -   More than     
   1 Year   5 Years   5 Years   Total 
Loan Type                    
Agricultural  $14,825   $16,071   $18,213   $49,109 
Commercial and industrial   25,982    51,496    13,928    91,406 
Real estate - commercial   11,976    56,407    71,070    139,453 
Real estate - construction   8,462    381        8,843 
Totals  $61,245   $124,355   $103,211   $288,811 

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Less than  1 Year -  More than   
   1 Year  5 Years  5 Years  Total
Loan Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates                    
Loans with fixed interest rates  $18,173   $110,165   $85,740   $214,078 
Loans with floating or adjustable interest rates   43,072    14,334    17,471    74,877 
    Totals  $61,245   $124,499   $103,211   $288,955 

 

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

 

Risk Elements

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)                    
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis  $1,532   $1,096   $1,983   $2,198   $3,361 
Accruing loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest payments       258    229    29    58 
Loans defined as “troubled debt restructurings”   2,254    2,896    2,853    3,271    3,175 
Totals  $3,786   $4,250   $5,065   $5,498   $6,594 

 

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

 

Page | 8

 

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)            
   2018   2017   2016 
             
Interest on non-performing loans that would have been earned had the loans been in an accrual or performing status  $224   $218   $245 
Interest on non-performing loans that was actually recorded when received  $122   $145   $138 

 

Potential Problem Loans

At December 31, 2018, there were no loans not disclosed above where known information about possible credit problems of borrowers caused management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms. Specific loss allocations totaling $297,000 from the allowance for loan losses had been allocated for all nonperforming and potential problem loans as of December 31, 2018. However, the entire allowance for loan losses is also available for any potential problem loans.

 

Loan Concentrations

As of December 31, 2018, there was no concentration of loans exceeding 10% of total loans that is not otherwise disclosed as a category of loans pursuant to Item III.A. of Industry Guide 3.

 

Other Interest-Bearing Assets

As of December 31, 2018, there were no other interest-bearing assets requiring disclosure under Item III.C.1. or 2. of Industry Guide 3 if such assets were loans.

 

Page | 9

 

 

Summary of Loan Loss Experience

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
                     
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of year  $4,577   $4,277   $4,194   $4,173   $4,735 
                          
Charge-offs:                         
Agricultural                    
Commercial and industrial   58    439    37    30    1 
Consumer   282    253    218    291    273 
Real estate - commercial                   665 
Real estate - construction                    
Real estate - residential   25    43    102    140    133 
Total charge-offs   365    735    357    461    1,072 
                          
Recoveries:                         
Agricultural   33            1    20 
Commercial and industrial   107    21    31    64    119 
Consumer   112    169    149    121    179 
Real estate - commercial   61    258    89    47    48 
Real estate - construction       40             
Real estate - residential   113    62    171    149    44 
Total recoveries   426    550    440    382    410 
                          
Net charge-offs (recoveries)   (61)   185    (83)   79    662 
                          
Provision for loan losses (1)   35    485        100    100 
                          
Allowance for loan losses at end of year  $4,673   $4,577   $4,277   $4,194   $4,173 
                          
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of:                         
Total loans as of year end   1.14%   1.15%   1.16%   1.20%   1.21%
Nonaccrual loans, accrual loans past due 90 days or more and troubled debt restructurings   123%   108%   84%   76%   63%
Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average loans outstanding during the period   (0.02)%   0.05%   (0.02)%   0.02%   0.20%
Loan recoveries as a percentage of prior year’s charge-offs   58%   154%   95%   36%   19%

 

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

 

Page | 10

 

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Agricultural  $481   $506   $433   $420   $186 
Commercial and industrial   892    1,001    688    586    527 
Consumer   254    262    305    297    184 
Real estate - commercial   1,926    1,761    1,438    1,030    1,641 
Real estate - construction   38    35    62    46    9 
Real estate - residential   537    726    1,013    1,388    1,193 
Unallocated   545    286    338    427    433 
Total allowance  $4,673   $4,577   $4,277   $4,194   $4,173 

 

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

 

Management periodically reviews the assumptions, loss ratios and delinquency trends in estimating the appropriate level of its allowance for loan losses and believes the unallocated portion of the total allowance was sufficient at December 31, 2018.

 

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

 

   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Agricultural   12%   12%   12%   12%   12%
Commercial and industrial   22    26    26    26    25 
Consumer   6    6    6    6    6 
Real estate - commercial   34    31    30    28    29 
Real estate - construction   2    2    2    2    1 
Real estate - residential   24    23    24    26    27 
Total loans   100%   100%   100%   100%   100%

 

Deposits

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)                        
   2018   2017   2016 
Noninterest-bearing demand  $148,495    %  $136,353    %  $123,848    %
Interest-bearing demand and money market deposits   209,542    0.33    208,049    0.18    196,662    0.13 
Savings   76,102    0.02    76,107    0.02    73,118    0.03 
Certificates of deposit   109,834    1.34    104,936    0.75    86,042    0.60 
Total  $543,973    0.40%  $525,445    0.22%  $479,670    0.17%

 

The following table illustrates the maturities of certificates of deposits issued in denominations of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2018:

 

(Dollars in thousands)     
      
Maturing in less than 3 months  $17,237 
Maturing in 3 to 6 months   31,617 
Maturing in 6 to 12 months   15,414 
Maturing in more than 12 months   12,127 
Total  $76,395 

 

At December 31, 2018, the Bank had no material foreign deposits.

 

Page | 11

 

 

Short-Term Borrowings

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)         
   2018  2017  2016
Outstanding balance at December 31  $4,800   $—     $—   
Average interest rate at December 31   2.80%   —  %   —  %
Average balance during the year  $2,174   $703   $610 
Average interest rate during the year   2.31%   1.47%   0.70%
Maximum month end balance during the year  $13,000   $5,470   $4,100 

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)         
   2018  2017  2016
Outstanding balance at December 31  $—     $7,148   $7,913 
Average interest rate at December 31   —  %   0.05%   0.05%
Average balance during the year  $1,412   $4,958   $7,762 
Average interest rate during the year   0.05%   0.05%   0.05%
Maximum month end balance during the year  $7,148   $8,440   $10,539 

 

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

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)         
   2018  2017  2016
Outstanding balance at December 31  $5,000   $20,000   $12,000 
Average interest rate at December 31   2.57%   1.32%   0.86%
Average balance during the year  $11,752   $22,546   $25,732 
Average interest rate during the year   1.92%   1.18%   0.61%
Maximum month end balance during the year  $25,000   $40,000   $45,000 

 

There were no other categories of short-term borrowings whose average balance outstanding exceeded 30% of shareholders’ equity in 2018, 2017 or 2016.

 

Return on Equity and Assets

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

 

   2018   2017   2016 
Return on assets (net income divided by average total assets)   1.15%   0.98%   1.04%
                
Return on equity (net income dividend by average equity)   9.55%   8.22%   8.44%
                
Dividend payout ratio (dividends declared per share divided by net income per share)   35.08%   37.57%   36.63%
                
Equity to assets ratio (average equity divided by average total assets)   12.04%   11.91%   12.30%

 

Page | 12

 

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

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

 

Investments in the Company’s common stock involve risk.

 

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

 

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

 

Asset quality could be less favorable than expected.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Page | 13

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Interest rates on our outstanding financial instruments might be subject to change based on regulatory developments, which could adversely affect our revenue, expenses, and the value of those financial instruments.

 

LIBOR and certain other “benchmarks” are the subject of recent national, international, and other regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. These reforms may cause such benchmarks to perform differently than in the past or have other consequences which cannot be predicted. On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, publicly announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. It is unclear whether, at that time, LIBOR will cease to exist or if new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established. If LIBOR ceases to exist or if the methods of calculating LIBOR change from current methods for any reason, interest rates on our floating rate obligations, loans, deposits, and other financial instruments tied to LIBOR rates, as well as the revenue and expenses associated with those financial instruments, may be adversely affected. Further, any uncertainty regarding the continued use and reliability of LIBOR as a benchmark interest rate could adversely affect the value of our floating rate obligations, loans, deposits, and other financial instruments tied to LIBOR rates.

 

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

 

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

 

Page | 14

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Page | 15

 

 

Cybersecurity incidents could disrupt business operations, result in the loss of critical and confidential information, and adversely impact our reputation and results of operations.

 

Global cybersecurity threats and incidents can range from uncoordinated individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to information technology (IT) systems to sophisticated and targeted measures known as advanced persistent threats, directed at the Company and/or its third party service providers. While we have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, these types of threats and incidents, none of them to date have been material to the Company. Although we employ comprehensive measures to prevent, detect, address and mitigate these threats (including access controls, employee training, data encryption, vulnerability assessments, continuous monitoring of our IT networks and systems and maintenance of backup and protective systems), cybersecurity incidents, depending on their nature and scope, could potentially result in the misappropriation, destruction, corruption or unavailability of critical data and confidential or proprietary information (our own or that of third parties) and the disruption of business operations. The potential consequences of a material cybersecurity incident include reputational damage, litigation with third parties and increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs, which in turn could materially adversely affect our results of operations.

 

Environmental liability associated with commercial lending could result in losses.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Page | 16

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Page | 17

 

 

Item 2.

Properties

 

The offices of the Company as of February 28, 2019, were as follows:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Bank’s branch office:
     590 East Division Street NE, Rockford, Michigan
     Office is owned by the Bank and comprises 4,600 square feet.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Bank’s branch office:
     330 Market Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan
     Office is leased by the Bank and comprises 4,800 square feet.

 

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

 

Page | 18

 

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

As of December 31, 2018, there were no significant pending legal proceedings to which the Company or the Bank is a party or to which any of their properties were subject, except for legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, pending legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition of the Company.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 

PART II 

 

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

 

Stock Information

 

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

 

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

 

   2018   2017 
   Low   High   Low   High 
First Quarter  $20.41   $23.14   $20.41   $22.22 
Second Quarter   22.81    26.50    20.64    22.85 
Third Quarter   26.15    29.99    20.90    22.43 
Fourth Quarter   24.75    27.95    20.98    22.95 

 

The prices listed above are over-the-counter market quotations reported to ChoiceOne by its market makers. Per share amounts have been adjusted for the 5% stock dividends paid in 2017 and 2018. The over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices without retail markup, markdown or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. As of February 28, 2019, the average bid price for shares of ChoiceOne common stock was $24.65.

 

As of February 28, 2019, there were 679 shareholders of record of ChoiceOne common stock.

 

The following table summarizes the quarterly cash dividends declared per share of common stock during 2018 and 2017:

 

   2018   2017 
First Quarter  $0.17   $0.16 
Second Quarter   0.18    0.16 
Third Quarter   0.18    0.16 
Fourth Quarter   0.18    0.16 
Total  $0.71   $0.64 

 

Per share amounts have been adjusted for the 5% stock dividends paid in 2017 and 2018. ChoiceOne’s principal source of funds to pay cash dividends is the earnings and dividends paid by the Bank. The Bank is restricted in its ability to pay cash dividends under current banking regulations. See Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of these restrictions. Based on information presently available, management expects ChoiceOne to declare and pay regular quarterly cash dividends in 2019, although the amount of the quarterly dividends will be dependent on market conditions and ChoiceOne’s requirements for cash and capital, among other things.

 

On October 24, 2018, the Company issued 867 shares of common stock to its directors pursuant to the Directors’ Stock Purchase Plan for an aggregate cash price of $19,000. The Company relied on the exemption contained in Section 4(6) of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with these sales.

 

Information regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans may be found in Item 12 of this report and is here incorporated by reference.

 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

There were no issuer purchases of equity securities during the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

Page | 19

 

 

Item 6.Selected Financial Data

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
Selected Financial Data

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)                    
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
For the year                         
Net interest income  $22,064   $20,563   $19,343   $18,362   $17,863 
Provision for loan losses   35    485        100    100 
Noninterest income   6,920    7,811    7,881    7,702    6,802 
Noninterest expense   20,461    19,334    18,972    18,276    16,794 
Income before income taxes   8,488    8,555    8,252    7,688    7,771 
Income tax expense   1,155    2,387    2,162    1,945    2,076 
Net income   7,333    6,168    6,090    5,743    5,695 
Cash dividends declared   2,572    2,317    2,231    2,170    1,945 
                          
Per share *                         
Basic earnings  $2.03   $1.70   $1.68   $1.59   $1.57 
Diluted earnings   2.02    1.70    1.68    1.58    1.56 
Cash dividends declared   0.71    0.64    0.62    0.60    0.53 
Shareholders’ equity (at year end)   22.25    21.14    19.73    19.22    18.21 
                          
Average for the year                         
Securities  $170,461   $177,125   $173,119   $152,361   $142,361 
Gross loans   404,494    388,609    357,880    342,382    330,355 
Deposits   543,973    525,445    479,670    443,972    422,737 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   12,002    22,830    26,049    19,989    14,555 
Shareholders’ equity   76,801    75,026    72,134    68,439    64,143 
Assets   637,790    629,748    586,299    551,762    526,669 
                          
At year end                         
Securities  $173,016   $159,158   $177,955   $163,323   $145,706 
Gross loans   409,073    398,785    369,000    349,304    346,113 
Deposits   577,015    539,853    512,386    474,696    434,828 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   5,233    20,268    12,301    11,332    18,363 
Shareholders’ equity   80,477    76,550    71,698    69,842    66,190 
Assets   670,544    646,544    607,371    567,746    549,640 
                          
Selected financial ratios                         
Return on average assets   1.15%   0.98%   1.04%   1.04%   1.08%
Return on average shareholders’ equity   9.55    8.22    8.44    8.39    8.88 
Cash dividend payout as a percentage of net income   35.08    37.57    36.63    37.79    34.15 
Shareholders’ equity to assets (at year end)   12.00    11.84    11.80    12.30    12.04 

 

* Per share amounts have been adjusted for the 5% stock dividends paid in 2017 and 2018.

