form10q.htm


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED March 31, 2013

Commission file number   0-7818
 
INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION
 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Michigan   38-2032782 
(State or jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)     (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
230 West Main Street, P.O. Box 491, Ionia, Michigan  48846 
(Address of principal executive offices)

(616) 527-5820
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
NONE 
Former name, address and fiscal year, if changed since last report.

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES x NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YESx NO o                      

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer or smaller reporting company.
 
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer  o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES o       NOx                                             
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Common stock, no par value    9,479,853 
Class   Outstanding at May 8, 2013
     
 


 
 

 
 
INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX
 
    Number(s)
PART I -
Financial Information
 
Item 1.
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
 
8-60
Item 2.
61-89
Item 3.
90
Item 4.
90
     
PART II -
Other Information
 
Item 1A
91
Item 2.
91
Item 3b.
92
Item 6.
92

Discussions and statements in this report that are not statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements that include terms such as “will,” “may,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “likely,” “optimistic” and “plan,” and statements about future or projected financial and operating results, plans, projections, objectives, expectations, and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, descriptions of plans and objectives for future operations, products or services; projections of our future revenue, earnings or other measures of economic performance; forecasts of credit losses and other asset quality trends; predictions as to our Bank’s ability to maintain certain regulatory capital standards; our expectation that we will have sufficient cash on hand to meet expected obligations during 2013; and descriptions of steps we may take to improve our capital position. These forward-looking statements express our current expectations, forecasts of future events, or long-term goals and, by their nature, are subject to assumptions, risks, and uncertainties.  Although we believe that the expectations, forecasts, and goals reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially for a variety of reasons, including, among others:
 
 
our ability to successfully raise new equity capital, effect a conversion of our outstanding convertible preferred stock held by the U.S. Treasury into our common stock, exit the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”), bring quarterly payments on our trust preferred securities current, and otherwise implement our capital plan;
 
the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of and provisions made to our allowance for loan losses;
 
the timing and pace of an economic recovery in Michigan and the United States in general, including regional and local real estate markets;
 
the ability of our Bank to remain well-capitalized;
 
the failure of assumptions underlying our estimate of probable incurred losses from vehicle service contract payment plan counterparty contingencies, including our assumptions regarding future cancellations of vehicle service contracts, the value to us of collateral that may be available to recover funds due from our counterparties, and our ability to enforce the contractual obligations of our counterparties to pay amounts owing to us;
 
 
1

 
 
further adverse developments in the vehicle service contract industry;
 
potential limitations on our ability to access and rely on wholesale funding sources;
 
the risk that sales of our common stock could trigger a reduction in the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that we may be able to utilize for income tax purposes;
 
the continued services of our management team; and
 
implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other new legislation, which may have significant effects on us and the financial services industry, the exact nature and extent of which cannot be determined at this time.

This list provides examples of factors that could affect the results described by forward-looking statements contained in this report, but the list is not intended to be all inclusive.  The risk factors disclosed in Part I – Item A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as updated by any new or modified risk factors disclosed in Part II – Item 1A of any subsequently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, include all known risks that our management believes could materially affect the results described by forward-looking statements in this report.  However, those risks may not be the only risks we face.  Our results of operations, cash flows, financial position, and prospects could also be materially and adversely affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us, that we currently consider to be immaterial, or that develop after the date of this report.  We cannot assure you that our future results will meet expectations. While we believe the forward-looking statements in this report are reasonable, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. In addition, these statements speak only as of the date made. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any obligation to update or alter any statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
 
 
2

 
Part I - Item 1. 
INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Assets
 
(In thousands, except share amounts)
 
Cash and due from banks
  $ 51,489     $ 55,487  
Interest bearing deposits
    170,141       124,295  
Cash and Cash Equivalents
    221,630       179,782  
Interest bearing deposits - time
    6,973       -  
Trading securities
    201       110  
Securities available for sale
    283,934       208,413  
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost
    20,838       20,838  
Loans held for sale, carried at fair value
    37,554       47,487  
Loans held for sale, carried at lower of cost or fair value
    -       3,292  
Loans
               
Commercial
    612,331       617,258  
Mortgage
    515,796       527,340  
Installment
    184,424       189,849  
Payment plan receivables
    78,311       84,692  
Total Loans
    1,390,862       1,419,139  
Allowance for loan losses
    (40,765 )     (44,275 )
Net Loans
    1,350,097       1,374,864  
Other real estate and repossessed assets
    23,639       26,133  
Property and equipment, net
    47,440       47,016  
Bank-owned life insurance
    51,228       50,890  
Other intangibles
    3,772       3,975  
Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights
    11,590       11,013  
Prepaid FDIC deposit insurance assessment
    8,851       9,448  
Vehicle service contract counterparty receivables, net
    18,270       18,449  
Accrued income and other assets
    19,330       22,157  
Total Assets
  $ 2,105,347     $ 2,023,867  
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
               
Deposits
               
Non-interest bearing
  $ 504,614     $ 488,126  
Savings and interest-bearing checking
    919,098       871,238  
Reciprocal
    45,852       33,242  
Retail time
    366,635       372,340  
Brokered time
    14,594       14,591  
Total Deposits
    1,850,793       1,779,537  
Other borrowings
    17,630       17,625  
Subordinated debentures
    50,175       50,175  
Vehicle service contract counterparty payables
    6,443       7,725  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    36,221       33,830  
Total Liabilities
    1,961,262       1,888,892  
Shareholders' Equity
               
Convertible preferred stock, no par value, 200,000 shares authorized; 74,426 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012; liquidation preference: $86,191 at March 31,2013 and $85,150 at December 31, 2012
    85,299       84,204  
Common stock, no par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:  9,473,462 shares at March 31, 2013 and 9,093,732 shares at December 31, 2012
    253,437       251,237  
Accumulated deficit
    (187,698 )     (192,408 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (6,953 )     (8,058 )
Total Shareholders' Equity
    144,085       134,975  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
  $ 2,105,347     $ 2,023,867  
 
See notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
 
 
3


INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Interest Income
 
(In thousands)
 
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 20,710     $ 24,346  
Interest on securities
               
Taxable
    670       658  
Tax-exempt
    238       296  
Other investments
    332       396  
Total Interest Income
    21,950       25,696  
Interest Expense
               
Deposits
    1,529       2,424  
Other borrowings
    865       1,172  
Total Interest Expense
    2,394       3,596  
Net Interest Income
    19,556       22,100  
Provision for loan losses
    (691 )     5,131  
Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses
    20,247       16,969  
Non-interest Income
               
Service charges on deposit accounts
    3,406       4,201  
Interchange income
    1,757       2,322  
Net gains (losses) on assets
               
Mortgage loans
    3,637       3,860  
Securities
    84       684  
Other than temporary impairment loss on securities
               
Total impairment loss
    -       (177 )
Loss recognized in other comprehensive loss
    -       -  
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings
    -       (177 )
Mortgage loan servicing
    622       736  
Title insurance fees
    484       508  
Increase in fair value of U.S. Treasury warrant
    (1,045 )     (154 )
Other
    2,123       2,604  
Total Non-interest Income
    11,068       14,584  
Non-interest Expense
               
Compensation and employee benefits
    11,307       12,482  
Occupancy, net
    2,424       2,716  
Loan and collection
    2,226       2,890  
Data processing
    1,916       1,933  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    1,032       1,196  
Communications
    780       973  
Legal and professional
    692       897  
Provision for loss reimbursement on sold loans
    663       432  
Net losses on other real estate and repossessed assets
    652       987  
FDIC deposit insurance
    630       857  
Advertising
    570       556  
Interchange expense
    410       406  
Credit card and bank service fees
    334       651  
Vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies
    127       471  
Recoveries related to unfunded lending commitments
    (19 )     (47 )
Other
    1,729       649  
Total Non-interest Expense
    25,473       28,049  
Income Before Income Tax
    5,842       3,504  
Income tax expense
    35       -  
Net Income
  $ 5,807     $ 3,504  
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion
    1,095       1,056  
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock
  $ 4,712     $ 2,448  
Net Income Per Common Share
               
Basic
  $ 0.51     $ 0.29  
Diluted
    0.27       0.07  
Dividends Per Common Share
               
Declared
  $ .00     $ .00  
Paid
    .00       .00  
 
See notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
 
 
4

 
INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net income
  $ 5,807     $ 3,504  
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
               
Available for sale securities
               
Unrealized gain (loss) arising during period
    974       (1,037 )
Change in unrealized losses for which a portion of other than temporary impairment has been recognized in earnings
    33       129  
Reclassification adjustment for other than temporary impairment included in earnings
    -       177  
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in earnings
    7       (692 )
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income on available for sale securities
    1,014       (1,423 )
Income tax expense
    -       -  
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income on available for sale securities, net of tax
    1,014       (1,423 )
Derivative instruments
               
Unrealized loss arising during period
    (3 )     (51 )
Reclassification adjustment for expense recognized in earnings
    94       185  
Reclassfication adjustment for accretion on settled derivatives
    -       145  
Unrealized gains recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments
    91       279  
Income tax expense
    -       -  
Unrealized gains recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments, net of tax
    91       279  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    1,105       (1,144 )
Comprehensive income
  $ 6,912     $ 2,360  

See notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
 
 
5


INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
     
Three months ended March 31,
 
     
2013
     
2012
 
     
(unaudited - In thousands)
 
Net Income
  $ 5,807     $ 3,504  
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash from Operating Activities
               
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
    131,495       116,422  
Disbursements for loans held for sale
    (117,925 )     (108,082 )
Provision for loan losses
    (691     5,131  
Deferred loan fees
    133       (97 )
Depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and premiums and accretion of discounts on securities and loans
    (1,040 )     (1,313 )
Net gain on sale of property and equipment
    (1 )     -  
Net gains on mortgage loans
    (3,637 )     (3,860 )
Net gains on securities
    (84     (684 )
Securities impairment recognized in earnings
    -       177  
Net losses on other real estate and repossessed assets
    652       987  
Vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies
    127       471  
Share based compensation
    236       45  
Increase (decrease) in accrued income and other assets
    2,573       (934 )
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
    823       1,576  
Total Adjustments
    12,661       9,839  
Net Cash from Operating Activities
    18,468       13,343  
Cash Flow used in Investing Activities
               
Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale
    1,800       9,206  
Proceeds from the maturity of securities available for sale
    22,820       545  
Principal payments received on securities available for sale
    6,487       4,261  
Purchases of securities available for sale
    (103,259 )     (150,607 )
Purchases of interest bearing deposits
    (6,986 )     -  
Net cash from branch sale
    3,292       -  
Net decrease in portfolio loans (loans originated, net of principal payments)
    26,729       34,293  
Proceeds from the collection of vehicle service contract counterparty receivables
    169       210  
Proceeds from the sale of other real estate and repossessed assets
    3,511       5,298  
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment, net
    3       -  
Capital expenditures
    (2,119 )     (2,827 )
Net Cash used in Investing Activities
    (47,553 )     (99,621 )
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
               
Net increase in total deposits
    71,256       98,187  
Net increase in other borrowings
    5       6  
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    -       12,000  
Payments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    -       (12,354 )
Net increase (decrease) in vehicle service contract counterparty payables
    (1,282 )     180  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    954       -  
Net Cash from Financing Activities
    70,933       98,019  
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    41,848       11,741  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    179,782       341,108  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  $ 221,630     $ 352,849  
Cash paid during the period for
               
Interest
  $ 1,810     $ 3,034  
Income taxes
    6       131  
Transfers to other real estate and repossessed assets
    1,669       3,161  
Transfer of payment plan receivables to vehicle service contract counterparty receivables
    79       368  
Purchase of securities available for sale not yet settled
    2,565       10,817  
 
See notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
 
 
6

 
INDEPENDENT BANK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
 
   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 134,975     $ 102,627  
Net income
    5,807       3,504  
Issuance of common stock
    1,962       -  
Share based compensation
    236       45  
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related tax effect
    1,105       (1,144 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 144,085     $ 105,032  

See notes to interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
 
 
7

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

1.
Preparation of Financial Statements

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all the adjustments necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial condition as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the results of operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.  The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013, is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  Certain reclassifications have been made in the prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation.  Our critical accounting policies include the assessment for other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on investment securities,  the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the determination of vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies, the valuation of originated mortgage loan servicing rights and the valuation of deferred tax assets.  Refer to our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a disclosure of our accounting policies.

2.
New Accounting Standards

In February, 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”. This ASU amended guidance on the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income.  The amendments in this guidance require an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts.  This amended guidance became effective for us at January 1, 2013 and was applied prospectively.  The effect of adopting this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated operating results or financial condition, but the additional disclosures are included in note #16.
 
 
8

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

3.
Securities

Securities available for sale consist of the following:

   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
       
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2013
                       
U.S. agency
  $ 8,120     $ -     $ 14     $ 8,106  
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
    192,538       1,536       67       194,007  
Private label residential mortgage-backed
    8,573       1       1,009       7,565  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    70,318       828       243       70,903  
Trust preferred
    2,898       -       533       2,365  
Corporate
    989       -       1       988  
Total
  $ 283,436     $ 2,365     $ 1,867     $ 283,934  
                                 
December 31, 2012
                               
U.S. agency
  $ 30,620     $ 70     $ 23     $ 30,667  
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
    126,151       1,264       3       127,412  
Private label residential mortgage-backed
    9,070       -       876       8,194  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    38,384       736       69       39,051  
Trust preferred
    4,704       -       1,615       3,089  
Total
  $ 208,929     $ 2,070     $ 2,586     $ 208,413  

Our investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair values aggregated by investment type and length of time that individual securities have been at a continuous unrealized loss position follows:

   
Less Than Twelve Months
   
Twelve Months or More
   
Total
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                     
March 31, 2013
                                   
U.S. agency
  $ 8,106     $ 14     $ -     $ -     $ 8,106     $ 14  
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
    60,230       66       236       1       60,466       67  
Private label residential mortgage-backed
    -       -       7,323       1,009       7,323       1,009  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    23,506       213       1,228       30       24,734       243  
Trust preferred
    -       -       2,365       533       2,365       533  
Corporate
    988       1       -       -       988       1  
Total
  $ 92,830     $ 294     $ 11,152     $ 1,573     $ 103,982     $ 1,867  
                                                 
December 31, 2012
                                               
U.S. agency
  $ 8,097     $ 23     $ -     $ -     $ 8,097     $ 23  
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
    -       -       457       3       457       3  
Private label residential mortgage-backed
    -       -       8,192       876       8,192       876  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    7,384       69       -       -       7,384       69  
Trust preferred
    -       -       3,089       1,615       3,089       1,615  
Total
  $ 15,481     $ 92     $ 11,738     $ 2,494     $ 27,219     $ 2,586  
 
 
9

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Our portfolio of available-for-sale securities is reviewed quarterly for impairment in value. In performing this review management considers (1) the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (3) the impact of changes in market interest rates on the market value of the security and (4) an assessment of whether we intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. For securities that do not meet the aforementioned recovery criteria, the amount of impairment recognized in earnings is limited to the amount related to credit losses, while impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income or loss.

U.S. agency and U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed securities — at March 31, 2013 we had two U.S. Agency and seven U.S. Agency residential mortgage-backed securities whose fair market value is less than amortized cost. The unrealized losses are largely attributed to bid offer spreads on bonds purchased during the first quarter of 2013. As management does not intend to liquidate these securities and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of these unrealized losses, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.

Private label residential mortgage backed securities — at March 31, 2013 we had seven of these type of securities whose fair value is less than amortized cost. Two of the issues are rated by a major rating agency as investment grade while four are below investment grade and one is split rated. Three of these bonds have impairment in excess of 10% and all of these holdings have been impaired for more than 12 months.

The unrealized losses are largely attributable to credit spread widening on these securities since their acquisition.  The increase in unrealized losses during the quarter was primarily attributed to one issue while the other six issues remained relatively stable during the quarter.  The underlying loans within these securities include Jumbo (72%) and Alt A (28%) at March 31, 2013.

   
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
         
Net
         
Net
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
   
Value
   
Gain (Loss)
   
Value
   
Gain (Loss)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Private label residential mortgage-backed
                       
Jumbo
  $ 5,274     $ (683 )   $ 6,041     $ (594 )
Alt-A
    2,049       (326 )     2,153       (282 )

 
10


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Six of the private label residential mortgage-backed transactions have geographic concentrations in California, ranging from 28% to 58% of the collateral pool. Typical exposure levels to California (median exposure is 50%) are consistent with overall market collateral characteristics. Three transactions have modest exposure to Florida, ranging from 5% to 7% and one transaction has modest exposure to Nevada (5%). The underlying collateral pools do not have meaningful exposure to Arizona, Michigan or Ohio. None of the issues involve subprime mortgage collateral. Thus the impact of this market segment is only indirect, in that it has impacted liquidity and pricing in general for private label residential mortgage-backed securities. The majority of transactions are backed by fully amortizing loans. However, six transactions have concentrations in loans that pay interest only for a specified period of time and will fully amortize thereafter ranging from 31% to 94% (at origination date). The structure of the residential mortgage securities portfolio provides protection to credit losses. The portfolio primarily consists of senior securities as demonstrated by the following: super senior (24%), senior (42%), senior support (23%) and mezzanine (11%). The mezzanine class is from a seasoned transaction (105 months) with a significant level of subordination (8.25%). Except for the additional discussion below relating to other than temporary impairment, each private label residential mortgage-backed security has sufficient credit enhancement via subordination to reasonably assure full realization of book value. This assertion is based on a transaction level review of the portfolio.

Individual security reviews include: external credit ratings, forecasted weighted average life, recent prepayment speeds, underwriting characteristics of the underlying collateral, the structure of the securitization and the credit performance of the underlying collateral. The review of underwriting characteristics considers: average loan size, type of loan (fixed or ARM), vintage, rate, FICO, loan-to-value, scheduled amortization, occupancy, purpose, geographic mix and loan documentation. The review of the securitization structure focuses on the priority of cash flows to the bond, the priority of the bond relative to the realization of credit losses and the level of subordination available to absorb credit losses. The review of credit performance includes: current period as well as cumulative realized losses; the level of severe payment problems, which includes other real estate (ORE), foreclosures, bankruptcy and 90 day delinquencies; and the level of less severe payment problems, which consists of 30 and 60 day delinquencies.

All of these securities are receiving some principal and interest payments. Most of these transactions are passthrough structures, receiving pro rata principal and interest payments from a dedicated collateral pool for loans that are performing. The nonreceipt of interest cash flows is not expected and thus not presently considered in our discounted cash flow methodology discussed below.

In addition to the review discussed above, all private label residential mortgage-backed securities are reviewed for OTTI utilizing a cash flow projection. The cash flow analysis forecasts cash flow from the underlying loans in each transaction and then applies these cash flows to the bonds in the securitization. The cash flows from the underlying loans consider contractual payment terms (scheduled amortization), prepayments, defaults and severity of loss given default. The analysis uses dynamic assumptions for prepayments, defaults and loss severity. Near term prepayment assumptions are based on recently observed prepayment rates. More weight is given to longer term historic performance (12 months). In some cases, recently observed prepayment rates are lower than historic norms due to the absence of new jumbo loan issuances. This loan market is heavily dependent upon securitization for funding, and new securitization transactions have been minimal. Our model projections anticipate that prepayment rates gradually revert to historical levels. For seasoned ARM transactions, normalized prepayment rates range from 12% to 24% CPR. For fixed rate collateral (one transaction), the prepayment speeds are projected to remain stable.
 
 
11

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Default assumptions are largely based on the volume of existing real estate owned, pending foreclosures and severe delinquencies. Other considerations include the quality of loan underwriting, recent default experience, realized loss performance and the volume of less severe delinquencies. Default levels generally are projected to remain elevated or increase for a period of time sufficient to address the level of distressed loans in the transaction. Our projections expect defaults to then decline, generally beginning in year three. Current loss severity assumptions are based on recent observations when meaningful data is available. Loss severity is expected to remain elevated for the next 18 months. Severity is expected to decline beginning in year two due to improving overall economic conditions, improving real estate prices and a reduced inventory of foreclosed properties on the market. Except for three securities discussed in further detail below (all three are currently below investment grade), our cash flow analysis forecasts complete recovery of our cost basis for each reviewed security.

At March 31, 2013 three below investment grade private label residential mortgage-backed securities with fair values of $3.1 million, $1.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively and unrealized losses of $0.4 million, $0.1 million and $0.01 million, respectively (amortized cost of $3.5 million, $1.8 million and $0.1 million, respectively) had losses that were considered other than temporary.

The underlying loans in the first transaction are 30 year fixed rate jumbos with an average FICO of 744 and an average loan-to-value ratio of 72%. The loans backing this transaction were originated in 2007 and this is our only security backed by 2007 vintage loans. We believe that this vintage is a key differentiating factor between this security and the others in our portfolio that do not have unrealized losses that are considered OTTI. The bond is a senior security that is receiving principal and interest payments similar to principal reductions in the underlying collateral. The cash flow analysis described above calculated $0.722 million of cumulative credit related OTTI as of March 31, 2013 on this security.   Zero and $0.085 million of this credit related OTTI was recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively with the balance being recognized in previous periods.  The remaining non-credit related unrealized loss was attributed to other factors and is reflected in other comprehensive income during those same periods.

The underlying loans in the second transaction are 30 year hybrid ARM Alt-A with an average FICO of 717 and an average loan-to-value ratio of 78%. The loans backing this transaction were originated in 2005.  The bond is a super senior security that is receiving principal and interest payments similar to principal reductions in the underlying collateral.  The cash flow analysis described above calculated $0.457 million of cumulative credit related OTTI as of March 31, 2013 on this security.   Zero and $0.032 million of this credit related OTTI was recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, with the balance being recognized in previous periods.  The remaining non-credit related unrealized loss was attributed to other factors and is reflected in other comprehensive income during those same periods.

 
12


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The underlying loans in the third transaction are 30 year hybrid ARM jumbos with an average FICO of 738 and an average loan-to-value ratio of 57%. The loans backing this transaction were originated in 2005. The bond is a senior support security that is receiving principal and interest payments similar to principal reductions in the underlying collateral.  The cash flow analysis described above calculated $0.380 million of cumulative credit related OTTI as of March 31, 2013 on this security.   Zero and $0.060 million of this credit related OTTI was recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, with the balance being recognized in previous periods.  The remaining non-credit related unrealized loss was attributed to other factors and is reflected in other comprehensive income during those same periods.

As management does not intend to liquidate these securities and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of these unrealized losses, no other declines discussed above are deemed to be other than temporary.

Obligations of states and political subdivisions — at March 31, 2013 we had 32 municipal securities whose fair value is less than amortized cost. The increase in unrealized losses during the first quarter of 2013 is primarily due to modest increases in longer-term interest rates during the quarter.  As management does not intend to liquidate these securities and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of these unrealized losses, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.

Trust preferred securities — at March 31, 2013 we had three trust preferred securities whose fair value is less than amortized cost. All of our trust preferred securities are single issue securities issued by a trust subsidiary of a bank holding company. The pricing of trust preferred securities over the past several years has suffered from credit spread widening fueled by uncertainty regarding potential losses of financial companies and repricing risk related to these hybrid capital securities.

One of the three securities is rated by two major rating agencies as investment grade, while one is rated below investment grade by two major rating agencies and the other one is non-rated. The non-rated issue is a relatively small bank and was never rated. The issuer of this non-rated trust preferred security, which had a total amortized cost of $1.0 million and total fair value of $0.7 million as of March 31, 2013, continues to have satisfactory credit metrics and make interest payments.

The following table breaks out our trust preferred securities in further detail as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

   
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
         
Net
         
Net
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
   
Value
   
Gain (Loss)
   
Value
   
Gain (Loss)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Trust preferred securities
                       
Rated issues
  $ 1,618     $ (280 )   $ 1,581     $ (316 )
Unrated issues - no OTTI
    747       (253 )     1,508       (1,299 )

As management does not intend to liquidate these securities and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of these unrealized losses, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.
 
 
13

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

During the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 we recorded in earnings OTTI charges on securities available for sale of zero and $0.177 million, respectively (see discussion above).

A roll forward of credit losses recognized in earnings on securities available for sale for the three month periods ended March 31, follows:

   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 1,809     $ 1,470  
Additions to credit losses on securities for which no previous OTTI was recognized
    -       -  
Increases to credit losses on securities for which OTTI was
               
previously recognized
    -       177  
Total
  $ 1,809     $ 1,647  

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale at March 31, 2013, by contractual maturity, follow. The actual maturity may differ from the contractual maturity because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Maturing within one year
  $ 1,976     $ 1,975  
Maturing after one year but within five years
    19,358       19,514  
Maturing after five years but within ten years
    20,595       20,890  
Maturing after ten years
    40,396       39,983  
      82,325       82,362  
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
    192,538       194,007  
Private label residential mortgage-backed
    8,573       7,565  
Total
  $ 283,436     $ 283,934  

Gains and losses realized on the sale of securities available for sale are determined using the specific identification method and are recognized on a trade-date basis.  A summary of proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale and gains and losses for the three month periods ended March 31, follows:

         
Realized
       
   
Proceeds
   
Gains
   
Losses(1)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2013
  $ 1,800     $ -     $ 7  
2012
    9,206       692       -  
 

(1)
Losses in 2013 and 2012 exclude zero and $0.177 million, respectively of credit related OTTI recognizedin earnings.

During 2013 and 2012 our trading securities consisted of various preferred stocks. During the first three months of 2013 and 2012 we recognized gains (losses) on trading securities of $0.091 million and $(0.008) million, respectively, that are included in net gains on securities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Both of these amounts, relate to gains (losses) recognized on trading securities still held at each respective period end.
 
 
14

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

4.
Loans

Our assessment of the allowance for loan losses is based on an evaluation of the loan portfolio, recent loss experience, current economic conditions and other pertinent factors.

An analysis of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, follows:

                     
Payment
             
                     
Plan
             
   
Commercial
   
Mortgage
   
Installment
   
Receivables
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2013
                                   
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 11,402     $ 21,447     $ 3,378     $ 144     $ 7,904     $ 44,275  
Additions (deductions)
                                               
Provision for loan losses
    (272 )     (139 )     375       (4 )     (651 )     (691 )
Recoveries credited to allowance
    536       622       286       7       -       1,451  
Loans charged against the allowance
    (1,608 )     (1,767 )     (877 )     (18 )     -       (4,270 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 10,058     $ 20,163     $ 3,162     $ 129     $ 7,253     $ 40,765  
                                                 
2012
                                               
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 18,183     $ 22,885     $ 6,146     $ 197     $ 11,473     $ 58,884  
Additions (deductions)
                                               
Provision for loan losses
    1,496       4,235       289       30       (919 )     5,131  
Recoveries credited to allowance
    1,006       548       326       -       -       1,880  
Loans charged against the allowance
    (4,244 )     (4,397 )     (1,227 )     (21 )     -       (9,889 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 16,441     $ 23,271     $ 5,534     $ 206     $ 10,554     $ 56,006  

 
15


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Allowance for loan losses and recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment follows:

                     
Payment
             
                     
Plan
             
   
Commercial
   
Mortgage
   
Installment
   
Receivables
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2013
                                   
Allowance for loan losses:
                                   
Individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 5,936     $ 12,370     $ 1,494     $ -     $ -     $ 19,800  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    4,122       7,793       1,668       129       7,253       20,965  
Total ending allowance balance
  $ 10,058     $ 20,163     $ 3,162     $ 129     $ 7,253     $ 40,765  
                                                 
Loans
                                               
Individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 56,309     $ 85,489     $ 7,349     $ -             $ 149,147  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    557,711       432,744       177,819       78,311               1,246,585  
Total loans recorded investment
    614,020       518,233       185,168       78,311               1,395,732  
Accrued interest included in recorded investment
    1,689       2,437       744       -               4,870  
Total loans
  $ 612,331     $ 515,796     $ 184,424     $ 78,311             $ 1,390,862  
                                                 
December 31, 2012
                                               
Allowance for loan losses:
                                               
Individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 6,558     $ 12,869     $ 1,582     $ -     $ -     $ 21,009  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    4,844       8,578       1,796       144       7,904       23,266  
Total ending allowance balance
  $ 11,402     $ 21,447     $ 3,378     $ 144     $ 7,904     $ 44,275  
                                                 
Loans
                                               
Individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 55,634     $ 88,028     $ 7,505     $ -             $ 151,167  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    563,316       441,703       183,090       84,692               1,272,801  
Total loans recorded investment
    618,950       529,731       190,595       84,692               1,423,968  
Accrued interest included in recorded investment
    1,692       2,391       746       -               4,829  
Total loans
  $ 617,258     $ 527,340     $ 189,849     $ 84,692             $ 1,419,139  

 
16


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Loans on non-accrual status and past due more than 90 days (“Non-performing Loans”) follow:

   
90+ and
         
Total Non-
 
   
Still
   
Non-
   
Performing
 
   
Accruing
   
Accrual
   
Loans
 
   
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2013
                 
Commercial
                 
Income producing - real estate
  $ -     $ 4,099     $ 4,099  
Land, land development and construction - real estate
    -       2,991       2,991  
Commercial and industrial
    56       4,449       4,505  
Mortgage
                       
1-4 family
    3       9,153       9,156  
Resort lending
    -       3,878       3,878  
Home equity line of credit - 1st lien
    -       382       382  
Home equity line of credit - 2nd lien
    -       665       665  
Installment
                       
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    -       1,167       1,167  
Home equity installment - 2nd lien
    -       606       606  
Loans not secured by real estate
    -       396       396  
Other
    -       -       -  
Payment plan receivables
                       
Full refund
    -       18       18  
Partial refund
    -       17       17  
Other
    -       -       -  
Total recorded investment
  $ 59     $ 27,821     $ 27,880  
Accrued interest included in recorded investment
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
December 31, 2012
                       
Commercial
                       
Income producing - real estate
  $ -     $ 5,611     $ 5,611  
Land, land development and construction - real estate
    -       4,062       4,062  
Commercial and industrial
    -       5,080       5,080  
Mortgage
                       
1-4 family
    7       9,654       9,661  
Resort lending
    -       4,861       4,861  
Home equity line of credit - 1st lien
    -       529       529  
Home equity line of credit - 2nd lien
    -       685       685  
Installment
                       
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    -       1,278       1,278  
Home equity installment - 2nd lien
    -       675       675  
Loans not secured by real estate
    -       390       390  
Other
    -       -       -  
Payment plan receivables
                       
Full refund
    -       57       57  
Partial refund
    -       38       38  
Other
    -       9       9  
Total recorded investment
  $ 7     $ 32,929     $ 32,936  
Accrued interest included in recorded investment
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
 
 
17

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
 
An aging analysis of loans by class follows:
 
   
Loans Past Due
   
Loans not
   
Total
 
   
30-59 days
   
60-89 days
   
90+ days
   
Total
   
Past Due
   
Loans
 
   
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2013
                                   
Commercial
                                   
Income producing - real estate
  $ 585     $ 188     $ 1,972     $ 2,745     $ 222,460     $ 225,205  
Land, land development and construction - real estate
    58       -       1,055       1,113       39,883       40,996  
Commercial and industrial
    2,080       1,412       2,447       5,939       341,880       347,819  
Mortgage
                                               
1-4 family
    3,074       2,393       9,156       14,623       276,381       291,004  
Resort lending
    515       565       3,878       4,958       158,917       163,875  
Home equity line of credit - 1st lien
    402       80       382       864       17,871       18,735  
Home equity line of credit - 2nd lien
    664       110       665       1,439       43,180       44,619  
Installment
                                               
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    469       399       1,167       2,035       29,065       31,100  
Home equity installment - 2nd lien
    381       35       606       1,022       37,484       38,506  
Loans not secured by real estate
    1,112       197       396       1,705       111,309       113,014  
Other
    13       5       -       18       2,530       2,548  
Payment plan receivables
                                               
Full refund
    1,937       385       18       2,340       71,992       74,332  
Partial refund
    94       6       17       117       3,716       3,833  
Other
    3       3       -       6       140       146  
Total recorded investment
  $ 11,387     $ 5,778     $ 21,759     $ 38,924     $ 1,356,808     $ 1,395,732  
Accrued interest included in recorded investment
  $ 99     $ 80     $ -     $ 179     $ 4,691     $ 4,870  
                                                 
December 31, 2012
                                               
Commercial
                                               
Income producing - real estate
  $ 3,734     $ 609     $ 2,826     $ 7,169     $ 215,623     $ 222,792  
Land, land development and
                                               
construction - real estate
    336       -       1,176       1,512       41,750       43,262  
Commercial and industrial
    2,522       654       1,913       5,089       347,807       352,896  
Mortgage
                                               
1-4 family
    4,429       1,115       9,661       15,205       279,132       294,337  
Resort lending
    748       370       4,861       5,979       164,414       170,393  
Home equity line of credit - 1st lien
    453       51       529       1,033       18,003       19,036  
Home equity line of credit - 2nd lien
    442       32       685       1,159       44,806       45,965  
Installment
                                               
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    599       140       1,278       2,017       30,368       32,385  
Home equity installment - 2nd lien
    430       125       675       1,230       38,956       40,186  
Loans not secured by real estate
    899       259       390       1,548       113,751       115,299  
Other
    24       12       -       36       2,689       2,725  
Payment plan receivables
                                               
Full refund
    2,249       552       57       2,858       77,335       80,193  
Partial refund
    112       46       38       196       4,119       4,315  
Other
    3       6       9       18       166       184  
Total recorded investment
  $ 16,980     $ 3,971     $ 24,098     $ 45,049     $ 1,378,919     $ 1,423,968  
                                                 
Accrued interest included in recorded investment
  $ 146     $ 43     $ -     $ 189     $ 4,640     $ 4,829  
 
 
18

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Impaired loans are as follows :
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Impaired loans with no allocated allowance
           
TDR
  $ 15,688     $ 14,435  
Non - TDR
    1,848       418  
Impaired loans with an allocated allowance
               
TDR - allowance based on collateral
    14,269       16,231  
TDR - allowance based on present value cash flow
    113,502       112,997  
Non - TDR - allowance based on collateral
    3,342       6,580  
Non - TDR - allowance based on present value cash flow
    -       -  
Total impaired loans
  $ 148,649     $ 150,661  
                 
Amount of allowance for loan losses allocated
               
TDR - allowance based on collateral
  $ 4,403     $ 5,060  
TDR - allowance based on present value cash flow
    14,393       14,462  
Non - TDR - allowance based on collateral
    1,004       1,487  
Non - TDR - allowance based on present value cash flow
    -       -  
Total amount of allowance for loan losses allocated
  $ 19,800     $ 21,009  

 
19


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Impaired loans by class  are as follows (1):

   
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
         
Unpaid
               
Unpaid
       
   
Recorded
   
Principal
   
Related
   
Recorded
   
Principal
   
Related
 
   
Investment
   
Balance
   
Allowance
   
Investment
   
Balance
   
Allowance
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
(In thousands)
       
Commercial
                                   
Income producing - real estate
  $ 4,899     $ 5,552     $ -     $ 4,050     $ 4,672     $ -  
Land, land development & construction-real estate
    2,949       2,942       -       3,304       3,294       -  
Commercial and industrial
    4,670       5,033       -       2,611       2,592       -  
Mortgage
                                               
1-4 family
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Resort lending
    35       163       -       -       -       -  
Home equity line of credit - 1st lien
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Home equity line of credit - 2nd lien
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Installment
                                               
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    2,089       2,317       -       2,027       2,219       -  
Home equity installment - 2nd lien
    2,315       2,314       -       2,278       2,278       -  
Loans not secured by real estate
    606       709       -       610       681       -  
Other
    19       19       -       20       20       -  
      17,582       19,049       -       14,900       15,756       -  
With an allowance recorded:
                                               
Commercial
                                               
Income producing - real estate
    22,079       25,586       2,006       20,628       24,250       1,822  
Land, land development & construction-real estate
    7,873       10,954       1,431       8,808       11,971       1,986  
Commercial and industrial
    13,839       15,485       2,499       16,233       18,564       2,750  
Mortgage
                                               
1-4 family
    63,073       67,094       8,352       64,160       68,418       8,518  
Resort lending
    22,182       22,756       3,930       23,763       24,160       4,321  
Home equity line of credit - 1st lien
    157       167       84       62       77       30  
Home equity line of credit - 2nd lien
    42       118       4       43       118       -  
Installment
                                               
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    969       996       563       1,215       1,240       610  
Home equity installment - 2nd lien
    1,138       1,142       892       1,161       1,174       930  
Loans not secured by real estate
    213       213       39       194       194       42  
Other
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
      131,565       144,511       19,800       136,267       150,166       21,009  
Total
                                               
Commercial
                                               
Income producing - real estate
    26,978       31,138       2,006       24,678       28,922       1,822  
Land, land development & construction-real estate
    10,822       13,896       1,431       12,112       15,265       1,986  
Commercial and industrial
    18,509       20,518       2,499       18,844       21,156       2,750  
Mortgage
                                               
1-4 family
    63,073       67,094       8,352       64,160       68,418       8,518  
Resort lending
    22,217       22,919       3,930       23,763       24,160       4,321  
Home equity line of credit - 1st lien
    157       167       84       62       77       30  
Home equity line of credit - 2nd lien
    42       118       4       43       118       -  
Installment
                                               
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    3,058       3,313       563       3,242       3,459       610  
Home equity installment - 2nd lien
    3,453       3,456       892       3,439       3,452       930  
Loans not secured by real estate
    819       922       39       804       875       42  
Other
    19       19       -       20       20       -  
Total
  $ 149,147     $ 163,560     $ 19,800     $ 151,167     $ 165,922     $ 21,009  
                                                 
Accrued interest included in recorded investment
  $ 498                     $ 506                  
 
(1)
There were no impaired payment plan receivables at March 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012.
 
 
20

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Average recorded investment in and interest income earned on impaired loans by class for the three month periods ending March 31, follows (1):

   
2013
   
2012
 
   
Average
   
Interest
   
Average
   
Interest
 
   
Recorded
   
Income
   
Recorded
   
Income
 
   
Investment
   
Recognized
   
Investment
   
Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
(In thousands)
 
Commercial
                       
Income producing - real estate
  $ 4,475     $ 63     $ 3,600     $ 17  
Land, land development & construction-real estate
    3,127       42       1,590       -  
Commercial and industrial
    3,641       38       4,027       2  
Mortgage
                               
1-4 family
    -       -       -       -  
Resort lending
    18       -       579       -  
Home equity line of credit - 1st lien
    -       -       -       -  
Home equity line of credit - 2nd lien
    -       -       -       -  
Installment
                               
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    2,058       24       1,827       20  
Home equity installment - 2nd lien
    2,297       29       1,861       21  
Loans not secured by real estate
    608       8       527       6  
Other
    20       1       24       1  
      16,244       205       14,035       67  
With an allowance recorded:
                               
Commercial
                               
Income producing - real estate
    21,354       137       22,223       147  
Land, land development & construction-real estate
    8,341       56       11,575       53  
Commercial and industrial
    15,036       140       15,705       114  
Mortgage
                               
1-4 family
    63,617       706       67,542       724  
Resort lending
    22,973       219       24,474       244  
Home equity line of credit - 1st lien
    110       1       67       1  
Home equity line of credit - 2nd lien
    43       1       137       1  
Installment
                               
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    1,092       12       1,626       21  
Home equity installment - 2nd lien
    1,150       13       1,604       19  
Loans not secured by real estate
    204       2       178       2  
Other
    -       -       -       -  
      133,920       1,287       145,131       1,326  
Total
                               
Commercial
                               
Income producing - real estate
    25,829       200       25,823       164  
Land, land development & construction-real estate
    11,468       98       13,165       53  
Commercial and industrial
    18,677       178       19,732       116  
Mortgage
                               
1-4 family
    63,617       706       67,542       724  
Resort lending
    22,991       219       25,053       244  
Home equity line of credit - 1st lien
    110       1       67       1  
Home equity line of credit - 2nd lien
    43       1       137       1  
Installment
                               
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    3,150       36       3,453       41  
Home equity installment - 2nd lien
    3,447       42       3,465       40  
Loans not secured by real estate
    812       10       705       8  
Other
    20       1       24       1  
Total
  $ 150,164     $ 1,492     $ 159,166     $ 1,393  

(1)
There were no impaired payment plan receivables during the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.
 
 
21

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Our average investment in impaired loans was approximately $150.2 million and $159.2 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Cash receipts on impaired loans on non-accrual status are generally applied to the principal balance.  Interest income recognized on impaired loans during the first three months of 2013 and 2012 was approximately $1.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

Troubled debt restructurings follow:

   
March 31, 2013
 
   
Commercial
   
Retail
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Performing TDR's
  $ 44,626     $ 83,985     $ 128,611  
Non-performing TDR's(1)
    6,349       8,499 (2)     14,848  
Total
  $ 50,975     $ 92,484     $ 143,459  
 
   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Commercial
   
Retail
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Performing TDR's
  $ 40,753     $ 85,977     $ 126,730  
Non-performing TDR's(1)
    7,756       9,177 (2)     16,933  
Total
  $ 48,509     $ 95,154     $ 143,663  
 
(1)
Included in non-performing loans table above.
(2)
Also includes loans on non-accrual at the time of modification until six payments are received on a timely basis.

The Company has allocated $18.8 million and $19.5 million of specific reserves to customers whose loan terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the terms of certain loans were modified as troubled debt restructurings. The modification of the terms of such loans generally included one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan; an extension of the maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk; or a permanent reduction of the recorded investment in the loan.

Modifications involving a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan have generally been for periods ranging from 9 months to 60 months but have extended to as much as 480 months in certain circumstances. Modifications involving an extension of the maturity date have generally been for periods ranging from 1 month to 60 months but have extended to as much as 193 months in certain circumstances.
 
 
22

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Loans that have been classified as troubled debt restructurings during the three-month periods ended March 31 follow:

         
Pre-modification
   
Post-modification
 
   
Number of
   
Recorded
   
Recorded
 
   
Contracts
   
Balance
   
Balance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
                 
Commercial
                 
Income producing - real estate
    3     $ 4,083     $ 3,822  
Land, land development & construction-real estate
    1       16       15  
Commercial and industrial
    13       840       834  
Mortgage
                       
1-4 family
    7       791       786  
Resort lending
    3       799       795  
Home equity line of credit - 1st lien
    1       95       96  
Home equity line of credit - 2nd lien
    -       -       -  
Installment
                       
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    7       173       176  
Home equity installment - 2nd lien
    6       148       148  
Loans not secured by real estate
    2       57       28  
Other
    -       -       -  
Total
    43     $ 7,002     $ 6,700  
                         
2012
                       
Commercial
                       
Income producing - real estate
    2     $ 223     $ 217  
Land, land development & construction-real estate
    2       2,838       2,836  
Commercial and industrial
    14       3,910       3,894  
Mortgage
                       
1-4 family
    15       1,298       1,267  
Resort lending
    7       2,175       2,155  
Home equity line of credit - 1st lien
    1       15       6  
Home equity line of credit - 2nd lien
    -       -       -  
Installment
                       
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    4       308       311  
Home equity installment - 2nd lien
    7       194       194  
Loans not secured by real estate
    1       25       25  
Other
    -       -       -  
Total
    53     $ 10,986     $ 10,905  

The troubled debt restructurings described above for 2013 increased the allowance for loan losses by $0.1 million and resulted in $0.3 million of charge offs while the troubled debt restructurings described above for 2012 increased the allowance for loan losses by $0.3 million and resulted in zero charge offs.

 
23


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Loans that have been classified as troubled debt restructurings during the past twelve months and that have subsequently defaulted during the three-month periods ended March 31 follow:

   
Number of
   
Recorded
 
   
Contracts
   
Balance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
           
Commercial
           
Income producing - real estate
    -     $ -  
Land, land development & construction-real estate
    1       334  
Commercial and industrial
    1       81  
Mortgage
               
1-4 family
    1       106  
Resort lending
    1       156  
Home equity line of credit - 1st lien
    -       -  
Home equity line of credit - 2nd lien
    -       -  
Installment
               
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    -       -  
Home equity installment - 2nd lien
    -       -  
Loans not secured by real estate
    -       -  
Other
    -       -  
      4     $ 677  
                 
2012
               
Commercial
               
Income producing - real estate
    4     $ 597  
Land, land development & construction-real estate
    3       2,303  
Commercial and industrial
    8       790  
Mortgage
               
1-4 family
    -       -  
Resort lending
    1       117  
Home equity line of credit - 1st lien
    -       -  
Home equity line of credit - 2nd lien
    -       -  
Installment
               
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    1       26  
Home equity installment - 2nd lien
    -       -  
Loans not secured by real estate
    -       -  
Other
    -       -  
      17     $ 3,833  

A loan is considered to be in payment default generally once it is 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms.

The troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted described above for 2013 increased the allowance for loan losses by $0.2 million and resulted in zero charge offs while the troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted described above for 2012 decreased the allowance for loan losses by $0.2 million and resulted in charge offs of $0.4 million.

The terms of certain other loans were modified during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 in a manner that did not meet the definition of a troubled debt restructuring.  The modification of these loans could have included modification of the terms of a loan to borrowers who were not experiencing financial difficulties or a delay in a payment that was considered to be insignificant.
 