 

Page | 20

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Summary
Net income for 2018 was $7,333,000, which represented an increase of $1,165,000 or 19% from 2017. Growth in net income resulted primarily from an increase in net interest income in 2018 compared to 2017, a reduction of tax expense related to the Tax Cut and Jobs Act along with a decline in the provision for loan losses. This impact was partially offset by a reduction in noninterest income and growth in noninterest expense in 2018 compared to the prior year. The benefit of $7.3 million of growth in average earning assets in 2018 compared to 2017 was aided by an 11 basis point increase in ChoiceOne’s net interest spread. Net loan recoveries of $61,000 in 2018 allowed ChoiceOne to take a minimal provision for loan losses, compared to net charge-offs of $185,000 in 2017 which necessitated provision expense of $485,000. A decline in noninterest income of $891,000 in 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily due to a nonrecurring gain of $908,000 on the sale of a portion of ChoiceOne’s investment book of business that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2017. The increase of $1,127,000 in noninterest expense in 2018 compared to the prior year was primarily caused by higher salaries and benefits expense and other noninterest expense.

 

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

 

Dividends
Cash dividends of $2,572,000 or $0.71 per common share were declared in 2018, compared to $2,317,000 or $0.64 per common share in 2017 and $2,231,000 or $0.62 per common share in 2016. The dividend yield on ChoiceOne’s common stock was 2.84% as of the end of 2018, compared to 2.86% in both 2017 and 2016. The cash dividend payout as a percentage of net income was 35% in 2018, compared to 38% in 2017 and 37% in 2016. In addition, a 5% stock dividend was paid on May 31, 2018, which caused $4,335,000 to be transferred from retained earnings to paid-in capital. A 5% stock dividend was also paid on May 31, 2017 and produced a transfer of $3,779,000 from retained earnings to paid-in capital.

 

Page | 21

 

 

Table 1 – Average Balances and Tax-Equivalent Interest Rates

 

   Year ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016 
(Dollars in thousands)  Average           Average           Average         
   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate 
Assets:                                    
Loans (1) (2)  $404,494   $20,038    4.95%  $388,609   $17,974    4.63%  $357,880   $16,518    4.62%
Taxable securities (3)   114,570    2,896    2.53    122,150    2,371    1.94    118,787    2,171    1.83 
Nontaxable securities (1)   55,891    1,858    3.32    54,975    2,142    3.90    54,332    2,190    4.03 
Other   7,504    131    1.74    9,465    102    1.08    4,231    21    0.49 
Interest-earning assets   582,459    24,923    4.28    575,199    22,589    3.93    535,230    20,900    3.91 
Noninterest-earning assets (4)   55,331              54,549              51,069           
Total assets  $637,790             $629,748             $586,299           
                                              
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:                                             
Interest-bearing demand deposits  $209,542   $688    0.33%  $208,049   $385    0.18%  $196,662   $253    0.13%
Savings deposits   76,102    17    0.02    76,107    14    0.02    73,118    20    0.03 
Certificates of deposit   109,834    1,470    1.34    104,936    790    0.75    86,042    517    0.60 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   12,002    235    1.96    22,830    276    1.21    26,049    171    0.66 
Other   3,586    51    1.42    5,661    13    0.23    8,372    8    0.10 
Interest-bearing liabilities   411,066    2,461    0.60    417,583    1,478    0.36    390,243    969    0.25 
Demand deposits   148,495              136,353              123,848           
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities   1,428              786              74           
Total liabilities   560,989              554,722              514,165           
Shareholders’ equity   76,801              75,026              72,134           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $637,790             $629,748             $586,299           
                                              
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)- interest spread        22,462    3.68%        21,111    3.57%        19,931    3.66%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)        (398)             (548)             (588)     
Net interest income       $22,064             $20,563             $19,343      
Net interest income as a percentage of earning assets (tax-equivalent basis)             3.86%             3.67%             3.72%

 

(1)Interest on nontaxable securities and loans has been adjusted to a fully tax-equivalent basis to facilitate comparison to the taxable interest-earning assets. The adjustment uses an incremental tax rate of 21% for 2018 and 34% for 2017 and 2016.

(2)Interest on loans included net origination fees charged on loans of approximately $1,087,000, $1,003,000, and $1,054,000 in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

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

(4)Noninterest-earning assets include loans in nonaccrual status, which averaged approximately $1,266,000, $1,486,000, and $2,416,000 in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

 

Page | 22

 

 

Table 2 – Changes in Tax-Equivalent Net Interest Income

 

   Year ended December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2018 Over 2017   2017 Over 2016 
   Total   Volume   Rate   Total   Volume   Rate 
Increase (decrease) in interest income (1)                              
Loans (2)  $2,064   $754   $1,310   $1,456   $1,421   $35 
Taxable securities   525    (155)   680    200    63    137 
Nontaxable securities (2)   (284)   35    (319)   (48)   26    (74)
Other   29    (24)   53    81    41    40 
Net change in interest income   2,334    610    1,724    1,689    1,551    138 
                               
Increase (decrease) in interest expense (1)                              
Interest-bearing demand deposits   303    3    300    132    16    116 
Savings deposits   3        3    (6)   1    (7)
Certificates of deposit   680    39    641    273    127    146 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   (41)   (165)   124    105    (23)   128 
Other   38    (7)   45    5    (4)   9 
Net change in interest expense   983    (130)   1,113    509    117    392 
Net change in tax-equivalent net interest income  $1,351   $740   $611   $1,180   $1,434   $(254)

 

(1)The volume variance is computed as the change in volume (average balance) multiplied by the previous year’s interest rate. The rate variance is computed as the change in interest rate multiplied by the previous year’s volume (average balance). The change in interest due to both volume and rate has been allocated to the volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.

(2)Interest on tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a fully tax-equivalent basis using an incremental tax rate of 21% for 2018 and 34% for 2017 and 2016.

 

Net Interest Income 

The presentation of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis is not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), but is customary in the banking industry. This non-GAAP measure ensures comparability of net interest income arising from both taxable and tax-exempt loans and investment securities. The adjustments to determine net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis were $398,000, $548,000 and $588,000 for the years ended 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These adjustments were computed using a 21% federal income tax rate in 2018 and a 34% federal income tax rate in 2017 and 2016.

 

Tax-equivalent net interest income increased $1,351,000 in 2018 compared to 2017. The increase was attributed to an increase of $6.7 million in interest-earning assets and 11 basis points of growth in ChoiceOne’s net interest spread. The increase in the net interest spread resulted from growth of 35 basis points in the average rate on interest-earning assets, while the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities increased 24 basis points.

 

The average balance of loans increased $15.9 million in 2018 compared to 2017. Most of the increase resulted from growth of $14.0 million in commercial real estate loans. Growth in the average balance of consumer loans and residential real estate loans was largely offset by declines in the average balance of agricultural and commercial and industrial loans in 2018 compared to the prior year. In addition to the average balance growth, the average rate earned on loans increased 32 basis points in 2018 compared to 2017 as a result of higher general market interest rates and higher rates charged on new loan originations. Tax-equivalent interest income on loans increased $2.1 million in 2018 compared to the prior year. A decrease in the average balance of total securities of $6.7 million in 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily due to the sale of $35 million of securities in the fourth quarter of 2017. The lower average balance of securities was more than offset by higher average interest rates earned, which caused interest income from securities to grow $242,000 in 2018 compared to the prior year.

 

Increases in general market interest rates in 2018 compared to 2017 caused the average rate paid to be higher for all interest-bearing liability categories, except for savings deposits. The average balance of interest-bearing demand deposits increased $1.5 million in 2018 compared to 2017. The effect of this increase and a 15 basis point increase in the average rate paid caused interest expense to be $303,000 higher in 2018 than in the prior year. The average balance of certificates of deposit was $4.9 million higher in 2018 than in 2017. Growth in the average balance plus the impact of a 59 basis point increase in the average rate paid caused interest expense to grow $680,000. A $10.8 million decline in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank advances, partially offset by a 75 basis point increase in the average rate paid, caused interest expense to decrease $41,000 in 2018 compared to the prior year. Although the average balance of other interest-bearing liabilities was $2.1 million lower in 2018 than in 2017, an increase of 119 basis points caused interest expense to grow by $38,000.

 

Page | 23

 

 

ChoiceOne’s tax-equivalent net interest income spread was 3.68% in 2018 and 3.57% in 2017. The increase in the net interest income spread resulted from a higher level of growth in the average rate earned on interest-earning assets than the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

 

Tax-equivalent net interest income increased $1,180,000 in 2017 compared to 2016. The increase was attributed to an increase of $40.0 million in interest-earning assets, which was partially offset by a 2 basis point increase in the rate earned on these assets and an 11 basis point increase in interest bearing liabilities. ChoiceOne’s net interest spread declined 9 basis points in 2017 compared to 2016.

 

The average balance of loans increased $30.7 million in 2017 compared to 2016. Most of the increase resulted from growth of $12.7 million in commercial real estate loans and $8.3 million of commercial and industrial loans. This growth in combination with a 1 basis point increase in the average rate earned on loans caused tax-equivalent interest income on loans to increase $1.5 million in 2017 compared to the prior year. The average balance of total securities increased by $4.0 million in 2017 compared to 2016 as securities were purchased to provide earning assets growth. Interest income from securities increased $152,000 in 2017 compared to the prior year.

 

The average balance of interest-bearing demand deposits increased $11.4 million in 2017 compared to 2016. The effect of this increase and a 5 basis point increase in the average rate paid caused interest expense to be $132,000 higher in 2017 than in the prior year. The effect of the $3.0 million increase in average savings deposits was partially offset by a 1 basis point decline in the average rate paid. The average balance of certificates of deposit was $18.9 million higher in 2017 than in the prior year. The average balance increase plus the impact of a 15 basis point increase in the average rate paid caused interest expense to grow $273,000. A $3.2 million decline in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank advances, partially offset by a 55 basis point increase in the average rate paid, caused interest expense to increase $105,000 in 2017 compared to the prior year.

 

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

 

Page | 24

 

 

Provision and Allowance For Loan Losses

 

Table 3 – Provision and Allowance For Loan Losses 

 

(Dollars in thousands)                    
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of year  $4,577   $4,277   $4,194   $4,173   $4,735 
Charge-offs:                         
Agricultural                    
Commercial and industrial   58    439    37    30    1 
Real estate - commercial                   665 
Real estate - construction                    
Real estate - residential   25    43    102    140    133 
Consumer   282    253    218    291    273 
Total   365    735    357    461    1,072 
                          
Recoveries:                         
Agricultural   33            1    20 
Commercial and industrial   107    21    31    64    119 
Real estate - commercial   61    258    89    47    48 
Real estate - construction       40             
Real estate - residential   113    62    171    149    44 
Consumer   112    169    149    121    179 
Total   426    550    440    382    410 
                          
Net charge-offs (recoveries)   (61)   185    (83)   79    662 
                          
Provision for loan losses    35    485        100    100 
                          
Allowance for loan losses at end of year  $4,673   $4,577   $4,277   $4,194   $4,173 
                          
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of:                         
Total loans as of year end   1.14%   1.15%   1.16%   1.20%   1.21%
Nonaccrual loans, accrual loans past due 90 days or more and troubled debt restructurings   123%   108%   84%   76%   63%
Ratio of net charge-offs (recoveries) to average total loans outstanding during the year   (0.02)%   0.05%   (0.02)%   0.02%   0.20%
Loan recoveries as a percentage of prior year’s charge-offs   58%   154%   95%   36%   19%

 

The provision for loan losses was $35,000 in 2018 compared to $485,000 in 2017. The reduction was primarily due to net loan recoveries of $61,000 in 2018, compared to net loan charge-offs of $185,000 in the prior year. The provision was also impacted by a lower level of loan growth in 2018 compared to 2017. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans decreased slightly from 1.15% as of the end of 2017 to 1.14% as of the end of 2018. The coverage ratio of the allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans increased from 108% as of December 31, 2017 to 123% as of December 31, 2018. ChoiceOne had $297,000 of specific allowance allocations for problem loans as of the end of 2018, compared to $302,000 as of the prior year end. Special allowance amounts have been allocated where the fair values of loans were considered to be less than their carrying values. ChoiceOne obtains valuations on collateral dependent loans when the loan is considered by management to be impaired and uses the valuation amounts in the determination of fair value. Management believes the specific reserves allocated to certain problem loans at the end of 2018 and 2017 were reasonable based on the circumstances surrounding each particular borrower.