 
24

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, we perform an evaluation of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification. This evaluation is performed under our internal underwriting policy.

Credit Quality Indicators – As part of our on on-going monitoring of the credit quality of our loan portfolios, we track certain credit quality indicators including (a) weighted-average risk grade of commercial loans, (b) the level of classified commercial loans (c) credit scores of mortgage and installment loan borrowers (d) investment grade of certain counterparties for payment plan receivables and (e) delinquency history and non-performing loans.

For commercial loans we use a loan rating system that is similar to those employed by state and federal banking regulators. Loans are graded on a scale of 1 to 12. A description of the general characteristics of the ratings follows:

Rating 1 through 6: These loans are generally referred to as our “non-watch” commercial credits that include very high or exceptional credit fundamentals through acceptable credit fundamentals.

Rating 7 and 8: These loans are generally referred to as our “watch” commercial credits. This rating includes loans to borrowers that exhibit potential credit weakness or downward trends. If not checked or cured these trends could weaken our asset or credit position. While potentially weak, no loss of principal or interest is envisioned with these ratings.

Rating 9: These loans are generally referred to as our “substandard accruing” commercial credits. This rating includes loans to borrowers that exhibit a well-defined weakness where payment default is probable and loss is possible if deficiencies are not corrected. Generally, loans with this rating are considered collectible as to both principal and interest primarily due to collateral coverage.

Rating 10 and 11: These loans are generally referred to as our “substandard - non-accrual” and “doubtful” commercial credits. This rating includes loans to borrowers with weaknesses that make collection of debt in full, on the basis of current facts, conditions and values at best questionable and at worst improbable. All of these loans are placed in non-accrual.

Rating 12: These loans are generally referred to as our “loss” commercial credits. This rating includes loans to borrowers that are deemed incapable of repayment and are charged-off.


 
25


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The following table summarizes loan ratings by loan class for our commercial loan segment:

   
Commercial
 
   
 
   
 
   
Substandard
   
Non-
   
 
 
   
Non-watch
   
Watch
   
Accrual
   
Accrual
       
      1-6       7-8       9       10-11    
Total
 
                   
(In thousands)
               
March 31, 2013
                                     
Income producing - real estate
  $ 187,106     $ 27,441     $ 6,559     $ 4,099     $ 225,205  
Land, land development and construction - real estate
    31,607       5,346       1,052       2,991       40,996  
Commercial and industrial
    304,931       25,852       12,588       4,448       347,819  
Total
  $ 523,644     $ 58,639     $ 20,199     $ 11,538     $ 614,020  
Accrued interest included in total
  $ 1,426     $ 172     $ 91     $ -     $ 1,689  
                                         
December 31, 2012
                                       
Income producing - real estate
  $ 183,530     $ 27,096     $ 6,555     $ 5,611     $ 222,792  
Land, land development and construction - real estate
    32,784       3,457       2,959       4,062       43,262  
Commercial and industrial
    307,566       26,954       13,296       5,080       352,896  
Total
  $ 523,880     $ 57,507     $ 22,810     $ 14,753     $ 618,950  
Accrued interest included in total
  $ 1,417     $ 163     $ 112     $ -     $ 1,692  

For each of our mortgage and installment segment classes we generally monitor credit quality based on the credit scores of the borrowers. These credit scores are generally updated at least annually.
 
 
26

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
 
The following table summarizes credit scores by loan class for our mortgage and installment loan segments:
 
     
Mortgage (1)
 
                 
Home
   
Home
       
           
Resort
   
Equity
   
Equity
       
     
1-4 Family
   
Lending
   
1st Lien
   
2nd Lien
   
Total
 
     
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2013
                               
800 and above
    $ 21,176     $ 15,112     $ 2,975     $ 5,193     $ 44,456  
750-799       56,977       63,881       4,525       12,283       137,666  
700-749       60,733       41,138       3,401       8,991       114,263  
650-699       54,234       17,310       2,275       7,892       81,711  
600-649       34,065       11,597       3,361       4,757       53,780  
550-599       27,200       7,278       858       2,699       38,035  
500-549       19,641       1,004       658       1,912       23,215  
Under 500
      9,133       1,626       417       787       11,963  
Unknown
      7,845       4,929       265       105       13,144  
Total
    $ 291,004     $ 163,875     $ 18,735     $ 44,619     $ 518,233  
Accrued interest included in total
    $ 1,354     $ 776     $ 88     $ 219     $ 2,437  
                                           
December 31, 2012
                                         
800 and above
    $ 19,638     $ 15,430     $ 3,031     $ 5,515     $ 43,614  
750-799       62,419       67,094       4,758       12,783       147,054  
700-749       59,594       41,860       3,293       9,177       113,924  
650-699       57,584       17,685       2,309       7,987       85,565  
600-649       31,465       12,317       3,311       4,775       51,868  
550-599       27,739       7,887       964       2,754       39,344  
500-549       20,243       1,212       656       1,997       24,108  
Under 500
      9,470       1,637       456       789       12,352  
Unknown
      6,185       5,271       258       188       11,902  
Total
    $ 294,337     $ 170,393     $ 19,036     $ 45,965     $ 529,731  
Accrued interest included in total
    $ 1,319     $ 750     $ 91     $ 231     $ 2,391  

 
27



NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

     
Installment(1)
 
     
Home
   
Home
   
Loans not
             
     
Equity
   
Equity
   
Secured by
             
     
1st Lien
   
2nd Lien
   
Real Estate
   
Other
   
Total
 
     
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2013
                               
800 and above
    $ 3,733     $ 3,055     $ 18,533     $ 41     $ 25,362  
750-799       7,211       10,822       43,262       443       61,738  
700-749       4,766       8,600       23,975       712       38,053  
650-699       5,636       6,925       13,238       629       26,428  
600-649       4,155       4,075       5,982       358       14,570  
550-599       3,104       2,564       3,087       183       8,938  
500-549       1,624       1,315       2,044       107       5,090  
Under 500
      668       1,070       784       32       2,554  
Unknown
      203       80       2,109       43       2,435  
Total
    $ 31,100     $ 38,506     $ 113,014     $ 2,548     $ 185,168  
Accrued interest included in total
    $ 133     $ 149     $ 441     $ 21     $ 744  
                                           
December 31, 2012
                                         
800 and above
    $ 3,909     $ 3,265     $ 19,293     $ 38     $ 26,505  
750-799       7,394       11,300       43,740       462       62,896  
700-749       4,884       8,826       24,267       786       38,763  
650-699       5,925       7,164       13,758       710       27,557  
600-649       4,360       4,214       6,442       367       15,383  
550-599       3,226       2,716       3,428       188       9,558  
500-549       1,722       1,403       2,154       114       5,393  
Under 500
      760       1,195       895       42       2,892  
Unknown
      205       103       1,322       18       1,648  
Total
    $ 32,385     $ 40,186     $ 115,299     $ 2,725     $ 190,595  
Accrued interest included in total
    $ 137     $ 157     $ 429     $ 23     $ 746  
 
(1) Credit scores have been updated within the last twelve months.
 
Mepco Finance Corporation (“Mepco”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of our Bank that operates a vehicle service contract payment plan business throughout the United States. See Note #14 for more information about Mepco’s business. As of March 31, 2013, approximately 94.9% of Mepco’s outstanding payment plan receivables relate to programs in which a third party insurer or risk retention group is obligated to pay Mepco the full refund owing upon cancellation of the related service contract (including with respect to both the portion funded to the service contract seller and the portion funded to the administrator). These receivables are shown as “Full Refund” in the table below. Another approximately 4.9% of Mepco’s outstanding payment plan receivables as of March 31, 2013, relate to programs in which a third party insurer or risk retention group is obligated to pay Mepco the refund owing upon cancellation only with respect to the unearned portion previously funded by Mepco to the administrator (but not to the service contract seller). These receivables are shown as “Partial Refund” in the table below. The balance of Mepco’s outstanding payment plan receivables relate to programs in which there is no insurer or risk retention group that has any contractual liability to Mepco for any portion of the refund amount. These receivables are shown as “Other” in the table below. For each class of our payment plan receivables we monitor credit ratings of the counterparties as we evaluate the credit quality of this portfolio.
 
 
28

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The following table summarizes credit ratings of insurer or risk retention group counterparties by class of payment plan receivable:

     
Payment Plan Receivables
 
     
Full
   
Partial
             
     
Refund
   
Refund
   
Other
   
Total
 
     
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2013
                         
AM Best rating
                         
A+     $ -     $ -     $ 90     $ 90  
A       23,372       3,376       -       26,748  
A-       16,317       457       -       16,774  
B+       15       -       -       15  
B       -       -       -       -  
Not rated
      34,628       -       56       34,684  
Total
    $ 74,332     $ 3,833     $ 146     $ 78,311  
                                   
December 31, 2012
                                 
AM Best rating
                                 
A+     $ -     $ -     $ 110     $ 110  
A       24,825       3,916       -       28,741  
A-       19,310       399       -       19,709  
B+       56       -       -       56  
B       -       -       -       -  
Not rated
      36,002       -       74       36,076  
Total
    $ 80,193     $ 4,315     $ 184     $ 84,692  

Although Mepco has contractual recourse against various counterparties for refunds owing upon cancellation of vehicle service contracts, please see Note #14 below regarding certain risks and difficulties associated with collecting these refunds.

5.
Segments

Our reportable segments are based upon legal entities.  We currently have two reportable segments:  Independent Bank (“IB” or “Bank”) and Mepco.  These business segments are also differentiated based on the products and services provided.  We evaluate performance based principally on net income (loss) of the respective reportable segments.

In the normal course of business, our IB segment provides funding to our Mepco segment through an intercompany line of credit priced at the prime rate of interest as published in the Wall Street Journal. Our IB segment also provides certain administrative services to our Mepco segment which are reimbursed at an agreed upon rate. These intercompany transactions are eliminated upon consolidation. The only other material intersegment balances and transactions are investments in subsidiaries at the parent entities and cash balances on deposit at our IB segment.
 
 
29

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

A summary of selected financial information for our reportable segments follows:
 
   
IB
   
Mepco
   
Other(1)
   
Elimination(2)
 
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
As of March 31, 2013
                           
Total assets
  $ 1,978,620     $ 124,104     $ 202,914     $ (200,291 )   $ 2,105,347  
For the three months ended March 31, 2013
                                       
Interest income
    18,780       3,170       -       -       21,950  
Net interest income
    17,616       2,521       (581 )     -       19,556  
Provision for loan losses
    (687 )     (4 )     -       -       (691 )
Income (loss) before income tax
    6,819       823       (1,776 )     (24 )     5,842  
Net income (loss)
    7,064       543       (1,776 )     (24 )     5,807  
As of December 31, 2012
                                       
Total assets
  $ 1,885,807     $ 135,447     $ 192,343     $ (189,730 )   $ 2,023,867  
For the three months ended March 31, 2012
                                       
Interest income
    21,845       3,851       -       -       25,696  
Net interest income
    19,939       2,882       (721 )     -       22,100  
Provision for loan losses
    5,103       28       -       -       5,131  
Income (loss) before income tax
    3,013       1,556       (1,041       (24 )     3,504  
Net income (loss)
    3,542       1,027       (1,041       (24 )     3,504  
 
(1) Includes amounts relating to our parent company and certain insignificant operations.
(2) Includes parent company’s investment in subsidiaries and cash balances maintained at subsidiary.
 
 
30

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

6
Earnings Per Common Share

   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(in thousands, except
 
   
per share amounts)
 
             
Net income applicable to common stock
  $ 4,712     $ 2,448  
Convertible preferred stock dividends
    1,095       1,056  
Net income applicable to common stock for calculation of diluted earnings per share
  $ 5,807     $ 3,504  
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding (1)
    9,266       8,534  
Effect of convertible preferred stock
    12,026       38,618  
Restricted stock units
    361       140  
Stock units for deferred compensation plan for non-employee directors
    117       26  
Effect of stock options
    61       -  
Weighted average shares outstanding for calculation of diluted earnings per share
    21,831       47,318  
                 
Net income per common share
               
Basic (1)
  $ 0.51     $ 0.29  
Diluted
  $ 0.27     $ 0.07  

(1) Basic net income per common share includes weighted average common shares outstanding during the period and participating share awards.
 
Weighted average stock options outstanding that were not included in weighted average shares outstanding for calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive totaled 0.04 million and 0.2 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The warrant to purchase 346,154 shares of our common stock (see Note #15) was not included in weighted average shares outstanding for calculation of diluted earnings per share in all periods in 2013 and 2012 as it was anti-dilutive.
 
7.
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
We are required to record derivatives on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as assets and liabilities measured at their fair value.  The accounting for increases and decreases in the value of derivatives depends upon the use of derivatives and whether the derivatives qualify for hedge accounting.
 
 
31

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
 
Our derivative financial instruments according to the type of hedge in which they are designated follows:

   
March 31, 2013
 
         
Average
       
   
Notional
   
Maturity
   
Fair
 
   
Amount
   
(years)
   
Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cash Flow Hedges - Pay fixed interest-rate swap agreements
  $ 10,000       1.8     $ (648 )
                         
No hedge designation
                       
Mandatory commitments to sell mortgage loans
  $ 76,941       0.1     $ (186 )
Rate-lock mortgage loan commitments
    39,392       0.1       1,159  
Amended Warrant
    2,504       5.7       (1,504 )
Total
  $ 118,837       0.2     $ (531 )

We have established management objectives and strategies that include interest-rate risk parameters for maximum fluctuations in net interest income and market value of portfolio equity. We monitor our interest rate risk position via simulation modeling reports. The goal of our asset/liability management efforts is to maintain profitable financial leverage within established risk parameters.

We use variable-rate and short-term fixed-rate (less than 12 months) debt obligations to fund a portion of our balance sheet, which exposes us to variability in interest rates. To meet our objectives, we may periodically enter into derivative financial instruments to mitigate exposure to fluctuations in cash flows resulting from changes in interest rates (“Cash Flow Hedges”).  Cash Flow Hedges currently include certain pay-fixed interest-rate swaps.  Pay-fixed interest-rate swaps convert the variable-rate cash flows on debt obligations to fixed-rates.

We record the fair value of Cash Flow Hedges in accrued income and other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities.  On an ongoing basis, we adjust our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition to reflect the then current fair value of Cash Flow Hedges.  The related gains or losses are reported in other comprehensive income or loss and are subsequently reclassified into earnings, as a yield adjustment in the same period in which the related interest on the hedged items (primarily variable-rate debt obligations) affect earnings.  It is anticipated that approximately $0.4 million, of unrealized losses on Cash Flow Hedges at March 31, 2013 will be reclassified to earnings over the next twelve months.  To the extent that the Cash Flow Hedges are not effective, the ineffective portion of the Cash Flow Hedges is immediately recognized as interest expense.  The maximum term of any Cash Flow Hedge at March 31, 2013 is 1.8 years.

Certain financial derivative instruments have not been designated as hedges. The fair value of these derivative financial instruments has been recorded on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and are adjusted on an ongoing basis to reflect their then current fair value. The changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments not designated as hedges are recognized in earnings.

 
32


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

In the ordinary course of business, we enter into rate-lock mortgage loan commitments with customers (“Rate Lock Commitments”).  These commitments expose us to interest rate risk.  We also enter into mandatory commitments to sell mortgage loans (“Mandatory Commitments”) to reduce the impact of price fluctuations of mortgage loans held for sale and Rate Lock Commitments.  Mandatory Commitments help protect our loan sale profit margin from fluctuations in interest rates. The changes in the fair value of Rate Lock Commitments and Mandatory Commitments are recognized currently as part of net gains on mortgage loans.  We obtain market prices on Mandatory Commitments and Rate Lock Commitments.  Net gains on mortgage loans, as well as net income may be more volatile as a result of these derivative instruments, which are not designated as hedges.

During 2010, we entered into an amended and restated warrant with the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“UST”) that would allow them to purchase our common stock at a fixed price (see Note #15). Because of certain anti-dilution features included in the Amended Warrant (as defined in Note #15), it has not been considered to be indexed to our common stock and was therefore accounted for as a derivative instrument and recorded as a liability. Any change in value of the Amended Warrant was recorded in other income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  However, the anti-dilution features in the Amended Warrant which caused it to be accounted for as a derivative and included in accrued expenses and other liabilities expired on April 16, 2013.  As a result, the Amended Warrant was reclassified into shareholders’ equity on that date at its then fair value (which was approximately equal to the fair value at March 31, 2013).

The following tables illustrate the impact that the derivative financial instruments discussed above have on individual line items in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition for the periods presented:

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
Balance
     
Balance
     
Balance
     
Balance
     
 
Sheet
 
Fair
 
Sheet
 
Fair
 
Sheet
 
Fair
 
Sheet
 
Fair
 
 
Location
 
Value
 
Location
 
Value
 
Location
 
Value
 
Location
 
Value
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments                                
Pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements
               
Other liabilities
  $ 648  
Other liabilities
  $ 739  
Total
                      648         739  
                                     
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
                                   
Rate-lock mortgage loan commitments
Other assets
  $ 1,159  
Other assets
    1,368                      
Mandatory commitments to sell mortgage loans
      -         -  
Other liabilities
    186  
Other liabilities
    122  
                                         
Amended Warrant
      -         -  
Other liabilities
    1,504  
Other liabilities
    459  
Total
      1,159         1,368         1,690         581  
Total derivatives
    $ 1,159       $ 1,368  
 
  $ 2,338       $ 1,320  
 
 
33

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
 
The effect of derivative financial instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations follows:
 
Three Month Periods Ended March 31,
 
   
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(Effective Portion)
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective
 
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Income
 
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in Income
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Portion)
 
2013
   
2012
 
(1)
 
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Cash Flow Hedges
                                       
Pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(51
)
Interest expense
 
$
(94
)
 
$
(330
)
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Total
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(51
)
   
$
(94
)
 
$
(330
)
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
                                                     
No hedge designation
                                             
Rate-lock mortgage loan commitments
                                 
Net mortgage loan gains
 
$
(209
)
 
$
843
 
Mandatory commitments to sell mortgage loans
                                 
Net mortgage loan gains
   
(64
)
   
614
 
                                                     
Amended warrant
                                 
Increase in fair value of U.S. Treasury warrant
   
(1,045
)
   
(154
)
Total
                                     
$
(1,318
)
 
$
1,303
 
 
(1) For cash flow hedges, this location and amount refers to the ineffective portion.
 
8. 
Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes intangible assets, net of amortization:
 
   
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Gross
         
Gross
       
   
Carrying
   
Accumulated
   
Carrying
   
Accumulated
 
   
Amount
   
Amortization
   
Amount
   
Amortization
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Amortized intangible assets - core deposits
  $ 23,703     $ 19,931     $ 23,703     $ 19,728  

 
34


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Amortization of other intangibles has been estimated through 2018 and thereafter in the following table.

   
(In thousands)
 
       
       
2013
  $ 610  
2014
    536  
2015
    347  
2016
    347  
2017
    346  
2018 and thereafter
    1,586  
Total
  $ 3,772  
 
9. 
Share Based Compensation

We maintain share based payment plans that include a non-employee director stock purchase plan and a long-term incentive plan that permits the issuance of share based compensation, including stock options and non-vested share awards. The long-term incentive plan, which is shareholder approved, permits the grant of additional share based awards for up to 0.1 million shares of common stock as of March 31, 2013.  At our annual shareholder meeting held April 23, 2013, our shareholders approved an amendment to this plan authorizing the issuance of an additional 0.5 million shares.  The non-employee director stock purchase plan permits the issuance of additional share based payments for up to 0.3 million shares of common stock as of March 31, 2013. Share based awards and payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant and are expensed over the requisite service period. Common shares issued upon exercise of stock options come from currently authorized but unissued shares.

During the first quarters of 2013 and 2012 our president’s annual salary was increased and a portion of those increases was to be paid in the form of common stock.  The amounts to be paid in common stock (also referred to as “salary stock”) were $0.020 million and $0.015 million during 2013 and 2012, respectively.  During the first quarter of 2011, pursuant to a management transition plan, our  former chief executive officer’s annual salary was increased by $0.2 million effective January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2012. This increase was paid entirely in the form of salary stock. These shares were issued each pay period and vested immediately.

Our directors have elected to receive at least a portion of their quarterly cash retainer fees in the form of common stock (either on a current basis or on a deferred basis pursuant to the non-employee director stock purchase plan referenced above). Shares equal in value to that portion of each director’s quarterly cash retainer are issued each quarter and vest immediately. We issued 0.02 million shares and 0.08 million shares to directors during the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively and expensed their value during those same periods.

Total compensation expense (recovery) recognized for stock option grants, non-vested common stock grants, restricted stock unit grants and salary stock was $0.1 million and $(0.1) million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively.  The recovery during the three month period ended March 31, 2012 related to a decrease in our estimate of the amount of restricted stock grants that would actually vest.  The corresponding tax benefit relating to this expense was zero for each period. Total expense recognized for non-employee director share based payments was $0.1 million in each three month period ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The corresponding tax benefit relating to this expense was zero for each period.
 
 
35

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

At March 31, 2013, the total expected compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards not yet recognized was $1.1 million.  The weighted-average period over which this amount will be recognized is 2.5 years.

A summary of outstanding stock option grants and related transactions follows:

               
Weighted-
       
               
Average
       
         
Average
   
Remaining
   
Aggregated
 
   
Number of
   
Exercise
   
Contractual
   
Intrinsic
 
   
Shares
   
Price
   
Term (Years)
   
Value
 
                     
(In thousands)
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2013
    275,933     $ 4.46              
Granted
    -                      
Exercised
    (5,834 )     1.92              
Forfeited
    (1,166 )     2.39              
Expired
    (1,940 )     11.53              
Outstanding at March 31, 2013
    266,993     $ 4.48       8.34     $ 1,434  
                                 
Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2013
    251,892     $ 4.60       8.29     $ 1,344  
Exercisable at March 31, 2013
    75,703     $ 9.71       6.77     $ 277  

A summary of outstanding non-vested restricted stock and stock units and transactions follows:

         
Weighted-
 
         
Average
 
   
Number
   
Grant Date
 
   
of Shares
   
Fair Value
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2013
    375,416     $ 6.21  
Granted
    -          
Vested
    (14,636 )     76.30  
Forfeited
    -          
Outstanding at March 31, 2013
    360,780     $ 3.37  

Certain information regarding options exercised during the periods follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Intrinsic value
  $ 15     $ -  
Cash proceeds received
  $ 11     $ -  
Tax benefit realized
  $ -     $ -  

10.
Income Tax

At both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had approximately $1.9 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits.  We do not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease during the balance of 2013.
 
 
36

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

As a result of being in a net operating loss carryforward position, we have established a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $62.5 million and $65.1 million as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively against all of our net deferred tax assets.  Accordingly, other than $0.04 million of alternative minimum tax expense in 2013, we are not recognizing income tax expense related to any income before income tax.  Income tax expense was $0.04 million and zero for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

11. 
Regulatory Matters

Capital guidelines adopted by Federal and State regulatory agencies and restrictions imposed by law limit the amount of cash dividends our Bank can pay to us. Under these guidelines, the amount of dividends that may be paid in any calendar year is limited to the Bank’s current year’s net profits, combined with the retained net profits of the preceding two years. Further, the Bank cannot pay a dividend at any time that it has negative undivided profits.  As of March 31, 2013 the Bank had negative undivided profits of $114.9 million. It is not our intent to have dividends paid in amounts which would reduce the capital of our Bank to levels below those which we consider prudent and in accordance with guidelines of regulatory authorities.

On October 25, 2011, the respective Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (“DIFS”). The MOU largely duplicated certain provisions of board resolutions that were already in place, but also had the following specific requirements:

 
Submission of a joint revised capital plan by November 30, 2011 to maintain sufficient capital at the Company on a consolidated basis and at the Bank on a stand-alone basis;
 
Submission of quarterly progress reports regarding disposition plans for any assets in excess of $1.0 million that are in ORE, are 90 days or more past due, are on our “watch list,” or were adversely classified in our most recent examination;
 
Enhanced reporting and monitoring at Mepco regarding risk management and the internal classification of assets; and
 
Enhanced interest rate risk modeling practices.
 
Effective March 26, 2013, the FRB and DIFS terminated the MOU.  Also on that date, the respective Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank passed resolutions that require the following:

 
Submission of quarterly progress reports to the FRB and DIFS regarding disposition plans for any assets in excess of $1.0 million that are in ORE, are 90 days or more past due, are on our “watch list,” or are adversely classified;
 
Prior approval of the FRB and DIFS for the Bank to pay any dividend to the Company; and
 
Prior approval of the FRB and DIFS for the Company to pay any dividend to its shareholders, to make any distributions of interest, principal or other sums on subordinated debentures or trust preferred securities, to increase borrowings or guarantee any debt, and/or to purchase or redeem any of its stock.

 
37

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

We are also subject to various regulatory capital requirements. The prompt corrective action regulations establish quantitative measures to ensure capital adequacy and require minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and Tier 1 capital to average assets. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly discretionary, actions by regulators that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines, we must meet specific capital requirements that involve quantitative measures as well as qualitative judgments by the regulators. The most recent regulatory filings as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 categorized our Bank as well capitalized. Management is not aware of any conditions or events that would have changed the most recent Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”)  categorization.

Our actual capital amounts and ratios follow:

               
Minimum for
   
Minimum for
 
               
Adequately Capitalized
   
Well-Capitalized
 
   
Actual
   
Institutions
   
Institutions
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                     
March 31, 2013
                                   
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
                                   
Consolidated
  $ 212,720       15.57 %   $ 109,270       8.00 %  
NA
   
NA
 
Independent Bank
    215,128       15.78       109,051       8.00       136,313       10.00 %
                                                 
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 195,247       14.29 %   $ 54,635       4.00 %  
NA
   
NA
 
Independent Bank
    197,688       14.50       54,525       4.00       81,788       6.00 %
                                                 
Tier 1 capital to average assets
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 195,247       9.50 %   $ 82,248       4.00 %  
NA
   
NA
 
Independent Bank
    197,688       9.62       82,166       4.00     $ 102,707       5.00 %
                                                 
December 31, 2012
                                               
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 204,663       14.71 %   $ 111,268       8.00 %  
NA
   
NA
 
Independent Bank
    207,553       14.95       111,063       8.00     $ 138,829       10.00 %
                                                 
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 185,948       13.37 %   $ 55,634       4.00 %  
NA
   
NA
 
Independent Bank
    189,777       13.67       55,531       4.00     $ 83,297       6.00 %
                                                 
Tier 1 capital to average assets
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 185,948       8.08 %   $ 92,026       4.00 %  
NA
   
NA
 
Independent Bank
    189,777       8.26       91,919       4.00     $ 114,899       5.00 %
 

NA - Not applicable
 
 
38

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The components of our regulatory capital are as follows:

   
Consolidated
   
Independent Bank
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 144,085     $ 134,975     $ 195,095     $ 186,384  
Add (deduct)
                               
Qualifying trust preferred securities
    48,668       47,678       -       -  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    6,953       8,058       7,052       8,156  
Intangible assets
    (3,772 )     (3,975 )     (3,772 )     (3,975 )
Disallowed capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights
    (687 )     (788 )     (687 )     (788 )
Tier 1 capital
    195,247       185,948       197,688       189,777  
Qualifying trust preferred securities
    -       990       -       -  
Allowance for loan losses and allowance for unfunded lending commitments limited to 1.25% of total risk-weighted assets
    17,473       17,725       17,440       17,776  
Total risk-based capital
  $ 212,720     $ 204,663     $ 215,128     $ 207,553  

In November 2011, our Board adopted a capital plan as required by the MOU and submitted it to the FRB and the DIFS. The capital plan was updated in February 2012.  The FRB and DIFS have accepted such capital plan and as of March 31, 2013 we have met the requirements of the capital plan.

The primary objective of our capital plan is to achieve and thereafter maintain the minimum capital ratios required by our Board. The minimum capital ratios established by our Board are higher than the ratios required in order to be considered “well-capitalized” under federal standards. The Board imposed these higher ratios in order to ensure that we have sufficient capital to withstand potential future losses based on our still somewhat elevated level of non-performing assets and given certain other risks and uncertainties we face. As of March 31, 2013, our Bank continued to meet the requirements to be considered “well-capitalized” under federal regulatory standards and met both of the minimum capital ratio goals established by our Board.

Set forth below are the actual capital ratios of our Bank as of March 31, 2013, the minimum capital ratios imposed by our Board, and the minimum ratios necessary to be considered “well-capitalized” under federal regulatory standards:
 
   
Independent
         
Minimum
 
   
Bank
   
Minimum
   
Ratio
 
   
Actual as of
   
Ratios
   
Required to
 
   
March 31,
   
Established
   
be Well-
 
   
2013
   
by our Board
   
Capitalized
 
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
    15.78 %     11.00 %     10.00 %
Tier 1 Capital to Average Total Assets
    9.62       8.00       5.00  

 
39

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

12.
Fair Value Disclosures

FASB ASC topic 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. FASB ASC topic 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1: Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets. Level 1 instruments include securities traded on active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets.

Level 2:  Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market. Level 2 instruments include securities traded in less active dealer or broker markets.

Level 3:  Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

We used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate fair value:

Securities:  Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities (trading or available for sale) are classified as Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.  Level 1 securities include certain preferred stocks included in our trading portfolio for which there are quoted prices in active markets.  If quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, then fair values are estimated by (1) using quoted market prices of securities with similar characteristics, (2) matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices, or (3) a discounted cash flow analysis whose significant fair value inputs can generally be verified and do not typically involve judgment by management. These securities are classified as Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy and include agency and private label residential mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, trust preferred securities and corporate securities.

Loans held for sale:  The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is based on mortgage backed security pricing for comparable assets (recurring Level 2).  The fair value of loans held for sale relating to branch sale was based on a discount provided for in the branch sale agreement (non-recurring Level 2).
 
 
40

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Impaired loans with specific loss allocations based on collateral value:  From time to time, certain loans are considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. We measure our investment in an impaired loan based on one of three methods: the loan’s observable market price, the fair value of the collateral or the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, all of our total impaired loans were evaluated based on either the fair value of the collateral or the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an appraised value or when an appraised value is not available we record the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.  These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments can be significant and thus will typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

Other real estate:  At the time of acquisition, other real estate is recorded at fair value, less estimated costs to sell, which becomes the property’s new basis. Subsequent write-downs to reflect declines in value since the time of acquisition may occur from time to time and are recorded in other expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of the property used at and subsequent to the time of acquisition is typically determined by a third party appraisal of the property.  These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments can be significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

Appraisals for both collateral-dependent impaired loans and other real estate owned are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by us.  Once received, an independent third party (for commercial properties over $0.25 million) or a member of  our special assets group (for commercial properties under $0.25 million and retail properties) reviews the assumptions and approaches utilized in the appraisal as well as the overall resulting fair value in comparison with independent data sources such as recent market data or industry-wide statistics.  On an annual basis, we compare the actual selling price of collateral that has been sold to the most recent appraised value to determine what additional adjustment, if any, should be made to the appraisal value to arrive at fair value.  For commercial properties we typically do not discount an appraisal while for retail properties we generally discount the value by 5%.  In addition, we will adjust the appraised values for expected liquidation costs including sales commissions and transfer taxes.
 
 
41

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights:  The fair value of capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights is based on a valuation model used by an independent third party that calculates the present value of estimated net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income. Since the secondary servicing market has not been active since the later part of 2009, model assumptions are generally unobservable and are based upon the best information available including data relating to our own servicing portfolio, reviews of mortgage servicing assumption and valuation surveys and input from various mortgage servicers and, therefore, are recorded as nonrecurring Level 3.  Management evaluates the third party valuation for reasonableness each quarter as part of our financial reporting control processes.

Derivatives:  The fair value of interest rate swap agreements, in general, is determined using a discounted cash flow model whose significant fair value inputs can generally be verified and do not typically involve judgment by management (recurring Level 2).  The fair value of the Amended Warrant is determined using a simulation analysis which considers potential outcomes for a large number of independent scenarios regarding the future prices of our common stock and uses several unobservable variables (recurring Level 3).
 
 
42

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value, including financial assets for which we have elected the fair value option, were as follows:

         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
         
Quoted
             
         
Prices
             
         
in Active
             
         
Markets
   
Significant
   
Significant
 
         
for
   
Other
   
Un-
 
   
Fair Value
   
Identical
   
Observable
   
observable
 
   
Measure-
   
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
   
ments
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2013:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:
                       
Assets
                       
Trading securities
  $ 201     $ 201     $ -     $ -  
Securities available for sale
                               
U.S. agency
    8,106       -       8,106       -  
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
    194,007       -       194,007       -  
Private label residential mortgage-backed
    7,565       -       7,565       -  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    70,903       -       70,903       -  
Trust preferred
    2,365       -       2,365       -  
Corporate
    988       -       988       -  
Loans held for sale
    37,554       -       37,554       -  
Derivatives (1)
    1,159       -       1,159       -  
Liabilities
                               
Derivatives (2)
    2,338       -       834       1,504  
                                 
Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring basis:
                               
Assets
                               
Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights (3)
    8,485       -       -       8,485  
Impaired loans (4)
                               
Commercial
                               
Income producing - real estate
    3,185       -       -       3,185  
Land, land development & construction-real estate
    2,726       -       -       2,726  
Commercial and industrial
    3,375       -       -       3,375  
Mortgage
                               
1-4 Family
    2,480       -       -       2,480  
Resort Lending
    438       -       -       438  
Other real estate (5)
                               
Commercial
                               
Income producing - real estate
    86       -       -       86  
Land, land development & construction-real estate
    2,247       -       -       2,247  
Mortgage
                               
1-4 Family
    631       -       -       631  
Resort Lending
    2,229       -       -       2,229  
Installment
                               
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    55       -       -       55  

(1) Included in accrued income and other assets
(2) Included in accrued expenses and other liabilities
(3) Only includes servicing rights that are carried at fair value due to recognition of a valuation allowance.
(4) Only includes impaired loans with specific loss allocations based on collateral value.
(5) Only includes other real estate with subsequent write downs to fair value.

 
43


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
         
Quoted
             
         
Prices
             
         
in Active
             
         
Markets
   
Significant
   
Significant
 
         
for
   
Other
   
Un-
 
   
Fair Value
   
Identical
   
Observable
   
observable
 
   
Measure-
   
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
   
ments
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
December 31, 2012:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:
                       
Assets
                       
Trading securities
  $ 110     $ 110     $ -     $ -  
Securities available for sale
                               
U.S. agency
    30,667       -       30,667       -  
U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed
    127,412       -       127,412       -  
Private label residential mortgage-backed
    8,194       -       8,194       -  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    39,051       -       39,051       -  
Trust preferred
    3,089       -       3,089       -  
Loans held for sale
    47,487       -       47,487       -  
Derivatives (1)
    1,368       -       1,368       -  
Liabilities
                               
Derivatives (2)
    1,320       -       861       459  
                                 
Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring basis:
                               
Assets
                               
Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights (3)
    8,814       -       -       8,814  
Impaired loans (4)
                               
Commercial
                               
Income producing - real estate
    3,727       -       -       3,727  
Land, land development & construction-real estate
    2,882       -       -       2,882  
Commercial and industrial
    6,581       -       -       6,581  
Mortgage      
                               
1-4 Family
    2,694       -       -       2,694  
Resort Lending
    380       -       -       380  
Other real estate (5)
                               
Commercial                
                               
Income producing - real estate
    86       -       -       86  
Land, land development & construction-real estate
    3,190       -       -       3,190  
Mortgage
                               
1-4 Family
    405       -       -       405  
Resort Lending
    3,535       -       -       3,535  
Installment
                               
Home equity installment - 1st lien
    59       -       -       59  
Loans held for sale relating to branch sale
    3,292       -       3,292       -  

(1) Included in accrued income and other assets
(2) Included in accrued expenses and other liabilities
(3) Only includes servicing rights that are carried at fair value due to recognition of a valuation allowance.
(4) Only includes impaired loans with specific loss allocations based on collateral value.
(5) Only includes other real estate with subsequent write downs to fair value.

 
44


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

Changes in fair values for financial assets which we have elected the fair value option for the periods presented were as follows:
 
     
Changes in Fair Values for the Three-Month
 
     
Periods Ended March 31 for Items Measured at
 
     
Fair Value Pursuant to Election of the Fair Value Option
 
     
2013
     
2012
 
                     
Total
                     
Total
 
                     
Change
                     
Change
 
                     
in Fair
                     
in Fair
 
                     
Values
                     
Values
 
                     
Included
                     
Included
 
     
Net Gains (Losses)
     
in Current
     
Net Gains (Losses)
     
in Current
 
     
on Assets
     
Period
     
on Assets
     
Period
 
     
Securities
     
Loans
     
Earnings
     
Securities
     
Loans
     
Earnings
 
     
(In thousands)
 
Trading securities
  $ 91     $ -     $ 91     $ (8 )   $ -     $ (8 )
Loans held for sale
    -       (694 )     (694 )     -       (421 )     (421 )

For those items measured at fair value pursuant to our election of the fair value option, interest income is recorded within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the contractual amount of interest income earned on these financial assets and dividend income is recorded based on cash dividends.

The following represent impairment charges recognized during the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 relating to assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis:
 
 
·
Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights, whose individual strata are measured at fair value, had a carrying amount of $8.5 million which is net of a valuation allowance of $5.3 million at March 31, 2013 and had a carrying amount of $8.8 million which is net of a valuation allowance of $6.1 million at December 31, 2012.  A recovery of $0.8 million and $0.7 million was included in our results of operations for the three month periods ending March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
·
Loans which are measured for impairment using the fair value of collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a carrying amount of $17.6 million, with a valuation allowance of $5.4 million at March 31, 2013 and had a carrying amount of $22.8 million, with a valuation allowance of $6.5 million at December 31, 2012.  The provision for loan losses included in our results of operations relating to impaired loans was a credit of $0.3 million and an expense of $2.3 million for the three month periods ending March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
·
Other real estate, which is measured using the fair value of the property, had a carrying amount of $5.2 million which is net of a valuation allowance of $4.8 million at March 31, 2013 and a carrying amount of $7.3 million which is net of a valuation allowance of $6.0 million at December 31, 2012.  An additional charge relating to ORE measured at fair value of $0.7 million and $1.0 million was included in our results of operations during the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 
45

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

A reconciliation for all liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31 follows:

   
(Liability)
 
   
Amended Warrant
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
       
Beginning balance
  $ (459 )   $ (174 )
Total gains (losses) realized and unrealized:
               
Included in results of operations
    (1,045 )     (154 )
Included in other comprehensive income
    -       -  
Purchases, issuances, settlements, maturities and calls
    -       -  
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    -       -  
Ending balance
  $ (1,504 )   $ (328 )
                 
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at March 31
  $ (1,045 )   $ (154 )

During 2010, we entered into an amended and restated warrant with the UST that would allow it to purchase our common stock at a fixed price (see Note #15). Because of certain anti-dilution features included in the Amended Warrant, it has not been considered to be indexed to our common stock and was therefore accounted for as a derivative instrument (see Note #7). Any change in value of this warrant was recorded in other income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The anti-dilution features in the Amended Warrant which caused it to be accounted for as a derivative and included in accrued expenses and other liabilities expired on April 16, 2013.  As a result, the Amended Warrant was reclassified into shareholders’ equity on that date at its then fair value (which was approximately equal to the fair value at March 31, 2013).

The fair value of the Amended Warrant has been determined using a simulation analysis which considers potential outcomes for a large number of independent scenarios regarding the future prices of our common stock. The simulation analysis relies on a binomial lattice model, a standard technique usually applied to the valuation of stock options. The binomial lattice maps out possible price paths of our common stock, the underlying asset of the Amended Warrant. The simulation is based on a 500-step lattice covering the term of the Amended Warrant. The binomial lattice requires specification of 14 variables, of which several are unobservable in the market.
 
 
46

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Quantitative information about the Amended Warrant follows:

   
(Liability)
       
Unobservable Input Values
 
   
Fair
 
Valuation
Unobservable
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
Value
 
Technique
Inputs
 
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands)
                 
                       
Amended Warrant
  $ (1,504 )
Binomial Lattice Model
Probability of non- permitted equity raise
    0.5 %     0.5 %
           
Expected discount to stock price in an equity raise
    10.0 %     10.0 %
           
Dollar amount of expected capital raise
 
$100 Million
   
$100 Million
 
           
Expected time of non-permitted equity raise
 
April, 2013
   
April, 2013
 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of Amended Warrant are probability of a non-permitted capital raise, expected discount to stock price in an equity raise, dollar amount of expected capital raise and expected time of equity raise. Significant increases/(decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of a non-permitted capital raise and dollar amount of equity raise is accompanied by a directionally consistent change in fair value and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for expected discount to stock price in an equity raise and expected time of equity raise.
 
 
47


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements measured on a non-recurring basis follows:

   
Asset
             
   
(Liability)
             
   
Fair
 
Valuation
 
Unobservable
 
Weighted
 
   
Value
 
Technique
 
Inputs
 
Average
 
   
(In thousands)
             
March 31, 2013
                 
                   
Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights
  $ 8,485  
Present value of net servicing revenue
 
Discount rate
    11.02 %
             
Cost to service
  $ 81  
             
Ancillary income
    43  
             
Float rate
    0.96 %
Impaired loans                      
Commercial
    9,286  
Sales comparison approach
 
Adjustment for differences between comparable sales
    3.1 %
         
Income approach
 
Capitalization rate
    10.3  
Mortgage
    2,918  
Sales comparison approach
 
Adjustment for differences between comparable sales
    9.7  
                       
Other real estate
                     
Commercial
    2,333  
Sales comparison approach
 
Adjustment for differences between comparable sales
    (11.5 )
         
Income approach
 
Capitalization rate
    11.0  
                       
Mortgage and installment
    2,915  
Sales comparison approach
 
Adjustment for differences between comparable sales
    31.6  
                       
December 31, 2012
                     
    $ 8,814  
Present value of net servicing revenue
 
Discount rate
    11.00 %
Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights            
Cost to service
  $ 83  
             
Ancillary income
    43  
             
Float rate
    0.84 %
                       
Impaired loans                      
Commercial
    13,190  
Sales comparison approach
 
Adjustment for differences between comparable sales
    16.7 %
         
Income approach
 
Capitalization rate
    10.8  
Mortgage
    3,074  
Sales comparison approach
 
Adjustment for differences between comparable sales
    9.5  
                       
Other real estate                      
Commercial
    3,276  
Sales comparison approach
 
Adjustment for differences between comparable sales
    (12.4 )
         
Income approach
 
Capitalization rate
    12.3  
                       
Mortgage and installment
    3,999  
Sales comparison approach
 
Adjustment for differences between comparable sales
    (6.3 )

 
48


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The following table reflects the difference between the aggregate fair value and the aggregate remaining contractual principal balance outstanding for loans held for sale for which the fair value option has been elected for the periods presented.

   
Aggregate Fair Value
   
Difference
   
Contractual Principal
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Loans held for sale
                 
March 31, 2013
  $ 37,554     $ 1,149     $ 36,405  
December 31, 2012
    47,487       1,843       45,644  

13.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Most of our assets and liabilities are considered financial instruments. Many of these financial instruments lack an available trading market and it is our general practice and intent to hold the majority of our financial instruments to maturity. Significant estimates and assumptions were used to determine the fair value of financial instruments. These estimates are subjective in nature, involving uncertainties and matters of judgment, and therefore, fair values cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Estimated fair values have been determined using available data and methodologies that are considered suitable for each category of financial instrument. For instruments with adjustable-interest rates which reprice frequently and without significant credit risk, it is presumed that estimated fair values approximate the recorded book balances.

Cash and due from banks and interest bearing deposits:  The recorded book balance of cash and due from banks and interest bearing deposits approximate fair value and are classified as Level 1.

Interest bearing deposits - time:  Interest bearing deposits - time have been valued based on a model using a benchmark yield curve plus a base spread and are classified as Level 2.

Securities:  Financial instrument assets actively traded in a secondary market have been valued using quoted market prices.  Trading securities are classified as Level 1 while securities available for sale are classified as Level 2 as described in Note #12.

Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock:  It is not practicable to determine the fair value of FHLB and FRB Stock due to restrictions placed on transferability.

Net loans and loans held for sale:  The fair value of loans is calculated by discounting estimated future cash flows using estimated market discount rates that reflect credit and interest-rate risk inherent in the loans resulting in a Level 3 classification.  Impaired loans are valued at the lower of cost or fair value as described in Note #12.  Loans held for sale are classified as Level 2 as described in Note #12.

Accrued interest receivable and payable:  The recorded book balance of accrued interest receivable and payable approximate fair value and are classified at the same Level as the asset and liability they are associated with.
 
 
49

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Derivative financial instruments:  Interest rate swaps have been valued based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows using a discount rate approximating current market rates and are classified as Level 2 as described in Note #12  and the Amended Warrant has been valued based on a simulation analysis which considers potential outcomes for a large number of independent scenarios and is classified as Level 3 as described in Note #12.