 

Page | 25

 

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)                    
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Agricultural  $481   $506   $433   $420   $186 
Commercial and industrial   892    1,001    688    586    527 
Real estate - commercial   1,926    1,761    1,438    1,030    1,641 
Real estate - construction   38    35    62    46    9 
Real estate - residential   537    726    1,013    1,388    1,193 
Consumer   254    262    305    297    184 
Unallocated   545    286    338    427    433 
Total allowance for loan losses  $4,673   $4,577   $4,277   $4,194   $4,173 

 

The decrease in the allowance allocation to commercial and industrial loans was due to a 12% decline in the balance in this loan category in 2018. The increase in the allocation to commercial real estate loans was caused by 13% growth in the balance in this loan category during the year. The reduction in the allocation to residential real estate loans resulted from lower historical charge-off levels in 2018 than in the last four years. Changes in historical charge-off levels and environmental factors affected all loan categories.

 

Management maintains the allowance at a level that it believes adequately provides for losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Such losses are estimated by a variety of factors, including specific examination of certain borrowing relationships and consideration of historical losses incurred on certain types of credits. Current economic conditions and collateral values affect loss estimates. Management focuses on early identification of problem credits through ongoing reviews by management and the independent loan review function. Based on the current state of the economy and a recent review of the loan portfolio, management believes that the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2018 was adequate. As charge-offs, changes in the level of nonperforming loans, and changes within the composition of the loan portfolio occur, the provision and allowance for loan losses will be reviewed by the Bank’s management and adjusted as necessary.

 

Noninterest Income 

Total noninterest income decreased $891,000 in 2018 compared to 2017. Customer service charges increased $391,000 in 2018 compared to the prior year due to higher overdraft fees, checking account service charges, and debit card fees. Insurance and investment commissions were $491,000 lower and the gain on sale of investment book of business was $908,000 lower in 2018 than in 2017 as a result of the sale of a majority of ChoiceOne’s investment book of business in the fourth quarter of 2017. Gains on sales of loans declined $262,000 in 2018 compared to the prior year as higher interest rates for residential real estate loans and a low inventory of homes for sale in ChoiceOne’s market areas has reduced the level of residential mortgage originations. The $314,000 improvement in net gains on sales of securities in 2018 compared to 2017 was caused by ChoiceOne’s sale of securities for a loss in the fourth quarter of 2017.

 

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

 

Noninterest Expense 

Total noninterest expense increased $1,127,000 in 2018 compared to 2017. Salaries and benefits expense grew $748,000 due to higher costs related to salaries and health insurance, the impact of which was partially offset by lower commission expense as a result of the sale of the majority of the investment book of business in 2017. Part of the salaries increase was caused by staffing for ChoiceOne’s two new offices that opened in 2018. A decline of $174,000 in occupancy and equipment expense resulted from lower equipment depreciation in 2018 than in 2017. Professional fees increased $183,000 in 2018 compared to the prior year as a result of higher external and internal audit costs connected with new audit requirements for ChoiceOne’s internal controls over financial reporting in 2018 and higher consulting costs. Other noninterest expense was $440,000 higher in 2018 than in the prior year. Higher loan related costs, expenses connected to low income housing tax credits, and general growth in operating expenses contributed to the growth.

 

Page | 26

 

 

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

 

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $1,233,000 less in 2018 than in 2017. The reduction was principally caused by the effect of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act passed in December 2017, which reduced ChoiceOne’s federal tax rate from 34% to 21%. The effective tax rate was 14% in 2018, compared to 28% in 2017 and 26% in 2016. Income tax expense increased $225,000 in 2017 compared to 2016. The increase was due in part to an adjustment of ChoiceOne’s deferred tax asset at the end of 2017 for the lower corporate tax rate effective in 2018.

 

Financial Condition

 

Summary
Total assets were $670.5 million as of December 31, 2018, which represented an increase of $24.0 million or 3.7% from the end of 2017. Cash and due from banks declined $17.2 million and investment securities grew $13.9 million in 2018 as excess funds were redeployed into the purchase of securities. Loans to other financial institutions grew $13.8 million as ChoiceOne experienced a higher level of volume in this asset category. Net loans increased $10.2 million in 2018, with most of the increase occurring in commercial real estate loans. Growth of $3.0 million in premises and equipment occurred primarily as a result of ChoiceOne’s two offices opened in 2018. Total deposits increased $37.2 million in 2018 due to growth in checking deposits and certificates of deposit.

 

Securities

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2018   2017 
Equity securities  $2,847   $ 
           
Available for Sale Securities          
U.S. Government and federal agency  $33,529   $35,126 
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds   1,947    1,960 
State and municipal   103,928    100,048 
Mortgage-backed   21,575    9,820 
Corporate   5,102    5,151 
Equity securities       2,892 
Trust preferred securities   500    500 
Asset-backed securities   21    94 
Total  $166,602   $155,591 

 

The table above reflects the reclassification of equity securities due to ChoiceOne’s implementation of Accounting Standard 2016-01 effective January 1, 2018.

 

Total investment securities increased $13.9 million from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2018. Approximately $31.5 million of securities were purchased in 2018, a part of which was funded by excess funds existing at the end of 2017. Securities totaling $10.1 million were called or matured in 2018. Principal payments for municipal and mortgage-backed securities totaling $3.3 million were received during 2018. Approximately $2.7 million of securities were sold during the year for net gains of $34,000. The Bank’s Investment Committee continues to monitor the portfolio and purchases securities as it considers prudent.

 

Equity securities included a money market preferred security (MMP) of $0.9 million and common stock of $1.9 million as of December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, equity securities included an MMP of $1.0 million, and common stock of $1.9 million.

 

Page | 27

 

 

Loans 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2018   2017 
Agricultural  $49,109   $48,464 
Commercial and industrial   91,406    104,386 
Consumer   24,382    24,513 
Real estate - commercial   139,453    123,487 
Real estate - construction   8,843    6,613 
Real estate - residential   95,880    91,322 
Total loans  $409,073   $398,785 

 

The loan portfolio (excluding loans held for sale and loans to other financial institutions) increased $10.3 million from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2018. Economic factors in ChoiceOne’s market areas are continuing to improve in most industry sectors. Growth in commercial real estate loans resulted from calling efforts by ChoiceOne’s loan officers in existing and new markets. The decline in commercial and industrial loans was caused by paydowns of both portfolio and participation loans as well as less usage of lines of credits in 2018 compared to the prior year. The increase in residential real estate loans was primarily due to growth in home equity loans in 2018.

 

The Bank entered into an agreement at the beginning of 2017 to provide a line of credit to facilitate funding of residential mortgage loan originations at other financial institutions. The loans are short-term in nature and are designed to provide funding for the time period between the loan origination and its subsequent sale in the secondary market. The balance of the line of credit was $20.6 million as of December 31, 2018 and $6.8 million as of December 31, 2017.

 

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

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2018   2017 
Loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis  $1,532   $1,096 
Loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest payments       258 
Loans considered troubled debt restructurings which are not included above   2,254    2,896 
Total  $3,786   $4,250 

 

Nonaccrual loans included $393,000 in agricultural loans, $62,000 in consumer loans, $123,000 in commercial real estate loans, and $954,000 in residential real estate loans as of December 31, 2018. Nonaccrual loans included $423,000 in agricultural loans, $222,000 in commercial and industrial loans, $15,000 in consumer loans, and $436,000 in residential real estate loans as of December 31, 2017. The primary reason for the increase in nonaccrual loans in 2018 was the movement of a number of smaller residential real estate loans into nonaccrual status during the year. Loans considered troubled debt restructurings which were not on a nonaccrual basis and were not 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest payments consisted of $19,000 in commercial and industrial loans, $14,000 in consumer loans, $500,000 in commercial real estate loans, and $1,721,000 in residential real estate loans at December 31, 2018, compared to $24,000 in commercial and industrial loans, $556,000 in commercial real estate loans, $17,000 in consumer loans, and $2,299,000 in residential real estate loans at December 31, 2017.

 

Management also maintains a list of loans that are not classified as nonperforming loans but where some concern exists as to the borrowers’ abilities to comply with the original loan terms. These loans totaled $1.8 million as of December 31, 2018, compared to $3.6 million as of December 31, 2017.

 

Page | 28

 

 

Deposits and Other Funding Sources

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2018   2017 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits  $153,542   $151,462 
Interest-bearing demand deposits   135,425    126,363 
Money market deposits   86,720    94,178 
Savings deposits   75,615    75,080 
Local certificates of deposit   91,343    82,598 
Brokered certificates of deposit   34,370    10,172 
Total deposits  $577,015   $539,853 

 

Total deposits increased $37.2 million from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2018. Noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand deposits grew a total of $11.1 million as the Bank’s depositors valued the liquidity available in this deposit category. The $7.5 million decline in money market deposits was primarily due to transfers to the demand deposit and local certificates of deposit categories. Higher rates paid on local certificates of deposit in 2018 compared to 2017 as a result of rising general market interest rates helped to generate depositor interest in this category and contributed to the $8.7 million of growth during 2018. Brokered certificates of deposit increased $24.2 million in 2018 as they were used to help fund earning asset growth and replaced Federal Home Loan Bank advances that carried higher interest rates.

 

Federal funds purchased increased $4.8 million from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2018 as overnight funding was used to meet short-term funding needs. A decline of $7.1 million in the balance of securities sold under agreements to repurchase was primarily due to transfers into deposit accounts offered by the Bank. Federal Home Loan Bank advances declined $15.0 million in 2018 as interest rates for brokered certificates of deposit were lower than comparable advances. A blanket collateral agreement covering agricultural real estate loans and residential real estate loans was pledged against all outstanding advances at the end of 2018. Approximately $45.5 million of additional advances were available as of December 31, 2018 based on the collateral pledged.

 

In 2019, management will continue to focus its marketing efforts toward growth in local deposits. If local deposit growth is insufficient to support asset growth, management believes that advances from the FHLB and brokered certificates of deposit can address corresponding funding needs.

 

Shareholders’ Equity

Total shareholders’ equity increased $3.9 million from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2018. The growth in equity resulted from the retention of earnings in 2018 as net income exceeded dividends paid by $4.8 million. Accumulated other comprehensive income decreased by $1.0 million in 2018 principally as a result of available for sale securities moving from a net unrealized gain at the end of 2017 to a net unrealized loss as of the end of 2018. Market rate changes drove the shift to a loss position; however, none of the losses were considered to be other than temporary in nature as of the end of 2018.

 

Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements presents regulatory capital information for the Bank at the end of 2018 and 2017. Management will monitor these capital ratios during 2019 as they relate to asset growth and earnings retention. ChoiceOne’s Board of Directors and management do not plan to allow capital to decrease below those levels necessary to be considered “well capitalized” by regulatory guidelines. At December 31, 2018, the Bank was categorized as “well-capitalized.” On July 3, 2013, the FDIC Board of Directors approved the Regulatory Capital Interim Final Rule, implementing Basel III. This rule redefines Tier 1 capital as two components (Common Equity Tier 1 and Additional Tier 1), creates a new capital ratio (Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-based Capital Ratio) and implements a capital conservation buffer. It also revises the prompt corrective action thresholds and makes changes to risk weights for certain assets and off-balance-sheet exposures. Banks were required to transition into the new rule beginning on January 1, 2015. A 2.5% capital conservation buffer will be phased in over a period of four years beginning in 2016. Based on ChoiceOne’s capital levels and balance sheet composition at December 31, 2018, management believes implementation of the new rule will have no material impact on ChoiceOne’s capital needs.

 

Page | 29

 

Table 4 – Contractual Obligations

 

The following table discloses information regarding the maturity of ChoiceOne’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2018:

 

   Payment Due by Period 
       Less           More 
       than   1 - 3   3 - 5   than 
(Dollars in thousands)  Total   1 year   Years   Years   5 Years 
                     
Time deposits  $125,713   $99,281   $19,232   $7,200   $ 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   5,233    5,036    75    82    40 
Operating leases   939    119    246    256    318 
Other obligations   595    110    190    141    154 
Total  $132,480   $104,546   $19,743   $7,679   $512 

 

Liquidity and Interest Rate Risk 

Net cash from operating activities was $10.0 million in 2018 compared to $8.1 million in 2017. Net cash used in investing activities was $43.9 million in 2018 compared to $18.3 million in 2017. The increase was caused by lower proceeds from sales of securities in 2018 compared to 2017, which was partially offset by lower net securities purchases and a lower level of loan growth. Net cash flows from financing activities were $16.8 million in 2018 compared to $32.2 million in the prior year. The primary reason for the decline was net payments on Federal Home Loan Bank advances in 2018, in contrast to 2017 when net proceeds were received.

 

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

 

Management believes that the current level of liquidity is sufficient to meet the Bank’s normal operating needs. This belief is based upon the availability of deposits from both the local and national markets, maturities of securities, normal loan repayments, income retention, federal funds purchased lines of credit from correspondent banks, and advances available from the FHLB. Liquidity risk deals with ChoiceOne’s ability to meet its cash flow requirements. These requirements include depositors desiring to withdraw funds and borrowers seeking credit. Relatively short-term liquid funds exist in the form of lines of credit to purchase federal funds at correspondent banks. As of December 31, 2018, the amount of federal funds available for purchase from the Bank’s correspondent banks totaled approximately $58.5 million. ChoiceOne’s federal funds purchased balance was $4.8 million as of December 31, 2018 and $0 as of December 31, 2017. The Bank also has a line of credit secured by ChoiceOne’s commercial loans with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago for $67.4 million, which is designated for nonrecurring short-term liquidity needs. Longer-term liquidity needs may be met through local deposit growth, maturities of securities, normal loan repayments, advances from the FHLB, brokered certificates of deposit, and income retention. Approximately $45.5 million of borrowing capacity was available from the FHLB based on agricultural real estate loans and residential real estate loans pledged as collateral at the end of 2018. The acceptance of brokered certificates of deposit is not limited as long as the Bank is categorized as “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.

 

Critical Accounting Policies And Estimates

 

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

 

Securities 

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

 

Page | 30

 

 

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

 

Effective January 1, 2018, equity securities are reported at their fair value with changes in market value flowing through net income. Prior to 2018, equity securities were accounting for in a manner similar to available for sale debt securities.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

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

 

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

 

Loan Servicing Rights

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

 

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

 

Goodwill 

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

 

Management performed a qualitative assessment of goodwill as of September 30, 2018. The analysis was performed including evaluation of the share price, book value, and financial results of ChoiceOne as compared to the previous year. Additionally, industry and market conditions were evaluated and compared. Average deal prices in the Midwest of closed transactions have indicated increases in deal values to tangible common equity, deal values to earnings, and core deposit premiums when compared to the observed prices used in the last quantitative assessment of goodwill in 2016. Further, macro-economic trends have been on a positive trajectory recently and there have been no adverse legal, regulatory, contractual, political or other factors that have materially impacted ChoiceOne. Upon completion of the qualitative assessment, ChoiceOne believes that it was more likely than not that the fair value of ChoiceOne’s equity exceeded the carrying value at the assessment date and there was no further quantitative assessment necessary.

 

Taxes 

Income taxes include both a current and deferred portion. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded to account for differences in the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses for financial reporting and tax purposes. Generally accepted accounting principles require that deferred tax assets be reviewed to determine whether a valuation allowance should be established using a “more likely than not” standard. Based on its review of ChoiceOne’s deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2018, management determined that no valuation allowance was necessary.

 

Page | 31

 

 

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

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

 

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

 

Table 5 – Maturities and Repricing Schedule

   As of December 31, 2018 
(Dollars in thousands)  0 - 3   3 - 12   1 - 5   Over     
   Months   Months   Years   5 Years   Total 
Assets                    
Equity securities at fair value  $2,847   $   $   $   $2,847 
Securities available for sale   14,475    13,224    87,382    51,519    166,602 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock   1,994                1,994 
Federal Reserve Bank stock               1,573    1,573 
Loans held for sale   831                831 
Loans to other financial institutions   20,644                20,644 
Loans   116,606    85,658    173,596    33,213    409,073 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies               14,899    14,899 
Rate-sensitive assets  $157,397   $98,882   $260,978   $101,204   $618,461 
                          
Liabilities                         
Interest-bearing demand deposits  $135,425   $   $   $   $135,425 
Money market deposits   86,720                86,720 
Savings deposits   75,615                75,615 
Certificates of deposit   38,570    60,715    26,391    37    125,713 
Federal funds purchased   4,800                4,800 
Advances from FHLB   5,009    27    157    40    5,233 
Rate-sensitive liabilities  $346,139   $60,742   $26,548   $77   $433,506 
Rate-sensitive assets less rate-sensitive liabilities:                         
Asset (liability) gap for the period  $(188,742)  $38,140   $234,430   $101,127   $184,955 
Cumulative asset (liability) gap  $(188,742)  $(150,602)  $83,828   $184,955      

 

Under this method, the ALCO measures interest rate sensitivity by focusing on the one-year repricing gap. ChoiceOne’s ratio of rate-sensitive assets to rate-sensitive liabilities that matured or repriced within a one-year time frame was 63% at December 31, 2018, compared to 63% at December 31, 2017. Table 5 above shows the entire balance of interest-bearing demand deposits, savings deposits, money market deposits, and overnight repurchase agreements in the shortest repricing term. Although these categories have the ability to reprice immediately, management has some control over the actual timing or extent of the changes in interest rates on these liabilities. The ALCO plans to continue to monitor the ratio of rate-sensitive assets to rate-sensitive liabilities on a quarterly basis in 2019. As interest rates change during 2019, the ALCO will attempt to match its maturing assets with corresponding liabilities to maximize ChoiceOne’s net interest income.

 

Another method the ALCO uses to monitor its interest rate sensitivity is to subject rate-sensitive assets and liabilities to interest rate shocks. At December 31, 2018, management used a simulation model to subject its assets and liabilities up to an immediate 400 basis point increase. The maturities of loans and mortgage-backed securities were affected by certain prepayment assumptions. Maturities for interest-bearing core deposits were based on an estimate of the period over which they would be outstanding. The maturities of advances from the FHLB were based on their contractual maturity dates. In the case of variable rate assets and liabilities, repricing dates were used to determine their values. The simulation model measures the effect of immediate interest rate changes on both net interest income and shareholders’ equity. 

 

Page | 32

 

 

Table 6 provides an illustration of hypothetical interest rate changes as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

Table 6 – Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates

 

   2018 
   Net       Market     
(Dollars in thousands)  Interest   Percent   Value of   Percent 
   Income   Change   Equity   Change 
Change in Interest Rate                    
400 basis point rise  $23,929    2%  $162,529    -4%
300 basis point rise   23,884    1%   165,869    -2%
200 basis point rise   23,794    1%   167,245    -1%
100 basis point rise   23,669    1%   169,173    %
Base rate scenario   23,534    %   168,501    %
100 basis point decline   22,769    -3%   156,542    -7%
200 basis point decline   21,316    -9%   135,114    -20%
300 basis point decline   20,392    -13%   113,880    -32%
400 basis point decline   19,959    -15%   114,152    -32%

 

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

 

As of December 31, 2018, the Bank was within its guidelines for immediate rate shocks up and down for all net interest income scenarios and for the up rate scenarios and the down 100 and 200 basis points scenarios for the market value of shareholders’ equity. The Bank’s percent change in the 300 and 400 basis points down scenarios for the market value of shareholders’ equity was slightly higher than the policy guidelines. As of December 31, 2017, the Bank was within its guidelines for immediate rate shocks up and down for all net interest income scenarios and for the up rate scenarios and the down 100 basis points scenario for the market value of shareholders’ equity. The Bank’s percent change in the 200, 300, and 400 basis points down scenarios for the market value of shareholders’ equity was slightly higher than the policy guidelines. The ALCO plans to continue to monitor the effect of changes in interest rates on both net interest income and shareholders’ equity and will make changes in the duration of its rate-sensitive assets and rate-sensitive liabilities where necessary.

 

Page | 33

 

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

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

 

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and schedules (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO framework”).

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in the COSO framework.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 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 financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’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 company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

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/ Plante & Moran, PLLC

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2006.

 

Auburn Hills, Michigan

 

March 15, 2019

 

Page | 34

 

 

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

(Dollars in thousands)  December 31, 
   2018   2017 
Assets        
Cash and due from banks  $19,690   $36,837 
           
Equity securities at fair value (Note 2)   2,847     
Securities available for sale (Note 2)   166,602    155,591 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock   1,994    1,994 
Federal Reserve Bank stock   1,573    1,573 
Loans held for sale   831    1,721 
Loans to other financial institutions   20,644    6,802 
Loans (Note 3)   409,073    398,785 
Allowance for loan losses (Note 3)   (4,673)   (4,577)
Loans, net   404,400    394,208 
           
Premises and equipment, net (Note 5)   15,879    12,855 
Other real estate owned, net (Note 7)   102    106 
Cash value of life insurance policies   14,899    14,514 
Goodwill (Note 6)   13,728    13,728 
Other assets   7,355    6,615 
Total assets  $670,544   $646,544 
           
Liabilities          
Deposits – noninterest-bearing (Note 8)  $153,542   $151,462 
Deposits – interest-bearing (Note 8)   423,473    388,391 
Total deposits   577,015    539,853 
           
Federal funds purchased   4,800     
Repurchase agreements (Note 9)       7,148 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (Note 10)   5,233    20,268 
Other liabilities (Notes 11 and 13)   3,019    2,725 
Total liabilities   590,067    569,994 
           
Shareholders’ Equity (Note 20)          
Preferred stock; shares authorized: 100,000; shares outstanding: none        
Common stock and paid-in capital, no par value; shares authorized: 7,000,000; shares outstanding: 3,616,483 in 2018 and 3,448,569 in 2017 (Note 14)   54,523    50,290 
Retained earnings   26,686    26,023 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net   (732)   237 
Total shareholders’ equity   80,477    76,550 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $670,544   $646,544 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Page | 35

 

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  Years ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016 
Interest income               
Loans, including fees  $20,033   $17,964   $16,507 
Securities:               
Taxable   2,896    2,556    2,334 
Tax exempt   1,465    1,419    1,450 
Other   131    102    21 
Total interest income   24,525    22,041    20,312 
                
Interest expense               
Deposits   2,175    1,189    790 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   235    276    171 
Other   51    13    8 
Total interest expense   2,461    1,478    969 
                
Net interest income   22,064    20,563    19,343 
Provision for loan losses (Note 3)   35    485     
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   22,029    20,078    19,343 
                
Noninterest income               
Customer service charges   4,525    4,135    4,056 
Insurance and investment commissions   335    826    1,009 
Gains on sales of loans (Note 4)   1,003    1,265    1,748 
Net gains/(losses) on sales of securities (Note 2)   34    (280)   312 
Net gains/(losses) on sales and write-downs of other assets (Note 7)   83    26    (41)
Earnings on life insurance policies   385    398    356 
Change in market value of equity securities   71         
Gain on sale of investment book of business       908     
Other   484    533    441 
Total noninterest income   6,920    7,811    7,881 
                
Noninterest expense               
Salaries and benefits (Notes 13 and 14)   10,997    10,249    9,982 
Occupancy and equipment (Note 5)   2,722    2,896    2,588 
Data processing   2,205    2,279    2,273 
Professional fees   1,349    1,166    935 
Supplies and postage   408    399    385 
Advertising and promotional   308    298    222 
Intangible amortization (Note 6)           379 
FDIC insurance   185    200    238 
Other   2,287    1,847    1,970 
Total noninterest expense   20,461    19,334    18,972 
                
Income before income tax   8,488    8,555    8,252 
Income tax expense (Note 11)   1,155    2,387    2,162 
                
Net income  $7,333   $6,168   $6,090 
                
Basic earnings per share (Note 15)  $2.03   $1.70   $1.68 
Diluted earnings per share (Note 15)  $2.02   $1.70   $1.68 
Dividends declared per share  $0.71   $0.64   $0.62 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Per share amounts have been adjusted for the 5% stock dividend paid in 2017 and 2018.

 

Page | 36

 

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Years ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016 
Net income  $7,333   $6,168   $6,090 
                
Other comprehensive income:               
Changes in net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(196), $324, and $(812) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively   (737)   628    (1,573)
                
Reclassification adjustment for realized gain on sale of investment securities available for sale included in net income, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(7), $95, and $(106) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively   (27)   185    (206)
                
Change in adjustment for postretirement benefits, net of tax expense (benefit) of $10, $(9), and $(12) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively   39    (17)   (22)
                
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   (725)   796    (1,801)
                
Comprehensive income  $6,608   $6,964   $4,289 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Page | 37

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  Number of
Shares
   Common
Stock and
Paid in
Capital
   Retained
Earnings
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income/(Loss),
Net
   Total 
                     
Balance, January 1, 2016   3,295,228   $46,501   $22,138   $1,203   $69,842 
                          
Net income             6,090         6,090 
Other comprehensive loss                  (1,801)   (1,801)
Shares issued   8,460    173              173 
Shares repurchased   (35,000)   (794)             (794)
Termination of ESOP repurchase obligation        127              127 
Effect of employee stock purchases        13              13 
Stock compensation shares issued   9,256                    
Stock compensation expense        279              279 
Cash dividends declared ($0.62 per share) (1)(2)             (2,231)        (2,231)
                          
Balance, December 31, 2016   3,277,944   $46,299   $25,997   $(598)  $71,698 
                          
Net income             6,168         6,168 
Other comprehensive income                  796    796 
Shares issued   8,776    149              149 
Shares repurchased   (8,800)   (203)             (203)
Effect of employee stock purchases        13              13 
Stock options exercised and issued (3)   1,463    13              13 
Stock-based compensation expense        240              240 
Restricted stock units issued   5,197                    
Stock dividend declared (5%)   163,989    3,779    (3,786)        (7)
Effect of tax law change on other comprehensive income             (39)   39     
Cash dividends declared ($0.64 per share) (1)(2)             (2,317)        (2,317)
                          
Balance, December 31, 2017   3,448,569   $50,290   $26,023   $237   $76,550 
                          
Net income             7,333         7,333 
Other comprehensive loss                  (725)   (725)
Shares issued   7,904    126              126 
Shares repurchased   (20,628)   (523)             (523)
Effect of employee stock purchases        13              13 
Stock options exercised and issued (3)   1,241                    
Stock-based compensation expense        282              282 
Restricted stock units issued   7,303                    
Adoption effect of ASU 2016-01 (4)             244    (244)    
Stock dividend declared (5%)   172,094    4,335    (4,342)        (7)
Cash dividends declared ($0.71 per share) (2)             (2,572)        (2,572)
                          
Balance, December 31, 2018   3,616,483   $54,523   $26,686   $(732)  $80,477 

   

(1) Adjusted for 5% stock dividend issued on May 31, 2017. 