Deposits:  Deposits without a stated maturity, including demand deposits, savings, NOW and money market accounts, have a fair value equal to the amount payable on demand.  Each of these instruments is classified as Level 1.  Deposits with a stated maturity, such as certificates of deposit have generally been valued based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows using a discount rate approximating current market rates for liabilities with a similar maturity resulting in a Level 2 classification.

Other borrowings:  Other borrowings have been valued based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows using a discount rate approximating current market rates for liabilities with a similar maturity resulting in a Level 2 classification.

Subordinated debentures:  Subordinated debentures have generally been valued based on a quoted market price of the specific or similar instruments resulting in a Level 1 or Level 2 classification.
 
 
50

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The estimated recorded book balances and fair values follow:

               
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
               
Quoted
             
               
Prices
             
               
in Active
             
               
Markets
   
Significant
   
Significant
 
               
for
   
Other
   
Un-
 
   
Recorded
   
Fair Value
   
Identical
   
Observable
   
observable
 
   
Book
   
Measure-
   
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
   
Balance
   
ments
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2013
                             
Assets
                             
Cash and due from banks
  $ 51,489     $ 51,489     $ 51,489     $ -     $ -  
Interest bearing deposits
    170,141       170,141       170,141       -       -  
Interest bearing deposits - time
    6,973       6,973       -       6,973       -  
Trading securities
    201       201       201       -       -  
Securities available for sale
    283,934       283,934       -       283,934       -  
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock
    20,838    
NA
   
NA
   
NA
   
NA
 
Net loans and loans held for sale
    1,387,651       1,338,104       -       37,554       1,300,550  
Accrued interest receivable
    6,154       6,154       129       1,130       4,895  
Derivative financial instruments
    1,159       1,159       -       1,159       -  
                                         
Liabilities
                                       
Deposits with no stated maturity (1)
  $ 1,427,613     $ 1,427,613     $ 1,427,613     $ -     $ -  
Deposits with stated maturity (1)
    423,180       425,026       -       425,026       -  
Other borrowings
    17,630       21,230       -       21,230       -  
Subordinated debentures
    50,175       46,719       8,801       37,918       -  
Accrued interest payable
    7,782       7,782       3,199       4,583       -  
Derivative financial instruments
    2,338       2,338       -       834       1,504  
                                         
December 31, 2012
                                       
Assets
                                       
Cash and due from banks
  $ 55,487     $ 55,487     $ 55,487     $ -     $ -  
Interest bearing deposits
    124,295       124,295       124,295       -       -  
Trading securities
    110       110       110       -       -  
Securities available for sale
    208,413       208,413       -       208,413       -  
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock
    20,838    
NA
   
NA
   
NA
   
NA
 
Net loans and loans held for sale
    1,425,643       1,400,385       -       50,779       1,349,606  
Accrued interest receivable
    5,814       5,814       102       934       4,778  
Derivative financial instruments
    1,368       1,368       -       1,368       -  
                                         
Liabilities
                                       
Deposits with no stated maturity (1)
  $ 1,360,609     $ 1,360,609     $ 1,360,609     $ -     $ -  
Deposits with stated maturity (1)
    418,928       420,374       -       420,374       -  
Other borrowings
    17,625       21,463       -       21,463       -  
Subordinated debentures
    50,175       42,235       7,956       34,279       -  
Accrued interest payable
    7,197       7,197       2,942       4,255       -  
Derivative financial instruments
    1,320       1,320       -       861       459  
 
(1) 
Deposits with no stated maturity include reciprocal deposits with a recorded book balance of $3.9 million and $1.2 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  Deposits with a stated maturity include reciprocal deposits with a recorded book balance of $42.0 million and $32.0 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
 

The fair values for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are estimated to approximate their aggregate book balance, which is nominal and therefore are not disclosed.
 
 
51


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale the entire holdings of a particular financial instrument.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business, the value of future earnings attributable to off-balance sheet activities and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.

Fair value estimates for deposit accounts do not include the value of the core deposit intangible asset resulting from the low-cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market.

14. Contingent Liabilities

We are involved in various litigation matters in the ordinary course of business. At the present time, we do not believe any of these matters will have a significant impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  The aggregate amount we have accrued for losses we consider probable as a result of these litigation matters is immaterial. However, because of the inherent uncertainty of outcomes from any litigation matter, we believe it is reasonably possible we may incur losses in addition to the amounts we have accrued.  At this time, we estimate the maximum amount of additional losses that are reasonably possible is approximately $0.4 million.  However, because of a number of factors, including the fact that certain of these litigation matters are still in their early stages, this maximum amount may change in the future.

The litigation matters described in the preceding paragraph primarily include claims that have been brought against us for damages, but do not include litigation matters where we seek to collect amounts owed to us by third parties (such as litigation initiated to collect delinquent loans or vehicle service contract counterparty receivables). These excluded, collection-related matters may involve claims or counterclaims by the opposing party or parties, but we have excluded such matters from the disclosure contained in the preceding paragraph in all cases where we believe the possibility of us paying damages to any opposing party is remote. Risks associated with the likelihood that we will not collect the full amount owed to us, net of reserves, are disclosed elsewhere in this report.

Our Mepco segment conducts its payment plan business activities across the United States. Mepco acquires the payment plans from companies (which we refer to as Mepco’s “counterparties”) at a discount from the face amount of the payment plan. Each payment plan (which are classified as payment plan receivables in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition) permits a consumer to purchase a vehicle service contract by making installment payments, generally for a term of 12 to 24 months, to the sellers of those contracts (one of the “counterparties”). Mepco thereafter collects the payments from consumers. In acquiring the payment plan, Mepco generally funds a portion of the cost to the seller of the service contract and a portion of the cost to the administrator of the service contract. The administrator, in turn, pays the necessary contractual liability insurance policy (“CLIP”) premium to the insurer or risk retention group.
 
 
52


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Consumers are allowed to voluntarily cancel the service contract at any time and are generally entitled to receive a refund from the administrator of the unearned portion of the service contract at the time of cancellation. As a result, while Mepco does not owe any refund to the consumer, it also does not have any recourse against the consumer for nonpayment of a payment plan and therefore does not evaluate the creditworthiness of the individual consumer. If a consumer stops making payments on a payment plan or exercises the right to voluntarily cancel the service contract, the service contract seller and administrator are each obligated to refund to Mepco the amount necessary to make Mepco whole as a result of its funding of the service contract. In addition, the insurer or risk retention group that issued the CLIP for the service contract often guarantees all or a portion of the refund to Mepco. See Note #4 above for a breakdown of Mepco’s payment plan receivables by the level of recourse Mepco has against various counterparties.

Upon the cancellation of a service contract and the completion of the billing process to the counterparties for amounts due to Mepco, there is a decrease in the amount of “payment plan receivables” and an increase in the amount of “vehicle service contract counterparty receivables” until such time as the amount due from the counterparty is collected. These amounts represent funds actually due to Mepco from its counterparties for cancelled service contracts. At March 31, 2013, the aggregate amount of such obligations owing to Mepco by counterparties, net of write-downs and reserves made through the recognition of vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies expense, totaled $18.3 million. This compares to a balance of $18.4 million at December 31, 2012.  Mepco is currently in the process of working to recover these receivables, including through liquidation of collateral and litigation against counterparties.

In some cases, Mepco requires collateral or guaranties by the principals of the counterparties to secure these refund obligations; however, this is generally only the case when no rated insurance company is involved to guarantee the repayment obligation of the seller and administrator counterparties. In most cases, there is no collateral to secure the counterparties’ refund obligations to Mepco, but Mepco has the contractual right to offset unpaid refund obligations against amounts Mepco would otherwise be obligated to fund to the counterparties. In addition, even when collateral is involved, the refund obligations of these counterparties are not fully secured. Mepco incurs losses when it is unable to fully recover funds owing to it by counterparties upon cancellation of the underlying service contracts. The sudden failure of one of Mepco’s major counterparties (an insurance company, administrator, or seller/dealer) could expose us to significant losses.

When counterparties do not honor their contractual obligations to Mepco to repay advanced funds, we recognize estimated losses. Mepco pursues collection (including commencing legal action if necessary) of funds due to it under its various contracts with counterparties.  Mepco has had to initiate litigation against certain counterparties, including one of the third party insurers, to collect amounts owed to Mepco as a result of those parties' dispute of their contractual obligations to Mepco.  For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 non-interest expenses include $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of charges related to estimated losses for vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies.  These charges are being classified in non-interest expense because they are associated with a default or potential default of a contractual obligation under our counterparty contracts as opposed to loss on the administration of the payment plan itself.
 
 
53


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Our estimate of probable incurred losses from vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies requires a significant amount of judgment because a number of factors can influence the amount of loss that we may ultimately incur. These factors include our estimate of future cancellations of vehicle service contracts, our evaluation of collateral that may be available to recover funds due from our counterparties, and our assessment of the amount that may ultimately be collected from counterparties in connection with their contractual obligations.  We apply a rigorous process, based upon historical payment plan activity and past experience, to estimate probable incurred losses and quantify the necessary reserves for our vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies, but there can be no assurance that our modeling process will successfully identify all such losses.

We believe our assumptions regarding the collection of vehicle service contract counterparty receivables are reasonable, and we based them on our good faith judgments using data currently available. We also believe the current amount of reserves we have established and the vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies expense that we have recorded are appropriate given our estimate of probable incurred losses at the applicable Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition date. However, because of the uncertainty surrounding the numerous and complex assumptions made, actual losses could exceed the charges we have taken to date.

We have established a reserve (which totaled $2.0 million and $1.4 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively) for loss reimbursements on sold mortgage loans. This reserve is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. This reserve is based on an analysis of mortgage loans that we have sold which are further categorized by delinquency status, loan to value, and year of origination. The calculation includes factors such as probability of default, probability of loss reimbursement (breach of representation or warranty) and estimated loss severity. While we believe that the amounts we have accrued for incurred losses on sold loans are appropriate given these analyses, future losses could exceed our current estimate.

The provision for loss reimbursement on sold loans represents our estimate of incurred losses during the period related to mortgage loans that we have sold to investors (primarily Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). Since we sell mortgage loans without recourse, loss reimbursements only occur in those instances where we have breached a representation or warranty or other contractual requirement related to the loan sale. Historically, loss reimbursements on mortgage loans sold without recourse were very rare. In 2009, we had only one actual loss reimbursement (for $0.06 million). Prior to 2009, we had years in which we incurred no such loss reimbursements. However, our loss reimbursements increased to $0.2 million, $0.5 million and $1.2 million in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, as over the past two years Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, in particular, have been doing more reviews of mortgage loans where they have incurred or expect to incur a loss and have been more aggressive in pursuing loss reimbursements from the sellers of such mortgage loans. Such loss reimbursements for the first three months of 2013 were $0.1 million compared to $0.4 million during the same period in 2012.  Although we are successful in the vast majority of cases where file reviews are conducted on mortgage loans that we have sold to investors and actual loss reimbursements remain relatively modest, the levels of such file reviews and loss reimbursement requests have increased.
 
 
54

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

15.  Shareholders’ Equity

On April 2, 2010, we entered into an exchange agreement with the UST pursuant to which the UST agreed to exchange all 72,000 shares of our Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, with an original liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”), beneficially owned and held by the UST, plus accrued and unpaid dividends on such Series A Preferred Stock, for shares of our Series B Fixed Rate Cumulative Mandatorily Convertible Preferred Stock, with an original liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (“Series B Preferred Stock”). As part of the terms of the exchange agreement, we also agreed to amend and restate the terms of the warrant, dated December 12, 2008, issued to the UST to purchase 346,154 shares of our common stock.

On April 16, 2010, we closed the transactions described in the exchange agreement and we issued to the UST (1) 74,426 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock and (2) an Amended and Restated Warrant to purchase 346,154 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $7.234 per share and expiring on December 12, 2018 (the “Amended Warrant”) for all of the 72,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and the original warrant that had been issued to the UST in December 2008 pursuant to the TARP Capital Purchase Program, plus approximately $2.4 million in accrued dividends on such Series A Preferred Stock.
 
With the exception of being convertible into shares of our common stock, the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock are substantially similar to the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock that was exchanged. The Series B Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 regulatory capital and pays cumulative dividends quarterly at a rate of 5% per annum through February 14, 2014, and at a rate of 9% per annum thereafter. The Series B Preferred Stock is non-voting, other than class voting rights on certain matters that could adversely affect the Series B Preferred Stock. If dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock have not been paid for an aggregate of six quarterly dividend periods or more, whether consecutive or not, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock, voting together with holders of any then outstanding voting parity stock, have the right to elect two additional directors at our next annual meeting of shareholders or at a special meeting of shareholders called for that purpose. These directors would be elected annually and serve until all accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock have been paid. Beginning in December of 2009, we suspended payment of quarterly dividends. The cash dividends payable to the UST amount to approximately $4.3 million per year until December of 2013, at which time they would increase to approximately $7.8 million per year.  Because we have deferred dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock for at least six quarterly dividend periods, the UST currently has the right to elect two directors to our board. At this time, in lieu of electing such directors, the UST requested us to allow (and we have allowed) an observer to attend our Board of Directors meetings beginning in the third quarter of 2011. The UST continues to retain the right to elect two directors as described above.
 
 
55


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Under the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock, UST (and any subsequent holder of the Series B Preferred Stock) has the right to convert the Series B Preferred Stock into our common stock at any time. In addition, we have the right to compel a conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock into common stock, subject to the following conditions:

(i) we shall have received all appropriate approvals from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System;
(ii) we shall have issued our common stock in exchange for at least $40 million aggregate original liquidation amount of the trust preferred securities issued by the Company’s trust subsidiaries, IBC Capital Finance II, IBC Capital Finance III, IBC Capital Finance IV, and Midwest Guaranty Trust I;
(iii) we shall have closed one or more transactions (on terms reasonably acceptable to the UST, other than the price per share of common stock) in which investors, other than the UST, have collectively provided a minimum aggregate amount of $100 million in cash proceeds to us in exchange for our common stock; and
(iv) we shall have made the anti-dilution adjustments to the Series B Preferred Stock, if any, required by the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock.

If converted by the holder or by us pursuant to either of the above-described conversion rights, each share of Series B Preferred Stock (liquidation amount of $1,000 per share) will convert into a number of shares of our common stock equal to a fraction, the numerator of which is $750 and the denominator of which is $7.234, which was the market price of our common stock at the time the exchange agreement was signed (as such market price was determined pursuant to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock), referred to as the “conversion rate.” This conversion rate is subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments that may result in a greater number of shares being issued to the holder of the Series B Preferred Stock. If converted by the holder or by us pursuant to either of the above-described conversion rights, as of March 31, 2013, the Series B Preferred Stock and accrued and unpaid dividends would have been convertible into approximately 9.4 million shares of our common stock.

Unless earlier converted by the holder or by us as described above, the Series B Preferred Stock will convert into shares of our common stock on a mandatory basis on the seventh anniversary (April 16, 2017) of the issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock. In any such mandatory conversion, each share of Series B Preferred Stock (liquidation amount of $1,000 per share) will convert into a number of shares of our common stock equal to a fraction, the numerator of which is $1,000 and the denominator of which is the market price of our common stock at the time of such mandatory conversion (as such market price is determined pursuant to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock).
 
 
56


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued
(unaudited)

At the time any Series B Preferred Stock is converted into our common stock, we will be required to pay all accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock being converted in cash or, at our option, in shares of our common stock, in which case the number of shares to be issued will be equal to the amount of accrued and unpaid dividends to be paid in common stock divided by the market value of our common stock at the time of conversion (as such market price is determined pursuant to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock). Accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock totaled $11.8 million (approximately $158 per share of Series B Preferred Stock) and $10.7 million (approximately $144 per share of Series B Preferred Stock) at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  These amounts are recorded in Convertible Preferred Stock on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

The maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be issued upon conversion of all shares of the Series B Preferred Stock and any accrued dividends on Series B Preferred Stock is 14.4 million, unless we receive shareholder approval to issue a greater number of shares.

The Series B Preferred Stock may be redeemed by us, subject to the approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, at any time, in an amount up to the cash proceeds (minimum of approximately $18.6 million) from qualifying equity offerings of common stock (plus any net increase to our retained earnings after the original issue date).  If we exercise this right to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock the redemption price will be the greater of (a) the $1,000 liquidation amount per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends and (b) the product of the applicable Conversion Rate (as described above) and the average of the market prices per share of our common stock (as such market price is determined pursuant to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock) over a 20 trading day period beginning on the trading day immediately after we give notice of redemption to the holder (plus any accrued and unpaid dividends). In any redemption, we must redeem at least 25% of the number of Series B Preferred Stock shares originally issued to the UST, unless fewer of such shares are then outstanding (in which case all of the Series B Preferred Stock must be redeemed).  In addition to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock discussed above, the UST updated its Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”) as of March 1, 2012 to permit any CPP participant to repay its investment, in part, subject to a minimum repayment of the greater of (i) 5% of the aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred stock issued to the UST or (ii) $100,000.  Under this updated guidance, we could repay a minimum of approximately $3.7 million, subject to the approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in a partial redemption of the Series B Preferred Stock.
 
 
57


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

On July 7, 2010 we executed an Investment Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement with Dutchess Opportunity Fund, II, LP (“Dutchess”) for the sale of shares of our common stock. These agreements serve to establish an equity line facility as a contingent source of liquidity at the parent company level. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, Dutchess committed to purchase up to $15.0 million of our common stock over a 36-month period ending November 1, 2013. We have the right, but no obligation, to draw on this equity line facility from time to time during such 36-month period by selling shares of our common stock to Dutchess. The sales price is at a 5% discount to the market price of our common stock at the time of the draw (as such market price is determined pursuant to the terms of the Investment Agreement). Through March 31, 2013, we have sold a total of 1.40 million shares (0.17 million shares during the first quarter of 2013, 0.45 million shares during 2012, 0.43 million shares during 2011 and 0.35 million shares during 2010) of our common stock to Dutchess under this equity line for total net proceeds of approximately $4.2 million. At the present time, we have shareholder approval to sell approximately 2.6 million additional shares under this equity line. Based on our closing stock price on March 31, 2013, additional funds available under the Investment Agreement totaled approximately $10.8 million at March 31, 2013.

On November 15, 2011, we entered into a Tax Benefits Preservation Plan (the "Preservation Plan") with our stock transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company. Our Board of Directors adopted the Preservation Plan in an effort to protect the value to our shareholders of our ability to use deferred tax assets such as net operating loss carry forwards to reduce potential future federal income tax obligations. Under federal tax rules, this value could be lost in the event we experienced an "ownership change," as defined in Section 382 of the federal Internal Revenue Code. The Preservation Plan attempts to protect this value by reducing the likelihood that we will experience such an ownership change by discouraging any person who is not already a 5% shareholder from becoming a 5% shareholder (with certain limited exceptions).

On November 15, 2011, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of our common stock under the terms of the Preservation Plan. The dividend is payable to the holders of common stock outstanding as of the close of business on November 15, 2011 or outstanding at any time thereafter but before the earlier of a "Distribution Date" and the date the Preservation Plan terminates. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us 1/1000 of a share of our Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value per share ("Series C Preferred Stock"). Each 1/1000 of a share of Series C Preferred Stock has economic and voting terms similar to those of one whole share of common stock. The Rights are not exercisable and generally do not become exercisable until a person or group has acquired, subject to certain exceptions and conditions, beneficial ownership of 4.99% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock. At that time, each Right will generally entitle its holder to purchase securities of the Company at a discount of 50% to the current market price of the common stock. However, the Rights owned by the person acquiring beneficial ownership of 4.99% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock would automatically be void. The significant dilution that would result is expected to deter any person from acquiring beneficial ownership of 4.99% or more and thereby triggering the Rights.

To date, none of the Rights have been exercised or have become exercisable because no unpermitted 4.99% or more change in the beneficial ownership of the outstanding common stock has occurred. The Rights will generally expire on the earlier to occur of the close of business on November 15, 2016 and certain other events described in the Preservation Plan, including such date as our Board of Directors determines that the Preservation Plan is no longer necessary for its intended purposes.
 
 
58

 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

16.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

A summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL"), net of tax for the three months ended March 31 follows:

         
Dispropor-
                         
         
tionate
               
Dispropor-
       
   
Unrealized
   
Tax Effects
               
tionate
       
   
Losses on
   
from
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Tax Effects
       
   
Available
   
Securities
   
Losses on
   
Losses on
   
from Cash
       
   
for Sale
   
Available
   
Cash Flow
   
Settled
   
Flow
       
   
Securities
   
for Sale
   
Hedges
   
Derivatives
   
Hedges
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2013
                                   
Balances at beginning of period
  $ (516 )   $ (5,617 )   $ (739 )   $ -     $ (1,186 )   $ (8,058 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
    1,007       -       (3 )     -       -       1,004  
Amounts reclassified from
                                               
AOCL
    7       -       94       -       -       101  
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
    1,014       -       91       -       -       1,105  
Balances at end of period
  $ 498     $ (5,617 )   $ (648 )   $ -     $ (1,186 )   $ (6,953 )
                                                 
2012
                                               
Balances at beginning of period
  $ (3,579 )   $ (5,617 )   $ (1,103 )   $ (436 )   $ (1,186 )   $ (11,921 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
    (908 )     -       (51 )     -       -       (959 )
Amounts reclassified from
                                               
AOCL
    (515 )     -       185       145       -       (185 )
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
    (1,423 )     -       134       145       -       (1,144 )
Balances at end of period
  $ (5,002 )   $ (5,617 )   $ (969 )   $ (291 )   $ (1,186 )   $ (13,065 )

The disproportionate tax effects from securities available for sale and cash flow hedges arose due to tax effects of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) in the presence of a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets and a pretax loss from operations.  Generally, the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to operations is determined without regard to the tax effects of other categories of income or loss, such as OCI. However, an exception to the general rule is provided when, in the presence of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, there is a pretax loss from operations and pretax income from other categories in the current period.  In such instances, income from other categories must offset the current loss from operations, the tax benefit of such offset being reflected in operations.
 
 
59


NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

A summary of reclassifications out of each component of AOCL for the three months ended March 31 follows:

   
Amount
   
   
Reclassified
   
   
From
 
 Affected Line Item in Condensed
AOCL Component
 
AOCL
 
 Statements of Operations
   
(In thousands)
   
2013
       
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities
       
    $ (7 )
Net gains on securities
      -  
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings
      (7 )
Total reclassifications before tax
      -  
Tax expense
    $ (7 )
Reclassifications, net of tax
           
           
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges
         
    $ (94 )
Interest expense
      -  
Tax expense
    $ (94 )
Reclassification, net of tax
           
    $ (101 )
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax
           
2012
         
           
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities
         
    $ 692  
Net gains on securities
      (177 )
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings
      515  
Total reclassifications before tax
      -  
Tax expense
    $ 515  
Reclassifications, net of tax
           
           
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges
         
    $ (185 )
Interest expense
      -  
Tax expense
      (185 )
Reclassification, net of tax
           
           
Unrealized losses on settled derivatives
         
    $ (145 )
Interest expense
      -  
Tax expense
      (145 )
Reclassification, net of tax
           
    $ 185  
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax
 
 
60

 
ITEM 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following section presents additional information that may be necessary to assess our financial condition and results of operations.  This section should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this report as well as our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The Form 10-K includes a list of risk factors that you should consider in connection with any decision to buy or sell our securities.

Introduction. Our success depends to a great extent upon the economic conditions in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. We have in general experienced a difficult economy in Michigan since 2001, although economic conditions in the state began to show signs of improvement during 2010 and generally these improvements have continued into 2013, albeit at a slower pace, as evidenced, in part, by an overall decline in the unemployment rate. However, Michigan’s unemployment rate has been consistently above the national average.

We provide banking services to customers located primarily in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Our loan portfolio, the ability of the borrowers to repay these loans and the value of the collateral securing these loans has been and will be impacted by local economic conditions. The weaker economic conditions faced in Michigan have had and may continue to have adverse consequences as described below in “Portfolio Loans and asset quality.” However, since early- to mid-2009, we have generally seen an improvement in asset quality metrics.  In particular, since early 2012, we have experienced a decline in non-performing assets, reduced levels of new loan defaults and reduced levels of net loan charge-offs.  These factors have resulted in a more significant decline in the provision for loan losses over the past few quarters.  Additionally, housing prices and other related statistics (such as home sales and new building permits) have generally been improving.

On May 23, 2012 we executed a definitive agreement to sell 21 branches to another financial institution (the “Branch Sale”).  The branches sold included 6 branch locations in the Battle Creek, Michigan market area and 15 branch locations in Northeast Michigan.  The Branch Sale closed on December 7, 2012 and resulted in the transfer of approximately $403.1 million of deposits in exchange for our receipt of a deposit premium of approximately $11.5 million.  We also sold approximately $48.0 million of loans at a discount of 1.75% and premises and equipment totaling approximately $8.1 million.  The Branch Sale also resulted in our transfer of $336.1 million of cash to the purchaser.  We recorded a net gain on the Branch Sale of approximately $5.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. 

In July 2010, Congress passed and the President signed into law the “Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act” (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). The Dodd-Frank Act included the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with power to promulgate and enforce consumer protection laws; the creation of the Financial Stability Oversight Council chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury with authority to identify institutions and practices that might pose a systemic risk; provisions affecting corporate governance and executive compensation of all companies whose securities are registered with the SEC; a provision that broadened the base for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance assessments; a provision under which interchange fees for debit cards are set by the Federal Reserve under a restrictive “reasonable and proportional cost” per transaction standard; a provision that requires bank regulators to set minimum capital levels for bank holding companies that are as strong as those required for their insured depository subsidiaries, subject to a grandfather clause for financial institutions with less than $15 billion in assets as of December 31, 2009; and new restrictions on how mortgage brokers and loan originators may be compensated. Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act only apply to institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. The Dodd-Frank Act has had (and we expect it will continue to have) a significant impact on the banking industry, including our organization.
 
 
61


On June 4, 2012, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System issued Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPR”) – Enhancements to the Regulatory Capital Requirements (the “Proposed New Capital Requirements”).  These Proposed New Capital Requirements, if adopted as outlined in the NPR, would have a material impact on the banking industry, including our organization.  In general, the Proposed New Capital Requirements would significantly increase the need for Tier 1 common equity capital and substantially impact the calculation of risk-weighted assets.  See “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

It is against this backdrop that we discuss our results of operations and financial condition in the first quarter of 2013 as compared to 2012.

Results of Operations

Summary.  We recorded net income of $5.8 million and net income applicable to common stock of $4.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to net income of $3.5 million and net income applicable to common stock of $2.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012. The improvement in our results of operations is primarily due to decreases in the provision for loan losses and non-interest expenses that were partially offset by declines in net interest income and non-interest income.
 
Key performance ratios(a)
 
Three months
ended March 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
Net income (annualized) to
       
Average assets
    0.93 %     0.42 %
Average common shareholders’ equity
    34.76       42.29  
                 
Net income per common share
               
Basic
  $ 0.51     $ 0.29  
Diluted
    0.27       0.07  

(a) 
These amounts are calculated using net income applicable to common stock.

Net interest income. Net interest income is the most important source of our earnings and thus is critical in evaluating our results of operations. Changes in our net interest income are primarily influenced by our level of interest-earning assets and the income or yield that we earn on those assets and the manner and cost of funding our interest-earning assets. Certain macro-economic factors can also influence our net interest income such as the level and direction of interest rates, the difference between short-term and long-term interest rates (the steepness of the yield curve) and the general strength of the economies in which we are doing business. Finally, risk management plays an important role in our level of net interest income. The ineffective management of credit risk and interest-rate risk in particular can adversely impact our net interest income.
 
 
62


Net interest income totaled $19.6 million during the first quarter of 2013, which represents a $2.5 million or 11.5% decrease from the comparable quarter one year earlier.  The decrease in net interest income in 2013 compared to 2012 primarily reflects a $267.6 million decrease in average interest-earning assets that was partially offset by a seven basis point increase in our net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets (the “net interest margin”).  The decline in average interest-earning assets is a result of the Branch Sale.  The increase in the net interest margin is due primarily to a reduction in our cost of funds.

Interest rates have been at extremely low levels over the past three years due primarily to the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies and its efforts to stimulate the U.S. economy.  This very low interest rate environment has had (and is expected to continue to have) an adverse impact on our interest income and net interest income. 

Our net interest income is also adversely impacted by our level of non-accrual loans.  In the first quarter of 2013 non-accrual loans averaged $31.0 million compared to $56.2 million in the first quarter of 2012.  In addition, we had net recoveries of $0.11 million of accrued and unpaid interest on loans placed on or taken off non-accrual during the first quarter of 2013 compared to net reversals of $0.03 million during the first quarter of 2012.
 
 
63


Average Balances and Rates
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
Average
               
Average
             
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate(3)
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate(3)
 
Assets (1)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Taxable loans
  $ 1,436,527     $ 20,649       5.81 %   $ 1,582,444     $ 24,270       6.16 %
Tax-exempt loans (2)
    5,884       61       4.20       7,239       76       4.22  
Taxable securities
    199,876       670       1.36       184,798       658       1.43  
Tax-exempt securities (2)
    24,200       238       3.99       27,145       296       4.39  
Cash – interest bearing
    186,065       120       0.26       318,573       199       0.25  
Other investments
    20,838       212       4.13       20,828       197       3.80  
Interest Earning Assets
    1,873,390       21,950       4.73       2,141,027       25,696       4.82  
Cash and due from banks
    45,583                       56,080                  
Other assets, net
    142,300                       164,120                  
Total Assets
  $ 2,061,273                     $ 2,361,227                  
                                                 
Liabilities
                                               
Savings and interest-bearing checking
  $ 894,348       282       0.13     $ 1,053,896       472       0.18  
Time deposits
    423,713       1,247       1.19       576,967       1,952       1.36  
Other borrowings
    67,802       865       5.17       83,384       1,172       5.65  
Interest Bearing Liabilities
    1,385,863       2,394       0.70       1,714,247       3,596       0.84  
Non-interest bearing deposits
    493,952                       504,019                  
Other liabilities
    41,683                       39,252                  
Shareholders’ equity
    139,775                       103,709                  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 2,061,273                     $ 2,361,227                  
                                                 
Net Interest Income
          $ 19,556                     $ 22,100          
                                                 
Net Interest Income as a Percent of Average Interest Earning Assets
                    4.21 %                     4.14 %
 
(1)  
All domestic.
(2)  
Interest on tax-exempt loans and securities is not presented on a fully tax equivalent basis due to the current net operating loss carryforward position and the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
(3)  
Annualized.

Provision for loan losses.  The provision for loan losses was a credit of $0.7 million and an expense of $5.1 million in the first quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The provision reflects our assessment of the allowance for loan losses taking into consideration factors such as loan mix, levels of non-performing and classified loans and loan net charge-offs. While we use relevant information to recognize losses on loans, additional provisions for related losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, customer circumstances and other credit risk factors.  The significant decrease in the provision for loan losses in the first quarter of 2013 primarily reflects reduced levels of non-performing loans and new loan defaults, lower total loan balances and a decline in loan net charge-offs.  See “Portfolio Loans and asset quality” for a discussion of the various components of the allowance for loan losses and their impact on the provision for loan losses in the first quarter of 2013.
 
 
64


Non-interest income.  Non-interest income is a significant element in assessing our results of operations. We regard net gains on mortgage loans as a core recurring source of revenue but they are quite cyclical and thus can be volatile. We regard net gains (losses) on securities as a “non-operating” component of non-interest income.

Non-interest income totaled $11.1 million during the first three months of 2013 compared to $14.6 million in 2012.

Non-Interest Income

   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 3,406     $ 4,201  
Interchange income
    1,757       2,322  
Net gains (losses) on assets
               
Mortgage loans
    3,637       3,860  
Securities
    84       684  
Other than temporary loss on securities available for sale
               
Total impairment loss
    -       (177 )
Loss recognized in other comprehensive income
    -       -  
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings
    -       (177 )
Mortgage loan servicing
    622       736  
Investment and insurance commissions
    450       447  
Bank owned life insurance
    338       424  
Title insurance fees
    484       508  
Increase in fair value of U.S. Treasury warrant
    (1,045 )     (154 )
Other
    1,335       1,733  
Total non-interest income
  $ 11,068     $ 14,584  

Service charges on deposit accounts totaled $3.4 million in the first quarter of 2013, a $0.8 million, or 18.9%, decrease from the comparable period in 2012.  The decrease in such service charges in 2013 principally results from the Branch Sale.  In addition, even after considering the Branch Sale, we have experienced a decline in non-sufficient funds (“NSF”) occurrences and related NSF fees. We believe the decline in NSF occurrences is principally due to our customers managing their finances more closely in order to reduce NSF activity and avoid the associated fees.

Interchange income decreased by $0.6 million, or 24.3%, in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the year ago period.  The decline in interchange income primarily results from the Branch Sale.  As described earlier, the Dodd-Frank Act includes a provision under which interchange fees for debit cards are set by the FRB under a restrictive “reasonable and proportional cost” per transaction standard. On June 29, 2011 the FRB issued final rules (that were effective October 1, 2011) on interchange fees for debit cards. Overall, these final rules established price caps for debit card interchange fees that were approximately 50% lower than previous averages. However, debit card issuers with less than $10 billion in assets (like us) are exempt from this rule. On a long-term basis, it is not clear how competitive market factors may impact debit card issuers who are exempt from the rule.  However, we have been experiencing some reduction in interchange income due to certain transaction routing changes, particularly at large merchants.
 
 
65


Net gains on mortgage loans were $3.6 million and $3.9 million in the first quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively.   Mortgage loan sales totaled $130.5 million in the first quarter of 2013 compared to $112.1 million in the first quarter of 2012.  Mortgage loans originated totaled $128.7 million in the first quarter of 2013 compared to $112.8 million in the comparable quarter of 2012.

Mortgage Loan Activity

   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Mortgage loans originated
  $ 128,732     $ 112,798  
Mortgage loans sold
    130,456       112,141  
Mortgage loans sold with servicing rights released
    14,537       15,340  
Net gains on the sale of mortgage loans
    3,637       3,860  
Net gains as a percentage of mortgage loans sold (“Loan Sales Margin”)
    2.79 %     3.44 %
Fair value adjustments included in the Loan
               
Sales Margin
    (0.74 )     0.92  

The volume of loans sold is dependent upon our ability to originate mortgage loans as well as the demand for fixed-rate obligations and other loans that we choose to not put into portfolio because of our established interest-rate risk parameters. (See “Portfolio Loans and asset quality.”) Net gains on mortgage loans are also dependent upon economic and competitive factors as well as our ability to effectively manage exposure to changes in interest rates and thus can often be a volatile part of our overall revenues.

Net gains as a percentage of mortgage loans sold (our “Loan Sales Margin”) are impacted by several factors including competition and the manner in which the loan is sold (with servicing rights retained or released). Our decision to sell or retain mortgage loan servicing rights is primarily influenced by an evaluation of the price being paid for mortgage loan servicing by outside third parties compared to our calculation of the economic value of retaining such servicing. The sale of mortgage loan servicing rights may result in declines in mortgage loan servicing income in future periods. Net gains on mortgage loans are also impacted by recording fair value accounting adjustments. Excluding the aforementioned accounting adjustments, the Loan Sales Margin would have been 3.53% and 2.52% in the first quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in the Loan Sales Margin (excluding fair value adjustments) in 2013 was generally due to wider primary-to-secondary market pricing spreads.  The negative fair value accounting adjustments in the first quarter of 2013 are due to an expected lower Loan Sales Margin on future mortgage loan sales due to increased competition as well as a decline in the amount of commitments to originate mortgage loans for sale.

We recorded net securities gains of approximately $0.1 million and $0.7 million in the first quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The first quarter 2013 net securities gains are due to an increase in the fair value of our trading securities.  The first quarter 2012 net securities gains were due primarily to the sale of U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed investment securities.
 
 
66

 
We also recorded net impairment losses of zero and $0.2 million in the first quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively, for other than temporary impairment of securities available for sale. The 2012 net impairment losses related to private label residential mortgage-backed securities.  (See “Securities.”)

Mortgage loan servicing generated income of $0.6 million and $0.7 million in the first quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively.  This quarterly comparative variance is primarily due to changes in the valuation allowance on and the amortization of capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights. The period end valuation allowance is based on the valuation of the mortgage loan servicing portfolio. Activity related to capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights is as follows:


Capitalized Mortgage Loan Servicing Rights
     
   
Three months ended
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 11,013     $ 11,229  
Originated servicing rights capitalized
    1,029       924  
Amortization
    (1,210 )     (1,062 )
Decrease in valuation allowance
    758       704  
Balance at end of period
  $ 11,590     $ 11,795  
                 
Valuation allowance at end of period
  $ 5,329     $ 5,840  

At March 31, 2013 we were servicing approximately $1.75 billion in mortgage loans for others on which servicing rights have been capitalized. This servicing portfolio had a weighted average coupon rate of 4.69% and a weighted average service fee of approximately 25.4 basis points. Remaining capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights at March 31, 2013 totaled $11.6 million, representing approximately 66 basis points on the related amount of mortgage loans serviced for others. The capitalized mortgage loan servicing had an estimated fair market value of $12.1 million at March 31, 2013.

Investment and insurance commissions were relatively unchanged during the first quarter of 2013 as compared to the year ago period.

We earned $0.3 million and $0.4 million in the first quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively, on our separate account bank owned life insurance principally as a result of increases in cash surrender value. Our separate account is primarily invested in U.S. government sponsored agency residential mortgage-backed securities and managed by PIMCO. The crediting rate (on which the earnings are based) reflects the performance of the separate account. The total cash surrender value of our bank owned life insurance was $51.2 million and $50.9 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Title insurance fees totaled $0.5 million in both the first quarters of 2013 and 2012. The amount of title insurance fees is primarily a function of the level of mortgage loans that we originated.
 
 
67


Changes in the fair value of the amended warrant issued to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“UST”) in April 2010 have been recorded as a component of non-interest income. The fair value of this amended warrant is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  (See “Liquidity and capital resources.”) Two significant inputs in our valuation model for the amended warrant are our common stock price and the probability percentage of triggering anti-dilution provisions in this instrument related to certain equity transactions. The fair value of the amended warrant increased by $1.0 million and by $0.2 million in the first quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively, due primarily to a rise in our common stock price.  The fair value of the warrant was $1.5 million and $0.5 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

The provision in the amended warrant which caused it to be accounted for as a derivative and included in accrued expenses and other liabilities expired on April 16, 2013.  As a result, the amended warrant was reclassified into shareholders’ equity on that date at its then fair value (which was approximately equal to the fair value at March 31, 2013).

Other non-interest income totaled $1.3 million and $1.7 million during the first quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively.  This decrease is primarily due to declines in certain revenue categories (ATM fees, check charges, money order fees, and safe deposit box rental) as a result of the Branch Sale.

Non-interest expense. Non-interest expense is an important component of our results of operations. We strive to efficiently manage our cost structure and management is focused on a number of initiatives to reduce and contain non-interest expenses.

Non-interest expense totaled $25.5 million in the first quarter of 2013 compared to $28.0 million in the year ago period.  This decrease was primarily due to the Branch Sale.  The decrease was also due to declines in credit related costs (loan and collection expenses, net losses on ORE and repossessed assets and vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies).
 
 
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Non-Interest Expense
           
   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Compensation
  $ 8,205     $ 9,945  
Performance-based compensation
    1,062       85  
Payroll taxes and employee benefits
    2,040       2,452  
Compensation and employee benefits
    11,307       12,482  
Occupancy, net
    2,424       2,716  
Loan and collection
    2,226       2,890  
Data processing
    1,916       1,933  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    1,032       1,196  
Communications
    780       973  
Legal and professional fees
    692       897  
Provision for loss reimbursement on sold loans
    663       432  
Net losses on other real estate and repossessed assets
    652       987  
FDIC deposit insurance
    630       857  
Advertising
    570       556  
Interchange expense
    410       406  
Credit card and bank service fees
    334       651  
Supplies
    250       394  
Amortization of intangible assets
    203       272  
Vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies
    127       471  
Recoveries related to unfunded lending commitments
    (19 )     (47 )
Other
    1,276       (17 )
Total non-interest expense
  $ 25,473     $ 28,049  

Compensation and employee benefits expenses, in total, decreased by $1.2 million, or 9.4%, in the first quarter of 2013, primarily because of the Branch Sale and various branch closings/consolidations we completed in 2012.  Compensation expense decreased by $1.7 million, or 17.5%.  This decline is due primarily to a reduction of 226 average full-time equivalent employees (“FTE’s”), or 20.9%, during the first quarter of 2013 compared to the year ago quarter.  Approximately 50% of the FTE reduction was due to the Branch Sale, 40% was due to branch closings or consolidations during 2012 and 10% was due to other FTE reductions.  The impact of the FTE reductions was partially offset by merit raises in 2013.

Performance-based compensation increased by $1.0 million in 2013 due primarily to accruals for incentive compensation under our Management Incentive Compensation Plan and an anticipated contribution (based on 3% of qualified compensation) to our employee stock ownership plan.  Because we did not expect to make such payments in 2012, similar accruals were not made in the year ago period.

Payroll taxes and employee benefits decreased by $0.4 million, or 16.8%, in 2013 due primarily to declines in payroll taxes and medical and dental insurance costs principally resulting from the FTE reductions enumerated above.
 
 
69


Occupancy, net, furniture, fixtures and equipment, communications, FDIC deposit insurance and supplies expenses collectively declined by $1.0 million, or 16.6%, in 2013 due primarily to the Branch Sale and branch closings and consolidations that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Loan and collection expenses primarily reflect costs related to the management and collection of non-performing loans and other problem credits. These expenses (although still at an elevated level compared to historic norms) have further declined in 2013, which primarily reflects the overall decrease in the volume of problem credits (non-performing loans and “watch” credits). (See “Portfolio Loans and asset quality.”)

Data processing, advertising and interchange expenses were all relatively unchanged in the first quarter of 2013 as compared to the year ago quarter.  Reductions in data processing and interchange expenses related to the Branch Sale were offset by increased costs due to other factors [such as increased software amortization and system maintenance costs at Mepco Finance Corporation (“Mepco”)].

Legal and professional fees decreased $0.2 million, or 22.9%, in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the year earlier period due primarily to a decline in legal fees at Mepco related to counterparty litigation associated with collection matters as further described below.

The provision for loss reimbursement on sold loans represents our estimate of incurred losses related to mortgage loans that we have sold to investors (primarily Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). Since we sell mortgage loans without recourse, loss reimbursements only occur in those instances where we have breached a representation or warranty or other contractual requirement related to the loan sale. Historically, loss reimbursements on mortgage loans sold without recourse were very rare. In 2009, we had only one actual loss reimbursement (for $0.06 million). Prior to 2009, we had years in which we incurred no such loss reimbursements. However, our loss reimbursements increased to $0.2 million in 2010 and to $0.5 million and $1.2 million in 2011 and 2012, respectively, as over the past two years Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, in particular, have been doing more reviews of mortgage loans where they have incurred or expect to incur a loss and have been more aggressive in pursuing loss reimbursements from the sellers of such mortgage loans.  Actual loss reimbursements in the first quarter of 2013 totaled $0.1 million. Although we are successful in the vast majority of cases where file reviews are conducted on mortgage loans that we have sold to investors and actual loss reimbursements remain relatively modest, the levels of such file reviews and loss reimbursement requests have increased. As a result, we have established a reserve (which totaled $2.0 million and $1.4 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively) for loss reimbursements on sold mortgage loans. This reserve is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. This reserve is based on an analysis of mortgage loans that we have sold which are further categorized by delinquency status, loan to value, and year of origination. The calculation includes factors such as probability of default, probability of loss reimbursement (breach of representation or warranty) and estimated loss severity. While we believe that the amounts we have accrued for incurred losses on sold loans are appropriate given these analyses, future losses could exceed our current estimate.

Net losses on ORE and repossessed assets primarily represent the loss on the sale or additional write downs on these assets subsequent to the transfer of the asset from our loan portfolio. This transfer occurs at the time we acquire the collateral that secured the loan. At the time of acquisition, the other real estate or repossessed asset is valued at fair value, less estimated costs to sell, which becomes the new basis for the asset. Any write-downs at the time of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses.  The reduced net loss in 2013 primarily reflects some stability in real estate prices during the last twelve months, with some markets even experiencing modest price increases. However, foreclosed properties generally continue to have somewhat distressed valuations.
 
 
70


Credit card and bank service fees decreased primarily due to a decline in the number of payment plans being serviced by Mepco in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012.

The amortization of intangible assets primarily relates to branch acquisitions and the amortization of the deposit customer relationship value, including core deposit value, which was acquired in connection with those acquisitions. We had remaining unamortized intangible assets of $3.8 million and $4.0 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. See Note #8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a schedule of future amortization of intangible assets.  The decline in the amortization of intangible assets in the first quarter of 2013 as compared to the year-ago period is due to a reduction in the total amount of intangible assets, which were reduced by $2.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 due to the Branch Sale.