(2) Adjusted for 5% stock dividend issued on May 31, 2018. 

(3) The amount shown includes the number of shares issued in cashless transactions where some taxes are netted on a portion of the exercises. 

(4) ASU 2016-01 is further addressed in Note 1 to the financial statements.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Page | 38

 

  

ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Years ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016 
Cash flows from operating activities:               
Net income  $7,333   $6,168   $6,090 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:               
Provision for loan losses   35    485     
Depreciation   1,183    1,389    1,078 
Amortization   893    1,061    1,531 
Compensation expense on employee and director stock purchases, stock options, and restricted stock units   344    317    380 
Net (gains)/losses on sales of securities   (34)   280    (312)
Net change in market value of equity securities   (71)        
Gains on sales of loans   (1,003)   (1,265)   (1,748)
Loans originated for sale   (33,555)   (43,171)   (53,591)
Proceeds from loan sales   34,872    42,883    57,830 
Earnings on bank-owned life insurance   (385)   (398)   (356)
(Gains)/losses on sales of other real estate owned   (79)   (18)   8 
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned   515    663    247 
Deferred federal income tax (benefit)/expense   209    62    (82)
Net change in:               
Other assets   (875)   417    (1,952)
Other liabilities   573    (783)   1,804 
Net cash from operating activities   9,955    8,090    10,927 
                
Cash flows from investing activities:               
Sales of securities available for sale   2,725    57,628    15,317 
Maturities, prepayments and calls of securities available for sale   13,443    17,572    36,705 
Purchases of securities available for sale   (31,450)   (56,123)   (69,526)
Purchases or calls of FHLB stock           (380)
Purchase of bank-owned life insurance policies           (1,500)
Loan originations and payments, net   (24,366)   (35,723)   (20,274)
Additions to premises and equipment   (4,207)   (1,656)   (1,819)
Net cash used in investing activities   (43,855)   (18,302)   (41,477)
                
Cash flows from financing activities:               
Net change in deposits   37,162    27,467    37,690 
Net change in repurchase agreements   (7,148)   (765)   (1,547)
Net change in fed funds purchased   4,800         
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances   128,500    212,500    311,017 
Payments on Federal Home Loan Bank advances   (143,535)   (204,533)   (310,048)
Issuance of common stock   77    98    85 
Repurchase of common stock   (523)   (203)   (794)
Cash dividends and fractional shares from stock dividend   (2,580)   (2,324)   (2,231)
Net cash from financing activities   16,753    32,240    34,172 
                
Net change in cash and cash equivalents   (17,147)   22,028    3,622 
Beginning cash and cash equivalents   36,837    14,809    11,187 
                
Ending cash and cash equivalents  $19,690   $36,837   $14,809 
                
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:               
Cash paid for interest  $2,300   $1,465   $984 
Cash paid for income taxes   850    2,120    1,760 
Loans transferred to other real estate owned   432    314    661 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Page | 39

 

 

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Principles of Consolidation 

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

 

Nature of Operations 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Use of Estimates 

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

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

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

 

Securities 

Debt securities are classified as available for sale because they might be sold before maturity. Debt securities classified as available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported separately in the accumulated other comprehensive income or loss section of shareholders’ equity, net of tax effect. Restricted investments in Federal Reserve Bank stock and Federal Home Loan Bank stock are carried at cost. Equity securities consist of investments in preferred stock and investments in common stock of other financial institutions. Effective January 1, 2018, equity securities are reported at their fair value with changes in market value flowing through net income. Prior to 2018, equity securities were accounted for in a manner similar to available for sale debt securities.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Page | 40

 

 

Loans 

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

 

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

 

Loans to Other Financial Institutions 

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

 

Allowance for Loan Losses 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Premises and Equipment 

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

 

Page | 41

 

 

Other Real Estate Owned 

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

 

Bank Owned Life Insurance 

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

 

Loan Servicing Rights 

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

 

Goodwill 

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

 

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments 

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

 

Employee Benefit Plans 

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

 

Income Taxes 

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

 

Earnings Per Share 

Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) is based on weighted-average common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS assumes issue of any dilutive potential common shares issuable under stock options or restricted stock units granted.

 

Page | 42

 

 

Comprehensive Income 

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

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income was as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Years ended December 31, 
   2018   2017 
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities  $(1,108)  $169 
Unrecognized gains on post-retirement benefits   181    132 
Tax effect   195    (64)
           
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  $(732)  $237 

  

Loss Contingencies 

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe that there are any such matters that may have a material effect on the financial statements as of December 31, 2018.

 

Cash Restrictions 

Cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of $781,000 and $810,000 was required to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The balance in excess of the amount required was interest-bearing as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

 

Stock-Based Compensation 

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

 

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

 

Dividend Restrictions 

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

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

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

 

Operating Segments 

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

 

Page | 43

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU establishes a comprehensive revenue recognition standard for virtually all industries under U.S. GAAP, including those that previously followed industry-specific guidance such as the real estate, construction and software industries. The revenue standard’s core principle is built on the contract between a vendor and a customer for the provision of goods and services. It attempts to depict the exchange of rights and obligations between the parties in the pattern of revenue recognition based on the consideration to which the vendor is entitled. To accomplish this objective, the standard requires five basic steps: (i) identify the contract with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The ASU does not apply to financial instruments. The ASU is effective for public entities for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (therefore, for the year ending December 31, 2018 for ChoiceOne). Early implementation is not allowed for public companies. Management implemented ASU 2014-09 effective January 1, 2018 by identifying revenue streams in scope of the guidance, including interchange revenue, deposit service charges, and investment advisory income, but the timing and amount of these revenue streams were not significantly changed upon implementation.

 

The FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The ASU covers various changes to the accounting, measurement, and disclosure related to certain financial instruments. The most significant change included in the update is the requirement for certain equity investments (excluding investments that are consolidated or accounted for under the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. An entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost, minus impairment. When a qualitative assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values indicates that impairment exists, an entity is required to measure the investment at fair value. The update also eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. The new standard is effective for ChoiceOne for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within this fiscal year. Management implemented ASU 2016-01 effective January 1, 2018. A cumulative effect adjustment was recorded as of January 1, 2018 to reclassify $244,000 of unrealized gains on equity securities from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. Equity securities have been presented separately from available for sale securities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and changes in the market value of securities is presented on the Consolidated Statement of Income. In addition, the fair value of loans has been estimated using an exit price notion.

 

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

 

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

 

Page | 44

 

  

The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU improves the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements by facilitating clear communication of the information required by generally accepted accounting principles that is most important to users of each entity’s financial statements. The objective of improving the effectiveness will include the development of a framework that promotes consistent decisions by FASB about disclosure requirements and the appropriate exercise of discretion by reporting entities. This ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this new ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Reclassifications
Certain amounts presented in prior year consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2018 presentation.

 

Page | 45

 

  

Note 2 – Securities

 

The fair value of equity securities and the related gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in noninterest income at December 31 were as follows: 

 

   2018 
       Gross   Gross     
(Dollars in thousands)  Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
Equity securities  $2,502    459    (114)   2,847 

 

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

 

   2018 
       Gross   Gross     
(Dollars in thousands)  Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
U.S. Government and federal agency  $34,079   $1   $(551)  $33,529 
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds   1,992        (45)   1,947 
State and municipal   104,317    544    (933)   103,928 
Mortgage-backed   21,654    126    (205)   21,575 
Corporate   5,147    1    (46)   5,102 
Trust preferred securities   500            500 
Asset-backed securities   21            21 
Total  $167,710   $672   $(1,780)  $166,602 

 

   2017 
       Gross   Gross     
(Dollars in thousands)  Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
U.S. Government and federal agency  $35,518   $   $(392)  $35,126 
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds   1,991        (31)   1,960 
State and municipal   99,609    910    (471)   100,048 
Mortgage-backed   9,943    8    (131)   9,820 
Corporate   5,184    2    (35)   5,151 
Equity securities   2,583    309        2,892 
Trust preferred securities   500            500 
Asset-backed securities   95        (1)   94 
Total  $155,423   $1,229   $(1,061)  $155,591 

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)            
   2018   2017   2016 
Proceeds from sales of securities  $2,725   $57,628   $15,317 
Gross realized gains   42    184    312 
Gross realized losses   8    464     

 

Page | 46

 

 

Contractual maturities of equity securities and securities available for sale at December 31, 2018 were as follows: 

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Amortized   Fair 
   Cost   Value 
Due within one year  $30,224   $30,390 
Due after one year through five years   69,299    68,809 
Due after five years through ten years   44,108    43,895 
Due after ten years   2,425    1,933 
Total debt securities   146,056    145,027 
Mortgage-backed securities   21,654    21,575 
Equity securities   2,502    2,847 
Total  $170,212   $169,449 

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2018   2017 
Securities pledged for securities sold under agreements to repurchase  $   $9,902 
Security pledged for Community Reinvestment Act credits   257    262 
Total  $257   $10,164 

 

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

 

Securities with unrealized losses at year-end 2018 and 2017, aggregated by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in an unrealized loss position, were as follows:

 

   2018 
   Less than 12 months   More than 12 months   Total 
(Dollars in thousands)  Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
   Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
U.S. Government and federal agency  $   $   $31,499   $(551)  $31,499   $(551)
U.S. Treasury notes and bonds           1,947    (45)   1,947    (45)
State and municipal   9,726    (36)   56,763    (897)   66,489    (933)
Mortgage-backed   5,384    (28)   7,443    (177)   12,827    (205)
Corporate           4,604    (46)   4,604    (46)
Equity securities   886    (114)           886    (114)
Total temporarily impaired  $15,996   $(178)  $102,256   $(1,716)  $118,252   $(1,894)

 

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

 

ChoiceOne evaluates all securities on a quarterly basis to determine whether unrealized losses are temporary or other than temporary. Consideration is given to the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of ChoiceOne to retain its investment in the issue for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value of amortized cost basis. Management believed that unrealized losses as of December 31, 2018 were temporary in nature and were caused primarily by changes in interest rates, increased credit spreads, and reduced market liquidity and were not caused by the credit status of the issuer. No other than temporary impairments were recorded in 2018 or 2017.

 

Page | 47

 

 

Following is information regarding unrealized gains and losses on equity securities for the year ending December 31, 2018: 

     
   2018 
New gains and losses recognized during the period  $71 
Less: Net gains and losses recognized during the period on securities sold   9 
Unrealized gains and losses recognized during the reporting period on securities still held at the reporting date  $62 

 

No presentation is necessary for years prior to 2018 due to implementation of ASU 2016-01 effective January 1, 2018.

 

At December 31, 2018, there were 210 securities with an unrealized loss, compared to 154 securities with an unrealized loss as of December 31, 2017.

 

Note 3 – Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2018   2017 
Agricultural  $49,109   $48,464 
Commercial and industrial   91,406    104,386 
Consumer   24,382    24,513 
Real estate - commercial   139,453    123,487 
Real estate - construction   8,843    6,613 
Real estate - residential   95,880    91,322 
Loans, gross   409,073    398,785 
Allowance for loan losses   (4,673)   (4,577)
Loans, net  $404,400   $394,208 

 

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

 

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

Page | 48

 

 

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

                                 
(Dollars in thousands)      Commercial       Commercial   Construction   Residential         
   Agricultural   and Industrial   Consumer   Real Estate   Real Estate   Real Estate   Unallocated   Total 
2018                                        
Allowance for Loan Losses                                        
Beginning balance  $506   $1,001   $262   $1,761   $35   $726   $286   $4,577 
Charge-offs       (58)   (282)           (25)       (365)
Recoveries   33    107    112    61        113        426 
Provision   (58)   (158)   162    104    3    (277)   259    35 
Ending balance  $481   $892   $254   $1,926   $38   $537   $545   $4,673 
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $94   $3   $13   $20   $   $167   $   $297 
                                         
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $387   $889   $241   $1,906   $38   $370   $545   $4,376 
                                 
Loans                                
Individually evaluated for impairment  $578   $21   $90   $623   $   $2,712      $4,024 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   48,531    91,385    24,292    138,830    8,843    93,168         405,049 
Ending balance  $49,109   $91,406   $24,382   $139,453   $8,843   $95,880        $409,073 

 

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

 

Page | 49

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Page | 50

 

 

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

 

Corporate Credit Exposure - Credit Risk Profile By Creditworthiness Category

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Agricultural   Commercial and Industrial   Commercial Real Estate 
   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017 
Risk ratings 1 and 2  $15,300   $14,813   $11,972   $13,491   $7,962   $8,227 
Risk rating 3   23,938    22,721    50,266    63,366    89,173    78,868 
Risk rating 4   9,082    10,199    23,961    26,943    36,193    33,429 
Risk rating 5   211    308    5,204    491    4,850    1,533 
Risk rating 6   578    423    3    95    1,275    1,430 
   $49,109   $48,464   $91,406   $104,386   $139,453   $123,487 

 

Consumer Credit Exposure - Credit Risk Profile Based On Payment Activity

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Consumer   Construction Real Estate   Residential Real Estate 
   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017 
Performing  $24,320   $24,497   $8,843   $6,613   $94,925   $90,629 
Nonperforming       1                257 
Nonaccrual   62    15            955    436 
   $24,382   $24,513   $8,843   $6,613   $95,880   $91,322 

 

Included within the loan categories above were loans in the process of foreclosure. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, loans in the process of foreclosure totaled $156,000 and $131,000, respectively.