We record estimated incurred losses associated with Mepco’s vehicle service contract payment plan receivables in our provision for loan losses and establish a related allowance for loan losses. (See “Portfolio Loans and asset quality.”) We record estimated incurred losses associated with defaults by Mepco’s counterparties as “vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies expense,” which is included in non-interest expenses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Such expenses totaled $0.1 million and $0.5 million in the first quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The lower expense is attributed to a decline in the actual and expected level of cancellations giving rise to potential amounts due from counterparties.

Our estimate of probable incurred losses from vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies requires a significant amount of judgment because a number of factors can influence the amount of loss that we may ultimately incur. These factors include our estimate of future cancellations of vehicle service contracts, our evaluation of collateral that may be available to recover funds due from our counterparties, and our assessment of the amount that may ultimately be collected from counterparties in connection with their contractual obligations. We apply a rigorous process, based upon historical payment plan activity and past experience, to estimate probable incurred losses and quantify the necessary reserves for our vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies, but there can be no assurance that our modeling process will successfully identify all such losses.

In particular, as noted in our Risk Factors included in Part I - Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, Mepco has had to initiate litigation against certain counterparties, including one of the respective third party insurers, to collect amounts owed to Mepco as a result of those parties' dispute of their contractual obligations to Mepco.  In addition, see Note #14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report for more information about Mepco's business, certain risks and difficulties we currently face with respect to that business, and reserves we have established (through vehicle service contract counterparty contingencies expense) for losses related to the business.

The changes in recoveries related to unfunded lending commitments are primarily impacted by changes in the amounts of such commitments to originate portfolio loans as well as (for commercial loan commitments) the grade (pursuant to our loan rating system) of such commitments.
 
 
71


Other non-interest expenses increased by $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2013 compared to 2012. The first quarter of 2012 included the reversal of a $1.4 million previously established accrual at Mepco that was determined to no longer be necessary.

Income tax expense.  As a result of being in a net operating loss carryforward position, we have established a deferred tax asset valuation allowance against all of our net deferred tax assets.  Accordingly, the income tax expense related to any income before income tax is largely being offset by changes in the deferred tax valuation allowance.  The small amount of income tax expense in the first quarter of 2013 is for alternative minimum tax.  See Note #10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Certain capital initiatives (such as a large issuance of common equity) could trigger an ownership change that would negatively affect our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets in the future. If such an ownership change were to occur, we may suffer higher-than-anticipated tax expense, and consequently lower net income and cash flow, in those future years. As of March 31, 2013, we had federal loss carryforwards of approximately $110.8 million (which includes $0.3 million of federal capital loss carryforwards). Companies are subject to a change of ownership test under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), that, if met, would limit the annual utilization of tax losses and credits carrying forward from pre-change of ownership periods, as well as the ability to use certain unrealized built-in losses. Generally, under Section 382, the yearly limitation on our ability to utilize such deductions will be equal to the product of the applicable long-term tax exempt rate (presently 2.66%) and the sum of the values of our common shares and of our outstanding preferred stock, immediately before the ownership change. In addition to limits on the use of net operating loss carryforwards, our ability to utilize deductions related to bad debts and other losses for up to a five-year period following such an ownership change would also be limited under Section 382, to the extent that such deductions reflect a net loss that was “built-in” to our assets immediately prior to the ownership change. We intend to limit the size of any future equity offering in order to avoid triggering these Section 382 limitations.

We assess whether a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets is necessary each quarter.  Reversing or reducing the existing valuation allowance, which totaled $62.5 million at March 31, 2013, requires us to conclude that the realization of the deferred tax assets is  “more likely than not.”  The ultimate realization of this asset is primarily based on our generating future income.  As we continue to assess whether the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets is necessary in the future, we will focus on demonstrating a return to sustainable profitability through the following primary criteria:

 
· 
Achieving at least six consecutive quarters of profitability (we have already achieved five consecutive quarters);
 
· 
A forecast of future profitability that supports that the realization of the deferred tax assets is more likely than not; and
 
· 
A forecast that future asset quality continues to be stable to improving and that other factors do not exist that could cause a significant adverse impact on future profitability.

Our actual federal income tax expense is different than the amount computed by applying our statutory federal income tax rate to our pre-tax income primarily due to tax-exempt interest income, tax-exempt income from the increase in the cash surrender value on life insurance and the increase in the fair value of the amended warrant issued to the UST, as well as the impact of the change in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
 
 
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Business Segments.  Our reportable segments are based upon legal entities.  We currently have two reportable segments:  Independent Bank and Mepco.  These business segments are also differentiated based on the products and services provided.  We evaluate performance based principally on net income (loss) of the respective reportable segments.

The following table presents net income (loss) by business segment.
 
Business Segments
   
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
     
2013
     
2012
 
(In thousands)
               
Independent Bank
  $ 7,064     $ 3,542  
Mepco
    543       1,027  
Other(1)
    (1,776 )     (1,041 )
Elimination
    (24 )     (24 )
  Net income
  $ 5,807     $ 3,504  

(1)
Includes amounts relating to our parent company and certain insignificant operations.

The improvement in the results of operations of Independent Bank in 2013 compared to 2012 is primarily due to a lower provision for loan losses and a decrease in non-interest expenses that were partially offset by a decline in net interest income and non-interest income.  (See “Provision for loan losses,” “Portfolio Loans and asset quality,” “Net interest income,” “Non-interest income,” and “Non-interest expense.”)

The change in Mepco’s results (net income of $0.5 million and $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively) is primarily due to an increase in non-interest expenses as well as a decrease in net interest income that is due principally to a decline in payment plan receivables (see “Net interest income” and “Non-interest expense”).  All of Mepco’s funding is provided by Independent Bank through an intercompany loan (that is eliminated in consolidation).  The rate on this intercompany loan is based on the Prime Rate (currently 3.25%). Mepco might not be able to obtain such favorable funding costs on its own in the open market.

The change in other in the table above (increased loss of $0.7 million in 2013 as compared to 2012) is due primarily to the change in the fair value of the amended warrant issued to the UST in each respective quarterly period (see “Non-interest income”).
 
 
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Financial Condition

Summary.  Our total assets increased by $81.5 million during the first three months of 2013 due primarily to increases in cash and cash equivalents and securities available for sale that were partially offset by a decline in loans.  Loans, excluding loans held for sale ("Portfolio Loans"), totaled $1.391 billion at March 31, 2013, down 2.0% from $1.419 billion at December 31, 2012.  (See "Portfolio Loans and asset quality.")

Deposits totaled $1.851 billion at March 31, 2013, compared to $1.780 billion at December 31, 2012.  The $71.3 million increase in total deposits during the period is primarily due to growth in checking and savings account balances.  Other borrowings totaled $17.6 million at March 31, 2013, essentially unchanged from December 31, 2012.

Accrued expenses and other liabilities totaled $36.2 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $33.8 million at December 31, 2012.  The increase is primarily attributed to certain securities available for sale that were purchased during the first quarter but not settled until the second quarter.  The security purchases were recorded in securities available for sale as of the first quarter trade date with the corresponding liability recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities.  In addition, the fair value of the amended warrant increased by $1.0 million during the first quarter of 2013. (See “Non-interest income.”)

Securities.  We maintain diversified securities portfolios, which include obligations of U.S. government-sponsored agencies, securities issued by states and political subdivisions, residential mortgage-backed securities and trust preferred securities. We regularly evaluate asset/liability management needs and attempt to maintain a portfolio structure that provides sufficient liquidity and cash flow. Except as discussed below, we believe that the unrealized losses on securities available for sale are temporary in nature and are expected to be recovered within a reasonable time period. We believe that we have the ability to hold securities with unrealized losses to maturity or until such time as the unrealized losses reverse. (See “Asset/liability management.”)

Securities
 
         
Unrealized
       
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Securities available for sale
                       
March 31, 2013
  $ 283,436     $ 2,365     $ 1,867     $ 283,934  
December 31, 2012
    208,929       2,070       2,586       208,413  
 
Securities available for sale increased during the first quarter of 2013 due primarily to the purchase of U.S. government-sponsored agency residential mortgage-backed securities and municipal securities. The securities were purchased to utilize some of the funds generated from the decline in Portfolio Loans as well as from the increase in total deposits. (See “Deposits” and “Liquidity and capital resources.”)

Our portfolio of available-for-sale securities is reviewed quarterly for impairment in value. In performing this review, management considers (1) the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (3) the impact of changes in market interest rates on the market value of the security and (4) an assessment of whether we intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. For securities that do not meet these recovery criteria, the amount of impairment recognized in earnings is limited to the amount related to credit losses, while impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income or loss.
 
 
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We recorded net other than temporary impairment charges on securities of zero and $0.2 million in the first quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively. In the first quarter of 2012, we believed that the decline in value was directly due to matters other than changes in interest rates, was not expected to be recovered within a reasonable timeframe based upon available information and was therefore other than temporary in nature.  The net other than temporary impairment charge in the first quarter of 2012 was all related to private label residential mortgage-backed securities.  (See “Non-interest income” and “Asset/liability management.”)

Sales of securities were as follows (See “Non-interest income.”):
 
   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands)
 
       
Proceeds
  $ 1,800     $ 9,206  
Gross gains
  $ -     $ 692  
Gross losses
    (7 )     -  
Net impairment charges
    -       (177 )
Fair value adjustments
    91       (8 )
Net gains
  $ 84     $ 507  

Portfolio Loans and asset quality.  In addition to the communities served by our Bank branch network, our principal lending markets also include nearby communities and metropolitan areas. Subject to established underwriting criteria, we also historically participated in commercial lending transactions with certain non-affiliated banks and also purchased mortgage loans from third-party originators. We have not engaged in any new commercial loan participations with non-affiliated banks or purchased any mortgage loans from third party originators over the past several years, although we may consider new commercial loan participations in 2013.

The senior management and board of directors of our Bank retain authority and responsibility for credit decisions and we have adopted uniform underwriting standards. Our loan committee structure and the loan review process attempt to provide requisite controls and promote compliance with such established underwriting standards. However, there can be no assurance that our lending procedures and the use of uniform underwriting standards will prevent us from the possibility of incurring significant credit losses in our lending activities.

We generally retain loans that may be profitably funded within established risk parameters. (See “Asset/liability management.”) As a result, we may hold adjustable-rate mortgage loans as Portfolio Loans, while 15- and 30-year, fixed-rate obligations are generally sold to mitigate exposure to changes in interest rates. (See “Non-interest income.”)
 
 
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Non-performing assets(1)
           
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Non-accrual loans
  $ 27,821     $ 32,929  
                 
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest
    59       7  
Total non-performing loans
    27,880       32,936  
Other real estate and repossessed assets
    23,639       26,133  
Total non-performing assets
  $ 51,519     $ 59,069  
As a percent of Portfolio Loans
               
Non-performing loans
    2.00 %     2.32
Allowance for loan losses
    2.93       3.12  
Non-performing assets to total assets
    2.45       2.92  
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of non-performing loans
    146.22       134.43  

 
(1)
Excludes loans classified as “troubled debt restructured” that are not past due and vehicle service contract counterparty receivables, net.
 
Troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”)
 
   
March 31, 2013
 
   
Commercial
   
Retail
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Performing TDR’s
  $ 44,626     $ 83,985     $ 128,611  
Non-performing TDR’s (1)
    6,349       8,499 (2)     14,848  
Total
  $ 50,975     $ 92,484     $ 143,459  

    December 31, 2012  
    Commercial  
Retail
 
Total
 
      (In thousands)  
Performing TDR’s
  $ 40,753     $ 85,977     $ 126,730  
Non-performing TDR’s (1)
    7,756       9,177 (2)     16,933  
Total
  $ 48,509     $ 95,154     $ 143,663  
 
 
(1)
Included in the “Non-performing assets” table above.
 
(2)
Also includes loans on non-accrual at the time of modification until six payments are received on a timely basis.
 
Non-performing loans declined by $5.1 million, or 15.4%, during the first quarter of 2013 due principally to declines in non-performing commercial loans and residential mortgage loans. These declines primarily reflect reduced levels of new defaults on loans as well as loan net charge-offs, pay-offs, negotiated transactions, and the migration of loans into ORE. Non-performing commercial loans relate largely to delinquencies caused by cash-flow difficulties encountered by owners of income-producing properties (due to higher vacancy rates and/or lower rental rates). Non-performing residential mortgage loans are primarily due to delinquencies reflecting both still challenging economic conditions and somewhat soft real estate values in parts of Michigan and in certain markets where we have mortgage loans secured by resort properties (see Note #4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). Non-performing loans exclude performing loans that are classified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). Performing TDRs totaled $128.6 million, or 9.2% of total Portfolio Loans, and $126.7 million, or 8.9% of total Portfolio Loans, at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The increase in the amount of performing TDRs in the first quarter of 2013 primarily reflects an increase in commercial loan TDR’s.
 
 
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ORE and repossessed assets totaled $23.6 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $26.1 million at December 31, 2012. This decrease is primarily the result of sales and write-downs of ORE being in excess of the migration of non-performing loans secured by real estate into ORE as the foreclosure process is completed and any redemption period expires.

We will place a loan that is 90 days or more past due on non-accrual, unless we believe the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. Accordingly, we have determined that the collection of the accrued and unpaid interest on any loans that are 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest is probable.

The ratio of loan net charge-offs to average Portfolio Loans was 0.82% on an annualized basis in the first quarter of 2013 compared to 2.07% in the first quarter of 2012.  The $5.2 million decline in loan net charge-offs primarily reflects a decrease of $2.2 million for commercial loans and $2.7 million for mortgage loans. These decreases in loan net charge-offs primarily reflect reduced levels of non-performing loans and some stabilization in collateral liquidation values.

Allowance for loan losses
 
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
         
Unfunded
         
Unfunded
 
   
Loans
   
Commitments
   
Loans
   
Commitments
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 44,275     $ 598     $ 58,884     $ 1,286  
Additions (deduction)
                               
Provision for loan losses
    (691 )     -       5,131       -  
Recoveries credited to allowance
    1,451       -       1,880       -  
Loans charged against the allowance
    (4,270 )     -       (9,889 )     -  
                                 
Additions (deductions) included in non-interest expense
    -       (19 )     -       (47 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 40,765     $ 579     $ 56,006     $ 1,239  
                                 
Net loans charged against the allowance to average Portfolio Loans (annualized)
    0.82 %             2.07 %        

 
77

 
Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses
           
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Specific allocations
  $ 19,800     $ 21,009  
Other adversely rated commercial loans
    1,969       2,419  
Historical loss allocations
    11,743       12,943  
Additional allocations based on subjective factors
    7,253       7,904  
Total
  $ 40,765     $ 44,275  

Some loans will not be repaid in full. Therefore, an allowance for loan losses (“AFLL”) is maintained at a level which represents our best estimate of losses incurred. In determining the AFLL and the related provision for loan losses, we consider four principal elements: (i) specific allocations based upon probable losses identified during the review of the loan portfolio, (ii) allocations established for other adversely rated commercial loans, (iii) allocations based principally on historical loan loss experience, and (iv) additional allowances based on subjective factors, including local and general economic business factors and trends, portfolio concentrations and changes in the size and/or the general terms of the loan portfolios.

The first AFLL element (specific allocations) reflects our estimate of probable incurred losses based upon our systematic review of specific loans. These estimates are based upon a number of factors, such as payment history, financial condition of the borrower, discounted collateral exposure and discounted cash flow analysis. Impaired commercial, mortgage and installment loans are allocated allowance amounts using this first element. The second AFLL element (other adversely rated commercial loans) reflects the application of our commercial loan rating system. This rating system is similar to those employed by state and federal banking regulators. Commercial loans that are rated below a certain predetermined classification are assigned a loss allocation factor for each loan classification category that is based upon a historical analysis of both the probability of default and the expected loss rate (“loss given default”). The lower the rating assigned to a loan or category, the greater the allocation percentage that is applied. The third AFLL element (historical loss allocations) is determined by assigning allocations to higher rated (“non-watch credit”) commercial loans using a probability of default and loss given default similar to the second AFLL element and to homogenous mortgage and installment loan groups based upon borrower credit score and portfolio segment.  For homogenous mortgage and installment loans a probability of default for each homogenous pool is calculated by way of credit score migration.  Historical loss data for each homogenous pool coupled with the associated probability of default is utilized to calculate an expected loss allocation rate.  The fourth AFLL element (additional allocations based on subjective factors) is based on factors that cannot be associated with a specific credit or loan category and reflects our attempt to ensure that the overall allowance for loan losses appropriately reflects a margin for the imprecision necessarily inherent in the estimates of expected credit losses. We consider a number of subjective factors when determining this fourth element, including local and general economic business factors and trends, portfolio concentrations and changes in the size, mix and the general terms of the overall loan portfolio.

Increases in the AFLL are recorded by a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Although we periodically allocate portions of the AFLL to specific loans and loan portfolios, the entire AFLL is available for incurred losses. We generally charge-off commercial, homogenous residential mortgage, and installment loans and payment plan receivables when they are deemed uncollectible or reach a predetermined number of days past due based on product, industry practice and other factors. Collection efforts may continue and recoveries may occur after a loan is charged against the allowance.
 
 
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While we use relevant information to recognize losses on loans, additional provisions for related losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, customer circumstances and other credit risk factors.

Mepco’s allowance for losses is determined in a similar manner as discussed above, and primarily takes into account historical loss experience and other subjective factors deemed relevant to Mepco’s payment plan business. Estimated incurred losses associated with Mepco’s outstanding vehicle service contract payment plans are included in the provision for loan losses. Mepco recorded a $0.004 million credit and a $0.03 million expense in the first quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively, for its provision for loan losses.  Mepco’s allowance for loan losses totaled $0.1 million and $0.2 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Mepco has established procedures for vehicle service contract payment plan servicing, administration and collections, including the timely cancellation of the vehicle service contract, in order to protect our position in the event of payment default or voluntary cancellation by the customer. Mepco has also established procedures to attempt to prevent and detect fraud since the payment plan origination activities and initial customer contacts are done entirely through unrelated third parties (vehicle service contract administrators and sellers or automobile dealerships). However, there can be no assurance that the aforementioned risk management policies and procedures will prevent us from the possibility of incurring significant credit or fraud related losses in this business segment. The estimated incurred losses described in this paragraph should be distinguished from the possible losses we may incur from counterparties failing to pay their obligations to Mepco.  See Note #14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report.

The allowance for loan losses decreased $3.5 million to $40.8 million at March 31, 2013 from $44.3 million at December 31, 2012 and was equal to 2.93% of total Portfolio Loans at March 31, 2013 compared to 3.12% at December 31, 2012. All four components of the allowance for loan losses outlined above declined in the first quarter of 2013. The allowance for loan losses related to specific loans decreased $1.2 million in 2013 due primarily to a decline in the balance of individually impaired loans as well as charge-offs. The allowance for loan losses related to other adversely rated commercial loans decreased $0.5 million in 2013 primarily due to a decrease in the balance of such loans included in this component to $47.5 million at March 31, 2013 from $52.8 million at December 31, 2012. The allowance for loan losses related to historical losses decreased $1.2 million during 2013 due principally to the use of a lower estimated probability of default for homogenous mortgage and installment loans (resulting from lower loan net charge-offs and reduced levels of new defaults on loans) as well as due to a decline in the loan balances included in this component of the allowance calculation. The allowance for loan losses related to subjective factors decreased $0.7 million during 2013 primarily due to the improvement of various economic indicators used in computing this portion of the allowance as well as the overall reduction in total Portfolio Loans.
 
Deposits and borrowings.  Historically, the loyalty of our customer base has allowed us to price deposits competitively, contributing to a net interest margin that compares favorably to our peers. However, we still face a significant amount of competition for deposits within many of the markets served by our branch network, which limits our ability to materially increase deposits without adversely impacting the weighted-average cost of core deposits.
 
 
79


To attract new core deposits, we have implemented a direct mail account acquisition program as well as branch staff sales training. Our new account acquisition initiatives have historically generated increases in customer relationships. Over the past three to four years we have also expanded our treasury management products and services for commercial businesses and municipalities or other governmental units and have also increased our sales calling efforts in order to attract additional deposit relationships from these sectors. We view long-term core deposit growth as an important objective. Core deposits generally provide a more stable and lower cost source of funds than alternative sources such as short-term borrowings. (See “Liquidity and capital resources.”)

Deposits totaled $1.85 billion and $1.78 billion at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  The $71.3 million increase in deposits in 2013 is primarily due to growth in checking and savings account balances.  Some of this growth is seasonal in nature, particularly with respect to deposit balances held by municipalities.  Reciprocal deposits totaled $45.9 million and $33.2 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  These deposits represent demand, money market and time deposits from our customers that have been placed through Promontory Interfinancial Network’s Insured Cash Sweep® service and Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service®.  These services allow our customers to access multi-million dollar FDIC deposit insurance on deposit balances greater than the standard FDIC insurance maximum.  With the expiration of the Transaction Account Guarantee Program (“TAGP”) on December 31, 2012, we have experienced an increase in reciprocal deposits during 2013.

We cannot be sure that we will be able to maintain our current level of core deposits. In particular, those deposits that are uninsured may be particularly susceptible to outflow. At March 31, 2013 we had approximately $302.4 million of uninsured deposits. A reduction in core deposits would likely increase our need to rely on wholesale funding sources.

During the fourth quarter of 2009 we prepaid our estimated quarterly deposit insurance premium assessments to the FDIC for periods through the fourth quarter of 2012. These estimated quarterly deposit insurance premium assessments were based on projected deposit balances over the assessment periods. The prepaid deposit insurance premium assessments totaled $8.9 million and $9.4 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The actual expense over the assessment periods was significantly lower than this prepaid amount due to various factors including variances in the estimated compared to the actual assessment base and rates used during each assessment period.  We expect to receive a return of the overpayment of our prepaid assessment from the FDIC during the second quarter of 2013.

We have also implemented strategies that incorporate using federal funds purchased, other borrowings and Brokered CDs to fund a portion of our interest-earning assets. The use of such alternate sources of funds supplements our core deposits and is also an integral part of our asset/liability management efforts.
 
 
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Alternative Sources of Funds

       
March 31,
       
December 31,
 
    2013     2012  
       
Average
           
Average
     
   
Amount
 
Maturity
 
Rate
   
Amount
 
Maturity
 
Rate
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Brokered CDs(1)
  $ 14,594  
0.5 years
    1.73 %   $ 14,591  
0.6 years
    1.70 %
Fixed-rate FHLB advances
    17,622  
4.3 years
    6.38       17,622  
4.5 years
    6.38  
Total
  $ 32,216  
2.6 years
    4.28 %   $ 32,213  
2.7 years
    4.26 %
 
 
(1) 
Certain of these items have had their average maturity and rate altered through the use of derivative instruments, such as pay-fixed interest-rate swaps.