 

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

 

The following schedule provides information on loans that were considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) that were modified during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Bank may agree to modify the terms of a loan in order to improve the Bank’s ability to collect amounts due. These modifications may include reduction of the interest rate, extension of the loan term, or in some cases, reduction of the principal balance.

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
       Pre-   Post-       Pre-   Post- 
       Modification   Modification       Modification   Modification 
       Outstanding   Outstanding       Outstanding   Outstanding 
(Dollars in thousands)  Number of   Recorded   Recorded   Number of   Recorded   Recorded 
   Loans   Investment   Investment   Loans   Investment   Investment 
Residential real estate      $   $    3   $296   $296 

 

The pre-modification and post-modification outstanding recorded investment represents amounts as of the date of loan modification. If a difference exists between the pre-modification and post-modification outstanding recorded investment, it represents impairment recognized through the provision for loan losses computed based on a loan’s post-modification present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate. If no difference exists, a loss is not expected to be incurred based on an assessment of the borrower’s expected cash flows.

 

As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 there were no instances of a borrower who was past due with respect to principal and/or interest for 30 days or more during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 that had been modified during the 12-month period prior to the default. Loans modified in a TDR may already be on nonaccrual status and partial charge-offs have in some cases already been taken against the outstanding loan balance. As a result, loans modified in a TDR for the Bank may have the financial effect of increasing the specific allowance associated with the loan. The allowance for impaired loans that have been modified in a TDR is measured based on the estimated fair value of the collateral, less any selling costs, if the loan is collateral dependent or on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. Management exercises significant judgment in developing these estimates. At December 31, 2018 the Corporation had no commitments to lend additional funds to the related debtors whose terms have been modified in a TDR.

 

Page | 51

 

 

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

 

       Unpaid       Average   Interest 
(Dollars in thousands)  Recorded   Principal   Related   Recorded   Income 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance   Investment   Recognized 
2018                         
With no related allowance recorded                         
Agricultural  $185   $185   $   $291   $ 
Commercial and industrial               29    2 
Consumer   1    1        2    8 
Construction real estate               54     
Commercial real estate   74    109        78    30 
Residential real estate   250    261        177    114 
Subtotal   510    556        631    154 
With an allowance recorded                         
Agricultural   393    440    94    161    13 
Commercial and industrial   21    21    3    296     
Consumer   88    88    13    59     
Construction real estate                    
Commercial real estate   550    609    20    692     
Residential real estate   2,462    2,494    167    2,523    6 
Subtotal   3,514    3,652    297    3,731    19 
Total                         
Agricultural   578    625    94    452    13 
Commercial and industrial   21    21    3    325    2 
Consumer   90    90    13    61    8 
Construction real estate               54     
Commercial real estate   623    718    20    770    30 
Residential real estate   2,712    2,755    167    2,700    120 
Total  $4,024   $4,209   $297   $4,362   $173 

 

Page | 52

 

 

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

 

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

 

Page | 53

 

 

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

 

           Loans                 
   Loans   Loans   Past Due               Loans 
   Past Due   Past Due   Greater               90 Days Past 
(Dollars in thousands)  30 to 59   60 to 89   Than 90       Loans Not   Total   Due and 
   Days (1)   Days (1)   Days (1)   Total (1)   Past Due   Loans   Accruing 
2018                                   
Agricultural  $   $   $   $   $49,109   $49,109   $ 
Commercial and industrial   5            5    91,401    91,406     
Consumer   149    40    11    200    24,182    24,382     
Commercial real estate           73    73    139,380    139,453     
Construction real estate                   8,843    8,843     
Residential real estate   1,493    486    648    2,627    93,253    95,880     
   $1,647   $526   $732   $2,905   $406,168   $409,073   $ 
                                    
2017                                   
Agricultural  $   $   $83   $83   $48,381   $48,464   $ 
Commercial and industrial   20            20    104,366    104,386     
Consumer   142    38    1    181    24,332    24,513     
Commercial real estate   95    58    69    222    123,265    123,487     
Construction real estate                   6,613    6,613     
Residential real estate   585    272    296    1,153    90,169    91,322    258 
   $842   $368   $449   $1,659   $397,126   $398,785   $258 

 

(1) Includes nonaccrual loans.

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2018   2017 
Agricultural  $393   $423 
Commercial and industrial        
Consumer   62    15 
Commercial real estate   123    222 
Construction real estate        
Residential real estate   954    436 
   $1,532   $1,096 

 

Note 4 – Mortgage Banking

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2018   2017   2016 
Loans originated for resale, net of principal payments  $33,555   $43,171   $53,591 
Proceeds from loan sales   34,872    42,883    57,830 
Net gains on sales of loans held for sale   1,003    1,265    1,748 
Loan servicing fees, net of amortization   91    155    159 

 

Net gains on sales of loans held for sale include capitalization of loan servicing rights. Loans serviced for others are not reported as assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of these loans were $134.6 million and $122.5 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Bank maintains custodial escrow balances in connection with these serviced loans; however, such escrows were immaterial at December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

Page | 54

 

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)            
   2018   2017   2016 
Balance, beginning of year  $908   $697   $378 
Capitalized   441    443    491 
Amortization   (300)   (232)   (172)
Balance, end of year  $1,049   $908   $697 

 

The fair value of loan servicing rights was $1,700,000 and $1,402,000 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Consequently, a valuation allowance was not necessary at year-end 2018 or 2017. The fair value of servicing rights at December 31, 2018 was determined using a discount rate of 6.92% and prepayment speeds ranging from 7% to 13%. The fair value of servicing rights at December 31, 2017 was determined using a discount rate of 6.29% and prepayment speeds ranging from 7% to 14%.

 

Note 5 – Premises and Equipment

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2018   2017 
Land and land improvements  $5,318   $5,560 
Leasehold improvements   38    38 
Buildings   16,251    13,290 
Furniture and equipment   7,357    5,932 
     Total cost   28,964    24,820 
Accumulated depreciation   (13,085)   (11,965)
     Premises and equipment, net  $15,879   $12,855 

 

Depreciation expense was $1,183,000, $1,389,000, and $1,078,000 for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

The Bank leases certain branch properties and automated-teller machine locations in its normal course of business. Rent expense totaled $108,000, $99,000, and $99,000 for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Rent commitments under non-cancelable operating leases were as follows, before considering renewal options that generally are present (dollars in thousands):

 

2019   $119 
2020    122 
2021    124 
2022    127 
2023    129 
Thereafter    318 
Total    $939 

 

Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill

There were no changes in the goodwill balance in 2018 or 2017. ChoiceOne evaluates goodwill annually for impairment. Accounting pronouncements allow a company to first perform a qualitative assessment for goodwill prior to a quantitative assessment (Step 1 assessment). If the results of the qualitative assessment indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, then a quantitative assessment must be performed. If not, there is no further assessment required.

 

ChoiceOne engaged an outside consulting firm to assist management in performing its annual evaluation of goodwill for impairment during 2016. The following steps were used in the valuation: determination of the reporting unit, determination of the appropriate standard of value, determination of the appropriate level of value, calculation of fair value, and comparison of the fair value computed to the equity carrying value. It was determined that the relevant reporting unit to be valued was ChoiceOne Bank. The standard of value used in the valuation was fair value as determined by generally accepted accounting principles. The appropriate level of value was determined to be the controlling interest level. The appraisal methodology used to calculate the fair value included the income approach, which was a discounted cash flow value based on projected earnings capacity. The income approach used a discount rate of 11.50%, a growth assumption of 5.0% for assets, and an assumption of cost savings of 20% of noninterest expense as a result of synergies and cost reductions from a change in control. The appraisal methodology also included the market approach, which was based on price-to-earnings multiples, price-to-tangible book value ratios, and core deposit premiums for selected bank sale transactions. The asset approach was also an approach that was reviewed, but it was not used in determining the fair value since it did not render a control level indication of value. The results from the valuation approaches were used to calculate an estimate of the fair value of ChoiceOne’s equity, which was compared to the carrying value of equity to determine whether the Step 1 test under generally accepted accounting principles that govern the valuation of goodwill was passed. The goodwill analysis determined that the fair value of ChoiceOne’s equity exceeded the carrying value by 31%. Based on this assessment, management believed that there was no indication of goodwill impairment in 2016. Based on the third-party valuation in 2016, and the qualitative analysis performed in 2017 and 2018, no impairment of goodwill was deemed to exist as of December 31, 2018.

 

Page | 55

 

 

Acquired Intangible Assets

 

A core deposit intangible and other intangible assets were being amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years. Intangible assets were reviewed for impairment on a quarterly basis. These intangible assets were fully amortized as of the end of 2016 and had no carrying value on the balance sheet during 2017 or 2018. Aggregate amortization expense was $0 in 2018 and 2017 and $379,000 in 2016.

 

Note 7 – Other Real Estate Owned

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2018   2017   2016 
             
Balance, beginning of year  $106   $437   $31 
Transfers from loans   432    314    661 
Proceeds from sales   (515)   (663)   (247)
Gains/(losses) on sales   79    18    (8)
Balance, end of year  $102   $106   $437 

 

Included in the balances above were residential real estate mortgage loans of $102,000, $106,000, and $291,000 as of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, and $146,000 of commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2016.

 

Note 8 – Deposits

 

Deposit balances as of December 31 consisted of the following:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2018   2017 
         
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits  $153,542   $151,462 
Interest-bearing demand deposits   135,425    126,363 
Money market deposits   86,720    94,178 
Savings deposits   75,615    75,080 
Local certificates of deposit   91,343    82,598 
Brokered certificates of deposit   34,370    10,172 
Total deposits  $577,015   $539,853 

 

Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit at December 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2019   $99,281 
2020    15,010 
2021    4,222 
2022    7,163 
2023    37 
Total    $125,713 

 

Page | 56

 

 

The Bank had certificates of deposit issued in denominations of $250,000 or greater totaling $39.3 million and $29.8 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Bank held $34.4 million in brokered certificates of deposit at December 31, 2018, compared to $10.2 million at December 31, 2017. In addition, the Bank had $2.1 million and $2.0 million of certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively, that had been issued through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS). Although certificates of deposit issued through CDARS are issued to local customers, this type of deposit was classified as brokered deposits for regulatory purposes as of December 31, 2017. As a result of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act which became law in May 2018, reciprocal brokered deposits were no longer considered brokered deposits as of December 31, 2018.

 

Note 9 – Repurchase Agreements

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2018   2017 
         
Outstanding balance at December 31  $   $7,148 
Average interest rate at December 31   %   0.05%
Average balance during the year  $1,412   $4,958 
Average interest rate during the year   0.05%   0.05%
Maximum month end balance during the year  $7,148   $8,440 

 

Note 10 – Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2018   2017 
         
Maturity of November 2024 with fixed interest rate of 3.98%  $233   $268 
Maturity of March 2019 with fixed interest rate of 2.57%   5,000     
Maturities ranging from January 2018 to April 2018, fixed interest rates ranging from 1.25% to 1.39%, with a weighted average of 1.32%       20,000 
Total advances outstanding at year-end  $5,233   $20,268 

 

Fees are charged on fixed rate advances that are paid prior to maturity. No fixed rate advances were paid prior to maturity in 2018 or 2017. Advances were secured by agricultural loans and residential real estate loans with a carrying value of approximately $96.8 million and $95.1 million at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Based on this collateral, the Bank was eligible to borrow an additional $45.5 million at year-end 2018.

 

The scheduled maturities of advances from the FHLB at December 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)      
       
2019   $5,036 
2020    37 
2021    38 
2022    40 
2023    42 
Thereafter    40 
Total   $5,233 

 

Page | 57

 

 

Note 11 – Income Taxes

 

Information as of December 31 and for the year follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)            
   2018   2017   2016 
Provision for Income Taxes               
Current federal income tax expense  $946   $2,325   $2,244 
Deferred federal income tax expense/(benefit)   209    62    (82)
Income tax expense  $1,155   $2,387   $2,162 
                
Reconciliation of Income Tax Provision to Statutory Rate               
Income tax computed at statutory federal rate of 21% in 2018 and 34% in 2017 and 2016  $1,783   $2,909   $2,806 
Tax exempt interest income   (309)   (486)   (496)
Tax exempt earnings on bank-owned life insurance   (81)   (135)   (121)
Low income housing tax credits   (154)   (85)   (45)
Deferred tax adjustment related to reduction in U.S. federal statutory income income tax rate       206     
Other items   (84)   (22)   18 
Income tax expense  $1,155   $2,387   $2,162 
                
Effective income tax rate   14%   28%   26%

 

(Dollars in thousands)        
         
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities  2018   2017 
Deferred tax assets:          
Allowance for loan losses  $981   $961 
Unrealized losses on securities available for sale   233     
Deferred compensation   102    125 
Stock compensation   22    55 
Loan costs/fees deferred   66    45 
Other   72    123 
Total deferred tax assets   1,476    1,309 
           
Deferred tax liabilities:          
Depreciation   797    644 
Loan servicing rights   220    191 
Unrealized gains on securities available for sale       35 
Other   88    106 
Total deferred tax liabilities   1,105    976 
Net deferred tax asset  $371   $333 

 

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

 

Concurrent with the enactment of the Tax Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which allows companies to recognize the cumulative impact of the income tax effects triggered by the enactment of the Tax Act over a period of up to twelve months in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. The Company applied SAB 118 and continued to refine measurement of its deferred tax asset balance during the preparation of its 2017 tax return and review of additional information throughout 2018. No significant adjustments were made to the preliminary calculations.

 

Page | 58

 

 

Note 12 – Related Party Transactions

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)  2018   2017 
         
Balance, beginning of year  $6,477   $12,906 
New loans   3,029    2,909 
Repayments   (3,835)   (3,043)
Effect of changes in related parties   (328)   (6,295)
Balance, end of year  $5,343   $6,477 

 

Deposits from executive officers, directors and their affiliates were $6.3 million and $8.1 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Note 13 – Employee Benefit Plans

 

401(k) Plan

The 401(k) plan allows employees to contribute to their individual accounts under the plan amounts up to the IRS maximum. Matching company contributions to the plan are discretionary. Expense for matching company contributions under the plan was $207,000, $189,000, and $180,000 in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Through December 31, 2015, employees participated in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”). ChoiceOne could make discretionary contributions to the ESOP. Shares of ChoiceOne common stock were allocated to participants based on relative compensation earned and compensation expense was recorded when allocated. Dividends on allocated shares increased the participant accounts. Participants became fully vested upon completing six years of qualifying service. Participants received the shares at the end of employment. A participant could require stock received to be repurchased by ChoiceOne at any time. ChoiceOne did not contribute to the ESOP nor was any expense recorded in 2018, 2017, and 2016. Effective January 1, 2016, ChoiceOne terminated the ESOP and transferred shares held by the ESOP to the 401(k) plan and ChoiceOne no longer has a mandatory obligation to repurchase shares from the 401(k) plan.

 

Post-retirement Benefits Plan

ChoiceOne maintains an unfunded post-retirement health care plan, which permits employees (and their dependents) the ability to participate upon retirement from ChoiceOne. ChoiceOne does not pay any portion of the health care premiums charged to its retired participants. A liability has been accrued for the obligation under this plan. ChoiceOne incurred negative post-retirement benefit expense of $12,000, $14,000, and $18,000 in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. The post-retirement obligation liability was $98,000 as of December 31, 2018 and $160,000 as of December 31, 2017.

 

Deferred Compensation Plans

A deferred director compensation plan covers former directors, which was acquired by ChoiceOne in 2006. Under the plan, ChoiceOne pays each former director the amount of director fees deferred plus interest at rates ranging from 5.50% to 5.84% over various periods as elected by each director. A liability has been accrued for the obligation under this plan. ChoiceOne incurred deferred compensation plan expense of $5,000, $7,000, and $7,000 in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. The deferred compensation liability was $65,000 as of December 31, 2018 and $103,000 as of December 31, 2017.

 

A supplemental executive retirement plan covers four former executive officers. Under the plan, ChoiceOne pays these individuals a specific amount of compensation over a 15-year period commencing upon early retirement age (as defined in the plan) or normal retirement age (as defined in the plan). A liability has been accrued for the obligation under this plan. The effective interest rate used for the accrual for the retirement liability is based on long-term interest rates. ChoiceOne incurred deferred compensation plan expense of $6,000, $12,000, and $19,000 in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Liabilities related to the supplemental executive retirement plan of $420,000 and $492,000 were outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

Note 14 - Stock Based Compensation

 

Options to buy stock have been granted to key employees to provide them with additional equity interests in ChoiceOne. Compensation expense in connection with stock options granted was $38,000 in 2018, $49,000 in 2017, and $71,000 in 2016. The Stock Incentive Plan of 2012 was approved by the Company’s shareholders at the Annual Meeting held on April 25, 2012. The Stock Incentive Plan of 2012, as amended effective May 23, 2018, provides for the issuance of up to 200,000 shares of common stock. At December 31, 2018, there were 95,771 shares available for future grants.

 

Page | 59

 

 

A summary of stock options activity was as follows:

 

   Shares   Weighted
average
exercise
price
 
         
Options outstanding at January 1, 2018   47,250   $22.32 
Options granted prior to stock dividend        
Options exercised prior to stock dividend        
Options forfeited or expired prior to stock dividend        
Options outstanding prior to stock dividend   47,250   $22.32 
           
Options outstanding after 5% stock dividend*   49,613   $21.26 
Options exercised after stock dividend   (6,484)   21.08 
Options granted after stock dividend   15,000    25.65 
Options outstanding at December 31, 2018   58,129   $22.41 
           
Options exercisable at December 31, 2018   38,612   $21.52 

 

* The 2018 balance was adjusted for the 5% stock dividend paid on May 31, 2018.

 

The exercise prices for options outstanding and exercisable at the end of 2018 ranged from $20.86 to $25.65 per share. The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding and exercisable at the end of 2018 was approximately 6.4 years.

 

The intrinsic value of all outstanding in-the-money stock options and exercisable in-the-money stock options was $106,000 and $31,000 respectively, at December 31, 2018. The aggregate intrinsic values of outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2018 were calculated based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on December 31, 2018 of $25.00 per share less the exercise price.

 

Information pertaining to options outstanding at December 31, 2018 was as follows:

 

Exercise price of stock options:   Number of
options
outstanding
at year-end
   Number of options
exercisable at year-
end
   Average
remaining
contractual
life (in
years)
 
$25.65    15,000    3,750    9.42 
$20.86    15,707    7,440    8.68 
$21.13    27,422    27,422    5.31 

 

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. ChoiceOne uses historical data to estimate the volatility of the market price of ChoiceOne stock and employee terminations within the valuation model. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. As of December 31, 2018, there was $43,000 in unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options issued in 2017 and 2018.

 

Page | 60

 

 

The fair value of stock options granted during 2018 was $63,000, which was determined using the following weighted-average assumptions as of the grant date.

 

Risk-free interest rate   2.89%
Expected option life   5.75 years 
Expected stock price volatility   20.79%
Dividend yield   3.04%
Fair value of options granted  $4.17 

 

ChoiceOne has granted restricted stock units to a select group of employees under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. Restricted stock units vest in three annual installments on each of the next three anniversaries of the grant date. Certain additional vesting provisions apply. Each restricted stock unit, once vested, is settled by delivery of one share of ChoiceOne common stock. ChoiceOne recognized compensation expense of $244,000, $191,000, and $207,000 in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, in connection with restricted stock units for current participants during these years.

 

A summary of the activity for RSU’s during the year ended December 31, 2018 is presented below:

 

Outstanding Stock Awards  Shares   Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2018   18,060   $23.14 
Granted   10,900    26.00 
Vested   (9,536)   23.15 
Impact of stock dividend paid May 31, 2018   1,016    24.71 
Outstanding at December 31, 2018   20,440    24.74 

 

At December 31, 2018, there were 20,440 restricted stock units outstanding with an approximate stock value of $511,000 based on ChoiceOne’s December 31, 2018 stock price. At December 31, 2017, there were 18,060 restricted stock units outstanding with an approximate stock value of $430,000 based on ChoiceOne’s December 31, 2017 stock price.

 

Note 15 - Earnings Per Share

 

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)            
   2018   2017   2016 
Basic               
Net income  $7,333   $6,168   $6,090 
                
Weighted average common shares outstanding   3,614,302    3,621,216    3,624,037 
                
Basic earnings per common shares  $2.03   $1.70   $1.68 
                
Diluted               
Net income  $7,333   $6,168   $6,090 
                
Weighted average common shares outstanding   3,614,302    3,621,216    3,624,037 
Plus dilutive stock options and restricted stock units   13,825    8,465    5,482 
                
Weighted average common shares outstanding and potentially dilutive shares   3,628,127    3,629,681    3,629,519 
                
Diluted earnings per common share  $2.02   $1.70   $1.68 

 

Per share amounts have been adjusted for the 5% stock dividends paid on May 31, 2017 and May 31, 2018.

 

Stock options considered anti-dilutive to earnings per share were 15,000, 0, and 30,000 as of December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively. This calculation is based on the average stock price during the year.

 

Page | 61

 

 

Note 16 – Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company

 

Condensed Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands)  December 31, 
   2018   2017 
Assets        
Cash  $1,400   $1,249 
Equity securities at fair value   1,960     
Securities available for sale   1,692    3,607 
Other assets   122    188 
Investment in ChoiceOne Bank   75,313    71,570 
Total assets  $80,487   $76,614 
           
Liabilities          
Other liabilities  $10   $64 
 Total liabilities   10    64 
           
Shareholders’ equity   80,477    76,550 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $80,487   $76,614 

 

Condensed Statements of Income
(Dollars in thousands)  Years Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016 
Interest and dividends from ChoiceOne Bank  $2,800   $3,042   $3,161 
Interest and dividends from other securities   47    55    52 
Gains on sales of securities   9    1     
Change in market value of equity securities   184         
Total income   3,040    3,098    3,213 
Other expenses   144    123    133 
Income before income tax and equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary   2,896    2,975    3,080 
Income tax (expense)/benefit   (14)   73    39 
Income before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary   2,882    3,048    3,119 
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary   4,451    3,120    2,971 
Net income  $7,333   $6,168   $6,090 

 

Page | 62

 

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)  Years Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016 
Cash flows from operating activities:               
Net income  $7,333   $6,168   $6,090 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:               
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary   (4,451)   (3,120)   (2,971)
Amortization   18    19    20 
Compensation expense on employee and director stock purchases, stock options, and restricted stock units   331    304    367 
Net gain on sale of securities   (9)   (1)    
Change in market value of equity securities   (184)        
Changes in other assets   66    (37)   (68)
Changes in other liabilities   (19)   (39)   (1)
Net cash from operating activities   3,085    3,294    3,437 
                
Cash flows from investing activities:               
Sales of securities   91    334     
Purchases of securities       (466)   (1,126)
Net cash from investing activities   91    (132)   (1,126)
                
Cash flows from financing activities:               
Issuance of common stock   77    98    85 
Repurchase of common stock   (523)   (203)   (794)
Cash dividends paid   (2,579)   (2,324)   (2,231)
Net cash from financing activities   (3,025)   (2,429)   (2,940)
                
Net change in cash   151    733    (629)
Beginning cash   1,249    516    1,145 
Ending cash  $1,400   $1,249   $516 

  

Page | 63

 

 

Note 17 – Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments as of the dates indicated were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
December 31, 2018                    
Assets                    
Cash and due from banks  $19,690   $19,690   $19,690   $   $ 
Equity securities at fair value   2,847    2,847    1,961        886 
Securities available for sale   166,602    166,602        158,104    8,498 
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock   3,567    3,567        3,567     
Loans held for sale   831    856        856     
Loans to other financial institutions   20,644    20,644        20,644     
Loans, net   404,400    399,091            399,091 
Accrued interest receivable   2,267    2,267        2,267     
                          
Liabilities                         
Noninterest-bearing deposits   153,542    153,542        153,542     
Interest-bearing deposits   423,473    422,381        422,381     
Federal funds purchased   4,800    4,800        4,800     
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   5,233    5,241        5,241     
Accrued interest payable   210    210        210     
                          
December 31, 2017                         
Assets                         
Cash and due from banks  $36,837   $36,837   $36,837   $   $ 
Securities available for sale   155,591    155,591    1,892    140,301    13,398 
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock   3,567    3,567        3,567     
Loans held for sale   1,721    1,773        1,773     
Loans to other financial institutions   6,802    6,802        6,802     
Loans, net   394,208    394,819            394,819 
Accrued interest receivable   2,146    2,146        2,146     
                          
Liabilities                         
Noninterest-bearing deposits   151,462    151,462        151,462     
Interest-bearing deposits   388,391    387,343        387,343     
Repurchase agreements   7,148    7,148        7,148     
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   20,268    20,271        20,271     
Accrued interest payable   49    49        49     

 

The estimated fair values approximate the carrying amounts for all financial instruments except those described later in this paragraph. The methodology for determining the estimated fair value for securities available for sale is described in Note 18. The estimated fair value for loans in 2017 was based on the rates charged at December 31 for new loans with similar maturities, applied until the loan is assumed to reprice or be paid. In 2018, the estimated fair value of loans follows the guidance in ASU 2016-01 which prescribes an “exit price” approach, which incorporates discounts for credit, liquidity, and marketability. The allowance for loan losses is considered to be a reasonable estimate of discount for credit quality concerns. The estimated fair value of deposits is based on comparing the average rate paid on deposits compared to the three month Libor rate which is assumed to be the replacement value of these deposits. At December 31, 2018, all average rates were lower than the three month Libor rate causing fair values to be higher than carrying amounts. The estimated fair values for time deposits and FHLB advances are based on the rates paid at December 31 for new deposits or FHLB advances, applied until maturity. The estimated fair values for other financial instruments and off-balance sheet loan commitments are considered nominal.