Other borrowings, comprised almost entirely of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”), totaled $17.6 million at both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

As described above, we utilize wholesale funding, including FHLB borrowings and Brokered CDs to augment our core deposits and fund a portion of our assets. At March 31, 2013, our use of such wholesale funding sources (including reciprocal deposits) amounted to approximately $78.1 million, or 4.2% of total funding (deposits and total borrowings, excluding subordinated debentures). Because wholesale funding sources are affected by general market conditions, the availability of such funding may be dependent on the confidence these sources have in our financial condition and operations. The continued availability to us of these funding sources is not certain, and Brokered CDs may be difficult for us to retain or replace at attractive rates as they mature. Our liquidity may be constrained if we are unable to renew our wholesale funding sources or if adequate financing is not available in the future at acceptable rates of interest or at all.

Our financial performance could also be affected if we are unable to maintain our access to funding sources or if we are required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding sources. In such case, our net interest income and results of operations could be adversely affected.

We historically employed derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. We discontinued the active use of derivative financial instruments during 2008, in part because we could no longer get unsecured credit from our derivatives counterparties. At March 31, 2013, we had remaining interest-rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $10.0 million.

Liquidity and capital resources. Liquidity risk is the risk of being unable to timely meet obligations as they come due at a reasonable funding cost or without incurring unacceptable losses. Our liquidity management involves the measurement and monitoring of a variety of sources and uses of funds. Our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows categorize these sources and uses into operating, investing and financing activities. We primarily focus our liquidity management on maintaining adequate levels of liquid assets (primarily funds on deposit with the FRB and certain investment securities) as well as developing access to a variety of borrowing sources to supplement our deposit gathering activities and provide funds for purchasing investment securities or originating Portfolio Loans as well as to be able to respond to unforeseen liquidity needs.
 
 
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Our primary sources of funds include our deposit base, secured advances from the FHLB, a federal funds purchased borrowing facility with another commercial bank, and access to the capital markets (for Brokered CDs).

At March 31, 2013 we had $277.1 million of time deposits that mature in the next twelve months. Historically, a majority of these maturing time deposits are renewed by our customers. Additionally, $1.43 billion of our deposits at March 31, 2013 were in account types from which the customer could withdraw the funds on demand. Changes in the balances of deposits that can be withdrawn upon demand are usually predictable and the total balances of these accounts have generally grown (excluding the Branch Sale) or have been stable over time as a result of our marketing and promotional activities. However, there can be no assurance that historical patterns of renewing time deposits or overall growth or stability in deposits will continue in the future.

We have developed contingency funding plans that stress test our liquidity needs that may arise from certain events such as an adverse change in our financial metrics (for example, credit quality or regulatory capital ratios). Our liquidity management also includes periodic monitoring that measures quick assets (defined generally as short-term assets with maturities less than 30 days and loans held for sale) to total assets, short-term liability dependence and basic surplus (defined as quick assets compared to short-term liabilities). Policy limits have been established for our various liquidity measurements and are monitored on a monthly basis. In addition, we also prepare cash flow forecasts that include a variety of different scenarios.

We believe that we currently have adequate liquidity because of our cash and cash equivalents, our portfolio of securities available for sale, our access to secured advances from the FHLB, our ability to issue Brokered CDs and our improved financial metrics.

As described in greater detail below, we are deferring interest on our subordinated debentures and are not currently paying any dividends on our preferred or common stock. Interest on the subordinated debentures can continue to be deferred until the fourth quarter of 2014. Thus, the only use of cash at the parent company at the present time is for operating expenses. Because the Bank currently has negative “undivided profits” (i.e. a retained deficit) of $114.9 million at March 31, 2013, under Michigan banking regulations the Bank is not currently permitted to pay a dividend.  We can request regulatory approval for a return of capital from the Bank to the parent company.  However, such regulatory approval is uncertain. As a result, the only substantial near term source of cash to our parent company is under an equity line facility that is described below. We believe that the available cash on hand of approximately $5.6 million at the parent company as of March 31, 2013, as well as access to the equity line facility provide sufficient liquidity at the parent company to meet its operating expenses until the fourth quarter of 2014 (at which point the parent company can no longer defer interest on its subordinated debentures).  Either through a return of capital from the Bank or through raising additional capital at the parent company (or a combination of both) we intend to have sufficient cash at the parent company to bring the interest current on the subordinated debentures by the fourth quarter of 2014.  However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in these efforts.

Effective management of capital resources is critical to our mission to create value for our shareholders. Our capital structure currently includes cumulative trust preferred securities and cumulative convertible preferred stock.
 
 
82

 
Capitalization
           
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Subordinated debentures
  $ 50,175     $ 50,175  
Amount not qualifying as regulatory capital
    (1,507 )     (1,507 )
Amount qualifying as regulatory capital
    48,668       48,668  
Shareholders’ equity
               
Preferred stock
    85,299       84,204  
Common stock
    253,437       251,237  
Accumulated deficit
    (187,698 )     (192,408 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (6,953 )     (8,058 )
Total shareholders’ equity
    144,085       134,975  
Total capitalization
  $ 192,753     $ 183,643  

We have four special purpose entities that originally issued $90.1 million of cumulative trust preferred securities. On June 23, 2010, we issued 5.1 million shares of our common stock (having a fair value of approximately $23.5 million on the date of the exchange) in exchange for $41.4 million in liquidation amount of trust preferred securities and $2.3 million of accrued and unpaid interest on such securities. As a result, at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $48.7 million of cumulative trust preferred securities remained outstanding. These special purpose entities issued common securities and provided cash to our parent company that in turn, issued subordinated debentures to these special purpose entities equal to the trust preferred securities and common securities. The subordinated debentures represent the sole asset of the special purpose entities. The common securities and subordinated debentures are included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

The Federal Reserve Board has issued rules regarding trust preferred securities as a component of the Tier 1 capital of bank holding companies. The aggregate amount of trust preferred securities (and certain other capital elements) are limited to 25 percent of Tier 1 capital elements, net of goodwill (net of any associated deferred tax liability). The amount of trust preferred securities and certain other elements in excess of the limit can be included in Tier 2 capital, subject to restrictions. At the parent company, all of these securities qualified as Tier 1 capital at March 31, 2013. Although the Dodd-Frank Act further limited Tier 1 treatment for trust preferred securities, those new limits did not apply to our outstanding trust preferred securities.

The Proposed New Capital Requirements described above, if adopted, would have a significant impact on our capital requirements, and include provisions that would eventually eliminate trust preferred securities as Tier 1 capital.

In December 2008, we issued 72,000 shares of Series A, Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, with an original liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”), and a warrant to purchase 346,154 shares (at $31.20 per share) of our common stock (“Original Warrant”) to the UST in return for $72.0 million under the TARP Capital Purchase Program. Of the total proceeds, $68.4 million was originally allocated to the Series A Preferred Stock and $3.6 million was allocated to the Original Warrant (included in capital surplus) based on the relative fair value of each. The $3.6 million discount on the Series A Preferred Stock was being accreted using an effective yield method over five years. The accretion had been recorded as part of the Series A Preferred Stock dividend.
 
 
83

 
On April 16, 2010, we exchanged the Series A Preferred Stock (including accumulated but unpaid dividends) for 74,426 shares of our Series B Fixed Rate Cumulative Mandatorily Convertible Preferred Stock, with an original liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (“Series B Preferred Stock”). As part of the terms of the exchange agreement, we also agreed to amend and restate the terms of the Original Warrant and issued an Amended and Restated Warrant to purchase 346,154 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $7.234 per share and expiring on December 12, 2018 (the “Amended Warrant”). The Series B Preferred Stock and the Amended Warrant were issued in a private placement exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock or the Amended Warrant. In general, the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock are substantially similar to the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock that was held by the UST, except that the Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into our common stock. See Note #15 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report for additional information about the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Amended and Restated Warrant.

Shareholders’ equity applicable to common stock increased to $58.8 million at March 31, 2013 from $50.8 million at December 31, 2012 due primarily to our net income during the first quarter of 2013 as well as the issuance of common stock and a reduction in our accumulated other comprehensive loss. Our tangible common equity (“TCE”) totaled $55.0 million and $46.8 million, respectively, at those same dates. Our ratio of TCE to tangible assets was 2.62% at March 31, 2013 compared to 2.32% at December 31, 2012.

Dividends from the Bank are restricted as described above and are also restricted by board resolutions adopted in March 2013 in connection with the termination of the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) as described in Note #11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report. In particular, those resolutions prohibit the Bank from paying any dividends to the parent company without the prior written approval of the FRB and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (“DIFS”). Also see “Regulatory development.”

Our parent company is also prohibited from paying any dividends on our common stock or on the preferred stock held by the UST while distributions on our trust preferred securities are being deferred.  Moreover, the resolutions adopted by our boards in March 2013 in connection with the termination of the MOU referenced above specifically prohibit the parent company from paying any dividends on our common stock or the preferred stock held by the UST or any distributions on our trust preferred securities without, in each case, the prior written approval of the FRB and the DIFS.

Payment of dividends and distributions on our outstanding common stock, preferred stock, and trust preferred securities is also restricted and governed by the terms of those instruments, as follows:

The terms of the subordinated debentures and trust indentures (the “Indentures”) related to our trust preferred securities allow us to defer payment of interest at any time or from time to time for up to 20 consecutive quarters provided no event of default (as defined in the Indentures) has occurred and is continuing. We are not in default with respect to the Indentures, and the deferral of interest does not constitute an event of default under the Indentures. While we defer the payment of interest, we will continue to accrue the interest expense owed at the applicable interest rate. Upon the expiration of the deferral, all accrued and unpaid interest is due and payable. During the deferral period on the Indentures, we may not declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of our capital stock.
 
 
84


So long as any shares of the Series B Preferred Stock remain outstanding, unless all accrued and unpaid dividends for all prior dividend periods have been paid or are contemporaneously declared and paid in full, (a) no dividend may be paid or declared on our common stock or other junior stock, other than a dividend payable solely in common stock and other than certain dividends or distributions of rights in connection with a shareholders’ rights plan; and (b) with limited exceptions, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries may purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of our common stock or other junior stock unless we have paid in full all accrued dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock for all prior dividend periods.

We do not have any current plans to resume interest payments on our outstanding trust preferred securities or dividend payments on the outstanding shares of any convertible preferred stock or common stock. We do not know if or when any such payments will resume. However, either through a return of capital from the Bank or through raising additional capital at the parent company (or a combination of both) we intend to have sufficient cash at the parent company to bring the interest current on the subordinated debentures by the fourth quarter of 2014.  There can be no assurance that we will be successful in these efforts.

As of March 31, 2013, our Bank (and holding company) continued to meet the requirements to be considered “well-capitalized” under federal regulatory standards and also continued to meet the two minimum capital ratios established by our board (that are higher than the ratios required in order to be considered “well-capitalized” under federal standards). The board imposed these higher ratios in order to ensure that we have sufficient capital to withstand potential future losses based on our still somewhat elevated level of non-performing assets and given certain other risks and uncertainties we face. Set forth below are the actual capital ratios of our Bank as of March 31, 2013, the minimum capital ratios imposed by our board, and the minimum ratios necessary to be considered “well-capitalized” under federal regulatory standards.

Regulatory Capital Ratios
 
Independent
Bank
Actual at
March 31, 2013
   
Minimum
Ratios
Established by
our Board
   
Required to be
Well-
Capitalized
 
Tier 1 capital to average total assets
    9.62 %     8.00 %     5.00 %
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
    15.84       11.00       10.00  

On July 7, 2010 we executed an Investment Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement with Dutchess Opportunity Fund, II, LP (“Dutchess”) for the sale of shares of our common stock. These agreements serve to establish an equity line facility as a contingent source of liquidity at the parent company level. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, Dutchess committed to purchase up to $15.0 million of our common stock over a 36-month period ending November 1, 2013. We have the right, but no obligation, to draw on this equity line facility from time to time during such 36-month period by selling shares of our common stock to Dutchess. The sales price is at a 5% discount to the market price of our common stock at the time of the draw (as such market price is determined pursuant to the terms of the Investment Agreement). Through March 31, 2013, we sold a total of 1,399,422 shares (including 168,941 shares during the first quarter of 2013) of our common stock to Dutchess under this equity line for total net proceeds of approximately $4.2 million. At the present time, we have shareholder approval to sell approximately 2.6 million additional shares under this equity line.
 
 
85


Asset/liability management.  Interest-rate risk is created by differences in the cash flow characteristics of our assets and liabilities. Options embedded in certain financial instruments, including caps on adjustable-rate loans as well as borrowers’ rights to prepay fixed-rate loans, also create interest-rate risk.

Our asset/liability management efforts identify and evaluate opportunities to structure our statement of financial condition in a manner that is consistent with our mission to maintain profitable financial leverage within established risk parameters. We evaluate various opportunities and alternate asset/liability management strategies carefully and consider the likely impact on our risk profile as well as the anticipated contribution to earnings. The marginal cost of funds is a principal consideration in the implementation of our asset/liability management strategies, but such evaluations further consider interest-rate and liquidity risk as well as other pertinent factors. We have established parameters for interest-rate risk. We regularly monitor our interest-rate risk and report at least quarterly to our board of directors.

We employ simulation analyses to monitor our interest-rate risk profile and evaluate potential changes in our net interest income and market value of portfolio equity that result from changes in interest rates. The purpose of these simulations is to identify sources of interest-rate risk inherent in our Statement of Financial Condition. The simulations do not anticipate any actions that we might initiate in response to changes in interest rates and, accordingly, the simulations do not provide a reliable forecast of anticipated results. The simulations are predicated on immediate, permanent and parallel shifts in interest rates and generally assume that current loan and deposit pricing relationships remain constant. The simulations further incorporate assumptions relating to changes in customer behavior, including changes in prepayment rates on certain assets and liabilities.

 
86

 
Changes in Market Value of Portfolio Equity and Net Interest Income
 
                         
   
Market Value
                   
Change in Interest
 
Of Portfolio
   
Percent
   
Net Interest
   
Percent
 
Rates
 
Equity(1)
   
Change
   
Income(2)
   
Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2013
                       
200 basis point rise
  $ 273,400       23.93 %   $ 80,700       7.60 %
100 basis point rise
    249,200       12.96       77,500       3.33  
Base-rate scenario
    220,600       -       75,000       -  
100 basis point decline
    191,200       (13.33 )     73,800       (1.60 )
                                 
December 31, 2012
                               
200 basis point rise
  $ 262,100       24.81 %   $ 81,200       6.01 %
100 basis point rise
    240,000       14.29       78,600       2.61  
Base-rate scenario
    210,000       -       76,600       -  
100 basis point decline
    180,400       (14.10 )     75,500       (1.44 )


(1)
Simulation analyses calculate the change in the net present value of our assets and liabilities, including debt and related financial derivative instruments, under parallel shifts in interest rates by discounting the estimated future cash flows using a market-based discount rate. Cash flow estimates incorporate anticipated changes in prepayment speeds and other embedded options.
(2)
Simulation analyses calculate the change in net interest income under immediate parallel shifts in interest rates over the next twelve months, based upon a static statement of financial condition, which includes debt and related financial derivative instruments, and do not consider loan fees.

Accounting standards update. See Note #2  to  the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for details on recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact on our financial statements.

Fair valuation of financial instruments.  Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) topic 820 - “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“FASB ASC topic 820”) defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

We utilize fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial instruments and to determine fair value disclosures. FASB ASC topic 820 differentiates between those assets and liabilities required to be carried at fair value at every reporting period (“recurring”) and those assets and liabilities that are only required to be adjusted to fair value under certain circumstances (“nonrecurring”). Trading securities, securities available-for-sale, loans held for sale, and derivatives are financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, we may be required to record at fair value other financial assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as loans held for investment, capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights and certain other assets. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. See Note #12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included within this report for a complete discussion on our use of fair valuation of financial instruments and the related measurement techniques.
 
 
87


Regulatory developments.  On October 25, 2011, the respective Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank entered into an MOU with the FRB and DIFS. The MOU largely duplicated certain provisions of board resolutions that were already in place, but also had the following specific requirements:

 
Submission of a joint revised capital plan by November 30, 2011 to maintain sufficient capital at the Company on a consolidated basis and at the Bank on a stand-alone basis;
 
Submission of quarterly progress reports regarding disposition plans for any assets in excess of $1.0 million that are in ORE, are 90 days or more past due, are on our “watch list,” or were adversely classified in our most recent examination;
 
Enhanced reporting and monitoring at Mepco regarding risk management and the internal classification of assets; and
 
Enhanced interest rate risk modeling practices.

Effective March 26, 2013, the FRB and DIFS terminated the MOU.  Also on that date, the respective Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank passed resolutions that require the following:

 
Submission of quarterly progress reports to the FRB and DIFS regarding disposition plans for any assets in excess of $1.0 million that are in ORE, are 90 days or more past due, are on our “watch list,” or are adversely classified;
 
Prior approval of the FRB and DIFS for the Bank to pay any dividend to the Company; and
 
Prior approval of the FRB and DIFS for the Company to pay any dividend to its shareholders, to make any distributions of interest, principal or other sums on subordinated debentures or trust preferred securities, to increase borrowings or guarantee any debt, and/or to purchase or redeem any of its stock.
 
 Litigation Matters
 
We are involved in various litigation matters in the ordinary course of business. At the present time, we do not believe any of these matters will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. The aggregate amount we have accrued for losses we consider probable as a result of these litigation matters is immaterial. However, because of the inherent uncertainty of outcomes from any litigation matter, we believe it is reasonably possible we may incur losses in addition to the amounts we have accrued.  At this time, we estimate the maximum amount of additional losses that are reasonably possible is approximately $0.4 million.  However, because of a number of factors, including the fact that certain of these litigation matters are still in their early stages, this maximum amount may change in the future.
 
 
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The litigation matters described in the preceding paragraph primarily include claims that have been brought against us for damages, but do not include litigation matters where we seek to collect amounts owed to us by third parties (such as litigation initiated to collect delinquent loans or vehicle service contract counterparty receivables). These excluded, collection-related matters may involve claims or counterclaims by the opposing party or parties, but we have excluded such matters from the disclosure contained in the preceding paragraph in all cases where we believe the possibility of us paying damages to any opposing party is remote. Risks associated with the likelihood that we will not collect the full amount owed to us, net of reserves, are disclosed elsewhere in this report.

 Critical Accounting Policies
 
Our accounting and reporting policies are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and conform to general practices within the banking industry. Accounting and reporting policies for other than temporary impairment of investment securities, the allowance for loan losses, originated mortgage loan servicing rights, vehicle service contract payment plan counterparty contingencies, and income taxes are deemed critical since they involve the use of estimates and require significant management judgments. Application of assumptions different than those that we have used could result in material changes in our consolidated financial position or results of operations.  There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
 
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Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

See applicable disclaimers set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 2 under the caption “Asset/liability management.”

Item 4.
 
Controls and Procedures

(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 
With the participation of management, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a – 15(e) and 15d – 15(e)) for the period ended March 31, 2013, have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b)
Changes in Internal Controls.

 
During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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Part II

Item 1A.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Item 2.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the Company sold 168,941 shares of its common stock in sales not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 to Dutchess Opportunity Fund, II, LP ("Dutchess") pursuant to the Investment Agreement described in Note #15.  The shares were sold at a weighted average price of $5.58 per share, which represents a 5% discount to the market price of our common stock at the time of the draw; as such market price is determined pursuant to the terms of the Investment Agreement. The Company issued the shares of Common Stock to Dutchess under the Investment Agreement pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 due to the fact that the offering of the shares was made on a private basis to a single purchaser and in accordance with written guidance of the SEC's Division of Corporation Finance pertaining to equity line facility transactions.

The Company maintains a Deferred Compensation and Stock Purchase Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "Plan") pursuant to which non-employee directors can elect to receive shares of the Company's common stock in lieu of fees otherwise payable to the director for his or her service as a director.  A director can elect to receive shares on a current basis or to defer receipt of the shares, in which case the shares are issued to a trust to be held for the account of the director and then generally distributed to the director after his or her retirement from the Board.  Pursuant to this Plan, during the first quarter of 2013, the Company issued 14,727 shares of common stock to non-employee directors on a current basis and 9,625 shares of common stock to the trust for distribution to directors on a deferred basis.  The shares were issued on January 1, 2013, at a price of $3.50 per share, representing aggregate fees of $0.1 million.   The price per share was the consolidated closing bid price per share of the Company's common stock as of the date of issuance, as determined in accordance with NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.  The Company issued the shares pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 due to the fact that the issuance of the shares was made on a private basis pursuant to the Plan.
 
 
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The following table shows certain information relating to purchases of common stock for the three-months ended March 31, 2013, pursuant to any share repurchase plans:

               
Total Number of
 
Remaining
               
Shares Purchased
 
Number of
               
as Part of a
 
Shares Authorized
   
Total Number of
   
Average Price
   
Publicly
 
for Purchase
Period
 
Shares Purchased
   
Paid Per Share
   
Announced Plan
 
Under the Plan
January 2013
    2,433 (1)   $ 3.84       -  
NA
February 2013
    -       -       -  
NA
March 2013
    -       -       -  
NA
Total
    2,433     $ 3.84       -  
NA

(1)  
A portion of the salary payable to our President and Chief Executive Officer, William B. Kessel, is payable in salary stock, which is issued on a bi-weekly basis in connection with our regular pay periods.  The shares disclosed in this table include shares withheld from the shares that would otherwise have been issued to Mr. Kessel in order to satisfy tax withholding obligations.  Subsequent to January, 2013 shares were no longer being withheld relating to Mr. Kessel’s salary stock.  In addition, restricted stock granted in 2008 vested during January, 2013.  The shares disclosed in this table also include shares withheld from the shares that would otherwise have been issued to certain officers in order to satisfy tax withholding obligations resulting from such vesting.

Item 3b.

As of March 31, 2013, the Company was in arrears in the aggregate amount of $11.2 million with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock it issued to the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a result of the Company’s decision to defer these dividends in the fourth quarter of 2009. 

Item 6.

(a) 
The following exhibits (listed by number corresponding to the Exhibit Table as Item 601 in Regulation S-K) are filed with this report:

 
Computation of Earnings Per Share.
 
Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer of Independent Bank Corporation pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
 
Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of Independent Bank Corporation pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
 
Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer of Independent Bank Corporation pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
 
Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of Independent Bank Corporation pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
 
101.
INS Instance Document
 
101.
SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
101.
CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
101.
DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
101.
LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
101.
PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date
May 8, 2013
 
By
 
/s/ Robert N. Shuster
         
Robert N. Shuster, Principal Financial
         
Officer
           
Date
May 8, 2013
 
By
 
/s/ James J. Twarozynski
         
James J. Twarozynski, Principal
         
Accounting Officer
 
 
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