 

Page | 64

 

 

Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements

 

The following tables present information about the Bank’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and the valuation techniques used by the Bank to determine those fair values.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

There were no liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2018. Disclosures concerning assets measured at fair value are as follows:

 

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
                     
   Quoted Prices             
   In Active   Significant         
   Markets for   Other   Significant     
   Identical   Observable   Unobservable     
(Dollars in thousands)  Assets   Inputs   Inputs   Balance at 
   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)   Date Indicated 
Equity Securities Held at Fair Value - December 31, 2018                    
Equity securities  $1,961   $   $886   $2,847 
                     
Investment Securities, Available for Sale - December 31, 2018                    
U. S. Government and federal agency  $   $33,529   $   $33,529 
U. S. Treasury notes and bonds       1,947        1,947 
State and municipal       95,930    7,998    103,928 
Mortgage-backed       21,575        21,575 
Corporate       5,102        5,102 
Trust preferred securities           500    500 
Asset backed securities       21        21 
Total  $   $158,104   $8,498   $166,602 
                     
Investment Securities, Available for Sale - December 31, 2017                    
U. S. Government and federal agency  $   $35,126   $   $35,126 
U. S. Treasury notes and bonds       1,960        1,960 
State and municipal       88,150    11,898    100,048 
Mortgage-backed       9,820        9,820 
Corporate       5,151        5,151 
Equity securities   1,892        1,000    2,892 
Trust preferred securities           500    500 
Asset backed securities       94        94 
Total  $1,892   $140,301   $13,398   $155,591 

 

Page | 65

 

 

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

 

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

(Dollars in thousands)        
   2018   2017 
Equity Securities Held at Fair Value          
Balance, January 1  $   $ 
Reclassification due to implementation of ASU 2016-01   1,000     
Total realized and unrealized gains included in noninterest income   (114)    
Total unrealized gains/(losses) included in other comprehensive income        
Net purchases, sales, calls, and maturities        
Net transfers into Level 3        
Balance, December 31  $886   $ 
           
Investment Securities, Available for Sale          
Balance, January 1  $13,398   $15,103 
Reclassification due to implementation of ASU 2016-01   (1,000)    
Total realized and unrealized gains included in income        
Total unrealized gains/(losses) included in other comprehensive income   (186)   196 
Net purchases, sales, calls, and maturities   (3,714)   (1,901)
Net transfers into Level 3        
Balance, December 31  $8,498   $13,398 

 

Of the Level 3 assets that were still held by the Bank at December 31, 2018, the net unrealized loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was $300,000 compared to a $196,000 unrealized gain as of December 31, 2017, which is recognized in noninterest income or other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets and income statements. Amounts recognized in noninterest income relate to changes in equity securities based on ASU 2016-01, which was implemented by ChoiceOne effective January 1, 2018. A total of $224,000 and $3.2 million of Level 3 securities were purchased in 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Page | 66

 

 

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

 

       Quoted Prices         
       In Active   Significant     
       Markets for   Other   Significant 
   Balances at   Identical   Observable   Unobservable 
(Dollars in thousands)  Dates   Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
   Indicated   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Impaired Loans                    
December 31, 2018  $4,024   $   $   $4,024 
December 31, 2017  $4,140   $   $   $4,140 
                     
Other Real Estate                    
December 31, 2018  $102   $   $   $102 
December 31, 2017  $106   $   $   $106 

 

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

 

Note 19 – Off-Balance Sheet Activities

 

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

 

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

 

   2018   2017 
   Fixed   Variable   Fixed   Variable 
(Dollars in thousands)  Rate   Rate   Rate   Rate 
                 
Unused lines of credit and letters of credit  $20,036   $103,978   $9,033   $104,257 
Commitments to fund loans (at market rates)   20,997    1,421    8,633    1,225 

 

Commitments to fund loans are generally made for periods of 180 days or less. The fixed rate loan commitments have interest rates ranging from 3.25% to 8.00% and maturities ranging from 1 years to 30 years.

 

Note 20 – Regulatory Capital

 

ChoiceOne and the Bank are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications, including well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. Depending upon the capital category to which an institution is assigned, the regulators’ corrective powers include:  prohibiting the acceptance of brokered deposits; requiring the submission of a capital restoration plan; placing limits on asset growth and restrictions on activities; requiring the institution to issue additional capital stock (including additional voting stock) or to be acquired; restricting transactions with affiliates; restricting the interest rate the institution may pay on deposits; ordering a new election of directors of the institution; requiring that senior executive officers or directors be dismissed; prohibiting the institution from accepting deposits from correspondent banks; requiring the institution to divest certain subsidiaries; prohibiting the payment of principal or interest on subordinated debt; and ultimately, appointing a receiver for the institution. At year-end 2018 and 2017, the Bank was categorized as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

 

Page | 67

 

 

Actual capital levels and minimum required levels for ChoiceOne and the Bank were as follows:

 

                   Minimum Required 
                   to be Well 
           Minimum Required   Capitalized Under 
           for Capital   Prompt Corrective 
(Dollars in thousands)  Actual   Adequacy Purposes   Action Regulations 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
December 31, 2018                        
ChoiceOne Financial Services Inc.                              
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)  $72,148    13.8%  $41,811    8.0%   N/A    N/A 
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   67,481    12.9    23,519    4.5    N/A    N/A 
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   67,481    12.9    31,359    6.0    N/A    N/A 
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)   67,481    10.5    25,658    4.0    N/A    N/A 
                               
ChoiceOne Bank                              
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)  $66,976    12.9%  $41,599    8.0%  $51,999    10.0%
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   62,309    12.0    23,399    4.5    33,799    6.5 
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   62,309    12.0    31,199    6.0    41,599    8.0 
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)   62,309    9.8    25,512    4.0    31,890    5.0 
                               
December 31, 2017                              
ChoiceOne Financial Services Inc.                              
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)  $67,155    13.9%  $38,761    8.0%   N/A    N/A 
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   62,584    12.9    21,803    4.5    N/A    N/A 
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   62,584    12.9    29,071    6.0    N/A    N/A 
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)   62,584    9.9    25,301    4.0    N/A    N/A 
                               
ChoiceOne Bank                              
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)  $62,393    12.9%  $38,555    8.0%  $48,194    10.0%
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   57,822    12.0    21,687    4.5    31,326    6.5 
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)   57,822    12.0    28,917    6.0    38,555    8.0 
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)   57,822    9.2    25,156    4.0    31,445    5.0 

 

Banking regulations limit capital distributions by state-chartered banks. Generally, capital distributions are limited to undistributed net income for the current and prior two years. At December 31, 2018, approximately $10.5 million was available for ChoiceOne Bank to pay dividends to ChoiceOne. ChoiceOne’s ability to pay dividends to shareholders is dependent on the payment of dividends from the Bank, which is restricted by state law and regulations.

 

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

 

Page | 68

 

 

Note 21 – Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

       Net       Earnings Per Share 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  Interest   Interest   Net       Fully 
   Income   Income   Income   Basic   Diluted 
2018                    
First Quarter  $5,722   $5,330   $1,658   $0.46   $0.46 
Second Quarter   6,141    5,595    1,833    0.51    0.51 
Third Quarter   6,212    5,522    2,014    0.55    0.55 
Fourth Quarter   6,450    5,617    1,828    0.51    0.50 
                          
2017                         
First Quarter  $5,161   $4,855   $1,446   $0.40   $0.40 
Second Quarter   5,425    5,077    1,635    0.45    0.45 
Third Quarter   5,624    5,238    1,720    0.48    0.48 
Fourth Quarter   5,831    5,393    1,367    0.37    0.37 

 

Per share amounts have been adjusted for 5% stock dividends paid on May 31, 2017 and May 31, 2018.

 

The increase that occurred during 2017 and 2018 in interest income and net interest income was due to growth in earning assets and a widening of ChoiceOne’s net interest spread resulting from rising general market interest rates. Higher net income in 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily due to the lower corporate income tax rate in effect during 2018.

 

Page | 69

 

 

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

 

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

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

 

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

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Management’s assessment is based on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting as described in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2018, its system of internal control over financial reporting was effective and meets the criteria of the “Internal Control – Integrated Framework.” Plante & Moran PLLC, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company incorporated by reference to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report, included herein, on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018.

 

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2018 that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

 

None.

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

The information under the captions “ChoiceOne’s Board of Directors and Executive Officers,” “Related Matters - Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Corporate Governance” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 22, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

Page | 70

 

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

The information under the captions “Executive Compensation” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 22, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

The information under the caption “Ownership of ChoiceOne Common Stock” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 22, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The following table presents information regarding the equity compensation plans both approved and not approved by shareholders at December 31, 2018:

 

           Number of securities  
           remaining available for  
   Number of securities to   Weighted-average   future issuance under  
   be issued upon exercise   exercise price of   equity compensation plans  
   of outstanding options,   outstanding options,   (excluding securities  
   warrants and rights   warrants and rights   reflected in column (a))  
   (a)   (b)     (c)  
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders   78,569   $16.58   119,217  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders            4,847  
Total   78,569   $16.58     124,064  

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders include the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012, as amended May 23, 2018, and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. 95,771 shares remain available for future issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012 and 23,446 shares remain available for future issuance under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, in each case other than upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.

 

The Directors’ Stock Purchase Plan is the only equity compensation plan not approved by security holders. The plan is designed to provide directors of the Company the option of receiving their fees in the Company’s common stock. Directors who elect to participate in the plan may elect to contribute to the plan twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five or one hundred percent of their board of director fees and one hundred percent of their director committee fees earned as directors of the Company. Contributions to the plan are made by the Company on behalf of each electing participant. Plan participants may terminate their participation in the plan at any time by written notice of withdrawal to the Company. Participants will cease to be eligible to participate in the plan when they cease to serve as directors of the Company. Shares are distributed to participants on a quarterly basis. The plan provides for issuance of a maximum of 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to adjustments for certain changes in the capital structure of the Company. New issuances of up to 4,909 shares may be made under this plan.

 

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

 

The information under the captions “Related Matters - Transactions with Related Persons” and “Corporate Governance” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 22, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Page | 71

 

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The information under the caption “Related Matters - Independent Certified Public Accountants” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 22, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a) (1) Financial Statements.  The following financial statements and independent auditors’ reports are filed as part of this report:
     
      Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
       
     

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

       
      Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.
       
      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.
       
      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
       
      Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm dated March 15, 2019.
     
  (2)

Financial Statement Schedules. None. 

 

Exhibit Document
   
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.  Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
3.2 Bylaws of the Registrant as currently in effect and any amendments thereto.  Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
4 Advances, Pledge and Security Agreement between ChoiceOne Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis.  Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.1 Change in Control Agreement with Kelly J. Potes. (1) Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended March 31, 2016.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.2 Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. (1) Previously filed as Appendix A to ChoiceOne’s definitive proxy statement for ChoiceOne’s 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed on April 19, 2018.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.3 Amended and Restated Executive Stock Incentive Plan. (1) Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2016. Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.4 Directors’ Stock Purchase Plan. (1) Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2016. Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.5 Former Valley Ridge Executive Employee Salary Continuation Agreements, as amended. (1)  Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Here incorporated by reference.

 

Page | 72

 

 

10.6 Former Valley Ridge Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan and Agreement. (1)  Previously filed as an exhibit to the ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Here incorporated by reference.
   
10.7 Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (1) Previously filed as an exhibit to ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2016. Here incorporated by reference.
   
21 Subsidiaries of ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
   
23 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
   
24 Powers of Attorney.
   
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
   
31.2 Certification of Treasurer.
   
32 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.
   
101.1

Interactive Data File. 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

Page | 73

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.    
       
By:   /s/ Kelly J. Potes   March 18, 2019
  Kelly J. Potes
Chief Executive Officer
   

 

 

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

 

/s/ Kelly J. Potes   Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
  March 18, 2019
     Kelly J. Potes      
         
/s/ Thomas L. Lampen   Treasurer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
  March 18, 2019
     Thomas L. Lampen      
         
*/s/ Paul L. Johnson   Chairman of the Board and Director   March 18, 2019
     Paul L. Johnson      
         
*/s/ Greg L Armock   Director   March 18, 2019
     Greg L. Armock        
         
*/s/ James A. Bosserd   Director   March 18, 2019
     James A. Bosserd        
         
*/s/ Jack G. Hendon   Director   March 18, 2019
     Jack G. Hendon        
         
*/s/ Raymond A. Lanning   Director   March 18, 2019
     Raymond A. Lanning        
         
*/s/ Bradley F. McGinnis   Director   March 18, 2019
     Bradley F. McGinnis        
         
*/s/ Nels W. Nyblad   Director   March 18, 2019
     Nels W. Nyblad        
         
*/s/ Roxanne M. Page   Director   March 18, 2019
     Roxanne M. Page        
         
*By /s/ Thomas L. Lampen        
     Attorney-in-Fact        

 

Page | 74